When I joined IndyBar as a law student, I never imagined how deeply it would influence my career. Today, as I reflect, I’m reminded how much my membership has played a pivotal role in shaping my career. Offering me more than just CLE opportunities—it has provided mentorship, leadership opportunities, and a community that has propelled my growth. Here’s how IndyBar has been a game-changer for me, and why I believe IndyBar is a MUST for any legal professional in Central Indiana.

Meet IndyBar's next Member Spotlight, Breanna Davis!

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

Andrew Manna of Church Church Hittle & Antrim  recently assumed the role of Chair during the 2024 National School Attorneys Association (NSAA) Annual Conference. NSAA works to unite and support legal advocates working on behalf of our nation's public schools. Congratulations, Andrew.

Marion County voters wanting to learn more about Marion Superior Court candidates can now visit www.indyjudges.org for more information. The website contains biographies, photos and the recommendations of both the Marion County Judicial Selection Committee and the Indianapolis Bar Association. Both organizations have recommended all Marion County judges on the ballot receive a “yes” vote for retention.

IndyBar's Appellate Practice Section has recommended all three Justices be put up for retention on the Hoosier Ballot this fall.

"Our Section includes appellate attorneys who are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, but the activities of the group are non-partisan and impartial. In our personal and collective experience, we believe these three Justices are exceptional jurists, who emphasize and respect the rule of law and the highest ethical standards. If these three Justices are not retained, our appellate system would grind to a halt until such time as our judicial nominating process would eventually work towards finding their replacements."

Their full letter is attached.

Attorney leaders of the Indianapolis Bar Association are urging the retention of all eighteen Marion Superior Court judges on the November ballot. Based on the results of a 2024 survey conducted by the bar, the association is recommending a “Yes” vote for those judges required by law to stand for retention (approval or rejection by Marion County voters).

Those judges include Linda E. Brown, John M.T. Chavis II, Stephen R. Creason, Charnette D. Garner, Danielle P. Gaughan, Alicia A. Gooden, Clayton A. Graham, Jennifer P. Harrison, Amy M. Jones, James A. Joven, Marie L. Kern, Helen W. Marchal, Jeffrey L. Marchal, Charles F. Miller, William J. Nelson, Cynthia L. Oetjen, Clark H. Rogers, and Jose D. Salinas.

“Marion County voters should feel confident in the continued service of our Marion Superior Court judges on this ballot,” said David Duncan, Indianapolis Bar Association President. He added, “We feel very confident in recommending their retention.”

To participate in the survey, attorneys were required to confirm direct professional contact with each judge they reviewed. Ultimately, nearly 1,000 of the licensed practitioners receiving the survey participated.

Meet Katelyn Juerling, our next Member Spotlight!

As leaders of the Indianapolis Bar Association, we are happy to join the leadership of the Indiana State Bar Association in encouraging Indiana’s voters to vote “Yes” for the retention of those members of the Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Court of Appeals currently on the ballot before Hoosier voters.

A recent survey conducted by the Indiana State Bar Association showed that nearly 85% of their members statewide that responded endorsed retention.  In announcing their finding the ISBA aptly noted, “It’s important to remember that judges do not create laws; they interpret and apply them, guided by the Constitution and legal precedent. This independence is fundamental to a fair and impartial legal system, allowing courts to serve as neutral arbiters where justice is delivered without bias.” They further added, “Retaining a judge is about affirming their commitment to upholding the law and serving the people of Indiana impartially.” 

These jurists have served our state well and should retain their positions on the Indiana bench.

David Duncan, President
Lee Christie, President-elect
Katherine Jackson-Lindsay, 1^st Vice President
Rebecca Geyer, Immediate Past President

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

Sebastian Spears recently joined Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC. He focuses his practice on commercial lending and real estate transactions.

On September 17, 2024, the annual Voter Registration Drive was sponsored by the Marion County Bar Association.  For the first time, the Drive took place at the Marion County Adult Detention Center.  Attorney volunteers were required to leave their belongings in a secured locker and be escorted by a Sheriff’s Deputy through locked metal doors, a metal detector, and through the long, winding hallways to a windowless conference room. This is where the volunteers were able to interact and assist the inmate.

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