Your ISBA sections and committees are providing CLE and resources, planning events, and moving Indiana’s legal community forward. Find out what they’ve been up to this month. If you have any section and/or committee updates you would like to share, email Abigail Hopf at ahopf@inbar.org. 

ISBA Members in the Wild

Hon. Steven David Receives ABA’s Robert B. Yegge Award

Justice Steven David (Ret.) received the American Bar Association’s Robert B. Yegge Award for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of Judicial Administration during the ABA’s Annual Meeting in Toronto. The award, named after Dean Emeritus Robert Yegge, honors lifetime achievement in legal, scholarly, or civic fields and is presented to those who emulate Dean Yegge’s legacy of mentorship and service. Learn more about the award »

Governor Braun Appoints ISBA Members to Boards/Commissions

Governor Mike Braun appointed several ISBA members to serve on state boards and commissions this fall:

• Bob Reiling, Probate Code Study Committee
• James Carlberg, Probate Code Study Committee
• Jeff Kolb, Probate Code Study Committee
• Thomas Hardin, Probate Code Study Committee
• Cari Lynn Sheehan, Artificial Intelligence Task Force
• Patricia McCrory, Indiana Ireland Trade Commission
• Stephen Koers, Workers’ Compensation Board

Highlights from the 2025 Annual Meeting

ISBA’s Annual Meeting was held in Indianapolis on October 9 and 10. Here’s what went down:

• ISBA House of Delegates: The House of Delegates (ISBA’s supreme legislative body) heard reports from outgoing ISBA President Mike Jasaitis, Indiana’s ABA State Captain Steve Hoar, Chief Justice Loretta Rush, and the Indiana Bar Foundation. Delegates also received year-end summaries from various ISBA sections and committees. Learn what these groups accomplished this year »
• Leadership Elections: Steve Hoar was inducted as the 2025-26 House of Delegates chair, while Josh Tatum was elected as chair-elect. Eight candidates were also approved for open 2025-26 board positions: Hon. Steven David, Geoffrey Giorgi, Kevin Fitzharris, Bob Reiling, Mark Guenin, Tarah Baldwin, April Keaton, and Patty Xidias.
• Presidential Citations: Outgoing President Mike Jasaitis recognized several members for their outstanding service to the ISBA this year, including Judge Julie Cantrell, Judge Nancy Vaidik, Justin Forkner, Judge Tom Felts, John Maley, Catheryne Pully, Joe Skeel, Christine Cordial, and Doug Church.
• New Executive Committee: John Maley officially assumed the role of ISBA president for 2025-26. He appointed Dawn Rosemond, Counsel to the President; Katrina Ornelas, Treasurer; and Hon. Tim Baker, Secretary, as his officers.

Affiliate Committee Presents Cathy Canny Award to Tammy Munchel

The Affiliate Membership Committee awarded Tammy Munchel the 2025 Cathy Canny Award of Excellence. Tammy has served as a paralegal at McNeely Law in Shelbyville for over 25 years and was presented the award during the firm’s annual end-of-summer luncheon.

“Tammy’s aptitude, balance, and overall disposition make her an irreplaceable asset,” wrote one nominator. “In every respect, Tammy embodies the qualities recognized by the Cathy Canny Award: commitment to excellence, continuous learning, professional integrity, and the indispensable role of the paralegal in the legal field. Her impact is profound and lasting.”

Diversity Committee Sponsors MCBA Centennial Gala

The Diversity Committee is sponsoring the Marion County Bar Association’s (MCBA) Centennial Celebration Gala on October 25 in Indianapolis. Founded in 1925, the MCBA has supported Black lawyers and judges in Indianapolis’s legal community as both a metropolitan bar association and a proud chapter of the National Bar Association. Please join us in congratulating them on 100 years. Learn more about the MCBA »

Employment Law Section Volunteers at Food Bank

Members of the Employment, Labor & Benefits Law Section gathered for a service project at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana in Crown Point. The event served as a joint section meeting, social, and volunteer opportunity.

The section also released the latest edition of its newsletter, The Workplace Lawyer. Articles covered FMLA, legislative updates, common mistakes employers make when terminating employees, and more.

