Kelly K. Ward
Little Rock
Summary
Accomplished prosecutor and legal leader with over two decades of courtroom and administrative experience in complex criminal litigation, policy development, and justice reform. Proven success managing large teams, reducing case backlogs, and implementing innovative public safety strategies. Recognized for excellence in trial advocacy, ethics, and community engagement. Seeking to contribute to legal education through teaching, mentorship, and scholarship in criminal law and procedure.
Dedicated Deputy Prosecutor with extensive, valuable trial experience. Trained leader with an exceptional eye for detail, outstanding presentation, and fierce, compelling negotiation. Passionate about pursuing courses of justice and ready to work on an efficient and attentive team.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Pulaski County
Little Rock
01.2023 - Current
- Manage operations of 120+ staff, including 53 attorneys across nine courts.
- Oversee state and county budgets.
- Created strategies to reduce COVID-19 felony case backlog from 14,000 to under 9,000.
- Co-created an overseeing.
- Revamped and supervise Juvenile Justice Unit emphasizing prevention and restorative practices.
- Implemented paperless case management system.
- Supervise Public Information Division, media relations, and social media.
- Respond to homicide scenes and provide 24-hour legal guidance to law enforcement.
- Mentor attorneys and conduct training on trial practice and ethics.
- Maintain homicide caseload, conduct motion hearings, court and jury trials.
- Assisted in bringing Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Strategy to Pulaski County.
Partner
Kamps, Ward & Griffis
Little Rock
10.2019 - 12.2022
- Practiced in Domestic Relations and Criminal Defense.
- Represented clients in complex family law and criminal litigation.
- Managed case strategy, discovery, negotiation, and courtroom advocacy.
- Regularly appeared as legal analyst on local television media.
- Member of the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ACASA) Training Steering Committee.
- Pulaski County Bar Association Board Member (2022).
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Pulaski County
Little Rock
01.2002 - 09.2019
- Supervised Gang Unit, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit, Juvenile Unit, and Major Crimes Unit.
- Prosecuted high-profile felony cases including homicide and organized crime.
- Collaborated with law enforcement, forensic experts, and federal partners.
- Trained and mentored junior prosecutors, interns, and new attorneys.
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of Arkansas School of Law
Fayetteville, ARBachelor of Arts - English Literature
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, ARSkills
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
- Evidence
- Trial Advocacy
- Juvenile Justice
- Domestic Violence
- Legal Ethics
- Leadership & Management
- Public Policy
- Community-Based Crime Prevention
- Law Enforcement Training
Affiliations
- Arkansas Bar Association
- Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association
- National District Attorneys Association
Bar Admission
Arkansas, 2001
Awards
- Joe C. Barrett Commercial Law Award – University of Arkansas School of Law
- Best Oralist, Moot Court Preliminary Round – University of Arkansas School of Law
- Best of Criminal Defense 2021, 2022
Community Service
- Frequent speaker at CLEs, law enforcement trainings, and public safety forums.
- Organizer and instructor in juvenile prevention and intervention initiatives.
- Mentor to law students, junior attorneys, and community volunteers.
Select Leadership And Initiatives
- Co-created Arkansas Crime Intelligence Network (ACIN) – $5M federal support.
- Established Organized Criminal Intelligence Unit (OCIU).
- Founded Vehicular Homicide Unit.
- Created Senior Deputy for Community Outreach role.
- Oversaw Public Information Division, press releases, and social media.
- Reduced COVID-19 backlog.
- Restructured Juvenile Unit emphasizing prevention.
- Implemented paperless case management system.
Key Areas Of Expertise
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedure
- Evidence
- Trial Advocacy
- Juvenile Justice
- Domestic Violence
- Legal Ethics
- Leadership & Management
- Public Policy
- Community-Based Crime Prevention
- Law Enforcement Training
Timeline
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Pulaski County
01.2023 - Current
Partner
Kamps, Ward & Griffis
10.2019 - 12.2022
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Pulaski County
01.2002 - 09.2019
Juris Doctor -
University of Arkansas School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
Arkansas State University