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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
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 Jacquelyn S. Pillar, Crown Point, First District, is a partner with Crist Sears & Zic (2012-present). Previously, she was an associate with Crist Austgen & Sears (2004-2012). Jacquelyn received her B.A. in Persuasive Communications (2001) and J.D. with Labor and Employment Concentration (2004) from Valparaiso University. She was born in Crown Point, Ind.
Jacquelyn’s legal memberships include Lake County (past president), Indiana State (Leadership Development Academy Class II graduate and LDA Committee; House of Delegates; Membership & Membership Benefits Committee; and Service Committee, vice chair, 2015-16) and American bar associations.
Professional enjoyment: I enjoy assisting my clients in obtaining the best possible results and finding ways to argue the gray in what appears to be black & white issues. I’m also so grateful for the people I get to practice with and our legal community.
Your inspiration: I always enjoyed reading and writing in school, and my uncle was a superintendent who would talk to me about all the interesting legal issues with which his school attorney had to deal.
Why bar association involvement: The ability to network and get to know other lawyers outside of your area (whether that be area of practice or location) has been invaluable to me both personally and professionally.
If not a lawyer: party planner or food truck owner
Fav hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, normally hosting small to large events at home every few weeks.
Fav book or author and current reading: I loved The Handmaid’s Tale and just finished the sequel. Fav vacation spot: anywhere warm.
Fav food or restaurant: my grammie’s pork tenderloin and anything from Grazie in Bloomington.
Top of my bucket list: going on a weeklong vacation with my family and friends at one of those huge mansions that sleeps dozens of people.
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19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
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 Rachel A. Arndt, Rochester, Second District, is Fulton County Chief Deputy Prosecutor. She was formerly with the law firm Peterson Waggoner & Perkins. Rachel is president of the Fulton County Animal Adoption & Education Center and a member of the Fulton County and Indiana State bar associations as well as the Rochester Optimist Club and the Fulton County Library Board. Rachel received her bachelor’s degree in corporate finance and accounting from Bentley University, Waltham, Mass., and her J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2009. She was born in Charleston, S.C.
Professional enjoyment: I enjoy litigation and the challenge and rigor of the courtroom.
Your inspiration: I had to take a business law class at Bentley. The first day I “won” an argument and was hooked. I went back to my dorm, read most of the textbook and decided that I wanted to go to law school.
Why bar association involvement: It is important because it builds professional connections and relationships. Membership in the ISBA has allowed me to interact with lawyers from all over the state who not only have been helpful in my career but have also become friends.
If not a lawyer: a detective or a librarian
Fav hobbies: I’m a voracious reader. I’m also interested in hiking/backpacking.
Fav book or author and current reading: I’m currently reading through the Poldark series by Winston Graham.
Fav vacation spot: anywhere without an internet connection.
Fav food or restaurant: Three Floyds Brewery & Pub in Munster, Ind., fantastic food, even better craft beer list.
Top of my bucket list: to finally get my student loan debt paid off! After that, my goal is to hike in each national park.
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19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
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 Victoria R. Wolf, South Bend, Third District, is the managing attorney of Wolf Legal Solutions. She is a member of the St. Joseph County (president, 2016-17), Indiana State and American bar associations and the Robert A. Grant American Inn of Court. Victoria earned her B.S. in accounting in 1999 and her MBA in 2002 from Indiana University South Bend and her J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2007. She previously worked for Halpin Slagh (f/k/a Leone Halpin) from 2012-18; May Oberfell Lorber from 2007-12; and Proforma Corporate Solutions from 1997-2007. She served on the Magistrate Selection Committee for the Northern District of Indiana (2014 and 2016); St. Joseph County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team (2010-14); and St. Joseph County Adult Guardianship Consortium (2009-12).Victoria was born in Niles, Mich.
Professional enjoyment: After starting my own law firm in June 2018, I love almost every aspect of practicing law now. My clients are doing such amazing things, and I feel honored to be a part of their journey, e.g., when my clients buy a business and create jobs in my community. It’s extremely rewarding to be their attorney.
Your inspiration: When I wrote this blurb last year, I had trouble answering and admitted that there were days when I questioned whether the student loan was worth it. The student loan burden has not gone away, but I’ve changed how I practice law, and it has resulted in sincere personal fulfillment. My inspiration is my family and friends, including clients and colleagues in the legal profession. My father passed away on Sept. 9, and he was one of my most ardent supporters. He will always be in my heart and will continue to inspire me to “pick myself up and dust myself off” and keep moving forward.
Why bar association involvement: I’ve met some wonderful and supportive people through my local and state bar activities. I’m a better practitioner because of those connections, and they make this profession more rewarding.
