As our Common Circle Spotlight series continues, we turn to a group centered on a life stage many attorneys find themselves navigating. It is commonly referred to as the “Sandwich Generation.” Balancing the responsibilities of caring for both aging parents and growing children can be both rewarding and overwhelming, especially alongside the demands of an active legal practice. Our Sandwich Generation Common Circle offers a space for members to connect over those shared experiences and challenges.

Through open conversation and mutual understanding, this Common Circle provides an opportunity to share insights, resources, and support with others facing similar pressures. It’s a reminder that no one has to manage these competing responsibilities alone, and that community can make a meaningful difference.

In this spotlight, Emily Kile-Maxwell reflects on her experience balancing family and career, and how being part of this Common Circle can help you navigate the complexities of the Sandwich Generation.

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

Allissa Aardema recently left Kightlinger & Gray and joined Paganelli Law Group. Allissa focuses her practice on civil litigation, with a concentration on professional liability and real estate law.

Evan Carr recently left Hoover Hull Turner and joined Gordon Rees Scully Mansukkani LLP. Evan is a trial and appellate lawyer representing clients in complex business and commercial disputes in a variety of industries.

Annie M. Chey-Sluss was recently highlighted for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as a member leader of APABA-IN.

Daniel Faust recently left Amundsen Davis and joined Stoll Keenon Ogden. Daniel represents businesses and individuals in commercial, real estate, and tort litigation.

Kristen Gentry Klos recently left Hooper Lundy & Bookman PC joined Levia Law Group LLC. Kristen has a depth of knowledge and experience regarding Medicaid Supplemental Payment programs.

Join us June 11-13 in French Lick for Bench Bar 2026, where members of the bench and bar come together for CLE, networking, and meaningful professional connection. This year’s program features keynote presentations from Super Bowl champion Gary Brackett on adaptability and David "DJ" Gross on practical AI skills, along with breakout sessions covering topics like digital assets, crimmigration, voir dire strategy, and judicial best practices. With opportunities to unwind through golf, pickleball, yoga, and evening social events, the conference blends practical learning with the chance to strengthen relationships across the legal community.

Learn more at indybar.org/benchbar.

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

Moawia AlMahareeq has recently started his own practice, Mo AlMachareeq Law LLC. Moawia focuses his practice on criminal law, defense, family law, and civil litigation.

Jarrod Malone has recently joined Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker. Jarrod has extensive experience representing clients in medical malpractice, general liability, commercial litigation, breach of contract, medical staff, administrative proceedings, and employment-related matters.

Sarah Rain recently joined Summit School Services. Her practice focuses on all aspects of traditional labor law, counseling employers on a wide range of federal and state labor law issues, including the administration of collective bargaining agreements, unfair labor practices, labor negotiations, and organizing campaigns for all businesses from large multi-national corporations to single facility family-owned businesses.

Bryan Smith recently departed the Johnson County Prosecutor's Office and joined Maryan Uliana & Smith. Bryan is dedicated to assisting those charged with misdemeanor offenses, from drunk driving to theft, and felony offenses, from drug possession and dealing to violent offenses. Bryan currently serves as the chair of IndyBar's Criminal Justice Section. 

Clarissa Walstrom was recently named partner at FBT Gibbons. Clarissa assists corporate clients in structuring, negotiating and documenting complex business transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, reorganizations, and capital and finance transactions. She also regularly assists clients with forming new businesses, restructuring existing partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, nonprofit corporations and professional corporations, and executing fundraising transactions.

An extraordinary afternoon of law, storytelling, and Hoosier history awaits as one of the nation’s most respected criminal defense attorneys and 2009 IndyBar Past President Jim Voyles, in conversation with 2018 Past President James Bell and Jim’s co-author Mark Bourcier gather with guests to discuss Jim’s new memoir, ALL RISE: My Life and Trials with the Famous, the Infamous, and the Misunderstood. The lunch promises a rare look inside some of the most compelling cases of the last half-century. Guests will enjoy the discussion over lunch at Ruth's Chris Steak House, making it an even more special event.

Read more, or jump right in to register today.

Recently, Bianca Eddy had a chance to sit down with Jodie Velasco, to discuss her life, career, and involvement in WLD. We hope you enjoy getting to meet our April member!

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.

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

Glenn Bowman has recently started his own firm, Bowman Legal Group. Glenn focuses on business litigation environmental law, and insurance issues.

Erica Drew has recently joined Republic Airways as Commercial Counsel. 

