Dr. Jeff Ward

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Jeff Ward is a Clinical Professor of Law at Duke University School of Law and Director of the Duke Center for Law & Technology. He teaches courses focusing on the intersection of law and technology, including Contracts and technology-focused subjects such as Frontier AI & Robotics: Law & Ethics and Data Governance. Ward is affiliated with Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, where he instructs students on the legal, societal, and ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence as part of the Master of Engineering program. His scholarship focuses on law and policy regarding emerging technologies and the socio-economic effects of rapid technological change, with an emphasis on equitable access and community involvement in the future of law. He aims to facilitate ethical technology development and has directed various programs to enhance legal services through innovation. Ward has previously served as the Director of the Start-Up Ventures Clinic at Duke and has a background as an attorney in corporate law, including M&A and capital markets transactions. His academic credentials include a JD and LLM from Duke Law School, and he has earned multiple degrees in literature and liberal studies. Ward received Duke Law’s 2022 Distinguished Teaching Award for his exemplary contributions to education.

Research Interests

Experience

Clinical Professor of Law

2015-01-01 — Present

Duke University School of Law • Durham, NC

Teaches courses related to law and technology, oversees clinical programs, and directs the Duke Center for Law & Technology.

Director, Start-Up Ventures Clinic

— 2015-01-01

Duke University School of Law • Durham, NC

Supervised students in legal practice focusing on business startups.

Associate

— Present

Latham & Watkins • Chicago, IL

Focused on M&A and capital markets transactions.

Public Interest Law Initiative Fellow

— Present

Community Economic Development Law Project • Chicago, IL

Worked with the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights.

Awards

#2022

Distinguished Teaching Award

2022-01-01

Courses

Contracts Data Governance Future Contracts Frontier AI & Robotics: Law & Ethics

Requirements for Duke University School of Law

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university LSAT or GRE score
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • LSAT or GRE score
  • Official undergraduate/graduate transcripts
  • Resume
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report
Specialization Notes

Juris Doctor (JD) program; also offers JD/LLM dual degree in International & Comparative Law.