About our Firm

Behind everything we do is a team of people who truly care about our clients.

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Who We Are

  • At Ward & Simms, we believe that the most effective advocacy often requires a willingness to go to trial. We are not afraid to try a case—whether it's a complex personal injury matter against a powerful insurance company, a civil rights claim involving police misconduct, or a criminal defense where liberty is on the line. While many firms push for quick settlements, we prepare every case as if it will be decided by a jury. This trial-ready mindset gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures our clients receive maximum compensation or the strongest possible defense. Our proven record of jury trial victories and appellate successes across Kentucky reflects this commitment: we fight strategically, relentlessly, and without hesitation when the courtroom is where justice will be served.

    • Integrity and Professionalism: We uphold the highest ethical standards, providing honest counsel and transparent communication in every case.

    • Relentless Advocacy: We are unafraid to take cases to trial, fighting aggressively for the best possible outcomes when justice demands it.

    • Client-Centered Focus: We listen deeply, tailor strategies to individual needs, and treat every client with compassion, respect, and dedication.

    • Justice and Accountability: We are committed to holding wrongdoers accountable, whether corporations, individuals, or government entities, while defending the accused against overreach.

    • Community and Excellence: Rooted in Kentucky, we strive for excellence in the courtroom while contributing to the communities we serve.

  • Ward & Simms, PLLC was founded by two seasoned Louisville trial attorneys—JP Ward and Greg Simms—who share a deep passion for defending the rights of the injured and the wronged. With decades of combined experience, JP brings strategic insight from his time as a prosecutor and leading personal injury recoveries worth tens of millions, while Greg contributes cutting-edge expertise in civil rights, unconstitutional searches, high-stakes criminal defense—including landmark appellate victories—and police misconduct cases.

    United by a belief that strong advocacy can restore balance in the face of injustice, they formed the firm with a primary focus on personal injury while combining their strengths to also handle civil rights violations and select criminal matters. From their roots in Kentucky—JP as a former Division I athlete and community leader, Greg as a rural Kentucky native turned acclaimed advocate—Ward & Simms is built on a foundation of hard work, trial-proven success, and a genuine commitment to making a difference for clients across the Commonwealth. Today, we continue that legacy, helping individuals navigate uncertainty with confidence and secure the justice they deserve.

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Meet the Team

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    John P. "J.P." Ward, Jr.

    MEMBER

    Specializes in Personal Injury and Civil Rights.


    JP Ward is a seasoned trial attorney who helps clients navigate the legal system with confidence, clarity, and purpose. With nearly 20 years of experience, JP is known for being a steady, strategic advocate—especially when the stakes are high and the path forward feels uncertain.

    Throughout his career, JP has handled complex, high-risk cases on both sides of the courtroom. He served as Head Trial Attorney and Division Chief of the district criminal courts in Louisville, Kentucky, giving him deep insight into how cases are evaluated, negotiated, and tried. For the past five years, JP led a prominent personal injury practice as Managing Attorney, where his leadership and trial strategy resulted in tens of millions of dollars recovered for injured clients.

    Clients value JP for his ability to bring calm to difficult situations and for his commitment to finding creative, effective solutions tailored to their goals. He believes strong advocacy starts with listening, clear communication, and a relentless focus on results—without ever losing sight of integrity and professionalism.

    JP is a graduate of Leadership Louisville’s Academy and is deeply committed to ethical practice and community leadership. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Louisville, where he was a Division I scholarship athlete on the Swimming and Diving team, and his Juris Doctor, with a concentration in Dispute Resolution, from Capital University Law School.

    Licensed to practice in Kentucky and Indiana, JP is also a founding member of the Mid America Athletic Training Center, Inc. (MAATC, Inc.), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to youth athletic development.

    Outside the office, JP has been married to Shanna Hinton Ward since 2001, and together they are raising two daughters. He brings the same dedication, discipline, and commitment to his clients that he values in his family and community.

    Licensed in KY, and IN

    Email J.P. Ward
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    Gregory D. Simms

    MEMBER

    Specializes in Criminal Law, and Civil Rights.

