Rebecca Geyer, Rebecca W. Geyer & Associates PC, October Member of the Month
Your practice involves a lot of estate planning, estate administration and probate work. What do you like about practicing in those areas of the law?
I love practicing in these areas as they enable me to work with families without doing traditional family law like divorce. I am a third generation attorney, and I grew up listening to my father and grandfather help their clients. I knew from a young age that I wanted to work with families and provide assistance in ways that could bring them peace of mind.
Where did you work before founding Rebecca W. Geyer & Associates P.C.? What made you want to start your own practice?
I started my career at Frank & Kraft, which is a small boutique estate planning firm in Indianapolis. After seven years, I joined Hollingsworth, Jocham & Zivitz as of counsel, where I began developing my own book of business in estate planning and elder law. In 2011 I joined Drewry Simmons Vornehm in Carmel, working in their personal legal services division. I decided to start my own firm in 2013 as I had developed my own book of business and I really wanted to create a firm focused on my specific practice areas.
Why did you become an attorney?
I wanted to become an attorney from a young age. As noted above, I am a third generation lawyer. Both my father and my grandfather practiced law, and I grew up listening to them talk to their clients. I would hear them on my phone, or listen to my dad dictate letters early in the morning, and I saw how much he helped his clients with issues that were impacting their lives. I also grew up watching my mother care for her parents, who were in their 70s when I was born. As a result of the care she provided, I became familiar with the issues impacting aging adults and their caregivers, and I wanted to help provide support. The combination of these experiences led me to a career as a lawyer in estate planning and elder law.
Who were some of your female mentors or inspirations?
Who were some of your female mentors or inspirations? My mother is definitely my biggest female mentor and inspiration. My mother was an early member of the sandwich generation; she had young children and cared for aging parents all while serving as Director of Public Works for the City of Indianapolis. She taught me the importance of honesty, integrity, hard work, and follow through. Even more importantly, she showed me it was possible to be a good employee while also be a good mother and wife. There have been many other women who have inspired me and been mentors to me in my career – Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Judge Jane Magnus Stinson, Julie Armstrong, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Rabbi Sandy Sasso, Claire Lewis. I’m sure I’m forgetting many as there are so many women who inspire me and from whom I’ve learned.
What do you like to do outside of practicing law?
I love to read. I read about 60 books a year, mostly fiction (mystery, romance, historical fiction). I also love to travel, walk, and spend time with friends and family. I’m leaving shortly for Italy to visit my son who is studying abroad, and in January I’m checking off an item on my bucket list by traveling to Australia with my mom.
What do you find most beneficial from your membership in the IndyBar- Women and the Law Division?
I’ve been a member of WLD since the start of my career. I think WLD provides unique opportunities for women to gain mentorship and support as they try to navigate the complexities of work and family life. I’ve gained some of my closest friendships through women I’ve met in the IndyBar, and those friendships not only bring joy to my life, but they also provide me with a sounding board when I struggle with issues both at work and at home. I also love the social and networking opportunities provided by WLD, including the book club. I don’t always make it to the meetings, but I try to read the books.
What's the best part of your job?
Seeing the peace of mind I bring to clients. Also, I love the hugs I get from clients!
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were starting out as a lawyer?
I think when I started out as a young lawyer, I really felt I needed to prove my knowledge to the clients I met. I failed to realize that the clients already thought I had that knowledge or they wouldn’t be meeting with me to begin with. I would encourage my younger self to say less and listen more – that’s really the key to being a good lawyer when dealing with clients.
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