.png)
Samantha Chapman is a Fishers attorney, animal advocate, and candidate for local office. In her career, she has worked in private practice for a national law firm, for the Indiana Court of Appeals as a judicial clerk, and for the Indiana Secretary of State as Attorney and Special Counsel in the Business Services Division. She now devotes her time and passion to protecting animals as the Indiana State Director of the Humane Society of the Unites States. We sat down with Samantha to learn more about her legal path – and wound up getting some great career advice:
You have held many different roles, from private practice to government work and now non-profit service. How did your career path lead you to your current role?
I have always been driven by policy and focused my work on the policy side in the different positions I’ve held. I view policy making as a Super Power and a policymaker as someone who has the ability to influence legislation. I also have always been passionate about protecting animals, and while it was a winding path, each of my roles has led me to where I am now. I get to work in public service in the non-profit world while still using my legal skills.
You are running for office! Congrats on putting your hat in the ring! Why did you decide to run?
I have been living in Fishers for some time, and I feel excited about serving my community and neighbors. I have a lot of energy, and I want to serve the people of Fishers. I get to feed my passion for animals, and those who love animals, in my professional job, and I want to also serve my Fishers community in a similar way. Also, I have seen that we need younger people to step up and get involved. Young people are the future, and they have a unique voice. I want to give voters a different option.
What advice do you have for young people currently navigating their own careers and maybe finding themselves in a similar ‘winding’ path?
Don’t be stuck in the path you have chosen. All of the different roles and career advice can add to the path on your journey. Learn about the different career opportunities available to you so you can figure out what you like. Ultimately, you want to wake up in the morning and feel excited and passionate about what you do. Also, don’t feel consumed by your first job. You can pivot to get to where you need to be. Life is short, so be true to yourself, because only you have that power.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Miniature golf – I actually once attended a putt-putt camp at the Golf Dome in Fort Wayne.
What do you do in your free time?
I am into running and yoga. I also like to cook and explore plant-based cooking. I travel, especially to visit wineries, and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Would you go back to law school, if you could do it all over again?
Yes. As a result of law school, I am comfortable in any room I find myself. Law school teaches you to work your way through any problem. When I am working with lobbyists to solve policy problems, I am able to navigate and find common ground. That confidence and ability came from law school, and while I might take some different courses (more public policy courses!), I would definitely do it all over again.
The WLD’s theme for 2023 is ‘Be Your Own Advocate.’ What does that mean to you?
Be true to yourself and stand up for your values and beliefs. It is also important to step up and be vocal about what does not work for you. Women especially need to hear this sometimes. Women can be accommodating and people pleasing, even when it is not what serves them the best. Women are 50% of the population, and they should be empowered to demand what works for them.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Living in Fishers and serving on the City Council or in some other public servant role. Whether as a Councilor or another role, I want to be growing the community and serving the taxpayers. Also, having multiple dogs.
Speaking of dogs, as the animal lover you are, who are your current fur babies?
I have a beagle named Sonny and two cats, Michael and Minnie.
member center