Family Law Section Presents Hon. Andrea Trevino with Raduenz Award

The Family & Juvenile Law Section presented Hon. Andrea Trevino with the 2025 Nanette K. Raduenz Award at the Indiana Judicial Conference in September. The award honors judicial officers who go above and beyond in family or juvenile law.

Judge Trevino began her career as a family law attorney and went on to become the youngest woman to serve as chief judge of the Allen County Superior Court before her retirement this fall. “Trevino is fair-minded, organized, an academic and extremely diligent in her judicial duties,” wrote a nominator. “She is a leader in our community who will be sorely missed.” 

LDA Applications Open for Class of 2026

The Leadership Development Academy (LDA) is now accepting applications for the Class of 2026. Applications are due on Monday, November 3. Apply now »

LDA is a five-month leadership program bringing together 25 legal professionals from across the state. Participants form strong connections through shared experiences—overnight retreats, honest conversations, and behind-the-scenes access to leaders in law, government, and business. Graduates have gone on to serve as judges, firm managing partners, corporate leaders, and board members. Learn more »

LPM Committee Launches New Resource Page

The Law Practice Management (LPM) Committee (a subcommittee of the General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section) has unveiled a new resource hub for solo and small firm attorneys. The LPM toolkit includes practice management resources, checklists, sample agreements and forms, recommended vendors, and more. The Starting Your Practice resource page is live now, and the committee plans to add additional webpages focused on building, managing, protecting, and retiring your practice in the future. Learn more »

Pro Bono Committee Seeks Volunteers for 2026 Mediation Clinic

The Pro Bono Committee is seeking volunteers for a half-day Mediation Clinic on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Indianapolis. In partnership with the Marion County courts, volunteer mediators will help parties resolve ongoing family law disputes on the spot.

The committee is seeking attorneys, paralegals, and registered domestic relations mediators to volunteer. Attorneys and paralegals will help draft the settlement, while mediators work with the parties to reach an agreement. Templates for all documents (including settlement agreements) will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Kim Latimore-Martin at klatimore-martin@inbar.org or 317-639-5465, ext. 936. Please include your name, attorney/mediator number, contact information, and address.

Save the Date: Women’s Bench Bar Retreat

The Women in the Law Committee will host the 24th Women’s Bench Bar Retreat in Savannah, Georgia, March 1-4, 2026. The retreat brings together attorneys and judges for CLE, community-building, and celebration of what it means to be a practicing legal professional.

CLE topics will include gender and generational impacts on communication styles, reentry programs, mock trials, a ghost tour, and more. Registration opens soon. Learn more »

Connection Opportunities

• The Elder Law Section invited members for dinner and drinks in October.
• The Agricultural Law Section toured Dull’s Tree Farm and learned about environmental regulation, the One Big Beautiful Bill’s impact on agriculture, and more.
• The Young Lawyers Section hosted a golf outing at Back 9 Golf for members and law students.
• Attorneys and judicial officers from across the state gathered in Lafayette for the annual Women in the Law Committee’s Sisters in the Law Social.
• The Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Section joined Judge Andrea McCord of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana for breakfast and a CLE on merchant cash advances.

Upcoming CLEs and Events

• The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section will host an interactive CLE on conflict resolution on October 21. Learn more »
• Join the Utility Law Section in French Lick for their annual Fall Seminar on October 30-31. Learn more »
• Meet members of Indiana’s judiciary—from all levels—at the Young Lawyers Section’s Dinner with the Judiciary on November 4. Learn more »
• Dive into the current standards and legal frameworks of Name, Image, and Likeness law at the Intellectual Property, Business Law, and Employment, Labor & Benefits Law Sections’ joint CLE. Learn more »
• Join law students, members, and allies of Indiana’s LGBTQ+ legal community at the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Committee’s social on November 7. Learn more »
• The Litigation Section is bringing together a panel of seasoned judges for an inside look at courtroom dynamics. Learn more »
• Learn about the intersection of construction and bankruptcy law at the Construction Law and Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Sections’ joint CLE on November 13. Learn more »
• The Criminal Justice Section has invited Hon. Candace Jackson-Akiwumi of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to speak to members on November 19. Learn more »
• The Probate, Trust & Real Property Section is hosting their Probate Review Committee and annual business meeting, along with a reception at Capital Grille, on November 21. Learn more »
• Save the date for the Utility Law Section’s Holiday Party on December 4 in Indianapolis. Learn more »

On-Demand CLE Added to the ISBA Library 

The following CLE programs were added to ISBA’s on-demand library. Missed them in action? Check them out now—virtually and at your convenience!

