James A. Ward was raised in Northern California with an interest in agriculture and international business. After obtaining both his Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree from the University of California at Davis, he worked in international agriculture for several years. Mr. Ward’s work allowed him to reside in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East for extended periods of time, traveling to over 40 different countries to work with clients. He speaks excellent Spanish, and through his years of traveling has developed an ability to communicate easily with people of different backgrounds who speak limited English.

Following his career in international agriculture, Mr. Ward entered the world of finance, banking, and consulting, working as an executive for Bank of America and the Private Bank of Merrill Lynch. He also served as a Partner and Partner-in-Charge at the international audit, tax, and consulting firm of KPMG (formerly Peat Marwick International).

After attending law school on a full academic scholarship and obtaining his J.D. degree at Roger Williams University School of Law in Rhode Island, Mr. Ward moved to Miami to continue his advanced law studies, obtaining his LL.M. law degree (Master of Laws) in Estate Planning from the nationally recognized Estate Planning program at the University of Miami School of Law.
Mr. Ward works with a wide range of clients across the estate planning spectrum, practicing in trusts and Medicaid planning within the firm’s Elder Law practice.

In addition to helping clients, he continues to enjoy traveling, sailing, and skiing.