IndyBar is saddened to announce the passing of John C. Trimble, Lewis Wagner & Trimble LLP. John passed in the early hours today, July 2, with his family by his side. He was a pillar of Indiana's legal community with a pure adoration of the law and its practitioners. In 2024, he was recognized as the recipient of IndyBar's most prestigious honor, the Luminary Award. He also served as the 2015 president of the Indianapolis Bar Association and was a Distinguished and Life Fellow of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation. John will be dearly missed. 

John's memorial service will take place on July 9, 2025. You can read his obituary and get all other information regarding the service here: https://www.flannerbuchanan.com/obituaries/john-trimble

Thank you to this quarters volunteers:
This quarter, the Appellate Institute heard 5 moot arguments. Thank you to the following individuals for serving as volunteers this quarter:
Samuel Adams, Indiana Disability Rights; Tawfig Ali, Ali Law Practice LLC; Bryan Babb, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP; Brad Catlin, Williams Law Group LLC; Casey Farrington, Marion County Public Defender Agency; Talisha Griffin, Marion County Public Defender Agency; Michelle Harter, Lekse Harter LLC; Carol Joven, Williams Law Group LLC; Kevin Koons, Kroger Gardis & Regas LLP; Peter Laramore, Marion County Public Defender Agency; Mark Leeman, Leeman Law Office; Mike Limrick, Hoover Hull Turner LLP; Sarah Medlin, Marion County Public Defender Agency; Sarah Parks, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law; Stephen Peters, Kroger Gardis & Regas LLP; Joel Schumm, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law; Jenna Shives, Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC; Josh Tatum, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP; Chris Taylor-Price, Taylor Price Law LLC; Judy Woods, Judy L. Woods Law LLC.

We also thank the following volunteers for coordinating the moot cases in addition to serving as volunteer judges:
Bryan Babb, Bose McKinney & Evans LLP; Talisha Griffin, Marion County Public Defender Agency; Sarah Medlin, Marion County Public Defender Agency; Stephen Peters, Kroger Gardis & Regas LLP; Josh Tatus, Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP.

How can I moot my case?
Attorneys with cases scheduled for oral argument interested in using the Indiana Appellate Institute can make a request at indybar.org/iaimoot. Requests should be made at least three weeks before a scheduled oral argument, although later requests will be considered.

How can I get involved?
If interested in becoming a volunteer judge for the Indiana Appellate Institute, complete this form: indybar.org/IAInewvolunteer.

Hon. James K. Snyder
Marion Superior Court, Criminal Division D32

How long have you been a Marion Superior Court judge, Judicial officer?
I was appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb and began my term January 1, 2025. Before that, I was appointed Magistrate/Commissioner on March 23, 2015.

Other projects, committees, or service roles you are involved in off the bench?
Newly elected to the Judicial Conference Board of Directors, appointed to the Marion County Community Corrections Advisory Board, IOCS Criminal Benchbook Committee, Indianapolis Bar Association's Board of Directors, and IndyBar's Criminal Justice Section Executive Committee.

Best tip you have for lawyers appearing in your court or criminal law courts in general?
Be on time or let us know why you cannot be. Be fully prepared and anticipate the questions the court will ask that will be important for that particular hearing.

You mentor(s) and the greatest insight you gained from them?
There are so many to name, and I feel like I learn insight or something new from everyone I meet. But I would pick my parents, who instilled in me my work ethic and passion for public service. They always told me, "education is something that can't be taken away from you," so I continue to try to learn each day.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I've always found my outlets to be getting outdoors and music. So, I spend a lot of my free time with my wife hiking (at least one hike a month for at least the last five years) and going to live concerts. I also love spending time with my nieces (4 years old and 2 years old).

If you weren't a judge, what would you be doing?
In a dream world, I would be traveling the world with my wife. But realistically, I'd still be practicing law and likely still in criminal law. I still find it interesting. Plus, I've hear bourbon and hiking/camping don't pay the bills.

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.