• Tax and Probate, Trust & Real Property Sections | Avoiding Tax Traps in Estate and Gift Planning: Practical Steps to Minimize Clients’ Tax Consequences. View CLE »
• Agricultural Law Section | Gene Editing in Agriculture - A Lawyer's Perspective. View CLE »
• The Science of Justifying Emotional Distress Compensation. View CLE »
• Open Conversations: Rule of Law with Judge Sarah Evans Barker. View CLE »
• Tips for Successful Mediation. View CLE »
• Essential Soft Skills for Attorneys. View CLE »
• Developing Leadership Skills: Delegation. View CLE »
  

Your ISBA sections and committees are at the forefront of the profession, providing CLE and resources, planning events, and moving Indiana’s legal community forward. Find out what they’ve been up to this month. If you have any section and/or committee updates you would like to share, email Abigail Hopf at ahopf@inbar.org. 

ISBA Members in the Wild

2025 Leadership in Law Awards

Congratulations to the ISBA members named to the Indiana Lawyer’s Leadership in Law awards:

• Tom Froehle, Lifetime Achievement Award
• Hon. Stephanie Bibbs, Distinguished Barrister
• Thomas Fisher, Distinguished Barrister
• Hon. Amy Jones, Distinguished Barrister
• Bill Kaiser, Distinguished Barrister
• Kay Ellen Pashos, Distinguished Barrister
• Hon. Marc Rothenberg, Distinguished Barrister
• Angela Stephens, Distinguished Barrister
• David Storey, Distinguished Barrister
• Ali Sylvia, Distinguished Barrister
• Lauren Aguilar, Up & Coming Lawyer
• Nick Bognanno, Up & Coming Lawyer
• Bianca Eddy, Up & Coming Lawyer
• Jaclyn Flint, Up & Coming Lawyer
• Justin Hays, Up & Coming Lawyer
• Tyler Ochs, Up & Coming Lawyer
• Joe Rhetts, Up & Coming Lawyer
• Daniel Spungen, Up & Coming Lawyer
• Amanda Wilhite, Up & Coming Lawyer
• Tammy Froelich, Legal Support Star

Learn more about the 2025 honorees »

ISBA Members Elected to Fountain County Bar Association Leadership

The Fountain County Bar Association elected Ethan D. Myers as president and Alexa M. Campbell as vice-president at their annual meeting in April. Hon. Stephanie Campbell and Kip White were re-elected as secretary and treasurer, respectively.

Ethan Myers has a general practice with offices on the south side of the Courthouse Square in Covington. Alexa Campbell is the newest member of the Fountain County Bar Association. She is an associate with the firm of Taylor, Minnette, Schneider & Clutter, P.C. 

ISBA Board of Governors Approves New Strategic Plan to Address Attorney Shortage

The ISBA Board of Governors met in April and approved a new strategic plan aimed at addressing the growing shortage of attorneys in Indiana, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

In early 2024, ISBA launched three task forces made up of attorneys, judges, legal educators, and community leaders to research potential solutions to the legal shortage. Members then provided feedback on these ideas at the 2024 Annual Summit. Based on this feedback, the board approved a plan structured around three key pillars:

1. Rural Practice and Alternative Business Models
2. Paths to Licensure and Practice Readiness
3. Allied Legal Professionals

Each pillar includes specific goals and corresponding tactics to achieve them, including an incubator cohort program, a rural practice resource hub, enhanced experiential learning opportunities, and more. Read the plan »

Sections Donate to SSFC Scholarships

Each year, ISBA sections cover registration and lodging for one or more of their members attending the Solo & Small Firm Conference. These scholarships allow members to invest in their professional growth and build a network of statewide contacts. Thank you to the following sections:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
• Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Section
• Business Law Section
• Criminal Justice Section
• Elder Law Section
• Employment Law Section
• Family & Juvenile Law Section
• General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section
• Litigation Section
• Probate, Trust & Real Property Section
• Young Lawyers Section

Affiliate Committee Accepting Nominations for Cathy Canny Award

Nominations are open for the 2025 Cathy Canny Award of Excellence. This award honors an ISBA affiliate member (including paralegals, court administrators, law librarians, and legal administrators) who exemplifies courageous, visionary leadership and raises the bar of professionalism for paralegals throughout Indiana.

