LEXINGTON, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Ashley W. Ward was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) on March 7, 2020, at the Annual Meeting in Tucson, Ariz. ACTL is composed of preeminent members of the Trial Bar from the United States and Canada.

Founded in 1950, ACTL is an invitation-only fellowship of exemplary trial lawyers from the U.S. and Canada. Fellowship is awarded to those who demonstrate the highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism and collegiality and have been in practice for at least 15 years. Candidates for Fellowship are nominated by current Fellows and approved by the entire membership. Membership in ACTL is limited to 1% of the total lawyer population in the U.S. and Canada.

“We are incredibly proud of Ashley and this prestigious accomplishment,” said Robert M. Connolly, Chair of Stites & Harbison. “Ashley is an excellent trial attorney who deserves this recognition. The firm is privileged to now have six Fellows of ACTL.”

Ward is a Member (Partner) of Stites & Harbison and based in the Lexington, Ky., office. He serves as the co-leader of the Torts and Insurance Practice Group. Ward has tried more than 20 jury trials to verdict. He focuses on product liability, personal injury, medical malpractice, telecommunications and contractual disputes. Additionally, he also has considerable experience litigating will contests and other fiduciary disputes.

Outside of the firm, Ward is active in professional and civic organizations. He has served on the board of the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County and volunteers for the Democratic Party. Ward is also a member of the Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. Ward is married to his wife, Julie and has two children, Chloe and Christopher.