Jason M. Massaro,

John “J.T.” Funk,

Paraskevi “Patty” N. Xidias,

If you are interested in being the Representative for District 5 or 8, please contact me at HGeorgeMyers@gmail.com.

Success in the legal field does not have to come at the expense of success in your personal life. As we all struggle to maintain the right balance of work and life, the ISBA’s well-being calendar can serve as inspiration to schedule time for ourselves and our personal passions.

Compiled by Tara Puckey, ISBA Law Practice Management Consultant, tpuckey@inbar.org

Indiana Heritage Quilt Show | Bloomington, Ind.
Browse the beautiful craftsmanship of quilts and crafts, also featuring a special “Inspired by Elvis” exhibit and quilting classes for beginners to advanced quilters.
March 5-7
Cost: $10 daily ($20 full show) 

Parke County Maple Fair | Rockville, Ind.
Head Parke County, the covered bridge capital of the world, for all things maple syrup. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how it’s made and take a peek at local crafts along the way.
March 7-8
Cost: Free

Mutts Gone Nuts | Shipshewana, Ind. 
Who doesn’t love dogs? And, extra special talented, funny dogs at that? Collies collide with comedy in this spectacular performance of skill and showbiz.
March 13
Cost: $14.95 - $44.95

Firefighters Get Green Fest | Fort Wayne, Ind.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at this family-friendly event featuring a green river, a festive “5-Kilt” Run/Walk, live music and fun and games.
March 14
Cost: Free

Indiana Flower & Patio Show | Indianapolis
Being outside can do wonders for your spirit, so see all the different ways to spruce up your outdoor living space.
March 14-22
Cost: $13 (if you purchase tickets online)

Wellness Webinar: Women’s Health | Online Webinar
Learn about common conditions, risk factors and how to approach your health as a woman or to better support the women in your life. 
March 17
Cost: Free

Snowman Burn & Night Hike | North Salem, Ind.
Usher winter out the door with the symbolic Snowman Burn, complete with s’more roasting and a beautiful, exhilarating night hike to celebrate the start of spring. 
March 21
Cost: $5

Stargazing in the National Park | Chesterton, Ind.
See all the beauty in the stars at the darkest spot in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and learn from the best – members of the Chicago Astronomical Society, Michiana Astronomical Society, and Calumet Astronomical Society.
March 21
Cost: Free

Indy VegFest | Indianapolis
Start healthy habits right at the Indy VegFest! You don’t have to be a vegan or vegetarian to attend, and it promises to be a judgement-free zone, so learn more ways to bring veggies to the table in a tasty way.
March 29
Cost: Free

By Leslie Craig Henderzahs

As originally appeared in the December 2019 issue of Res Gestae

The Indiana State Bar Association paves the way for its members to enjoy the rich and rewarding admission experience to the Supreme Court of the United States, and as of this writing, I have just returned from Washington, D.C., as a newly minted member of the Supreme Court bar. In fact, I was seated less than a “first down” away from the greatest legal minds in the country!

The day included breakfast in a private Supreme Court conference room, which included a courtyard, accompanied by the Clerk of the Court and Hoosier George T. Patton Jr., the appellate practitioner who kindly served as the movant for our ISBA group of 11 members. George is well known at the Court – this was his 20th Motion for Admission. After arriving outside the stately building, we waited for about 30 minutes, standing in awe with little conversation or noise and gazing up the grand stairs, over fountains and in reverence of billowing American flags on this breezy, 60-degree day. On each side of the front stairs are two statues of seated figures: on the left, The Contemplation of Justice, a female holding a book of laws and a figure of blindfolded Justice, which symbolizes impartiality, and on the right, The Authority of Law, a male holding in his left hand a tablet of laws, backed by a sheathed sword, symbolizing enforcement through law. The Supreme Court Building is sometimes referred to as a “temple of justice” because it is both a work of art and a working office building. It is fittingly located at 1 First Street in our nation’s capital. (A quick history lesson: The Supreme Court was not provided with its own building until 1935; it first met on Feb. 1, 1790, at the Merchants Exchange Building in New York City. In 1929, Chief Justice William Howard Taft, who served as president of the United States from 1909-1913, led an effort to persuade Congress to authorize construction of a permanent home for the Court consistent with an independent judiciary branch.)

