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Judge Andrew Ballard was born into a family of proud and dedicated steel mill workers.  He graduated from Ironton High School in 1995 and was accepted into the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, but transferred to, and graduated from, the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University in 2000.  That same year, Judge Ballard continued his academic career at the University of Kentucky’s College of Law and earned his Juris Doctor in 2003.

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Following graduation from law school, Judge Ballard accepted employment as an associate attorney with Campbell Woods, PLLC, in Huntington, West Virginia, and moved to Proctorville, Ohio.  He served in the role of associate attorney until 2010 when he accepted an invitation to join the equity membership at the firm.  During his tenure at Campbell Woods, Judge Ballard honed his craft as a trial attorney and represented individuals, businesses, and political subdivisions throughout West Virginia and southern Ohio.

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In 2013, Judge Ballard was presented with an opportunity to join the Toledo based law firm of Anspach Meeks Ellenberger, LLP, at its satellite office in Huntington.  Ready for a new challenge, Judge Ballard accepted a position with the firm as a partner attorney and continued growing his legal practice until 2016, when he declared his candidacy for the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas General Division.

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After winning the general election, Judge Ballard assumed the bench in December 2016 and began implementing procedures to modernize the court and expand access to justice for all of those in need.  During his time on the bench, Judge Ballard created the county’s first specialized docket, promoted the expansion of adult probation, and oversaw necessary upgrades to courtroom technology.

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On a statewide level, Judge Ballard serves in an elected position with the Ohio Common Pleas Judges Association and as the co-chair of the Ohio Judicial Conference’s Technology Committee.  In addition, he is appointed regularly by the Ohio Supreme Court to serve on workgroups and committees, and is a frequent presenter of educational programming for judges and magistrates in Ohio.

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Outside of work, Judge Ballard spends time with his wife Deanna and their four children, serves as a board member and coach in several youth sports leagues, and is an avid fisherman.