Elizabeth A. Bellin, Elkhart, At-Large District Rep., is attorney/owner of Bellin Law Office (March 2013-present). Previously, she was an associate attorney with Cohen Law Office (May 2005-February 2013). Elizabeth received her B.A. in Political Science (with a concentration in law & justice and a minor in theater) in 2001 from State University of New York College at Cortland and her J.D. in 2004 from Valparaiso University School of Law. She was born in Syracuse, N.Y.

Legal memberships include Elkhart City (secretary, 2006-07, and Law Day chair, 2011-present) and Indiana State (Elkhart County representative, House of Delegates, 2009-present, and member, Women in the Law Committee, 2017- present) bar associations; National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys; and American Bar Association.

Community/civic activities include member, Elkhart County 4-H fundraising committee; member, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; and past board member, Frontline Foundations, certified substance abuse outpatient treatment centers in Chesterton and LaPorte.

Professional enjoyment: As a criminal defense attorney, I have the pleasure of being inside a courtroom almost every day and interacting with all sorts of people from all walks of life. Being able to connect with my fellow lawyers, discussing the law and its nuances, and helping others navigate through the system is what makes me love my job.

Your inspiration: I was one of those kids that wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember. When I was an undergrad, I did an internship at a prominent law firm in lower Manhattan. I had the most incredible experience working on Rockefeller Drug Law Reform, and I was able to see how our work helped change the conversation of how the criminal justice system viewed non-violent drug offenders. My mentor also put me in charge of assisting incarcerated individuals with securing access to resources upon release so that they can successfully transition back into mainstream society. It was during that internship that I knew I wanted to focus my practice on criminal law.

Why bar association involvement: Contrary to many punchlines, lawyers are giving people. I would not be where I am in my career without the support and guidance of my local bar association and members of the ISBA. When I first opened my own practice, I had the support of so many from my local bar in Elkhart. They helped me find office space, referred cases to me, guided me through the pitfalls of being a small business owner, and were always there with advice and encouragement. I have met several talented lawyers through the State Bar that I would not have otherwise met had I not been involved, and I have developed a network of referrals, resources and friendships that have helped my practice grow. I am constantly encouraging new lawyers to get involved with a bar association for that reason!

If not a lawyer: One of my many jobs growing up was working for an event planner, so I would do that. Prior to going to law school, I worked for a theater company and could foresee myself getting back into theater someday.

Fav book or author and current reading: I do a lot of appellate work, so I am typically reading transcripts from a trial. However, in between trial transcripts, I managed to finally finish The Handmaid’s Tale, and now I’m currently reading Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies.

Fav vacation spot: Florida Keys. Bucket list places are Ireland and Turks & Caicos.

Fav food: As a self-proclaimed foodie, this is a really tough one. I love oysters and anything spicy. Always try everything twice!

 Top of my bucket list: My goal is to travel to all 50 states. I also have several countries on my list to see.