Nominations are due by August 1. Learn more and/or nominate »

Appellate Section Reviews Indiana Appellate Rules

The Appellate Practice Section has wrapped up over 600 hours of work in reviewing and revising the Indiana Rules of Appellate Procedure. In 2024, the section sent a survey to the bench, bar, clerks, and court reporters asking for recommendations on the appellate rules. They then compiled this feedback, reviewed the rules, and put together recommendations for proposed changes that they will submit to the Indiana Supreme Court Rules Committee.

Bankruptcy Section Partners with Local Organizations

The Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Section partnered with the Allen County Bar Association for a social with Judge Grant and the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana. They have also worked with and encouraged the Indianapolis chapter of the Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE) program. The program and its volunteers educate young adults about the benefits of personal financial management and the consequences of credit abuse. So far, they have held 100 financial literacy presentations for high school students, with real life advice from bankruptcy attorneys, law students, and other volunteers.

Federal Judiciary Committee Presents Hurst Award

The Federal Judiciary Committee presented Michelle Imel with the 2025 Henry Hurst Judicial Assistance Award. The award honors court staff for their high ethical standards, contributions to the federal courts, and promotion of justice and efficiency within Indiana’s legal system.

Michelle, a courtroom deputy clerk for Judge Magnus-Stinson, has served the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana for nearly 30 years. “She truly cares about her job and proudly works effectively, efficiently, and selflessly,” wrote one nominator. “She has always had our backs and made us feel that we were all rowing in the same direction.”

GP Section Hosts 2025 SSFC

The General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section hosted a record-breaking Solo & Small Firm Conference in French Lick. Attendees participated in CLE sessions on AI, succession planning, ethics, and more, as well as pickleball tournaments, yoga, and a reception with all the golf legends.

At the conference, the section also presented the 2025 Hall of Fame award to Ann Marie Waldron of Waldron Tate Land LLC. This award is given to an outstanding member of the legal profession whose career has served as a model for lawyers in the general, solo, and small firm practice of law. 

LDA Class XIII Graduates

Twenty-four attorneys graduated from the Leadership Development Academy in May. Class XIII wrapped up their journey in South Bend, where they cheered on the South Bend Cubs, led the local Boys & Girls Club through a mock trial, watched an oral argument, and were sent off on the next step of their leadership journey.

Please join us in congratulating the next generation of legal leaders: Lauren Berger, Lacey Berkshire, Nick Brady, Samantha Chapman, Todd Coffeen Jr., Chelsea Crawford, Brandon Curl, Shelley Gupta, Ashley Hart, Jonathan Harwell, Mark Holwager, Matthew Kroes, Ashley Moise, Trevor Oakerson, Amy Osborne, Mag. Matthew Raper, Tim Stucky, Cortney Sweat, Grace Terrell, Daniel Timm, Megan Torres, Elizabeth Walker, Christine Walsh, and Levy Wash.

Pro Bono Committee Hosts Burmese Legal Clinic

The Pro Bono Committee, in partnership with the Burmese American Lawyers Association and the Indianapolis Chin Center, hosted a walk-in legal clinic for immigration, expungement, and more issues. Several Burmese interpreters were on site to help volunteer attorneys communicate with clients.

Additional pro bono clinics are already scheduled or in the works for the rest of the year, including two clinics focused on family law mediation and expungements. If you’d like to get involved, email Kim Latimore-Martin at klatimore-martin@inbar.org. View upcoming dates »

Senior Lawyers Section Meets with Local Bars

The Senior Lawyers Section has been meeting with local and county bar associations to promote section membership, discuss the importance of building community and preparing for retirement, and more.

