Finding meaningful ways to connect within a large professional community can make all the difference, and that’s exactly where Common Circles come in. These small, member-driven groups offer a more personal way for IndyBar members to engage, bringing attorneys together around shared interests, experiences, and practice areas.
Whether it’s discussing the nuances of family law, prioritizing mental health, navigating the challenges of the “sandwich generation,” exploring sober or sober-curious lifestyles, or simply getting outside for a bit, Common Circles create space for genuine connection. Designed to foster stronger relationships and ongoing support, they help build a sense of community within the broader IndyBar network.
In this Common Circle Spotlight, Travis Van Winkle speaks about his experience with the practice of law and a personal journey with mental health.
Tell us a moment in your career when you struggled and what helped you through it?
I have struggled in this profession most significantly at two times in the last 10 years or so. The first was about 9 years ago. I was preparing for a full day trial when I started having significant chest pains. I ended up in the ER to make sure I was not having a heart attack. Thankfully, it turned out to be a precursor to a heart attack. As for what helped me through this experience, the answer is two people…Julie Camden and Rob Shive. Rob stepped up and did what was needed to get my hearing continued. He made phone calls, sent emails and filed a motion on my behalf. Julie helped me to start taking better care of myself by driving over 45 minutes to walk with me. The second struggle was when I was considering a significant change in my career path after years of emotional drain. My friends (note I said friends and not colleagues) were helped me work process the pros/cons of the potential change. I received tremendous support from Rebecca Geyer, Patty McKinnon, Ann Knotek, Emily Angel Shaw, and Amy Stewart. Yet, it was Julie Camden who helped me solidify my decision with her straight to the point/direct approach. To stress the importance of forming friendships within our family law community, I want to share that Amy Stewart, due to our friendship, recognized I was struggling. A lot of people may have noticed but not said anything. Amy took the time to see me, hear me, and support me.
How has your perspective on well-being changed since you began practicing law?
My perspective has changed considerably. I allowed my practice to overtake my life in a lot of respects. I put, what I thought was my duty to my clients, ahead of my own health and welfare. My near heart attack did not change my perspective. What started to change it for me was working with my business coach (Tim Campsell). I have Rebecca Geyer to thank for that. Tim helped me see the extent to which I put my own mental health (by then I had my physical health under control) on the back burner. My sister, Savonna, then died at the age of 53 of a heart condition which runs in my family. This was the triggering event. I found myself constantly thinking about the severity of her struggles and how she would not lean on me as much as I wanted her to do so because she could see the extent of the strain practicing law (the way I was doing it) was having on me. I then became determined to honor her and my Mother (she also died from the same heart disease) by finding a way to use my skills to support families and the community while putting me first. If I had it to do over again, I would never have allowed my job to consume me in the way it did. I want to see our profession do a better job of sharing stories like this and coming up with ways (like the Well-Being Committee) to equip legal professionals with a better way forward.
What does a healthier legal professional look like to me?
The first thing that comes to mind is not checking my email every five minutes. It would be the first thing and last thing I would do every day (and I mean EVERY day). What that boils down to for me is what I often refer to as margins/chapters. We need margins in our story, and we need chapters for work and chapters for life. The second thing that comes to mind for me is going on vacations where you do not check your email or voicemail at all. I realize this may not be possible for those of us without staff. Yet, we need to find ways to shut off the work and focus on our living our lives.
Tell us what drew you to this Common Circle and why you feel compelled to lead it?
Deb Shook taught me so much about giving back to the profession and really caring about the people we work with every day. Her own illness led to me joining the Well-Being Committee (formerly known as HEAL). I wanted to help folks feel supported the way she made so many of us feel supported. The desire to help people on the professional level shown to me by Deb and my own experiences in not prioritizing my well-being are the reason I decided to continue my work with the Well-Being Committee by leading a Common Circle.
What role does community play in maintaining mental and emotion health in this profession?
I think it is critical. I have been very fortunate to have a number of folks in my professional community step up and support me in a number of ways. Some of those have been large ways (like when Rob Shive took care of getting a hearing continued for me when I was in the ER or Julie Camden helping me focus on my mental and physical health at different times over the last ten years). Some of those have been people recognizing I was struggling and encouraging me to decline a certain case, take a break, take time to mourn the loss of a loved one, and/or taking time to decompress. Judge Sheward, Judge Kern, Judge Gooden and Magistrate Vivo have also been part of the professional community to help me see the importance of maintaining good mental and emotional health. I point this out not just to thank them but to share the importance of IndyBar members developing a professional community that includes lawyers and the bench.
What would you say to someone hesitant to join a circle or open up?
I see you. I know some of what you may be feeling. Like a lot of professions, I understand the inclination of legal professionals to say “everything is fine” and put your best face forward. Yet, I also know, from both first-hand and second-hand experience, the toll not taking care of ourselves can have on not just us but those who care about us. Be braver than the old me. Step up and share/support/encourage. By doing so, we can make this profession stronger and better by bringing into the light those things we tend to keep in the shadows. You can share what you want. You can support how you want. You can show up how you want. The important thing is showing up and being true to you.
How do I join the Family Law Practitioners Common Circle?
You can click this link to sign up today!
Travis Van Winkle, The Law Office of Travis Van Winkle LLC.
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