Philip Fowler has recently joined Paganelli Law Group. Phil is an experienced business attorney with a demonstrated history of serving corporate clients in a wide variety of complex litigation and transactional matters.

Wade Fulford recently joined Kightlinger & Gray LLP. Wade is a seasoned litigator who possesses a wide range of legal experience, drawing upon his knowledge to provide strategic solutions for clients.

Alexandria Sons has recently joined Gibson Legal Group. Alexandria is a seasoned appellate advocate who helps clients navigate complicated legal issues.

An extraordinary afternoon of law, storytelling, and Hoosier history awaits as one of the nation’s most respected criminal defense attorneys and 2009 IndyBar Past President Jim Voyles, in conversation with 2018 Past President James Bell and Jim’s co-author Mark Bourcier gather with guests to discuss Jim’s new memoir, ALL RISE: My Life and Trials with the Famous, the Infamous, and the Misunderstood. The lunch promises a rare look inside some of the most compelling cases of the last half-century. Guests will enjoy the discussion over lunch at Ruth's Chris Steak House, making it an even more special event.

For decades, Jim has been among the top lawyers nationally that people call when the stakes could not be higher. Licensed in Indiana since 1968, he has built a reputation as a fearless courtroom advocate and a strategist with a keen courtroom instinct. He has represented clients internationally, throughout the U.S., and has been recognized repeatedly among Indiana’s top attorneys. 
Countless stories will be told but among them is likely to be Jim’s representation of former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson during the fighter’s Indiana legal troubles in the early 2000s, a case that brought national media attention. Another chapter of his career includes representing sports figures connected to Indiana’s passionate athletic culture, from members of the Indiana Pacers to Indianapolis Colts personalities to IndyCar and NASCAR champions. Jim’s name became synonymous with high-pressure defense work, where every statement and motion could become breaking news. Even so, the book reveals not only headline-making trials but also the quieter human dramas that shape the justice system every day.

Friends and colleagues often describe Jim as more than a courtroom tactician. His love of family is readily apparent. He is known for his quick wit, deep loyalty, and passions outside the law including automobiles and the Indianapolis 500. His extensive car collection and racing enthusiasm reveal a side of Jim far removed from the tension of criminal trials. 

That contrast may be what makes this event especially compelling. Here is a man who has stood beside clients during their darkest hours, yet who can also recount the absurdity, humanity, and occasional humor that accompanies long legal battles. In conversation with Bell and Bourcier, Jim is expected to reflect on lessons learned about justice, reputation, and redemption.

For true-crime fans, legal professionals, and lovers of Indiana history, this promises to be much more than a book talk. It is a chance to hear firsthand from a lawyer who has not merely witnessed history but helped shape it. Registration is open now at www.indybar.org/reflections and all attendees will receive a copy of the book. Note, seating is limited, so don’t delay.

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

Congratulations to these members recently honored as members of the 2026 Indianapolis Business Journal’s Forty Under 40:

Kimberly S. DalSanto of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP
Burnell K. “BJ” Grimes of Carrier Global Corporation
Jennifer J. Hostetter of Connell Michael LLP
Kyle Resetarits of Dentons
Forty Under 40 Alumni Award Winner: Robert Hicks, Managing Partner of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Joan Blackwell was recently named Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Latitude Legal. She leads efforts to strengthen the organization through strategic hiring, partner development, and scalable onboarding and training programs.

Paul Mackowski recently joined Stoll Kennon Ogden PLLC as a Member. His practice represents businesses, financial institutions, and individuals in complex commercial and consumer disputes, guiding clients from pre‑litigation investigation and negotiations through trial and appeal.

Jon McDonald recently joined the Indiana Office of Inspector General. He is the Chief Deputy Inspector General over Enforcement.

Rachel McNeely has joined Szczepkowski Law LLC as a paralegal. She has deep knowledge and experience as a family law paralegal to the firm, based in Ft. Wayne.

Suzannah Wilson Overholt has joined Stoll Kennon Odgen PLLC as a Member of the firm’s Health Care & Labor Employment practice groups. She counsels hospitals, physician groups, behavioral health providers, and other health care entities on licensing and regulatory compliance, commercial and corporate transactions, governance, personnel matters, and facility zoning.

Devin Zimmerman has become an Associate at Krieg DeVault LLP’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Services. He focuses his practice on business litigation. He represents clients and fiduciaries with a range of matters involving construction litigation, civil rights, administrative law, complex federal litigation, general business disputes, and employment disputes.