The section also invites members to save the date for a CLE and Symphony on the Prairie on August 16. The CLE will cover how to assess cognitive health, recognize when it’s time for transition, and take control of your legal legacy, before dinner and a chance to watch a Beatles tribute band at Conner Prairie. Learn more »

Connection Opportunities

• The ISBA Board of Governors and local attorneys gathered at IU Maurer School of Law for drinks and appetizers.
• The Federal Judiciary Committee discussed the rules and expectations of federal judges’ courtrooms at an in-person panel.
• Over 200 members, attorneys, and judges attended the 2025 Judicial Reception.
• The Utility Law Section hosted its 2025 Spring Seminar, including CLE covering legislative updates, professional responsibility, and more.
• The Employment, Labor & Benefits Law Section spent Opening Day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, learning about employment leave laws and navigating stress as a lawyer before watching the races.
• The Affiliate Membership Committee broke their attendance record at the 2025 Paralegal Symposium.
• The Appellate Practice Section peered into the inner workings of Indiana’s highest courts at their full-day CLE.
• Attorneys and judges celebrated at Spencer Farm Winery for the Family & Juvenile Law Section’s summer social.
• The Environmental Law Section received updates from the Office of Administrative Law Proceedings and Indiana Department of Environmental Management at their summer social.

Upcoming CLE and Socials

• Join the Agricultural Law Section for two upcoming events: a conversation with two Purdue Global Law School deans on generative AI and the law school’s operations, plus a social at the State Fairgrounds on July 31.
• The Diversity Committee is discussing the role that resilience, perseverance, and ethics play in high-pressure situations. Learn more »
• Celebrate Pride Month and learn how to better advise and advocate for your LGBTQ+ clients at the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Committee’s virtual CLE. Learn more »
• Connect with animal law enthusiasts at the Animal Law Section’s summer social on June 22. Learn more »
• Continue your experience at the 2025 Solo & Small Firm Conference with the General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section’s Maximizing Mediation: Effective Strategies to Get the Most Out of Settlement Conferences. Learn more »
• Join the Criminal Justice and Appellate Practice Sections for a social at Victory Field on July 22. Learn more »

On-Demand CLE Added to the ISBA Library

The following CLE programs were added to ISBA’s on-demand library. Missed them in action? Check them out now—virtually and at your convenience!

• LIFEtime Management: An Ethical Answer to Time Management. View CLE »
• Feeling Like an Imposter? View CLE »
• Business Law Section | What Trial Lawyers Wish Business Lawyers Knew about Indiana’s Commercial Courts. View CLE »
• Introducing Decisis: Your Free Legal Research Tool. View CLE »
• Family & Juvenile Law Section | GAL Guidelines Townhall. View CLE »
• Tax Section | Behind the Scenes at the Indiana Board of Tax Review: Appeals, Process, and POPLAR. View CLE »

Your ISBA sections and committees are at the forefront of the profession, providing CLE and resources, planning events, and moving Indiana’s legal community forward. Find out what they’ve been up to this month. If you have any section and/or committee updates you would like to share, email Abigail Hopf at ahopf@inbar.org. 

Section and Committee Leaders Meet for Chair Orientation

On January 17, ISBA’s new section and committee chairs met in Indianapolis to discuss their roles and learn more about the ISBA. They watched an amazingly adept group of high school students demonstrate We the People, picked up new strategies for mentorship and pricing, and finished out the day by drafting value proposition statements to enhance their members’ experiences.

Inclusion Reference Guide Wins 2024 STAR Award for Exemplary Communications Program

ISBA’s Inclusion Reference Guide received the Indiana Society of Association Executives’ 2024 STAR Award for Exemplary Communications Program. This award recognizes innovative communication strategies within associations.

Developed with input from the ISBA Diversity, Latino Affairs, and Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Committees, the Inclusion Reference Guide provides definitions, language suggestions, best practices, and additional resources to those seeking to become more inclusive of their clients and colleagues. Learn more and access the guide »

Construction & Surety Law Section Updates Bylaws

The Construction & Surety Law Section updated its bylaws for the first time since the section was founded more than 20 years ago. Changes were accepted by the ISBA Board of Governors at their January meeting and included streamlining existing rules, updating voting and meeting requirements to better match current practices, and more.