If not a lawyer: It depends. Am I independently wealthy? If so, I would train young horses; if not, then economic/community development or auditing.
Fav hobbies: Riding horses, running/swimming/cycling, spending time with my husband/our daughter/family and being amazed by my favorite toddler.
Fav book or author and current reading: It’s a treat when I have time to read my local newspaper. The balance of my nonwork-related reading includes the pile of books my husband and our daughter select at the local library. I’m required to read those out loud, of course.
Fav vacation spot: Northern Michigan, Jamaica or anywhere warm with clear blue water.
Fav food or restaurant: I’ll eat anything and prefer to eat at quiet, locally owned restaurants. Whether the food is cooked or raw and from any corner of the world, I probably like it.
Top of my bucket list: Open-water swim competition and yoga retreat in Fiji (or anywhere with perfectly calm, clear and warm water).
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19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
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 Douglas R. Adelsperger, Fort Wayne, Fourth District, is a partner with Adelsperger & Kleven. From 1988-90, he clerked for Judge Robert E. Grant, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana. After that, Doug went into private practice. He received his B.S. in Finance from Indiana University (1985) and his J.D. from I.U. Maurer School of Law (1988). Doug was born in Richmond, Ind.
Legal memberships include Allen County (past president) and Indiana State bar associations; American Bankruptcy Institute; and American Board of Certification (Business Bankruptcy).
Doug is a past board member, Indiana Golf Association; past president, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana; and member, Covenant United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne.
Professional enjoyment: What I enjoy most about the legal profession is helping people solve problems. Most clients come to a lawyer with a problem or multiple problems that need to be addressed and solved. The day the client sees the lawyer for the first time is generally not his or her best day. To clients, they are reaching out for help on what could be the most important issue in their life at the time. Lawyers can never lose sight of that perspective. Helping the client resolve, or better yet solve, the problem is most satisfying.
Your inspiration: When I began college, I wanted to be either a golf pro or follow my father into banking. As an answer to a later question will address, banking was the safer bet. At the time, the fastest way to progress in banking was to come up through the trust department. My thought was that having both a finance degree and a law degree would be impressive on a résumé. As it turns out, instead of going into banking, I became an insolvency lawyer. Go figure.
Why bar association involvement: Over the past 30+ years, I have benefited from membership in the ISBA by taking advantage of services it makes available to members. I have also benefited from the connections that are made while being directly involved with the bar association. Now it’s time for me to attempt to “pay back” the State Bar for these benefits – with my time.
If not a lawyer: professional golfer (if only I could putt)
Fav hobbies: golf, fishing and spending time with family.
Fav book or author and current reading: While all in my immediate family are avid readers, I am not. I tell them that the first year of law school did me in, but that excuse does not work on my 2-year-old grandson when he hands me a book to read to him.
Fav vacation spot: anywhere on or near water (fresh or salt) with family.
Fav food or restaurant: I am a “meat & potatoes” guy. Any good steak or BBQ joint will do.
Top of my bucket list: play Augusta National, Pebble Beach or the Old Course with my dad.
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19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Updated: Friday, December 6, 2019
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Kyle B. Mandeville, Lafayette, Fifth District, is a partner with Bennett Boehning & Clary. He received his B.S. in Agribusiness Management in 1999 from Purdue University and his J.D. in 2003 from I.U. McKinney School of Law. Kyle lives outside Attica in Fountain County.
Legal memberships include Fountain County, Tippecanoe County, Indiana State (Leadership Development Academy Class II graduate) and American bar associations; American Agricultural Law Association; and American Immigration Lawyers Association.
Community/civic activities include Attica Community Foundation (member, Executive Board and Finance Committee); Greater Lafayette Commerce Third House (Speaker of the House, Floor Leader and Parliamentarian); and White Horse Christian Center (board member).
Professional enjoyment: helping people find creative ideas and solutions
Your inspiration: Other attorneys inspired me to be a self-employed business owner.
Why bar association involvement: to invest in the next generation of attorneys
If not a lawyer: pilot
Fav hobbies: any outdoor activity.
Fav book and current reading: the Bible, and I’m currently reading a World War II history collection.
Fav vacation spot: Anna Maria Island, Fla.
Fav food or restaurant: a quality, authentic Chinese food experience.
Top of my bucket list: visit every presidential library.
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19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
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 Russell B. Cate, Carmel, Sixth District, is a member of Cate Terry & Gookins (2015-present). He was a partner at Campbell Kyle Proffitt (2009-15), a deputy prosecuting attorney for the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office (2008-09) and an associate at Stuart & Branigin (2007-08).
