Continuing our Common Circle Spotlight series, we’re highlighting a group that offers a unique kind of connection within the IndyBar community: the Sober/Sober-Curious Common Circle. In a profession where social events often revolve around alcohol, this circle creates space for attorneys who are exploring sobriety, maintaining it, or simply rethinking their relationship with drinking.

Centered on inclusivity and mutual support, the group brings members together for conversation, shared experiences, and alternative ways to connect without the expectation of alcohol. Whether someone is fully sober or just curious about what that lifestyle might look like, the circle provides a welcoming environment to engage without pressure or judgment.

In this spotlight, Eric Wood MA LCAC, from the Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program, shares his perspective on sobriety within the legal profession and how the Sober/Sober-Curious Common Circle can offer both community and clarity along the way.

As we close out 2025, the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Well-Being Committee is proud to reflect on a year of meaningful connection, support, and advocacy. While the legal profession continues to present unique challenges to mental health and work-life balance, our committee has worked diligently to ensure that no member faces these challenges alone.

Don’t miss these timely programs that blend holiday spirit with practical lessons on one of the most sensitive issues in legal practice. Sign up today!

While a fast-paced walk on the treadmill is always good for physical health, a quiet stroll through Indianapolis' smaller parks and green spaces is scientifically proven to promote mental well-being. Studies show we can decrease stress, improve mood, and cognitive function by reconnecting with nature, even in an urban setting.
Indianapolis is full of tucked-away outdoor spaces. Find one close to you and commit to connecting with nature at least once a day. The practice of finding a quiet bench, feeling the sun, and connecting with the natural elements, even for only a few brief minutes, can quiet the mind and increase focus.
 

The legal community is invited to attend the public robing ceremony of recently appointed Marion Superior Court Judge Tara Melton on Thursday, February 13 at 3:30 p.m. in the Community Justice Center’s Jury/Public Assembly Room. There will be open seating with additional standing room available. The ceremony is expected to last approximately 30 minutes. Registration is not required. Open seating will be first come, first serve beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Tara Melton has served as a Magistrate Judge, Family Relations Division, since 2021. Prior to her appointment as a magistrate judge, Melton served as the Director of Mediation for Child Advocates, Inc.  She also served in the Marion County Public Defenders Office for 6 years and previously maintained a private practice. A transplant from Florida, Melton has resided in Marion County since 2006. While practicing in Florida, Melton handled various family law cases. Melton received her Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law in 1994 and her undergraduate degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in 1991.

CLE Credits are due by midnight Dec. 31, 2024!

IndyBar is your home for convenient, cost-effective programming to complete your yearly CLE requirements. Check out our options for on-demand and in-person programming throughout the remainder of 2024. Members save 50% on seminar fees! Not a member? Join online or on-site at IndyBarHQ and get instant access to discounted programming!

Please join us as we honor the career of Judge Mark Stoner, prior to his retirement. Distinguished guests will present brief remarks along with closing thoughts from Judge Stoner. The ceremony will be Friday, December 13 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Justice Center’s Jury/Public Assembly Room. There will be open seating with additional standing room available. Registration is not required. Open seating will be first come, first serve beginning at 12:30 p.m. 

The Hon. Mark Stoner's Career
First elected to the bench in 2000, Judge Stoner's legal career spans nearly forty years including service on numerous community and professional organizations. Judge Stoner has overseen Criminal Court 6 of the Marion Superior Court since 2007. Before becoming a judge in 2000, he was Deputy Prosecutor for the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for 21 years. He earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia and his J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He chaired the IndyBar Standing Committee on Professionalism in 2014. He has served on the State Board of Directors for the Indiana Judicial Conference for over 20 years; sits on the Criminal Instructions Committee for the Indiana Judges Association;  and has served as State Chair for the Strategic Planning Committee and Probation Committee for the Indiana Judicial Conference. Additionally, Judge Stoner is a professional musician. After retirement, he plans to spend more time with his piano; his garden; and most importantly, his family. 

Attached are the following proposed amendments to the Marion County Local Court Rules and ask for comment from the bar and the public. Here is a summary of the changes:
 
The Marion Superior Court plans to convert D33 from a L6/misdemeanor court to a court with the following case types: ordinance violations, infractions and evictions. All D33 criminal cases will be randomly distributed amongst the remaining L6/misdemeanor courts and the current traffic OV and IF cases along with the civil OV and EV cases will be transferred into D33. 
 
The amended rule will be effective on August 31, 2024, or the date of approval by the Indiana Supreme Court. Comments to this proposed Local Rule amendment will be received through noon on August 29, 2024. Comments to this proposed amended Local Rule should be emailed to the Office of the Court Administrator, c/o Emily VanOsdol, at Emily.VanOsdol@indy.gov or mailed to: 
 
Emily VanOsdol 
Office of the Court Administrator 
Marion County Circuit and Superior Courts 
675 Justice Way Indianapolis, IN 46203
 

The legal community is invited to attend the public robing ceremony of recently appointed Marion Superior Court Judge Patricia McMath on Thursday, August 22 at 3:30 p.m. in the Community Justice Center’s Jury/Public Assembly Room. There will be open seating with additional standing room available. The ceremony is expected to last less than one hour. Registration is not required. Open seating will be first come, first serve beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Judge McMath serves as a magistrate for the Marion County Superior Courts civil division since 2021. Prior to her role as a magistrate, she worked in the Office of the Attorney General where she served as the assistant chief deputy. Judge McMath serves as a member of the judiciary’s Protection Order Committee and is chair of the IndyBar’s Standing Committee on Professionalism. She received an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law.