Diversity Committee Sponsors IU McKinney Diversity Dinner

ISBA’s Diversity Committee is sponsoring IU McKinney’s Unity Dinner, hosted by the Asian Law Students Association, the Black Law Students Association, the Hispanic Law Society, the Lambda Law Society, and the AccessABILITY Student Union. The annual event celebrates individuals coming together to honor communities in the legal field and support students.

General Practice Section Seeking Hall of Fame Nominations

The General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section is accepting nominations for the ISBA General Practice Hall of Fame Award. This award recognizes outstanding members of the legal profession who demonstrate the highest standards of ethics and professional competency. Learn more and/or nominate a colleague »

Leadership Development Academy Committee Kicks Off 2025 Class

The Leadership Development Academy’s 13th class convened at Fort Benjamin Harrison in January for its first session. Professor Frank Sullivan, Jr. hosted an opening night reception at his house, Justice Mark Massa shared wisdom he’s learned over the years and guided conversation about the future of the profession, and Tiffany Lemons and Catherine Matthews led the class through a StrengthsFinder workshop. The program will pick up later this month at the Indiana Statehouse.

Pro Bono Committee Hosts Talk to a Lawyer Today: Clearing the Queue

On January 20, the Pro Bono Committee worked with county bar associations, pro bono agencies, and legal services across the state to offer free legal consultations through hotlines, walk-in clinics, and virtual sessions. ISBA members participated by answering legal questions on Indiana Free Legal Answers, a virtual legal advice clinic in which qualifying users post civil legal questions to be answered by pro bono attorneys.

The committee also continues to host walk-in legal clinics throughout the year, including a partnership with the Immigration Welcome Center on February 22 and their annual clinic series. Learn more about their work in this Res Gestae article »

If you are interested in volunteering at any of the clinics, please email Kim Latimore-Martin at klatimore-martin@inbar.org. 

Senior Lawyers Section Expands Membership Eligibility

The Senior Lawyers Section revised its bylaws to expand its membership, dropping the age of eligibility from 60 to 55. They also updated their mission statement, restating their focus on assisting attorneys before and after retirement. Additional bylaws changes included granting past chairs honorary council membership and stating intentions to try and include members of all backgrounds, identities, and circumstances within the council.

Women in the Law Committee Sponsors Bench Bar Scholarships

The Women in the Law Committee sponsored four local seniors through the Golden Gifts Donation Drive in December, supporting older adults in need during the holiday season.

The committee also awarded three law students full registration to the Women’s Bench Bar Retreat. Congratulations to Marie Burns from IU Maurer School of Law and Yoselin Fonseca and Chloe Edwards from IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

New this year, the committee is also providing two ISBA members reimbursement for the retreat through the Margret G. Robb Scholarship. All attorneys attending the ISBA Women’s Bench Bar Retreat are eligible to apply. Applications are due by February 26.

To apply, please email the following to IndianaWLAScholarships@gmail.com:

• A brief resume
• The reason you are applying for the scholarship
• If you have attended the retreat previously
• Why you want to attend the retreat this year
• What you hope to learn and/or experience 

Winners of the Margret G. Robb Scholarship will be announced at the retreat.

Connection Opportunities

• The Utility Law Section hosted their annual holiday party at the Lobby Bar in Indianapolis.
• Managing partners from across the state met at ISBA’s office to discuss practical ways their firm could start to maximize AI's potential, see what other firms were doing, and share additional pain points and questions.
• The Pro Bono Committee hosted their first walk-in legal clinic of the year at The Haverstick at the Crossing, serving over 40 Hoosiers with immigration and other legal needs.
• The Intellectual Property Section partnered with the IU McKinney Intellectual Property Student Association on a round-robin style networking reception.
• Twenty-five women associates met for the first in-person session of the 2025 Associate Empowerment Series.