    Greg Simms is a seasoned trial attorney who helps clients facing criminal charges, civil rights violations, or serious injuries navigate the legal system with confidence, clarity, and determination. With nearly 20 years of experience, Greg is known for being a relentless, strategic advocate—especially in high-stakes cases involving police misconduct, unlawful searches, DUI defenses, and personal injury claims.

    Throughout his career, Greg has secured numerous jury trial victories across Kentucky and landmark appellate wins that have shaped state law on unconstitutional searches and seizures, roadblock stops, and civil rights protections. He is on the cutting edge of unlawful search and seizure jurisprudence and is not afraid to take cases to trial when justice demands it. His aggressive advocacy has earned him prestigious honors, including selection to Super Lawyers (2024-2026), National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100, and Louisville Magazine’s Top Lawyers list multiple years, including 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2024, and 2025. He maintains a perfect 10.0 AVVO rating.

    Clients appreciate Greg for his passionate communication, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to tailored solutions that prioritize their rights and recovery—always grounded in integrity and professionalism.

    Born in Lebanon and raised in rural Marion County, Kentucky, Greg earned his Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Kentucky University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, where he excelled in trial practice and evidence.

    Licensed in Kentucky and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, Greg is deeply committed to protecting constitutional rights and community justice.

    Outside the courtroom, Greg is a well-known stand-up comic in his free time and loves spending time his two kids, and building fish tanks. He brings the same energy, creativity, and dedication to his personal life that he devotes to his clients.

    Licensed in KY

    Email Greg Simms
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    Christine Marshbank

    SENIOR CASE MANAGER

    Christine is a passionate and dedicated advocate who brings both compassion and determination to the legal practice at Ward & Simms. A native of Louisville, Kentucky, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Conflict Resolution, from the University of Louisville.

    With more than two decades of personal injury experience, Christine possesses a deep understanding of pre-litigation civil practice. Her unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for injured clients, challenging the status quo, and aggressively handling claims has resulted in millions of dollars in settlements. She strives to offer an exceptional legal experience to our clients, allowing them to focus on their physical and mental health during a difficult time. 

    Outside the office, Christine enjoys spending time with her two children, golfing, and attending concerts. 

    Email Christine

  • Mayra Gonzalez

    INTAKE COORDINATOR

    Mayra has been an intake specialist, and claims coordinator for more than two decades. Mayra has managed and processed numerous multi-million-dollar claims. She prides herself on providing clients with the best possible claims experience.

    Mayra is bilingual and enjoys working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

    In her free time, Mayra enjoys spending time with her adult children and connecting with her community.

    Email Mayra Gonzalez

  • Georgia Hensley

    LITIGATION SPECIALIST

    Specializes in Civil Litigation and Criminal Appellate.

    Georgia is a seasoned litigation specialist with extensive experience in high-stakes courtroom advocacy and appellate work. A former practicing attorney for nearly a decade, she has successfully represented individuals and businesses in complex civil disputes across Kentucky and federal courts, handling matters involving civil rights, personal injury, family law, and commercial litigation.

    Georgia is particularly proud of her strong track record of appellate victories, which reflect her exceptional legal writing skills and strategic approach to complex legal issues. She prides herself on crafting clear, persuasive, and meticulously researched briefs and motions that have repeatedly helped clients prevail on appeal.

    Today, Georgia assists the lawyers at Ward & Simms as a litigation specialist, providing high-level support on cases in active litigation or on appeal. She brings deep courtroom insight and rigorous analytical skills to help the team develop winning strategies, draft compelling pleadings and appellate briefs, prepare for trial and oral arguments, and navigate complex procedural and substantive challenges. Her contributions allow the firm’s attorneys to deliver even stronger advocacy and better outcomes for their clients.

    A proud member of the Louisville legal community, Georgia remains deeply committed to justice, equity, and providing effective, client-centered legal support.

    In her free time, she enjoys cosplay, making music, and spending time with her partner, her kiddos, and her beloved dog Meats.

    Email Georgia Hensley