Getting to Know: Alison Ward
Alison Ward, an associate at Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney, LLP, is an accomplished litigator with experience in a broad range of commercial disputes and internal investigations, including contract matters, employment, trade secret, construction, and appellate practice. Before joining HNRK in 2021, Alison was a litigation associate at O’Melveny & Myers LLP. A bit more about Alison follows.
As a women-owned boutique based exclusively in New York, HNRK is a unique place to work. What drew you to the firm?
The collaborative, hands-on culture came through immediately in interviews, as did the fact that HNRKis made up of a group of thoughtful, interesting people. The opportunity to work at a firm founded and owned by women was also appealing since they already had a head start on creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
What is the most rewarding part of your job as an attorney?
Figuring out ways to solve problems, whether that’s untangling complex contract language, or finding a way to thread the needle in briefing an argument, or tailoring strategies to fit a client’s unique circumstances. The process of brainstorming creative approaches with colleagues is almost as satisfying as when the pieces finally fall into place.
What is one lesson that you have found particularly helpful in your career so far?
To not be afraid to ask questions. Especially when you’re a junior lawyer, there’s often fear that needing to ask questions will make you look bad, but making sure you start a project with a solid understanding of what you’re doing is a better use of everyone’s time than guessing and potentially having to re-work everything later.
Have there been any pro bono cases you have worked on in your career that stand out to you as being particularly meaningful?
I helped litigate a § 1983 civil rights claim over several years, from the discovery stage (including taking my first-ever deposition as a first-year associate, via an interpreter) through fending off a motion for summary judgment and finally a federal jury trial. The victim’s family wanted more than anything for their son’s story to be heard in a courtroom by a judge and a jury of New Yorkers, and it was a privilege to help get them there.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I studied medieval history in college and grad school, with a focus on the Anglo-Norman/Angevin rulers of the late 12th /early 13th century. It’s more useful to a law career than it sounds!
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Some friends and I compete in a city-wide bar trivia league, which is the only context where my lifelong need to look up random things has ever been useful. I also love watching almost all sports (especially soccer) and am trying to go more often in person. I've been to the US Open a few times, and have recently found minor league baseball games a great way to spend a summer evening. Did you know that the Wilmington Blue Rocks have a mascot called Mr. Celery? Yes, he is a human-sized stick of celery. Look it up!