Jany Martinez Ward, Managing Partner, CMO, and co-founder of The Ward Law Group
By: Maria Williams
Jany Martinez-Ward is truly a prominent figure in the legal field, known for her exceptional legal prowess and community advocacy. Her journey from a migrant child to an influential Managing Partner, CMO, and co-founder of The Ward Law Group is a beacon of hope for countless individuals seeking justice and empowerment. As she prepares to be honored as one of South Florida Business Journal’s 2024 Influential Business Women, it’s helpful to understand the transformative odyssey that has sculpted her into the dynamic leader she is today.
Jany’s roots trace back to a childhood in Cuba. At fourteen, she became a refugee when she moved to the United States with her mother and brother, embracing the promise of opportunity. However, their journey was not without its trials. Separated from her mother and thrust into the unfamiliar foster care world, Jany experienced firsthand the complexities and challenges immigrants face in navigating the legal landscape of this new country.
“It was a really dire situation,” recalls Jany, reflecting on those tumultuous times. “We knew that it was temporary, but it was scary coming from a family and a home to a foster home where you don’t have control.”
This turbulent time ignited a fire in Jany, a determination to surmount obstacles and champion the rights of marginalized communities. Despite encountering naysayers who doubted her potential, including a high school English teacher who told her she could never be a lawyer because her English was inferior, Jany persevered. Armed with resilience and faith, she shattered barriers, earning a scholarship to the University of Florida, where she went on to get dual Bachelor’s degrees and, ultimately, a J.D. from Nova Southeastern.
Driven by a desire to make a tangible impact, Jany gravitated towards advocating for immigrants impacted by car crashes. Her decision to specialize in this area was fueled by a deep-seated empathy for the well-being of her clients and their families.
“It is because the whole family is impacted,” she asserts, “I wanted to focus on something that could help improve the health of a person, and that could impact the family overall.”
Jany and Greg, co-founders of The Ward Law Group
Teaming up with her husband Gregory Ward, Jany co-founded The Ward Law Group in 2012, leveraging their shared vision to provide compassionate legal representation to Hispanic accident victims. Together as a team, they successfully transformed a small startup with a laptop and a folding table into a powerful entity, recovering over $500 million for their clients.
Beyond the confines of the courtroom victories, Jany’s commitment to community empowerment radiates brightly. Whether spearheading initiatives to aid other countries, her altruism knows no bounds. From sponsoring events for youth groups to orchestrating donation drives for orphanages in Nicaragua and aiding Venezuelan children in dire need, Jany’s philanthropic footprint transcends geographical boundaries. By fostering partnerships with charitable organizations and leveraging her platform to amplify marginalized voices, Jany epitomizes the essence of leadership.
“I believe that exceptional client service sets us apart,” she asserts. “But it’s not the whole picture. We feel strongly about getting to know our clients and our community here at The Ward Law Group, and we make it a priority to do so by getting involved and giving back. We view our community as the communities of South Florida, and that means expanding beyond our borders.”
Jany also engages with Spanish speakers on radio and television weekly, allowing her to answer their legal questions and understand their needs. Her expertise in car accident cases has made her a sought-after speaker for local and national news organizations.
Recently, The Ward Law Group expanded its footprint into New York and beyond, showcasing Jany’s commitment to justice and empowerment. Her tireless advocacy and commitment demonstrate the transformative power of one individual’s journey in affecting systemic change. In the words of Jany Martinez-Ward herself, “I learned at a young age that for poor people, every penny matters. I bring that determination to work every day because I remember what it was like to be a penny short.” Indeed, her relentless pursuit of justice and equity echoes far beyond.
Published by: Khy Talara