Back to the future: Right at 8 o’clock, we were admitted into the stately building and directed beyond a colossal statue of John Marshall, our nation’s longest-serving Chief Justice (1801-1835). After introductions and pleasantries, we were escorted to the conference room for breakfast. It was ornate and contained three of the most beautiful chandeliers, which sparkled with crystals, including twinkling radiant stars.

The Clerk of the Supreme Court, Scott S. Harris, now the Court’s 20th, addressed our group and provided an overview regarding the procedure of the ceremony and precise decorum. Photos were taken by the Court photographer. Our guests were escorted away. Then, so as not to vary even slightly from the script, George conducted a rehearsal of our positioning and response to the highly anticipated oath. Next we marched down the Great Hall and into the Court where our guests were already seated. The admittees were seated right in front of the brass rail dividing the justices from the counsel tables and counsel to be admitted. On each of the counsel tables were two sets of white hand-cut goose quills, originally for notetaking positioned in an X formation, a tradition since the early 1800s.

The Courtroom is situated at the center of the first floor. It is surprisingly small in size, measuring 82 by 91 feet with ceilings rising 44 feet to accommodate 24 Italian marble columns topped by sculpted Spanish marble panels that depict “legal themes and famous lawgivers.” Promptly at 10 a.m., the justices entered the Courtroom and took their places about 20 feet in front of the attorneys with Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. sitting in the center and presiding over the admission ceremony, oral arguments and other business of the day.

Each attorney seeking admission was privileged to stand for introduction to the Court; our movant affirmed our qualifications and good moral and professional character. The Chief Justice granted our admission and then administered the oath whereby I swore to “conduct myself uprightly and according to the law, and that I will support the Constitution of the United States.” As I listened to Chief Justice Roberts, I thought about the irony of so few words commanding such awesome responsibility – the responsibility of our profession.

The admission was followed by two oral arguments that permitted the justices to question the arguing attorneys at will regarding their opposing positions. Although the first argument focused on somewhat complicated and technical insurance processes, statutes, appropriations and terms, the most striking aspect was the practical way each justice distilled the lawyer’s differing perspectives, concepts and precedent to formulate simplistic questions centered upon equitable principles and potential outcomes.

Our group’s admission to the Supreme Court of the United States was an experience of a lifetime and one that will be revered for the remainder of my professional days. I hope you, too, will enjoy such an extraordinary opportunity.

Leslie Craig Henderzahs
Michael E. Tolbert
Clayton C. Miller
Andrea K. Townsend
Rafael A. Sanchez
Brent R. Borg
Jacquelyn S. Pillar
Rachel A. Arndt
Victoria R. Wolf
Douglas R. Adelsperger
Kyle B. Mandeville
Russell B. Cate
Hon. Tammy S. Somers
J. Beau Dial
Alyssa C.B. Cochran
Adrienne Rines Hammond
TyJuan L. Garrett
Charles F. Miller
Angka E. Hinshaw
Joel M. Schumm
Elizabeth A. Bellin
J. Todd Spurgeon
Judi L Calhoun
Michael J. Jasaitis
Beau F. Zoeller

President Leslie Craig Henderzahs

Leslie is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association (president, 2019-2020; current sustaining member; member, Board of Governors; chair, Women in the Law Committee; member, Nominating Committee; volunteer, Mentor Match; member, Budget & Finance Committee; recipient, ISBA Gale M. Phelps Award; and member, House of Delegates), American Bar Association, and Hamilton County Bar Association (president, 2012-13; executive member). Additionally, she has been a Fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation since 1996 and a Distinguished Fellow of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation. In 2018, Leslie was honored to be named one of Indiana Minority Business Magazine’s Champions of Diversity. Locally, she is active with the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce (member, board of directors), Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville and the Riverview Hospital Foundation Board.

Leslie received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University Bloomington and her J.D. from the I.U. McKinney School of Law in 1990. She was born in Louisville, Ky.

Professional enjoyment: the wonderful people with whom I come in contact each day. Whether they are leaders of our great state, corporate organizations or their own families, each person has fascinating anecdotes that I enjoy learning.

Your inspiration: the application of our societal rules and laws, and the changes in societal mindsets over history, which caused us to broaden our views, minds and the preservation of constitutional rights to protect everyone

Why bar association involvement: The ISBA is the independent voice of the legal profession. It advocates to improve the administration of justice for the benefit of the public as well as its members and their clients. People seek the guidance of lawyers because they need help with potentially life-changing events. The integrity of our legal profession and judicial system is paramount to promoting public trust and confidence, which in turn directly benefits our communities and state.

