On Wednesday, November 12th, IndyBar's Law Student Division hosted “Breakfast with the Bar: Family Law & Estate Planning” at the IU McKinney law library. The event gave students the opportunity to engage with attorneys practicing across the family law spectrum, including divorce, custody, guardianship, adoption, and estate planning, and to learn how these practice areas intersect in real-world cases.
Panelists included Amanda Blystone, Broyles & Ricafort PC; Lisa Adler, Adler Estate Law LLC; Claire Emswiller, Emswiller Williams Noland & Clarke LLC; Rebecca Geyer, Rebecca W Geyer & Associates PC; Kathleen Meek, Kids’ Voice of Indiana; Crystal Pulley, Kids’ Voice of Indiana; Paraskevi Xidias, Griffith Xidias Law Group; and Bryan San Jose, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP.
Attendees gained valuable insight into what it is like to work in family law, including how attorneys navigate highly personal client matters, manage complex procedural timelines, and balance the emotional intensity of the work. Panelists also shared strategies for maintaining professionalism, empathy, and boundaries.
Students received practical advice on how to make the most of an internship in family law. Attorneys highlighted the importance of communication, taking initiative, understanding court processes, and paying attention to how cases move through the system. Several panelists discussed how estate planning often intersects with family law.
Panelists additionally encouraged students to network, attend hearings, ask questions, and explore opportunities in a variety of environments, including small firms, nonprofit organizations, and local agencies. The informal discussion created space for honest guidance about career paths and how new lawyers can build strong foundational skills.
Thank you to all participating attorneys and to IndyBar's Law Student Division for hosting another meaningful program for the Indianapolis legal community. Breakfast with the Bar continues to be an important opportunity for students to connect with practitioners and to gain a deeper understanding of Indianapolis’s diverse legal landscape.
We hope to see you at future Breakfast with the Bar events!
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