Many of us would not have made it to where we are today without the guidance and advice of our mentors. Whether they be a teacher early on in our education, a law professor, a coworker or supervisor at our first job, or just a strong friend, these mentors left behind a strong impression.

We asked ISBA members to share which mentors left the biggest impressions on them. This is what they had to say.

“I have had many wonderful mentors. In junior high school, I had an American History teacher, Mr. Matecun, who was the first teacher who inspired me to love learning. He made it fun to learn by telling personal things about historic figures. I remember (sad that this is the one I remember) he told us that the carpet in the White House had to be replaced after President Buchanan left because he regularly missed the spittoon when he spit out his chewing tobacco! Mr. Matecun remained a mentor and friend until his death.”

- Hon. Martha Wentworth, Judge, Indiana Tax Court

“Gail Bederman, one of my favorite history professors at Notre Dame, was one of my biggest influences. She loved teaching and made learning interactive for us. Professor Bederman helped me consider the world differently and think critically, yet she also wasn’t afraid to challenge me to be a better student and writer. I wouldn’t be the same person or the same attorney without her.”

- Courtney Endwright, Partner, Betz + Blevins

“My tennis coach growing up was the biggest influence. He taught me at a very, very young age what it meant to work hard, be organized, and act with integrity."

- Kent Winingham, Attorney, Wilson Kehoe Winingham

“The mentor who left the biggest impact on me is Ryan Waggoner, a former partner at Ice Miller. Before I even went to law school, I connected with him because I was nervous about going to law school as a first-gen college student from rural Indiana. He taught me that being a first-generation student is an asset, not an obstacle, and I’ve been able to leverage my work ethic and resourcefulness in new ways thanks to him. Now I know how to market my differences and uniqueness in my work and professional development, and it has been immensely helpful. Thanks, Ryan!”

- Libby Moyer, Litigation Associate, Ice Miller LLP

“Judge Charles D. O'Connor, Shelby County, has been a mentor of mine since practically birth. Judge O'Connor was a good friend of my father's which in turn provided opportunity for me to grow up and become close friends with one of his sons. The first time I ever envisioned going into law was when I job shadowed Judge O'Connor in high school. A high school acquaintance was in court that day. I knew the student on a personal level and knew that he was not a stellar student and got in quite a lot of trouble in school. Judge O'Connor only knew the student as a juvenile who was drag racing in the middle of his town putting everyone on the road in danger. Judge O'Connor somehow sensed that this student who was in front of the judge for the very first time needed more than just a reprimand. Judge O'Connor's insight and fair temperament reviewed the case and implemented a sentence accurately appropriate for this individual. Throughout my legal career Judge O'Connor has been a mentor and friend. Even in retirement, Judge O'Connor is always my first call when I need an experienced and knowledgeable ear to listen and guide me through my new solo venture.”

- Martha Showers, Attorney, Showers Legal

Our Member Roundtable series is a series of articles looking at ISBA members from both a professional and personal lens, telling their stories and painting a picture of what makes Indiana’s legal profession the community it is. Each month, we’ll share responses gathered from ISBA members on a different topic, and we encourage you to participate. Share your own responses in the comments, or get ahead of the game and be featured in the next article. You can submit responses at inbar.org/MemberSpotlight.

Previously published roundtables:

• How We Do Pro Bono