Fav hobbies: swimming or any other water sport.

Fav book or author and current reading: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten by Robert Fulghum.

Fav vacation spot: any beach or Paris, France.

Fav food or restaurant: The Eagle, Indianapolis.

Top of my bucket list: travel to Italy with my entire family and having the time to care for a horse of my own.

President-Elect Michael E. Tolbert

Michael is a member of the Lake County (past president), Kimbrough (past president) and Indiana State (past chair, House of Delegates) bar associations and the American Legal Institute. Michael and his wife, attorney Shelice R. Tolbert, manage the employment ministry at their church, Embassies of Christ in Gary. Michael also serves on the Northwest Indiana Scholarship Committee for the United Negro College Fund and is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, serving the Gary community in a variety of ways. Michael was born in Gary in 1975.

Professional enjoyment: the ability to have a direct impact on the life of someone by helping him or her solve a problem

Your inspiration: I was a Matlock and Perry Mason junkie as a kid. I didn’t have any lawyers in my family, and I was not in an environment where I was directly exposed to the legal profession. So my point of reference and inspiration came mostly from television. Watching Johnnie Cochran in the O.J. Simpson case did it for me. I remember watching the trial and saying, “That’s what I want to do!” The lawyering by Cochran was masterful and made me want to try cases.

Why bar association involvement: Bar involvement provides the opportunity to work with the best and brightest to make our profession better. With the changing landscape of our profession and the need to reinvent how we deliver our services, bar association involvement is more important than ever.

If not a lawyer: I’d probably say law enforcement. I love business ownership as well, so I would likely own something.

Fav hobbies: I love to read. I am also really into fitness. I work out every day.

Fav book or author and current reading: My favorite book is probably Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

Fav vacation spot: Anywhere warm … where cell phone service is sketchy and requires an “international plan.”

Fav food or restaurant: My favorite food is pizza from Lou Malnati’s.

Top of my bucket list: a one-year trip with my wife, Shelice, around the world. Each day a new adventure. Each day a new memory.

Vice President Clayton C. Miller

A member of the Indianapolis, Indiana State and American bar associations, Clay was the recipient of the ISBA Presidential Citation in 2005, 2007 and 2013 and the Indiana Bar Foundation’s William G. Baker Civic Education Award in 2011.

His community/civic activities include Chatham Arch Neighborhood Foundation (president); Madam Walker Legacy Center (former vice president); and Roberts Park United Methodist Church (building committee chair).

If not a lawyer: architect or forester

Fav hobbies: attending major and minor league baseball games and visiting historic sites.

Andrea K. Townsend

Andrea is a member of the Indianapolis and Indiana State (chair-elect, Litigation Section council; Young Lawyer Liaison to the Law Student Committee; and Leadership Development Academy Class III graduate) bar associations; Indianapolis American Inn of Court; and Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society.

Community/civic activities include board member, Hillsborough Community Association; historian, Indianapolis Sailing Club; and judge, “We the People” competition.

Professional enjoyment: the ability to help someone avoid (preferably) and solve legal disagreements

Your inspiration: I wanted to be creative and write. Creative lawyering – a good thing. Creative accounting – not as much.

Why bar association involvement: Being part of a group of lawyers who love the law and giving back is rejuvenating!

If not a lawyer: I would be an accountant.

Fav hobbies: Racing sailboats, hiking, hunting, gardening, reading and playing with my baby boy, Nathan!

Fav book or author and current reading: Delicious! by Ruth Reichl.

Fav vacation spot: Michigan – winter for downhill skiing or summer for lake time!

Fav food or restaurant: Wolfie’s Waterfront Grill on Geist Reservoir – the atmosphere on the water is great!

Top of my bucket list: Raising chickens again and creating the opportunity for Nathan to participate in 4-H. 

Rafael A. Sanchez

He serves as co-chair of the 2021 NBA All-Star Game – Indianapolis; co-chair of the 2021 NBA All-Star Legacy Committee, chair-elect of United Way of Central IN, and president-elect of Crossroads of America Council (BSA).

Professional enjoyment: It represents the epitome of servant leadership; From day one, it evokes the concept of pro bono and instills in every lawyer a sense of duty and obligation to provide assistance to those who cannot help themselves

Your inspiration: It started with wanting to help my family and friends in business matters and then evolved to the idea of just being an advocate for people who need help.

