SPOA Pays Tribute to Emil Ward, 1947-2025

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Emil Ward, a brilliant attorney who was once a SPOA board member, officer, and newsletter editor. 

Emil was a kind and thoughtful gentleman who moved us with his eloquence and persuasion. Fiercely dedicated to the cause of property rights, Emil demonstrated spirit and resilience throughout his career.  

A graduate of Dickinson College, Emil later attended Northeastern University School of Law before gaining admission to the Massachusetts Bar in 1979. Specializing in landlord-tenant law, Attorney Ward took on complex cases with strength and graceful precision. He published Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Practice: Law Forms in 1996. Emil also taught at Suffolk Law School and Boston University’s Paralegal School, cultivating the next generation of legal professionals. He frequently communicated with the Massachusetts legislature, while speaking on WBZ and other radio stations about real estate dispute resolution. 

Emil was a tremendous asset to SPOA, as well as a dedicated proponent of rent escrow law, which SPOA continues to advocate for in the legislature. His spirit will remain with us, as we continue to pursue reasonable housing policies without leaving property owners behind.

by Amir Shahsavari