Longview, Texas – Former federal judge T. John Ward of Longview, Texas’ Ward & Smith has been inducted into the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL), one of the world’s most-respected legal organizations. Judge Ward was inducted during the organization’s recent Mid-Year Meeting in Chicago.
For almost 60 years, the IATL has cultivated the science of jurisprudence, promoted reforms in the law, facilitated the administration of justice and elevated the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession.
“This is a great honor for any lawyer,” says Judge Ward, who was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas by former President Bill Clinton, serving from 1999 through 2011. “I’m flattered that my colleagues in Texas and across the nation have elected me to fellowship in this great organization.”
Since retiring from the federal bench, Judge Ward has helped Ward & Smith build its intellectual property litigation and mediation practices through his work for clients in a variety of industries.
The International Academy of Trial Lawyers limits membership to 500 Fellows from the U.S. and honors those who have achieved a career of excellence through demonstrated skill and ability in jury trials, trials before the court and appellate practice.
Longview, Texas-based Ward & Smith has tried more than 350 cases to verdict, earning a national reputation in high-stakes claims involving complex commercial litigation, intellectual property law, oil and gas matters, and serious personal injury claims. Ward & Smith frequently assists lawyers nationwide in complex cases before Texas juries.