Why bar association involvement: In my particular case, it allows me to stay connected and give back to the legal profession while at the same time highlighting the fact that a legal education and experience can open the door to so many other interesting business and career opportunities.

If not a lawyer: CEO of a company, which I was fortunate to become a few years ago. 

Fav hobbies: Watching movies, playing poker, and traveling

Fav book or author and current reading: Favorite book: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less (Greg McKeown); currently reading: The Dichotomy of Leadership (Jocko Willink)

Fav vacation spot: nywhere in Europe

Fav food or restaurant: Delicia

Top of my bucket list: A trip to Machu Picchu

Brent R. Borg

A member of the Indianapolis (Appellate Practice Section) and Indiana State (Appellate Practice Section and Written Publications Committee) bar associations, Brent is a Class III graduate of the ISBA Leadership Development Academy. His community/civic activities include St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church athletics ministry (director) and Hamilton Southeastern Academy of Finance (student mentor).

Professional enjoyment: that clients invite you into aspects of their lives about which few others may know and trust you to help them through whatever issues they are facing

Your inspiration: I was fortunate to work as a paralegal with some very accomplished attorneys and other fine people at a large law firm in Chicago (Seyfarth Shaw); they taught me important lessons and looked out for me early in my work career.

Why bar association involvement: It is an opportunity to meet wonderful, humble and accomplished people; in addition, participation in the State Bar’s Leadership Development Academy has help me form relationships with attorneys throughout the state who I otherwise would have never met.

Fav hobbies: golf, crossfit and coaching youth sports.

Fav book or author and current reading: Your Life is Worth Living by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.

Fav vacation spot: anywhere alone with my wife (but we have four boys, and the opportunities are infrequent).

Fav food or restaurant: sushi.

Top of my bucket list: traveling to the Vatican.

Jacquelyn S. Pillar

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.

Rachel A. Arndt

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. 

Victoria R. Wolf

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). 

Douglas R. Adelsperger

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. 

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.

Russell B. Cate

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.

Hon. Tammy S. Somers

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.

J. Beau Dial

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.

Alyssa C.B. Cochran

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. 

Adrienne Rines Hammond

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.

TyJuan L. Garrett

He is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association. He earned a B.A. from Truman State University, a J.D. from Drake University School of Law and an LL.M. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. TyJuan’s community activities include the Indiana Guide Right Foundation, USTA – Central Indiana Tennis Association and the Indianapolis Association of Black Journalists (board member). TyJuan was born in Talladega, Ala.

Professional enjoyment: The thing I enjoy the most about the legal profession is working with clients to find solutions to their problems.

Your inspiration: The thing that inspired me to become a lawyer was the law being viewed as a noble profession.

Why bar association involvement: Involvement in the bar association is important to me because it allows me to connect with other attorneys in the state.

If not a lawyer: I would be a surgeon.

Fav hobbies: I enjoy jogging. Fav book: My favorite book is All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren.

Fav vacation spot: Mallorca Island, Spain.

Fav food or restaurant: My favorite food is steak and pot roast, and my favorite restaurant is Iowa Beef Steakhouse.

Top of my bucket list: to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Charles F. Miller

Legal memberships include the Indianapolis and Indiana State bar associations, and community/civic activities include Historic Irvington Community Council, Irvington Halloween Festival and Fostering The Future Now, a nonprofit established to raise awareness and funds to benefit foster children who age out of Indiana’s foster care system on their 18th birthday.

Professional enjoyment: the ability to always be learning something new, and the channeling of that knowledge into making a difference in someone’s life

Your inspiration: I was lucky enough to stumble into Charles Berger’s Constitutional Law class my junior year at USI. The subject matter fascinated me, but more important was Mr. Berger simply telling me I could be a lawyer. You never know the push you can give someone, and he certainly gave that to me!

Why bar association involvement: I tell younger attorneys the biggest mistake I made as a new attorney was not becoming immediately involved with a bar association. Helping to shape the role of your profession is an incredible honor, and the connections, knowledge and friendships you make are beyond compare and cannot be overstated.

If not a lawyer: If money were no object, I would own a winery.

 Fav hobbies: I enjoy cooking and traveling, but what most of my friends know me for is being a homebrewer and home winemaker.

Fav book or author and current reading: My favorite book is Truman by David McCullough. I am currently reading Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner.

