About John L
John L Ward built his career in New Hampshire law through a series of steady moves across public service, nonprofit advocacy and private practice. He studied political science at the University of New Hampshire before earning his J.D. from the University of New Hampshire School of Law. The academic path led him into practice in the state where he continues to work.
Ward began his legal work as an associate at Normand and Associates in 2010. He moved into advocacy later that same decade, taking on the role of Legal Director at the Social Security Disability Rights Center in 2013. That role placed him on the front lines of disability representation and administrative advocacy. Also in 2013 he became a managing partner at Patch, FitzGerald & Ward, a step that introduced more firm leadership responsibilities into his routine.
In 2019 he founded Ward Law Group, PLLC and assumed the title of owner and managing partner. The firm listing appears in multiple office records under the Ward Law Group name. He is a commissioned Notary Public in the State of New Hampshire, a credential he holds in addition to his legal license.
Ward’s practice has ties to workers’ compensation and disability work. His committee service at the New Hampshire Bar Association bears that out: he served as vice president of the Workers Compensation Committee from 2013 to 2014, then as president from 2014 to 2015, and as chairman from 2015 to 2016. He is also a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association’s Legal Services Committee, a position he has held since 2019. Nationally, he has been part of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives and remains active in other professional groups.
Community involvement runs alongside Ward’s legal career. He has served on the board of the William B. Cashin Senior Center since 2012 and joined the Manchester City Library Foundation board in 2015. He has been a trustee of Polaris Charter School since 2020 and holds a board position with the North Manchester Hooksett Little League beginning in 2019. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2022 and has been involved with the New Hampshire Association for Justice since 2010. Earlier in his public life he represented constituents in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 2004 to 2006.
Colleagues and community groups recognize Ward for consistent involvement in bar committees and nonprofit boards. He continues to operate Ward Law Group, PLLC, representing clients in workers’ compensation, Social Security disability and related matters.