Upcoming CLE and Socials

• Join the Women in the Law Committee for their 23rd annual Women’s Bench Bar Retreat this March in Plymouth, Indiana. Learn more »
• Preview the General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section’s SSFC 2025 content with this CLE on automation and AI on March 20. Learn more »
• The Animal Law Section is hosting an informal social at Half Liter Beer and BBQ Hall on March 23. Learn more »
• Save the date for the Utility Law Section’s Spring Seminar on May 2. Save the date »

Let Me Pick Your Brain: Using Inbar Connect to Increase Member Engagement

Many ISBA sections use Inbar Connect, a section-wide email distribution list that allows section members to ask each other questions, share relevant resources, and discuss upcoming events. If your section’s email distribution list is not as active as you’d like, take a page from the following section leaders who are attempting to garner more engagement.

The Tax Section’s 2025 chair sent a welcome message to all of his members, describing his goals for the year, introducing 2025 leadership, and inviting members to become more involved.

Dear Tax Section Members,

Happy New Year! I am excited and honored to lead the Tax Section in the coming year. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation established by our previous leaders and working with our outstanding leadership team to serve each of you.

Over the next year, I will be focused on increasing engagement between section members and with students. The executive team and I have already begun working on developing additional CLE offerings and exploring opportunities to engage with our law schools and law students.

I want to express my gratitude to our outgoing Chair, Adria Price, for her exemplary leadership and dedication over the past year. Her contributions have strengthened our section significantly, and I am grateful that she will continue to share her expertise and insight as a member of the executive committee. 

This year the Council has created a new "Advisor" position to expand engagement opportunities within our section. While non-voting in nature, this role is designed to bring additional perspectives to our leadership structure and provide an additional avenue for members to participate in section governance. Advisors will work closely with Council members on various initiatives, contribute to policy discussions, and help shape the future direction of our section. We believe this addition will strengthen our section by creating a pipeline for future leadership and providing more opportunities for experienced members to contribute their expertise and ideas.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can become more involved with the section, please feel free to contact me or any of the council members directly.

On behalf of the whole Council, I look forward to another productive year serving our members and the Indiana legal community. As always, we welcome your input and participation in section activities. Please be on the lookout for new events throughout the year as we seek to build on the momentum of 2024.

The Business Law Section is seeking member input on CLE topics and speakers, and asking members to chime in on how the section should use the listserv.

Happy 2025 Section Members! The CLE/Social Subcommittee is looking forward to planning some great events for this year but we would like to hear from you. We want to make sure that the programming we provide is going to be beneficial to you and your practice. Do you have any CLE topics you would like to see addressed this year? Would you be interested in being a speaker or do you know someone who has given a presentation that might be of interest to other section members? Please feel free to respond in this thread or reach out to me at the email address below if you have ideas or if you are interested in possibly being a speaker or know someone we might reach out to. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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Good afternoon, Business Law Section Members! One of the goals our section Council has set for this term is to increase member engagement through wider utilization of this listserv as a resource for discussion and collaboration. Whether you have a quick question on a topic or want to pick the hive-mind, this platform may help you get an answer or make a connection, and it may also help the rest of the section learn something too.  

The Section Council has discussed the possibility of sending out a fun message from time to time to bolster engagement. Some suggestions have been in the realm of brain-teasers and fun facts. Let us know if you have ideas or submissions that might be fun for the section members to try to work out! 

We do understand that our inboxes are full as it is and sometimes these listservs can get burdensome or ignored. The Inbar Connect How-to guide, located in the main Inbar Connect banner, includes instructions on how to change you Notification settings so you can receive message Digests, rather than a new message every time a section member contributes to a post.

Looking forward to seeing your discussions!

On-Demand CLE Added to the ISBA Library 

The following CLE programs were added to ISBA’s on-demand library. Missed them in action? Check them out now—virtually and at your convenience!

• The Gentleman’s Rule and the Rule of Law. View CLE »
• Animal Law Section | Family Violence and Animal Cruelty: How Prosecuting Animal Abuse Can Save Lives. View CLE »
• Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Section | Raising the Bar: The Vital Role Paralegals and Legal Assistants Play in Bankruptcy Relief. View CLE »
• Alternative Dispute Resolution Section | Nuances in Neutrality. View CLE »