Russell serves as a mentor/supervisor at the Hamilton Southeastern Law & Government Academy (2012-present) and as a board member of the Fifty Club of Hamilton County. His civic/community activities have also included the Hamilton County Leadership Academy (2015-16). He is a member of the Hamilton County and Indiana State bar associations, and he was a Class II graduate of the ISBA’s Leadership Development Academy. Russell received his B.A. from Purdue University in 2004 and his J.D. from I.U. McKinney School of Law in 2007. He was born in Indianapolis.
Professional enjoyment: I enjoy the variety of work the legal profession provides. Not only is the law constantly changing and evolving, but so is your client base. Each client I represent has a different story to tell and a unique problem to solve. Balancing these stories and solving these problems within the context of an ever-changing legal framework can be difficult, but the process of helping your client make this happen is satisfying.
Your inspiration: When I was in college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I graduated, so I applied for a job at a law firm in Lafayette as a court runner/file clerk. The lawyers at that firm encouraged me to read what I filed and copied. They told me to ask questions about what certain documents meant. I watched those lawyers solve problems, interact with clients and take care of their coworkers. They served as great examples of what it meant to be a lawyer, and that was appealing to me.
Why bar association involvement: Nine years ago a lawyer with whom I worked told me that I needed to get involved with the State Bar. He was extremely specific, telling me to “get involved” and not just to sign up. As a young lawyer, I did not see a benefit or understand how involvement in the bar might impact my practice. Nine years later, I have developed a network of lawyers across the state, grown my referral base, met Court of Appeals judges and Supreme Court justices, and made close friends with other lawyers.
If not a lawyer: I would want to do something involving one of my hobbies. My wife will tell you I have a LOT of hobbies, so choosing one is tough.
Fav hobbies: I enjoy grilling, hunting, golfing (only when I hit the ball well), watching college football, fishing and vacationing with my family.
Fav book or author and current reading: I highly recommend Jim Collins’ Good to Great.
Fav vacation spot: With three kids under 9, there’s not much time for sightseeing, so we typically vacation at the beach in Destin, Fla.
Fav food or restaurant: Tough one here because I absolutely love food. It is always hard to pass up a good steak.
Top of my bucket list: A trip around the world with my family.
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19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
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 Hon. Tammy S. Somers, Danville, Seventh District, is a magistrate for the Hendricks Superior Courts. She was a deputy attorney general, Consumer Protection Division (2008-13); magistrate judge, Lake Superior Court Room 1 (2005-08); and Lake County deputy prosecutor (2001-05). Tammy is a member of the Hendricks County (president) and Indiana State (Leadership Development Academy Class II graduate and district representative on the Board of Governors) bar associations; and the Indiana and American judges associations. She received her B.S. in biology/chemistry from Valparaiso University (1996) and her J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law with a concentration in criminal practice (2000). Tammy is a board member and volunteer for A Critter’s Chance (exotic animal rescue); a 7-plus-year volunteer for the Indianapolis Zoo; and a transport volunteer for Rescue Railroad and Cruisin Critters. She was born in Jamestown, N.Y.
Professional enjoyment: I really enjoy working with our Drug Court. I like the one-on-one time with each litigant. I feel these courts are very important. I hope someday I can start a Veterans Court in Hendricks County.
Your inspiration: The trial process inspired me to become a lawyer. In one of my classes in high school I had to read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I believe after reading this book I decided law might be something I would enjoy. Then, after I started law school, I fell in love with criminal law.
Why bar association involvement: Bar association involvement is extremely important to me. I think it is our responsibility as attorneys to stay involved with our local and state bar associations. My involvement with the bar is a way to give back to local attorneys and the community. As fellow members of my local bar pointed out, our bar association gives us the ability to interact with other attorneys across the legal profession who practice or live in the community.
If not a lawyer: This is easy! I would be an exotic animal veterinarian! I love animals.
Fav hobbies: I love going to rock and country concerts. I also enjoy walking half marathons.
Fav book or author and current reading: My favorite book is All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot.
Fav vacation spot: I love Las Vegas. I also really enjoy going on cruises and being totally disconnected.
Fav food or restaurant: I love any vegan food. My two top restaurants are Three Carrots in Fountain Square and WB Pizza on the northside.
Top of my bucket list: Before I die, I have to visit Australia. I want to take an eco-tour and maybe even volunteer while I’m there.
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19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
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 J. Beau Dial, Evansville, Eighth District, is a shareholder at Fine & Hatfield. He was previously a law clerk at the Montgomery County Juvenile Court, serving under the Hon. Nick Kuhn (2005- 06).
Beau is a member of the Evansville and Indiana State bar associations. He received his B.S. in political science from the University of Evansville in 2003 and his J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2006. He is president of the Warrick County Tourism Commission and board member of Tri-State Public Media, Inc. and SWIRCA & More, Inc. Beau was born in Rochester, N.Y.
