Get to know ACLU-WV Staff Attorney Nick Ward (he/him). We recently sat down with Nick to learn more about his background and why he decided to join team #ACLUWV. Below is our Q and A.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background
I grew up in Williamson, West Virginia. After graduating from West Virginia University, I moved to Washington, D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill for several years. Although I enjoyed working on the Hill, I felt there was more I could do to advocate for my fellow West Virginians. That’s why I decided to pursue a career in law.
Once I left the Hill, I attended the American University Washington College of Law, where I developed a passion for studying the criminal legal system and policing, especially how they disproportionately and negatively impact marginalized people. My interest in criminal legal reform led me to join the Kanawha County Public Defender’s Office after law school, where I defended people who were charged with felonies and misdemeanors.
Q: What about the ACLU of WV’s mission most resonates with you?
As a former public defender, the ACLU’s mission of protecting the rights and liberties guaranteed to all of us in the Constitution really inspires me. Now more than ever, these guarantees are under attack, and I’m glad to be in a position to help push back against those efforts.
Q: What are you most looking forward to being the Staff Attorney?
I’m so excited to fight for my friends and neighbors. I’ve never been fond of bullies, so being able to represent people in our community who are often treated unfairly by those in power is a really exciting part of joining the ACLU-WV as a Staff Attorney.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my partner, Paige, and our dog, Pickle. Simply sitting on the couch and watching a movie with them is probably my most cherished pastime. I also really like to cook, listen to classic metal bands, and play video games. I like to say I'm an avid angler, but that’s a bit of a stretch. In reality, my father-in-law does his best to teach me and I usually just enjoy hanging out by the water.