Community is important, and being an active member in your community benefits you and those around you. A strong sense of community can help lower feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, being part of a positive community can help provide a sense of purpose, belonging, and self-worth. You don’t have to volunteer at a soup kitchen to be a part of a community. Simply taking time to connect with those around you helps you create community.

This second installment in our Common Circle Spotlight series takes a closer look at one group centered on something many attorneys are navigating, yet don’t always discuss openly - mental health. While the legal profession can be demanding and, at times, isolating, the Mental Health Common Circle offers a space where members can connect more honestly about those challenges.

Through shared experiences and open conversation, this Common Circle creates an environment where attorneys can step outside the pressures of daily practice and find support among peers who understand. It’s not about having all the answers, but about creating room for dialogue, reflection, and a stronger sense of balance within both professional and personal lives.

In this Common Circle Spotlight, Victoria Veen shares her perspective on practicing law while prioritizing mental well-being, and how being part of this community has shaped her journey.

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

John DeRoss recently joined Jackson Lewis PC. His practice focuses on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventative advice and counseling.

Megan M. Lewis recently joined Emswiller Williams Noland & Clarke LLC as an associate on March 1, 2026. Megan focuses her practice on family law and is a registered Guardian ad Litem.

Pamela Paige was recently named by Indianapolis Monthly to its 2026 list of Top Lawyers. Congratulations!

Shana Paula is now at Brown Carrington PLLC. Shana is an accomplished litigation attorney with experience in family law, constitutional law, international human rights, and alternative dispute resolution.

Gretchen Russell is now at Oakridge Retirement Benefits Law. She has experience in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act as she works in the retirement and executive compensations space.

Drew Strobel was recently promoted to Vice President and General Counsel at Sterling Group, Inc. Drew oversees Sterling's legal affairs in all aspects of the business.

We're showing love to some of our incredible paralegals. The following paralegals are being honored by their attorney via a donation to the IndyBar Foundation. You can learn more about the foundation at indybarfoundation.org. Celebrate these paralegals on LinkedIn.

Roxanne Lorati

“The prosecutor has more control over life, liberty, and reputation than any other person in America. His discretion is tremendous. . .. While the prosecutor at his best is one of the most beneficent forces in our society, when he acts from malice or other base motives, he is one of the worst.” The immortal words of former Attorney General Robert H. Jackson are just as true, and as powerful, as when he first spoke to the assembled leadership of the U.S. Department of Justice. His speech made clear that the attorneys entrusted with authority to act on behalf of the United States must hold to the highest of ethical and professional standards to maintain public trust and the rule of law.

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

R. Daniel Faust recently became Counsel to the Firm at Stoll Keenon & Ogden PLLC, where he practices in business litigation. He represents businesses and individuals in commercial, real estate, and tort litigation, bringing significant trial experience. His practice also includes labor and employment disputes and a broad range of commercial matters across industries such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Jennifer Jansen recently transitioned to the Indiana Department of Administration's Procurement Team as a Procurement Director. Personnel in the IDOA manage procurement processes for the state such as competitive bidding, negotiated bidding, requests for information, services, and proposals.

Johnson Jensen LLP and Williams Law Group LLC have merged to form Johnson Jensen Williams. With more than 150 years of combined experience, JJW’s team of eight attorneys is dedicated to representing injured individuals and families. The firm will continue to focus on personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other complex legal matters, bringing both expertise and relentless advocacy to every case.

Paul Mackowski recently joined Stoll Keenon & Ogden PLLC as a member representing businesses, financial institutions, and individuals in complex commercial and consumer disputes. His practice includes business litigation, internal investigations, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights matters across a range of industries.

Keith Mundrick recently joined Stoll Keenon & Ogden PLLC as a member advising businesses, financial institutions, nonprofits, and individuals on complex commercial finance, real estate, and strategic risk matters under Indiana law.
 

Finding meaningful ways to connect within a large professional community can make all the difference, and that’s exactly where Common Circles come in. These small, member-driven groups offer a more personal way for IndyBar members to engage, bringing attorneys together around shared interests, experiences, and practice areas.

Whether it’s discussing the nuances of family law, prioritizing mental health, navigating the challenges of the “sandwich generation,” exploring sober or sober-curious lifestyles, or simply getting outside for a bit, Common Circles create space for genuine connection. Designed to foster stronger relationships and ongoing support, they help build a sense of community within the broader IndyBar network. 

In this Common Circle Spotlight, Travis Van Winkle speaks about his experience with the practice of law and a personal journey with mental health. 

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

Lisa Arnold recently joined Stoll Keenon & Ogden PLLC as an associate within the healthcare practice group. She represents healthcare providers in complex litigation matters, with a focus on medical malpractice and wrongful death claims in highly regulated care settings.

Andrew Kirtley recently joined Stoll Keenon & Ogden PLLC. Andrew represents businesses in civil litigation from the earliest stages of claim investigation through final resolution.

Eric Speer recently joined Barnes & Thornburg LLP as an associate. He represents clients in complex healthcare transactions, centering on advising health systems, physician practices, and businesses navigating regulatory and commercial matters.

The IndyBar Well-Being Committee is excited to introduce its programming for the coming year. Our goal is simple: to support the well-being of lawyers and legal professionals while building meaningful connections within the IndyBar community.

The practice of law is deeply rewarding, but it can also be demanding. The Well-Being Committee was created to provide resources, programming, and opportunities for connection that help lawyers sustain both their professional and personal well-being.

Throughout the year, the Committee will offer programming focused on different dimensions of well-being, along with opportunities to connect socially and serve our legal community.
 

Meet our newest member spotlight, Magistrate Yoni Mosie.