Ellen Ward attorney photo

Ellen Ward

Director of People Operations

eward@kahanafeld.com

Profile

Ellen Ward is an accomplished human resources leader with more than 15 years of experience driving HR strategy, organizational development, and operational effectiveness across law firms, manufacturing, construction and emerging-growth organizations. She brings expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, compliance, training and development, and HR systems and processes. 

Ellen has partnered closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to develop practical, people-focused solutions aligned with broader business objectives. Her experience spans organizational development, workforce planning, succession planning, compensation and benefits, employee relations, onboarding, professional development, and performance management.  

Qualifications

Location

  • Irvine

Education

  • University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, M.H.R.I.R., Human Resources and Industrial Relations
  • Middle Tennessee State University, B.A.Sc., Communications 

Community Involvement

  • Society for Human Resources Management, Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
  • Chicago Society for Human Resource Management
    • Director of Education
    • Board Member
  • Chicago Association of Legal Personnel Administrators
  • Austin Task, Inc.
    • Board President
  • North Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lab Alumni
    • Board President (2021-2022)
    • North Chamber Leadership Lab 2021 Co-chair
  • American Heart Association National Workplace Health Steering Committee Member
    • SCUCISD Education Foundation, Board Member (2015-2022) 

News & Insights

Kahana Feld Partner Alison McClave Recognized on Super Lawyers 2027 New Jersey Rising Star List 
  • Oct 12, 2026
  • By Eva Paulson
  • Awards & Recognition
Kahana Feld Partner Alison McClave Recognized on Super Lawyers 2027 New Jersey Rising Star List 
Kahana Feld Secures Six-Figure Judgment and Additional Avenues for Recovery 
  • Oct 8, 2026
  • By Eva Paulson
  • Achievements
Kahana Feld Secures Six-Figure Judgment and Additional Avenues for Recovery 
  • Oct 7, 2026
  • By Eva Paulson
  • Awards & Recognition
Kahana Feld Partner Beth Obra-White Recognized in 2027 San Diego Super Lawyers 
Read More
  • Oct 2, 2026
  • By Eva Paulson
  • Announcements
Kahana Feld Welcomes Ronald Tran as Partner to Expand Labor & Employment Capabilities in Northern California
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