Ruth Ward qualified as a banking lawyer in 1992 and worked in private practice before moving into legal knowledge management (KM) in 2000. Since then, Ruth has led a wide range of KM projects for Allen & Overy and its clients, and is particularly respected for her work on Web 2.0 collaboration technologies.

Ruth heads A&O's central KM team, which is at the heart of the firm's global know-how and training function. Ruth and her team partner with offices and practice groups to develop and deliver the KM aspects of A&O's global strategy and nurture and share KM innovation and drive underlying systems development. They also provide KM consultancy to A&O's clients and play an active role in key client relationships.

Outside the firm, Ruth plays an active role in KM and business networks. She regularly contributes to legal, business and KM conferences and publications. She is a founder member of the KM advisory group of the Society for Computers and Law. She is a member of the Law Society's working committee on outsourcing.