ICYMI: A Conversation with 2022 IndyBar & MCBA Presidents

By Azza Ben Moussa, IU McKinney

On March 22, 2022, we had the pleasure of hosting a moderated discussion with the President of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Judge Alicia Gooden, and Marion County Bar Association President, Katie Jackson-Lindsay. Students at IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law had the opportunity to listen to both presidents share their experiences on how they navigated law school, internships and post-law school employment. 

During the event, law students were able to learn the importance that networking plays in ultimately landing a job in a legal career. Judge Gooden shared that networking and creating valuable relationships within the legal community lead her to the position she is in today. Judge Gooden and Katie both attribute their time working at the Public Defender and Prosecutor’s office respectively as an invaluable experience that better prepared them for post-law school practice.

In addition, as two exceptional women in the law, both Judge Gooden and Katie gave advice as to how to overcome hurdles as a woman in this industry. They gave students powerful advice that you should always be prepared, be willing to stand up for yourself, do the right thing and let your work and work ethic speak for itself.  

At the conclusion of the moderated discussion, we opened the Q&A portion for students to ask any questions for our two guest speakers. Overall, students were very engaged by Judge Gooden and Katie’s vibrant personalities, personal experiences, and practical insight. Thank you to our guest speakers for taking the time to attend and thank you to the students who participated in this event as well.