Joel M. Schumm, Indianapolis, At-Large District Rep., is a clinical professor of law at I.U. McKinney School of Law. Prior to that he was a judicial clerk to Judge Paul D. Mathias of the Indiana Court of Appeals (2000-01) and former Justice Theodore R. Boehm of the Indiana Supreme Court (1998-2000). Joel has served as an appellate attorney (appointed public defender or pro bono) since 2001. He is a member of the Indiana Supreme Court Committee on Rules of Practice & Procedure and the Task Force on Remote Access to and Privacy of Electronic Court Records, and he completed work in the fall of 2018 on the Indiana Task Force on Public Defense (chair of its appellate/post-conviction subcommittee).

Joel received his B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University (double major in accounting and politics & government), his M.A. in political science from the University of Cincinnati and his J.D. from I.U. McKinney School of Law. He is a member of the Indianapolis (immediate past chair, Appellate Practice Section), Indiana State (council, Appellate Practice Section, and member, Criminal Justice Section) and American bar associations. He is also a member of the Indiana Public Defender Council. Joel was born in Celina, Ohio.

Professional enjoyment: First, the people – including faculty colleagues and students, lawyers on both sides of a case, and (most) clients who come to us with problems but want to work with us toward solutions. Second, the craft, especially of appeals, offers a big and fairly barren canvas on which to paint a picture through our creative analysis and thoughtful choice of words.

Your inspiration: Growing up I heard too many times that something unjust or unfair was “part of life.” Becoming a lawyer has allowed me to pursue justice and make a difference – and be at least somewhat cool like the lawyers on L.A. Law.

Why bar association involvement: Law professors should be connected to the practice and practitioners, and the bar association has given me many opportunities to stay connected and learn from others – from many years of work with the Written Publications Committee to involvement in sections and committees, conferences and CLEs, and impactful events like Law School for Legislators and the Legal Education Conclave.

If not a lawyer: investigative reporter

Fav hobbies: running, travel, being a “funcle” (fun uncle) to 10 terrific kids.

Fav vacation spot: I enjoy exploring new places, but New York never fails to deliver.

Fav food or restaurant: Italian food is a favorite, and Giovanni’s in Detroit is especially good.

Top of my bucket list: visit all seven continents.