The Ballard Way
The Ballard Way embodies the firm's mission and values. It reinforces our purpose and priorities and guides our professional lives.
To live the Ballard Way is to:
PROVIDE NOTHING LESS THAN EXCELLENCE IN EVERY LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Ballard Spahr's mission, always, is to achieve the best possible outcome in collaboration with our client. We look at each question afresh, against an understanding of the client's business, objectives, and tolerance for risk, and offer the time-honored or less conventional solution that maximizes the chances for successful resolution. We pledge exceptional knowledge and straightforward counsel. Practicality drives every recommended approach.
KNOW THAT THE PATH TO OUR CLIENTS' SUCCESS IS AS IMPORTANT AS GETTING THE BEST RESULT
A successful outcome is diminished when the client's experience is frustrating or full of surprises. We are as committed to cultivating our client relationships as we are to providing the highest quality work product. We view each situation from the client's perspective and work in tandem to deliver exceptional service. Responsiveness, efficiency, and remarkable alliances with clients are Ballard Spahr hallmarks. Our client focus is absolute.
CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT FOR ATTORNEYS THAT DRAWS ON THEIR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH AND HONORS THEIR INDEPENDENCE AND ORIGINALITY
We encourage our attorneys to bring their original thinking, unique character, and diverse viewpoints to the table. This freedom results in a greater exchange among our attorneys and better solutions for our clients.
ACT WITH INTEGRITY, DECENCY, AND RESPECT
Humanity underpins our culture. It guides our interactions and decisions at every level. We lead and manage with a sense of fair play. We give our attorneys room to explore and our employees opportunities to excel. We strive to earn the trust of our clients and establish lasting rapport with them, our colleagues, and peers.
WELCOME PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS TO OUR WORKPLACE AND TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION
We are committed to creating a vibrant environment where the needs, perspectives, and contributions of people from all backgrounds are valued and integrated into all aspects of the firm. In addition to making us a stronger firm, a diverse and inclusive community is valuable to our clients because varied perspectives drive innovative and insightful counsel. That's more than just a good business strategy — it is the right thing to do.
GIVE TO THOSE IN NEED AND BE GOOD CITIZENS
Our pro bono commitment is deep. We are advocates for individuals in matters of abuse, housing, asylum, and civil rights, and we advise nonprofits on their legal needs. Our people lead and participate in programs that support research, literacy, and community well-being. And we believe in and integrate the principles and practices of sustainability in our work lives.
ENCOURAGE WELL-BEING AND PROMOTE POSITIVE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
Ballard Spahr endorses the ABA’s “call to action” in response to the mental health and addiction crisis in the legal profession. To that end, the firm actively promotes self-care, both physical and mental, for all attorneys and employees. The firm signed the ABA Wellness Pledge and strives to provide avenues and ways to motivate employees to adopt healthy behaviors. Our Wellness Committee promotes strategic initiatives to help our people take an active part in their own personal well-being. Ballard Spahr believes wholeheartedly in providing a supportive firm culture in the pursuit of wellness.