Professional enjoyment: I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the law. Prospective clients come in looking for help and/or answers that only lawyers can provide.
Your inspiration: my “We the People” teacher in high school, the late Stan Harris. He was the first teacher to challenge me to think about an answer rather than simply regurgitate what was written in a textbook.
Why bar association involvement: I enjoy the collegiality of bar associations and getting to know attorneys throughout the state. The most enjoyable cases are with attorneys with whom you can argue in a courtroom and then go have a beer afterwards.
If not a lawyer: Major League Baseball player
Fav hobbies: I love to read and watch movies. I also love to coach baseball and softball for my 11-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter.
Fav book or author and current reading: I’m currently reading The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.
Fav vacation spot: Anna Maria Island, Fla.
Fav food or restaurant: I can never say no to pizza, French fries or donuts.
Top of my bucket list: travel to all the national parks.
Tags:
19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
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 Alyssa C.B. Cochran, New Albany, Ninth District, is an attorney with Kightlinger & Gray. Prior to joining Kightlinger & Gray, she spent her first two years out of law school clerking for the Indiana Supreme Court. Alyssa is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association and serves on the governing councils of the Appellate Practice and Young Lawyers sections. She also serves on the board of The BreakAway, a recovery residence located in New Albany for women in southern Indiana counties suffering from addiction.
Alyssa received her bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from Indiana University Bloomington and her J.D. from I.U. McKinney School of Law. She was born in Louisville, Ky.
Professional enjoyment: I enjoy the constant challenges that arise in the legal profession. The law is always evolving, and each day presents a new question or issue that requires critical thinking. I especially enjoy appellate practice because this allows you to participate directly in the development of the law and to learn how our appellate bench views and shapes the law, which impacts citizens across the state.
Your inspiration: I was inspired to become an attorney by my high school constitutional law teacher. She encouraged me to participate in the “We the People” competition, and she continued to push my understanding of due process. After that, I admired the legal profession and for the first time saw it as something I may even be able to do.
Why bar association involvement: Participation in the Indiana State Bar Association has provided me with a strong sense of camaraderie with other attorneys. I appreciate having friends, outside of my particular law firm, with whom I enjoy spending time and can always call on with legal questions as well. Especially now that I practice in a smaller town, the ISBA helps me to keep connected with attorneys from across the state and to feel a part of a much larger legal community.
If not a lawyer: I always imagined I’d be a clinical psychologist, if not an attorney, so I could still help people resolve obstacles in their lives.
Fav hobbies: I enjoy boating with my family and friends, water skiing, snowboarding, hiking and traveling.
Fav book or author and current reading: I just finished reading The Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz.
Fav vacation spot: Fort Walton Beach, Fla., because I grew up going there every spring break with my family.
Fav food or restaurant: Seviche in Louisville.
Top of my bucket list: scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef.
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19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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Posted By RG Staff,
Thursday, December 5, 2019
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 Adrienne Rines Hammond, Marion, Tenth District, is an associate attorney with Kiley Harker & Certain. Previously, she was with the Law Office of Chris M. Teagle in Muncie. Adrienne received her B.S., summa cum laude, in 2007 from Ball State University and her J.D. in 2011 from Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law. She was born in Muncie and grew up in Portland, Ind.
Legal memberships include Grant County, Indiana State (Young Lawyers Section council member and Leadership Development Academy Class V graduate) and American bar associations and Ratliff-Cox Inn of Court. Community/civic activities include Marion North Rotary (past president) and Grant County Central Republican Committee (vice chair), Economic Growth Council (board member, 2nd term) and Young Professionals Network.
Professional enjoyment: The profession never gets boring. Each new case and client present a new set of challenges.
Your inspiration: I was always impressed by the lawyers I knew when I was a child. They seemed distinguished, interesting and like the kind of person I wanted to be when I grew up.
Why bar association involvement: As with any profession, one only improves and learns by associating with those who are experienced and knowledgeable. ISBA gives us the opportunity to learn from talented attorneys all over the state. Mostly, however, I enjoy the camaraderie.
If not a lawyer: traveling food critic
Fav hobbies: cooking and golf
Fav book or author and current reading: I really enjoy reading cookbooks, especially if there is a bit of history behind the recipe or a story about how it originated.
Fav vacation spot: It’s a tie – Jamaica or Iceland. Both have amazing culture, food and hospitality.
Fav food or restaurant: seafood. In Malta, I had the most perfectly cooked octopus. I love sushi as well.
Top of my bucket list: planning a vacation to tour the world’s best restaurants and sightseeing in the process.
Tags:
19-20 Leaders
Nov 2019 issue
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