Nathaniel G. Ward

Partner

Washington + 1.202.879.3784

Nathaniel Ward is a litigator whose practice centers on complex commercial litigation and international arbitration, with a particular focus on high-stakes supply chain, contract, and performance guarantee disputes in the aerospace, manufacturing, and technology sectors. He is widely recognized for his deep industry knowledge in aerospace, having represented major manufacturers in disputes involving hundreds of millions — and in some cases, billions — of dollars. These matters often concern the continued production of essential parts for military and commercial aircraft, requiring rapid, coordinated litigation and negotiation strategies to protect client interests.

Nathaniel regularly leads large, multidisciplinary teams in matters demanding swift action across multiple jurisdictions, often involving emergency relief, expedited discovery, and complex issues such as fraud, veil piercing, and the pursuit of extraordinary writs. He is known as a "force multiplier" for clients, excelling at assembling and managing high-performing teams and ensuring that every aspect of a case is handled with precision and efficiency. Clients and colleagues praise his ability to marshal Firm resources and deliver seamless, business-focused solutions under intense pressure.

Proficient in Russian, Nathaniel also leverages his language skills in cross-border investigations and international arbitrations. His experience also includes defending merger challenges, representing clients in antitrust and competition law matters, and conducting high-stakes internal investigations for multinational corporations.

Nathaniel is committed to pro bono service, with a focus on civil rights and immigration matters. He has consistently achieved successful results, including full asylum for three individuals. Nathaniel also serves on the board of the Washington Lawyers' Committee.

Experience

  • Student resolves lawsuit against American University and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department over incident with university policeMs. Wheeler and American University announce that they have mutually resolved her lawsuit against the University.
  • Disabled man obtains settlement of more than $1 million in police brutality caseJones Day represented client M, a young man with cerebral palsy, and his grandmother in a Section 1983 matter against the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, the Prince George's County Police Department, and many individual officers related to an excessive force case.
  • STERIS defeats FTC's attempt to block Synergy Health acquisition on antitrust groundsIn a rare litigation defeat against the Federal Trade Commission, Ohio based STERIS Corporation prevailed against an antitrust challenge brought in federal court by the FTC, which sought to block STERIS's proposed $1.9 billion acquisition of Synergy Health plc.
  • Yazaki defends against automotive wire harness antitrust class actionsJones Day represents Yazaki North America and Yazaki Corporation in connection with numerous antitrust class action complaints alleging that Yazaki and other auto parts manufacturers violated the Sherman Act by engaging in bid-rigging and price-fixing in sales of automotive wire harnesses and related products.