Matthew L. Ward

Biography

Matthew’s practice is concentrated in commercial litigation with an emphasis on representing lenders and creditors in consumer litigation. He also handles estate planning, bankruptcy, and other general litigation matters. He brings a background in banking and mortgage origination. Before beginning a legal career, Matthew was a branch manager for Wells Fargo Financial, where he originated mortgages and other consumer loans.

His personal experience and background in loan origination serves him well in representing banks and debt collectors in claims brought under the West Virginia Consumer Credit Protection Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and various other consumer statutes.

Matthew also handles a variety of collection matters, including commercial debt collection and commercial and residential foreclosures.

He is active in the community, including volunteering for HeathyTriState.org, which hosts the annual Marshall Marathon; volunteering for Penny Power, a program that aids needy children; volunteering with various youth sports in Ceredo/Kenova; assisted in founding Wonders Never Cease, a 501(c)(3) targeted at promoting and assisting youth sports in the Ceredo-Kenova area, as well as serving as treasurer on the board; he also sits on the board of the Tri-State Youth Football League, where he serves as treasurer.

Education

  • Ohio Northern University, Claude W. Pettit College of Law  (J.D., magna cum laude, 2012)
  • Marshall University  (B.B.A., cum laude, 2005)

Bar Admissions

  • West Virginia
  • Ohio

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia

Affiliations/Memberships

  • HealthyTriState.org, volunteer
  • Ceredo/Kenova sports leagues, volunteer
  • C-K Area Business Association 
  • Board member of Wonders Never Cease
  • Board member for Tri-State Youth Football League
  • Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia

Distinctions

  • West Virginia Rising Star®
    • For Tax (2021)
  • West Virginia Rising Star®
    • For Commercial Litigation (2019-2023)
  • Best Lawyers®
    • "Ones to Watch" in Huntington for Commercial Litigation; Corporate Law (2021-2024)