Our History

Our History

On November 30, 1878, in the law offices of Dye & Harris, forty prominent Indianapolis attorneys, including future U.S. President Benjamin Harrison and U.S. Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks, met in the hopes of creating a common organization "in which lawyers may exchange ideas, maintain the honor and dignity of the profession of law, cultivate social intercourse among its members and increase the usefulness in promoting the due administration of justice." And under the leadership of IBA's first president Napoleon B. Taylor, the Indianapolis Bar Association was formed.

In the association's original bylaws, the founding members set the course for the future by making provisions for committees on admission, amendments of the law, grievances, liaison with the judiciary and legal education. The association's first priority was to form a law library and reading room for use by judges, attorneys and students, and by 1910 over 7,000 volumes had been acquired.

And while the Indianapolis Bar Association has grown considerably from its first 40 members to over 5,100 today, it still strives to fulfill many of the original ideals and commitments as it is guided by a new, yet similar, mission statement-to serve our members, promote justice and enhance the legal profession.

IndyBar Leaders

The Indianapolis Bar Association is fortunate to have been led by many hard working, talented and visionary presidents since its inception in 1878. Click here to view a listing of past IndyBar presidents.