ICYMI: Breakfast with the Bar: Civil Rights

By Griffin O'Gara and Brian Ayers, IU McKinney

On Thursday, July 21, the IndyBar Association Law Student Division hosted a civil rights-focused Breakfast with the Bar morning gathering. This event featured four attorneys practicing civil rights law and allowed students to ask questions and discuss civil rights in the Hoosier state.

Stevie Pactor from the Indiana ACLU spoke to students about what types of cases the Indiana ACLU takes on, handling a case from start to finish and how to get realistic about student loans.

Nabeela Virjee from Lee Cossell & Crowley told students about her time working for the city of Indianapolis and how her experience with the city has given her a keen eye for cases that challenge sovereign immunity.

Adam Mueller from the Indiana Justice Project spoke about coordinating efforts to focus on systemic issues facing Hoosier and how to tailor programs that are having success in other states to Indiana.

Lastly, Katie Bensberg from Indiana Legal Services informed students of the critical work Indiana Legal Services does and the importance of having many different advocates approach issues from different angles. 

Students and attorneys stuck around after the event and socialized at IndyBarHQ. It was a fantastic event that allowed students to reconnect during a busy summer of work and planning for the upcoming year.

If you would like to submit content or write an article for the Law Student Division, please email Kara Sikorski at ksikorski@indybar.org.