The IndyBar President’s Update is a regular feature where we share what’s been happening behind the scenes, celebrate wins, and give you a sense of where we’re headed. It’s a way to keep everyone in the loop, reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, and look ahead to what’s next.

• Just a reminder, the association’s nominating committee is requesting applications of interest for the 2026 Board of Directors. Donnie Morgan of Taft is chairing the committee. Vacancies to be filled include five (5) Directors, Treasurer, and 1st Vice President (2028 President). The short form can be found at www.indybar.org/nominate and applications are being accepted through August 15. Believe me the time commitment is very manageable and the networking and visibility you gain for your practice is immeasurable.
• Our sections and divisions are a great place to network and share your time.  Many will have open opportunities in the coming months that take less than two hours per month. Interested in sharing a bit of your time? Email iba@indybar.org noting, “Want to learn more about sections/divisions” to receive more information. No obligation! Just information.
• The Indianapolis Bar Foundation Annual Day of Giving is coming up on September 30. This is our opportunity to take a few dollars and turn them into big benefits for our community. Keep your eyes open for how you can be part of lasting impact.
• Want to promote a local business to the bar? There’s no better way than being a part of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation Silent Auction. It’s not too late to encourage small business owners to reach out the bar foundation to learn how to be involved. All they need to do is email jarmstrong@indybar.org by August 4 to get started.
   

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued new guidance that significantly streamlines investor verification for companies raising capital through private offerings, particularly benefiting private funds. This clarification, detailed in a March 12, 2025, no-action letter to Latham & Watkins LLP, addresses a long-standing challenge within Rule 506(c) of Regulation D.

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Congratulations to these IndyBar members on their accomplishments! Have something to share? Email Becca Lienemann to be featured.

Allissa Aardema has recently joined Kightlinger & Gray LLP. She has previously worked on title defense litigation, business transactions, and advised corporate clients on a variety of matters.

Marina Blackburn was recently named in the Indianapolis Business Journal's 2025 Class of 20 in Their Twenties. As an associate at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, her practice focuses on assisting clients on a variety of financing and project development matters. Congratulations!

Jasbir Dhani was recently named in the Indianapolis Business Journal's 2025 Class of 20 in Their Twenties. He currently works as the Chief Legal Officer of VisaMadeEZ. Congratulations!

Conner Dickerson is now a staff attorney for the Indiana Supreme Court's Office of Judicial and Attorney Regulation. Conner helps investigate and litigate cases of attorney and judicial misconduct on behalf of the Disciplinary and Judicial Qualifications Commissions.

Samuel Fife is starting a new position at Banks Brower LLC. He is a former prosecutor turned criminal defense attorney, dedicated to defending clients and helping them move forward through expungements and experienced legal advocacy.

Thomas Hanahan is now practicing at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. His practice focuses on real estate, real estate finance, and capital markets.

Alexis Martinez was recently named in the Indianapolis Business Journal's 2025 Class of 20 in Their Twenties. As an associate at Dentons, she advises businesses on compliance with various data privacy and cybersecurity laws, internal governance, risks assessments, and data breach mitigation and response. Congratulations!

Meet our newest member spotlight, Emily Chimenti!

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson visited Indianapolis on July 10th as the featured guest of a sold-out luncheon hosted by the Indianapolis Bar Association at the Indiana Convention Center. The event marked the first time a sitting Supreme Court Justice has headlined an Indianapolis Bar Association event, and the legal community showed up in full force to welcome her.

The Hon. Doris L. Pryor of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit introduced both Justice Jackson and the Hon. Jane Magnus-Stinson of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, who moderated the conversation. The discussion touched on topics spanning Justice Jackson’s personal and professional journey.

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The Indianapolis Bar Association’s Women and the Law Division (WLD) is set to host its much-anticipated Summer Reception on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the historic and stylish Tinker House on the near north side of Indianapolis. The event promises to be an evening of meaningful connection, inspiration, and recognition—celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in the legal profession.

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As IndyBar’s Day of Giving approaches this year, I urge you to ask yourself one question - what has IndyBar given me? As a leader in IndyBar (and past president of its charitable arm, the IndyBar Foundation), I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the impact it has made on my life. I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for IndyBar. Embracing the organization has given me:

Read to find out!

Meet our newest Member Spotlight, Mag. Michelle Waymire

The Indianapolis Bar Foundation, funded by donations from the local legal community, recently gifted $35,000 to Exodus Refugee, a nonprofit organization that focuses on assisting refugees’ legal needs when coming to Indiana. The foundation is the charitable arm of the Indianapolis Bar Association.

Congratulations to these IndyBar members on their accomplishments! Have something to share? Email Becca Lienemann to be featured.

Mark Busby has recently joined Banks & Brower. Mark is an accomplished trial attorney with 25 years litigation experience.

Debra Mastrian is starting a new position as Deputy General Counsel at American Senior Communities.

Kevin Oschman has joined Allegion.

Sarah Shields has been appointed as magistrate to the Hamilton Superior Courts 1 and 2.

Jodi Schurtter is now practicing at Schurtter Law PC.

Brett B. Thomas was recently named partner at Cohen Malad Trial Lawyers. His practice includes representing small and large businesses across the state of Indiana in a variety of disputes involving vendors, contractors, landlords, employees and more.

Aarti Wolenski is now at Kids' Voice of Indiana.