• We’re less than two weeks away from our luncheon featuring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Those with tickets to attend this sold-out event take note, we are asking that no bags (handbags, backpacks, etc.) be brought to the event. All bags will be subject to search, so for ease of access for everyone please do not bring bags to the event.
• I’m certain the more than 300 happy Bench Bar Conference guests join me in thanking The Hon. Amber Collins-Gebrehiwet and Elizabeth “Biz” Walker, conference co-chairs, for putting on one of the most outstanding conferences in the 31-year history of the event. Thanks also go to the planning committee for organizing and/or hosting excellent CLE programming and recreation events: Magistrate Yoni Moise, Jake Bradley, Nakena Cane, Ryan Cassman, Bri Clark, Morgan Decker, Star Martinez, Monica McCoskey, Amanda Mulrooney, Mason Riley, and Bob York. Appreciation also to the more than 30 speakers who made our CLE fun and educational. Mark your calendars now for Bench Bar Conference 2026 set for June 11-13. It’s the last year of our current contract with the hotel, so I have no doubt our IndyBar staff will be pulling out the stops to make it a special one.
• 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. Believe me the time commitment is very manageable and the networking and visibility you gain for your practice is immeasurable.

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

Tina Korty recently joined Elevance Health and is now the Staff Vice President.

Megan Lewis is now the owner of Lacy Law Office LLC, where she practices exclusively in the area of family law.

Emily Sery has joined Kopka Pinkus Dolin.

Ahsan Sohail has joined Quarles & Brady LLP. Ahsan assists with all aspects of domestic and foreign patent prosecution, including patent and claim drafting, office action responses, clearance reports and patentability analysis. He represents clients in a variety of technologies, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, smart manufacturing, mechanical systems and devices.

Christopher Stake has joined Sanctuary Wealth as in-house counsel.

Caitlin Wilkinson is now at the Office of Corporation Counsel as a litigation attorney.

Meet our newest Member Spotlight, Mag. Terrance Tharpe

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a fellow high-performer: a dealmaker, a litigator, a lawyer living on coffee, deadlines, and adrenaline. I get it. I’m a civil litigator at a mid-sized firm. Between my job and parenting my boys Zayn (age 4) and Zulfi (age 2), I often feel pulled in too many directions and overwhelmed. But here’s the truth: one of the most productive habits I’ve developed this year has nothing to do with the law—it’s taking short walks.

This is a joint column co-written monthly by the Chairs of the Masters Division and Young Lawyers Division to compare, contrast, and relate practicing law 25+ years ago to practicing law today. Each column will examine a new general subject. Today, Monica and Scott discuss challenges for newer lawyers addressing sensitive questions with senior lawyers.

In this three hour CLE, you will start with practice tips from Curt Hochbein and Tom Blackwell concerning the intersection of state court litigation and bankruptcy actions. They cover, among other things, the effects of the bankruptcy stay, the preclusive (or not preclusive) effect of state court judgments in bankruptcy proceedings, and what happens when a debtor fails to disclose an action in bankruptcy court then tries to pursue that action in state court. The tips are invaluable for dealing with some common and some not so common issues that arise when state court litigation and bankruptcy collide.

Learn more

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.

• IndyBar will celebrate Juneteenth at the Bench Bar Conference Friday luncheon with a program highlighting its historical significance and the connection between emancipation and financial freedom. We’ll then hear a panel discussion on the current economic landscape, including the effects of tariffs on small businesses and the broader economic impact on African Americans and other minority communities. IndyBarHQ will be closed on Friday, June 20 instead to be certain we’re able to support members traveling to the Bench Bar Conference on the holiday.
• The Masters Division has relaunched the Mentor Connect Program, a FREE mentorship platform available to all IndyBar members. Mentor Connect provides limited practical and professional guidance particularly for new lawyers, lawyers changing practice areas, and lawyers who have been practicing elsewhere who have recently been licensed in Indiana. Specifics are on the website.
• Early career lawyers between 3 and 10 years of practice are encouraged to submit an application to join Bar Leader Series Class 21 which will begin in mid-September. The program features bi-monthly morning programs featuring local and state leaders to help build leadership skills and professional networking. Visit www.indybar.org/barleaderseries to learn more.
• Congratulations and thank you to Sarah Hicks, IndyBar Program Coordinator, who celebrated her 1st anniversary with us on June 10. Sarah has been an outstanding addition to our team. Grateful to have benefit of her talent and skills.