Francine D. Ward, Esq.

Attorney-At-Law

A 1989 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, Francine D. Ward is an intellectual property law and estate planning attorney. She is admitted to practice in California, New York, and the District of Columbia.

Francine helps clients develop and protect their valuable creative content through copyright protection; protect their distinctive brand, including logos, slogans, designs, sounds, and colors through trademark protection; protect their books through carefully negotiated publishing agreements, and protect their purses by sensibly navigating social media legal issues—Knowing the Law. 

As an estate planning attorney, in addition to preparing proper estate documents based on the changing nature of the law, Francine counsels clients on the best estate plan for their needs. Such documents include trusts, wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, assignments of assets, certificates of trust, and trust deed recording documents. Not everyone needs a trust-based estate plan.  For some people, a will-based plan is sufficient. And for others, an irrevocable trust might be more appropriate than a revocable trust. Understanding the clear distinction between these two plans is not just about spitting out documents at a trust-mill or document factory, it’s about knowing the nuances of each, and being able to competently explain the differences—Knowing the Law. 

Francine is an active participant in her church community, her support community, and her legal community. She is a leader in the American Bar Association’s 19,000+ Intellectual Property Law Section (IPL), where she is a member of the Council, the section’s governing body. In addition, Ward chairs the IPL Section’s Attorney Wellness Committee.  Finally, she teaches intellectual property and contract drafting at the California Desert Trial Academy of Law in Indio, California.

Author of two traditionally published self help books, Francine is nationally known as a gifted and inspiring keynote speaker.

Here’s what one satisfied client says about Francine…

“I hired Francine Ward to provide me with legal advice, trademark assistance, and to help me develop contract documents during my business startup. She is a pleasure to work with, and very knowledgeable, responsive, and client-focused. I highly recommend her to other entrepreneurs who are looking for legal support for IP, contracts, and general business matters.” Posted by Keiko, Business Owner

Read additional testimonials here.

Francine’s clients include small business owners and entrepreneurs – just like you. She helps you protect what’s yours – your valuable content, your products and your services, your brand, your business structure, and your estate.

Francine offers a no-obligation consultation to find out if her service fits your needs. Contact her by phone or fill out the contact form and we will be in touch to set up a mutually agreeable time to chat with Francine – at no obligation or cost to you.

Francine is a 1989 graduate of Georgetown University Law Center, is active in leadership in the American Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Law Section, as well as the State Bar of California’s Copyright Interest Group.