By: Kirstie Klutzke, 3L, IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law
The well-known and experienced practitioners in attendance were: Carl Becker, founding Partner at Becker Bouwkamp Walker PC; Gabriel Berry, founder of Gabriel Berry, Attorney at Law; Morgan Decker, Associate at Rubin & Levin PC; Claire Emswiller, Partner at Emswiller Williams Noland & Clarke; Jeff Macey, Partner at Macey Swanson Hicks & Sauer LLP; and Keith Hancock, Of Counsel at RileyCate LLC. The practice areas represented by these attorneys include, but are not limited to, personal injury, bankruptcy, family law, criminal defense, trusts and estates, employment litigation, and mediation. This diverse panel of practitioners include some of the most prominent names in solo and small firms in Indianapolis, and all practitioners are currently serving on the board of the Solo and Small Firm Division of IndyBar.
The attorneys provided forward-thinking and practical advice during the breakfast. Morgan Decker and Gabriel Berry told students their best advice for networking as an attorney. Morgan encouraged students to join IndyBar after graduation, to get involved on some of the division boards, and to attend IndyBar events. Gabriel, who moved to Indianapolis from Detroit, discussed the benefits of using referral services to network and get your name into the community.
Carl Becker and Keith Hancock discussed the unconventional paths some attorneys take toward solo and small firm practice. Carl shared his story of working for several large firms early on in his career, and how this led him toward going out on his own. Keith worked as a public defender in Marion County for several years, and encouraged students not to be afraid to change what kind of law you practice throughout your career (Keith still practices criminal defense, but now offers a wider array of legal services).
Lastly, Claire Emswiller and Jeff Macey shared advice they found invaluable throughout their careers. Claire informed students of opportunities to meet other members of the legal community and greater Indianapolis professional community, such as an event Indy Hub hosts each year, Indyvolved, which connects the community to non-profits in Indianapolis. Claire shared this event is great to meet non-profits who are looking for board members from the greater professional community. Jeff gave students advice they can begin using now: work for, or get to know, a law professor so you can build a relationship and have that person’s support throughout law school and your career.
The attorneys also discussed the good and bad of being a solo or small firm practitioner. The good included having more independence, autonomy, and control over your schedule. This can mean more time with your family, and more flexibility to take vacations or take time off. On the other hand, when you are part of a solo or small firm, getting paid can be difficult. If there is too little money to pay yourself and make payroll for all other employees, you may have to forgo your pay. There may also be less opportunity for support and assistance from other attorneys.
Thank you to the six practitioners for offering their time to discuss their own career paths and current roles, and thank you to the students who attended this event.
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