IndyBar Committees

IndyBar Committees take on important business and initiatives on behalf of the association. These groups sizes vary in size of members, length of volunteer commitment and nature of work, but all offer volunteers a meaningful way to contribute their efforts for the betterment of the bar and the Indy legal community.

Current Committees

Audit and Investments Committee
The Audit and Investments Committee oversees the performance of the annual audit, monitors the performance of the investment managers, and receives reports for recommendation to the Board of Directors. Total time committee is typically one meeting per quarter lasting up to 2 hours and periodic review of documents. Committee Chair: Taylor Kirklin, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Bar Leader Series Committee
The Bar Leader Series Committee guides the planning and execution of the Bar Leader Series, a leadership development program for attorneys in their third to tenth year of practice. Total time commitment is usually focused in the summer months with planning meetings and class selection which can take up to two afternoons.  Each committee member is also responsible for assisting in the planning and execution of a class session which lasts an afternoon. Co-Chairs: The Hon. Jennifer Harrison, Marion Superior Court and State Representative Ed DeLaney, DeLaney & DeLaney

Bench Bar Conference Committee
The Bench Bar Conference Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of IndyBar's annual Bench Bar Conference. The conference will be held at the French Lick Resort and Casino June 11-13, 2026 before we move to the Seelbach Hilton in Louisville, KY for 2027 and 2028!  Committee Co-Chairs:  The Hon. Melanie Kendrick of the Marion Superior Court and Brett Thomas of CohenMalad LLP 

Grievance Committee
The Grievance Committee, comprised of about 30 local practicing attorneys and separated into four different panels, investigates complaints filed to the Disciplinary Commission. Volunteer attorneys are needed to assist in investigations of complaints.  Time commitment is 1-2 hours per month maximum.  Committee Chair: Tina Bell, Christie Bell & Marshall

Lambda Committee
The Lambda Committee aims to cultivate a thriving and visible community for LGBTQ+ lawyers, judges, paralegals, and law students within the bar association and broader legal community through networking opportunities, civic engagement, resource sharing, and educational programs. Meetings are held every other month. Annual commitment for volunteers should not exceed 2 hours per quarter and additional program planning could add up to 2 hours per month of independent work. Committee Chair: Scott Gill, Lancaster Gill Attorneys

Inclusion & Accountability Committee
The Inclusion & Accountability Committee is committed to increasing minority representation in the legal profession. The committee engages with minority bar associations, legal organizations, and law schools to raise awareness about the association’s mission, opportunities and commitment to a profession reflects the communities we serve. Committee Chair: Ranissa Dycus, American Senior Communities

Paralegal Committee
The Paralegal Committee guides the planning and execution of events and initiatives on behalf of and for the benefit of IndyBar paralegal members. Meetings are held when an opportunity is identified. Annual commitment for volunteers should not exceed 1 hour per quarter and additional program planning could add up to 2 hours per month of independent work. Contact Deneen Fitzgerald for more information.

Public Advocacy/Legislative Committee
The Public Advocacy/Legislative Committee monitors legislation on behalf of the association, alerting members to items of interest and coordinating the IndyBar's response to potential legislation. The bulk of volunteer effort is December - March or May depending on the legislative session. Standing update calls are held on Friday mornings at 8 a.m. during the General Assembly. Hours per month shouldn't exceed three. Committee Chair: Lacey Berkshire, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

Professionalism Committee
IndyBar's Standing Committee on Professionalism oversees the association's professionalism efforts, Indy Attorneys' Network, Mentor Connect, and is tasked with working to improve public confidence and trust in lawyers through activities that (a) promote positive lawyer images in the Indianapolis community and (b) educate members and the public on how to avoid those circumstances that can lead to client distrust and dissatisfaction. Monthly meetings are held lasting 1 hour and additional program planning could add up to 2 hours per month of independent work. PROGRAMS ADMINISTERED BY MASTERS DIVISION IN 2025 - contact Sarah Hicks for more information.

Pro Bono and Public Outreach Committee
The Pro Bono and Public Outreach Committee monitors, operates and evaluates the IndyBar's pro bono initiatives and identifies future opportunities for pro bono service and involvement. Pro bono programs focus on attorneys offering individual service to members of the public on case-specific needs often in coordination with a Marion County legal service organization that has financially pre-qualified the individual. Monthly meetings are held lasting 1 hour and additional program planning could add up to 2 hours per month of independent work. Opportunities also exist to chair the various outreach programs offered by the bar which typically require 4-6 hours in the month or two before the event. It also monitors, operates and evaluates the IndyBar's public outreach activities and identifies future opportunities for support service and involvement. Public outreach programs do not involve specific case representation. Instead, general legal advice programs or community service projects are staffed. Examples include the Virtual Help Desk and more. Monthly meetings are held lasting 1 hour and additional program planning could add up to 2 hours per month of independent work. Opportunities also exist to chair the various outreach programs offered by the bar which typically require 4-6 hours in the month or two before the event. Committee Chair: Russell Brown, Clark Quinn Moses Scott & Grahn LLP

Rule of Law Committee
The Rule of Law Committee was created by the Indianapolis Bar Association with the mission of making the Rule of Law ever-present, relevant, and accessible to both legal professionals and the public. The Committee and its initiative focuses on education, collaboration, and serving as a resource for lawyers, volunteers, and citizens. Opportunities also exist to participate in the various outreach programs offered by the bar which typically require 4-6 hours in the month or two before the event. Committee Chairs: Christine Hickey, Rubin & Levin PC and Travis Jensen, Johnson Jensen LLP

Wellness/Helping Enrich Attorneys' Lives (HEAL)
HEAL reaches out to members of the Indy legal community who are experiencing personal crises like health issues. Volunteers communicate with the member to determine how the bar could help and ultimately organize assistance. Time commitment is very minimal and completely flexible. Committee Chair: Rani Amani, Ice Miller LLP

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