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.
   

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

MaryEllen Bishop has joined Lewis Wagner & Trimble LLP as a Partner. Her practice concentrates in estate planning, probate, and estate litigation.

Nicholas Brady has recently joined Lewis Wagner & Trimble LLP.

Tiffany J. Coleman has been elevated to partner at Barrow Brown Carrington PLLC. Her practice focuses on handling both high-conflict custody situations and sophisticated marital estates. Tiffany is also a registered mediator, parenting coordinator, and Guardian Ad Litem.

Kaylin Cook has joined McCarter & English LLP. She represents businesses and individuals in a wide range of commercial litigation including real estate, bankruptcy, and general business disputes.

Eric Doyle is the founding partner of Doyle Family Law LLC. As a former prosecutor for the special victims unit in Marion County, he brings a unique experience into his family law practice to support clients through a variety of difficult transitions.

Rachana Fischer has joined Elanco Animal Health as a litigation senior advisor.

Jill McGinnis has joined Kightlinger & Gray LLP. She's a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in litigation.

Elizabeth Roberson has joined Subaru of Indiana Automotive. She will serve as the senior legal counsel for labor and employment.

Meghan Ruesch has joined Travelers as senior counsel - claim legal.

Meet our newest member spotlight, Thakena Hogue from The Magi Group, a Law & Mediation Firm

     Self-nominations and nominations of colleagues are now being taken for the 2026 Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Bar Association. A variety of opportunities to lead are available with varying responsibilities and time commitments among the roles.

     The following vacancies exist for the coming year and must be filled by an attorney member:

• 1st Vice President (Also a member of the Executive Committee. Serves one-year term and will automatically assume the office of President-elect in 2027 and President in 2027.)

The 1st Vice President is in line to assume the presidency of the association with the full-time assistance of the Executive Director.  The 1st Vice President is a member of the leadership team with direct influence over the success of the association $2+ million operating budget, 12-person staff, and services and programs provided to nearly 5,000 members. The average monthly time commitment of the 1st Vice President is 4-6 hours.

• Treasurer (Also a member of the Executive Committee. Serves a two-year term, 2026 and 2027.)

The Treasurer works with the Associate Executive Director to maintain the finances of the Association. An independent annual audit is conducted and monthly financial reports are produced for Treasurer review and board acceptance. The Treasurer also makes themselves available to review and sign semi-monthly payables. Along with the Associate Executive Director the Treasurer monitors accounts receivable and budgetary goals. The Treasurer serves as co-chair of the Audit and Investment Committee with the Foundation Treasurer.  The Treasurer also reviews for approval all budget needs and requests.  The average monthly time commitment for the Treasurer is 2-3 hours.

• At-Large Director (There are five positions available, each two-year terms, 2026 and 2027.)

At-Large Directors are involved and engaged in determining policies, procedures, and regulations for the Association. The monthly time commitment of an at-large director is 2-3 hours per month. The Board of Directors, which is made up of 33 members of the association, meets monthly with the Executive Committee members meeting additionally every six weeks. Tasked with setting and the policies of the Association and guiding the implementation of the association’s strategic plan, the board of directors has the opportunity to provide meaningful impact on the success of our Indianapolis legal community.

All members of the Board of Directors are expected to provide active and visible support for the association’s programs and services and visibly support the activities of the association on a monthly basis including special events and the Bench Bar Conference. Board members are also expected to support the Indianapolis Bar Foundation with a financial contribution within their individual means. Members of the board also attend an overnight retreat each November for the purpose of training and planning.

     Self-nomination for board consideration is encouraged, as are nominations of colleagues. The interest form is brief and is found online here. Deadline to submit is Friday, August 15, 2025. The Nominating Committee will select an inclusive slate of nominees which reflects our community while recognizing current and previous leadership and service to the Indianapolis Bar Association.

     Should any member wish to bypass the nominating committee process, the petition for independent nomination which requires written support of fifty members of the association may be found on the association’s website. 

Picture this: You’re a 1L deep in the trenches of Civil Procedure, Contracts, and Torts. You’ve finally figured out where the library’s quietest corners are, your outlines are slowly starting to make sense, and you’re just beginning to breathe again after surviving your first round of law school exams. Then it hits you. Summer is coming.

And with it comes the need to take everything you’ve been learning in the classroom and apply it to the real world. That’s when you realize something important. Legal knowledge alone isn’t enough.

There’s a whole other dimension to this profession that doesn’t always show up in textbooks or exams. It is critical to building a meaningful, sustainable career. Let’s call it what it is: networking.

Read more.

As immigration enforcement actions continue to impact families and communities across our region, attorneys are increasingly called upon to provide guidance, support, and legal protection to those at risk. In response to this urgent need, the Hispanic Lawyers Division through IndyBar is hosting a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar titled “When ICE Knocks: Legal Strategies for Safety and Preparedness.” We invite our colleagues in the legal profession to join for this timely and essential event.

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