The journey to becoming an attorney doesn’t often include lessons in entrepreneurship; therefore, attorneys must cultivate a distinct skill set necessary for constructing a thriving law firm from the ground up. Numerous individuals find it challenging to adjust to this significant shift and often have difficulty launching their practices, yet Gregory Ward has emerged as an exception.
Starting in a small 200 sq. ft office, Gregory Ward has grown to lead a global team of over 200 professionals at The Ward Law Group, successfully securing over $500 million for its clients and evolving into a dynamic organization. Established in 2012 with co-founder Jany Martinez-Ward, The Ward Law Group has a specific mission to advocate for the rights of Spanish-speaking accident victims.
Lauded as a premier personal injury firm in Florida, it has seen steady growth at an impressive annual rate of 50% over the last decade. A significant factor behind this remarkable achievement is Greg’s keen eye for spotting growth potential and navigating the firm through various challenges. He remains dedicated to passing on his insights by mentoring budding entrepreneurs to fulfill their ambitions.
Greg’s leadership extends well beyond business management. Together with his wife, Jany, they engage in numerous charitable projects aimed at uplifting Hispanic communities. The Ward Law Group’s philanthropic efforts transcend U.S. borders, supporting various international initiatives, such as funding schools and orphanages, along with providing meals and healthcare access to underserved families.
“We pride ourselves on our unique composition, particularly our 95% Spanish-speaking client-facing staff,” Greg shares. “We are dedicated to bridging the legal service gap experienced by the Hispanic community through devoted representation.”
The success of The Ward Law Group is not without its hurdles; Greg has encountered various obstacles, including challenges faced by his initial business. He has also endured personal losses and financial struggles. Despite these daunting issues, Greg found solace within his Christian faith, and, with Jany’s assistance, they established The Ward Law Group.
“We were deep in debt to the tune of $465,000, and I found myself sleeping on a couch,” Greg reflects. “But at that moment, I realized there was no direction to go but up.”
From its inception, the firm has concentrated on serving an underserved niche – immigrants who often struggle with language barriers and may not be aware of their legal rights.
As he continuously seeks growth and new opportunities, Greg has discovered that his business insight has outpaced his legal knowledge. He comments, “Law schools typically focus on all the potential business pitfalls, neglecting to teach students about scaling successfully when circumstances improve. Many people aspire to expand their law practices but feel lost on how to initiate that process.”
Currently, Greg facilitates mentorship sessions with other legal professionals, aiming to provide the education that is often missing in this field. He underscores the critical nature of building strong teams and guiding firms towards effective scaling. Thanks to daily and weekly meetings, the Ward Law Group has emerged as one of the top firms in the state—demonstrating Greg’s exceptional capability to empower others through his extensive expertise.
Apart from his numerous legal accomplishments, Greg’s influence in the community has made him a sought-after speaker on business and faith-related subjects.
Recently expanding into New York, The Ward Law Group continues its upward trajectory. As a resilient, empathetic, and empowering business leader, Greg exemplifies a visionary who is making a profound impact on his community.
