Judge McMath’s career is a great example of the adaptability and versatility of the legal profession. She began her career with a clerkship at the Indiana Court of Appeals and then worked at a medium sized Indianapolis law firm. A few years later, the law firm was not a perfect fit, the Court of Appeals had just created the Fifth District, and Judge McMath saw an opportunity to help the new judges get started in chambers using her previous clerking experience.
After clerking for Judge Barteau for a few years, Judge McMath had started a family and needed a more flexible working environment. This led her to serving as a contract attorney for the Marion County Public Defender Agency, and eventually the state public defender’s office, doing criminal appellate work. In this position, she was able to work from home full-time to be with her young children. Yep, Judge McMath worked from home before it was cool. She would schedule play dates with her coworkers’ children so she could brainstorm legal arguments with the other attorneys while their kids played. She also taught legal writing at the law school and enjoyed talking to young women about working as an attorney while being a mom.
Judge McMath’s goal was always to be a judge, but she wasn’t sure if that was attainable after working from home for so long and not being as involved with Indy Bar and the legal community. However, when vacancies on the Indiana Court of Appeals came up and it was suggested that she apply, she went for it and was a finalist twice. Following that application process, Judge McMath wanted to broaden her legal experience and went to work for the Indiana Attorney General civil appellate division and eventually was promoted to the executive team. While in this position, she applied to the Marion County Superior Court magistrate judge vacancy, and Judge McMath has been serving as a magistrate judge since January 2021.
Judge McMath had great advice for attorneys looking to transition into a new role. First, even if you’ve been doing the same thing for a while, you can learn new things – and it can be fun! Be open to admitting that you don’t know something, but you’re willing and able to figure it out. Next, put yourself into a spot to know about opportunities in areas you’re interested in and let people know that you’re open to transitioning to a new role. You want to be accessible and available when a great opportunity presents itself. Lastly, don’t settle – there are lots of opportunities out there. Find the one that best fits your work style and goals.
As for advice for attorneys with hearings at the new Community Justice Campus, Judge McMath said attorneys shouldn’t be afraid to call the court ahead of time and ask for a time to play around with the new technology. Also, allow plenty of time to find your courtroom when you arrive at the CJC.
Next time you’re at a WLD event or Indy Bar Foundation fundraiser – be sure to say hello to Judge McMath!
member center
