By Jessica Cicchini, Marion County Prosecutor's Office
Each year, the IndyBar Criminal Justice Section selects an outstanding member of the legal community as the recipient of the Gil I. Berry Award. The Gil I. Berry Award recognizes an exceptional non-lawyer in our criminal justice community. Potential recipients are nominated by members of the Criminal Justice Section’s Executive Committee, which is comprised of prosecutors, public defenders, private attorneys and judicial officers. The focus of the award is to shine a light on the individuals who work, often behind the scenes, to make our community and profession a better place. Prior recipients include deputies, bailiffs, court staff and IT professionals. Working in the criminal courts is challenging, intense and too-often a thankless job. Our goal is to spotlight an individual who merits special recognition.
The Criminal Justice Section is excited to announce Jeremiah O’Connor has the recipient of the 2021 Gil I. Berry award. Jeremiah serves as Criminal Court D32’s (formerly G06) Chief Bailiff. In total, he has been a bailiff for 16 years, all under Judge Mark Stoner, and has worked for the county for 21 years. Jeremiah is an Acton Icon, where he lives with his wife, four children, two dogs, two cats and two horses. He graduated from Indiana University in 2005. Before college, Jeremiah guided Franklin Central High School to a 1999 Freshman County Championship in basketball, where he led the team in scoring, rebounds and steals.
As Chief Bailiff, Jeremiah’s responsibilities include conducting open court sessions, preparing pleadings and monitors and updating court files, assists judicial officers during court proceedings and coordinates jurors during jury trials. Jeremiah takes his job very seriously and it shows in the work that he does. Jeremiah conducts his duties in a professional and respectful way. He truly does it all and is the axel of Court D32. He goes above and beyond and is the go-to person in his court. Court D32 is a major felony court and handles some of the county’s most serious cases. Jeremiah handles these difficult cases with dignity and treats all the participants, whether judges, attorneys, jurors, victims, witnesses, or defendants with the same grace and patience. He also adds some levity to very serious situations, always ready with a quick quip to lighten the mood.
Jeremiah is valued by the judicial officers, attorneys and staff that work in Criminal Court D32 and is truly appreciated by anyone he has ever helped. Anyone that knows him knows he’s got a big personality and is truly invaluable to the Indy criminal justice system. I sat down with just a few of his colleagues and friends, who shared their thoughts about Jeremiah.
“Anyone who has worked in Court D32 knows that Jeremiah is the person to see if you have questions or need anything done. Jeremiah is efficient, friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about the courts. His experience is matched only by his sharp wit and great sense of humor. He thinks creatively to accomplish things and is attentive to the needs of attorneys, fellow court staff, members of the public and defendants. He doesn't hesitate to step in to fix things and regularly helps attorneys look better prepared because of his willingness to share his insights and wisdom. Jeremiah's attention to detail keeps the court running smoothly and helps make sure that nothing falls through the cracks. He thoughtfully approaches his work and understands the law in ways that would make him a valuable member of the bar. Jeremiah resolves issues before they become problems. Quite simply, he is exceptional at his job and is a pleasure to work with.” - Daniel Cicchini
“Jeremiah is the guru. He is my go-to if I have a question about anything court related, even if it is not his court. He knows it all and knows how to do it right. He’s also a great person – nice, friendly, funny and just an all-around awesome person.” - Laura Pitts
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving! It is not an exaggeration to say that Criminal Court 32 would come to a grinding halt without Jeremiah. His knowledge of the court and the associated agencies (the Marion County Jail, Marion County Community Corrections, the Indiana Department of Correction, etc.) is deep and his ability to manage the various demands that are put upon him daily by the court, the attorneys, the defendants and the other people who come through the court is truly impressive.” - Andrew Sweet
“There are certain members of court staff you turn to because you know they are always willing to help and listen no matter how small or large the problem. There are certain members of court staff you turn to because you know they are reliably competent and always well informed. There are certain members of court staff that lead you to hang around in the court office long after you need to because you appreciate their humor and personality and just generally enjoy hanging out with them.
I have known and worked with Jeremiah for several years. Throughout those years, he has always been that certain member of court staff in all these regards. His professionalism and character have elevated all those who are fortunate enough to work with him and I could not think of anyone who deserves this recognition more.” - Travis Shields
“He's the consummate professional/public servant and is the lifeblood of the court.” - Matthew Whitley
“Jeremiah is an incredibly hard worker and routinely goes above and beyond his regular duties as Chief Bailiff. Over the years, Jeremiah has built strong relationships with several different institutions within the criminal justice system. Based on the network he has built over time, Jeremiah can accomplish monumental tasks with only a few phone calls or emails. Jeremiah has a wealth of knowledge. His time management skills and ability to triage and prioritize are second to none. There is no one more dedicated to their craft than Jeremiah. He has a genuine desire to run his court efficiently and effectively. It has been a pleasure to work with him.” - Bill Frederick
“If you have spent any time in Court 32 you have met Jeremiah. Jeremiah the go-to person in Court 32. He is the fixer. He is exceptional at his role and his sense of humor is unmatched. He problem solves all the issues attorneys run to him with, and does so while quoting movies and keeping those around him laughing. He is incredibly deserving of this award and a true public servant.” - Jennifer Joy
As we all can see, and many of us already knew, Jeremiah embodies the spirit of the Gil I. Berry Award. Congratulations to him and his family! This honor is truly deserved and long overdue. If you see Jeremiah – be sure to congratulate him on this accomplishment.
If you would like to submit content or write an article for the Criminal Justice Section, please email Kara Sikorski at ksikorski@indybar.org.
Susbcribe to Criminal Justice Section news here!
member center
