Nominations are open until 5 p.m. on December 1, 2025.
Uplifting someone can never be done enough, recognizing colleagues for their hard work is always time well-spent. Be the person that makes someone’s day by taking a few minutes to nominate a fellow IndyBar member for recognition for one of the honors below.
Mentorship Award
The Women and the Law Division seeks to honor a female legal professional who has demonstrated consistent and exceptional mentorship for at least five years, along with strong leadership within the legal community. Nominees should have a proven impact on those they’ve mentored—supported by examples or stories—and should hold (or have previously held) meaningful leadership roles such as board positions or public office. Consideration is also given to diversity in background, experience, and perspective. Nominate today.
Summer Reception Speaker Award
The Women and the Law Division hosts an annual Summer Reception featuring a keynote speech from a distinguished female legal professional who exemplifies leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing women in law. Honorees are recognized for breaking barriers, promoting diversity and inclusion, mentoring others, and making a positive impact in both the legal field and the broader community. We value diverse backgrounds and encourage, though do not require, IndyBar involvement. Nominate here.
The Hon. V. Sue Shields Young Female Attorney Award
Presented annually by IndyBar’s Women and the Law Division, this award honors a rising female attorney under 40 or with 3–10 years of practice who demonstrates exceptional legal skill, leadership, and a commitment to advancing women in the legal profession. Named after Judge V. Sue Shields—the first woman elected to a general jurisdiction trial court in Indiana and the first female U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Indiana—the award celebrates young attorneys who embody her trailblazing spirit through professional excellence, community service, mentorship, advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and contributions to legal innovation. Nominate someone now.
Antoinette Dakin Leach Award
In 1893, Antoinette Dakin Leach became a pioneer for women in law by successfully challenging a gender-based denial of bar admission before the Indiana Supreme Court. Though she received her license to practice, she wasn’t admitted to the Indiana State Bar Association until 1909 due to ongoing opposition. In her honor, the Women & the Law Division presents the Antoinette Dakin Leach Award to an attorney whose trailblazing leadership, commitment to advancing women in the legal profession, and impactful community advocacy reflect Leach’s legacy of courage, resilience, and dedication to justice and equity. Make a nomination today.
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