Tara L. Ward
About Tara L. Ward
Tara L. Ward is a Professorial Lecturer in Law at George Washington University and a Partner at McDermott Will & Emery, specializing in government investigations, compliance, and contract law. She holds a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and an A.B. in Politics from Princeton University.
Work at The George Washington University
Tara L. Ward has been serving as a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University since 2009. In this role, she contributes to the academic environment by teaching law courses and mentoring students. Her extensive background in legal practice enhances her teaching, providing students with practical insights into the legal field.
Education and Expertise
Tara L. Ward earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from The George Washington University Law School, completing her studies from 2006 to 2009. Prior to this, she obtained an A.B. in Politics from Princeton University, where she studied from 1999 to 2003. Her expertise includes handling government investigations and audits, compliance with ethics and procurement integrity laws, and advising on cost allowability issues for government contractors.
Background in Legal Practice
Before her current role in academia, Tara L. Ward worked for 13 years as a Partner at Wiley Rein LLP, from 2009 to 2022. She also served as a Law Clerk at the United States Court of Federal Claims for one year, from 2010 to 2011, and completed a Judicial Internship at the U.S. District Court in 2007. Additionally, she worked as a Research Assistant at The George Washington University Law School from 2007 to 2008.
Current Role at McDermott Will & Emery
Since 2022, Tara L. Ward has been a Partner at McDermott Will & Emery in the Washington DC-Baltimore Area. In this position, she advises clients on multiple award schedule contracting and subcontracting issues. She also represents clients in bid protests and contract claims and disputes, leveraging her extensive legal experience.