Hill Ward Henderson Relies On Its Past As It Grows and Serves Polk County Residents
As Hill Ward Henderson is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. Meanwhile, it retains the core values on which it was founded. And, it will continue to grow and address client needs, including those in Polk County.
Hill Ward Henderson was established in 1986. Three of the area’s leading attorneys at the time, Benjamin Hill III, David Ward Jr. and Thomas Henderson III, started the practice.
“Our three founders, sophisticated practitioners in three areas of the law and with deep roots in our community, established Hill Ward Henderson with a client-centric philosophy at its core,” said Louise Henkel, Director of Business Development & Marketing. “They wanted to establish a firm with the expertise, resources and advanced technologies of a large firm. But also with the personalized attention, flexibility and responsiveness of a smaller one.”
As the years passed, the firm has grown to more than 120 attorneys. However, it remains ever focused on its core mission.
“At the heart of our practice lies a steadfast commitment to integrity, professionalism and the timely, efficient delivery of high-quality legal services,” Henkel said. “Our goal is to be our clients’ trusted legal partner not just today or tomorrow, but for the next 40 years and beyond. Our future is very much tied to the future of Tampa Bay. The goal is to keep pace with our region’s explosive growth and our client’s ever-changing and growing needs.”
The full-service law firm’s attorneys practice in more than 20 multidisciplinary areas, Henkel said. “Our firm services a wide range of local, regional and national clients. Each area of practice is important to the clients it serves.”
In 2025, the Best Lawyers in America publication cited 83 Hill Ward Henderson attorneys. In 2024, Chambers USA recognized the firm in eight practice areas. Further, 20 attorneys were recognized for service in their areas of practice. This is the 23rd consecutive year it received high rankings and citations by the London-based Chambers and Partners.
Growth
Hill Ward Henderson has offices in Tampa and Clearwater, “with the potential for expansion if the need arises, or if our clients would benefit in some way from such an expansion,” Henkel said.
Its growth has been related to client demands, she said. “Right now, we are experiencing a great deal of client demand and are, therefore, actively recruiting seven attorney positions across various practice areas as well as four staff positions. We currently have 121 attorneys and 240 total employees.”
The company services many clients in Polk County and considers it an area of growth and opportunity in the coming years.
Giving Back
Hill Ward Henderson has been giving back to the community for years. They help organizations like the following thrive: Florida Aquarium, Meals on Wheels, Moffitt Cancer Center, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, The Spring of Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay History Center, American Heart Association and Feeding Tampa Bay.
“Benjamin Hill III, one of the firm’s founders, often tells young lawyers, ‘Practicing law is a privilege, not a right. As such, we as lawyers have an obligation to give back to our community.’ This philosophy is so pervasive that it has become integral to firm culture. As a result, our lawyers are involved in a wide variety of organizations at all levels.”
Much of its giving supports the work of its attorneys.
“The firm supports the endeavors of its attorneys through donations, pro bono work and participation at relevant events,” Henkel said. “Throughout the year, Hill Ward Henderson supports more than 100 charitable and civic organizations through event sponsorships and service on committees, boards and other volunteer opportunities.”