Fav vacation spot: I love wine country in the Finger Lakes and Traverse Bay regions.

Fav food or restaurant: good old Mama Carolla’s. The classics never get old.

Top of my bucket list: the trip to Germany we are planning for next year.

Angka E. Hinshaw

Legal memberships include Indianapolis, Marion County and Indiana State (Leadership Development Academy Class III graduate) bar associations and American Immigration Lawyers Association. Angka is a volunteer with the Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program; Happy Hollow Children’s Camp (chair, Development Committee) and Indiana Bar Foundation (competition judge, “We the People” program).

Professional enjoyment: using the law as my sword to navigate the world while helping the most vulnerable and those that experienced unfairness and injustice

Your inspiration: I was inspired by an unfortunate experience of unfairness. When I was in high school, I was a track athlete. I received college recruitment letters from many universities. However, when I was a senior, my high school coach withheld my recruitment letters because I refused to run while injured. I remember calling local attorneys, asking for help, but no one took me seriously or thought it was a big deal. Granted, I was a teenager. Nevertheless, at 17, the experience left me hurt, and I vowed to become an attorney and help others in difficult situations.

Why bar association involvement: Involvement in your bar association is a valuable opportunity to meet and support other attorneys; involvement also provides members immediate access to knowledge via professional contacts, webinars and CLEs. I’ve met many good friends outside of my practice area through my bar association membership.

If not a lawyer: I would be a school psychologist in a public elementary school.

Fav hobbies: Many people may not know that I enjoy sewing and quilting. In the past, I’ve quilted baby blankets for my sons, crafted a leather coin pouch and silk necktie for my husband, made a reversible tote bag and more. I love using my mechanical sewing machine and my hands to make goods for my loved ones to cherish. I also enjoy learning Spanish, running, making birthday cakes and antiquing.

Fav book: the Bible.

Fav vacation spot: That’s a hard decision – Vienna, Austria and Zurich, Switzerland.

Fav food or restaurant: homemade spicy chili (from my kitchen)!

Top of my bucket list: castle tour of the British Isles.

Joel M. Schumm

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.

Elizabeth A. Bellin

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. 

J. Todd Spurgeon

Professional enjoyment: There are so many things – the clients and their stories and situations, the attorneys and their personalities and skills, the interaction with juries. Although many of my cases are similar in nature, no two cases are the same, and each presents its own unique set of circumstances to work through.

Your inspiration: After a failed college physics test or two, engineering was out the window. My dad was a probation officer for 30 years, so I spent a lot of time at the courthouse with him and had grown up admiring lawyers and judges I knew in my family along with those I had seen in the community. I felt the legal field gave me the best chance to be in a profession I would enjoy as well as to be able to serve the community as a whole.

Why bar association involvement: I was “drafted” into bar involvement by a mentor of mine, Sam Day. I’m thankful for that each day. The networking, both socially and professionally, is priceless. The knowledge base of members is a wonderful source of practice advice and guidance. Bar involvement also gives me the unique opportunity to see the innumerable great works being done by our members and to meet new and interesting people from all over the state in practice areas I would not otherwise have a chance with which to interact. Through my involvement in the ISBA, I have also seen firsthand how the Association works on behalf of its members to make our jobs easier and the profession better, and how the Association strives to serve and educate the public about the legal profession and legal issues facing society.

If not a lawyer: No doubt, a funeral director – my family has been in the business for more than 100 years.

Fav hobbies: spending time on the lake, running, following my children’s endeavors.

Fav book or author and current reading: Admittedly, I don’t read much apart from work, but I really enjoyed Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose.

Fav vacation spot: Disney World or the Florida Keys.

Fav food or restaurant: Big Boy.

Top of my bucket list: I don’t really have a bucket list, but I’ve always wanted to take a few weeks for an RV trip out West through the national parks.

Judi L. Calhoun

Judi is a member of the Muncie Bar Association, Prevent Child Abuse, Purdue Club of Muncie, and Champions for a Safe Community. She has bowled on a Special Olympics team for more than 10 years. She was born in Muncie.

Professional enjoyment:  Public Service - giving back to the community

Your inspiration: a teacher once told me women shouldn't be lawyers - that was enough to inspire me to prove him wrong!

Why bar association involvement: The connections I have made and continue to make  through the bar association are invaluable to my professional and personal life

If not a lawyer: A personal shopper - I love to pick out clothes for friends and dress them up so they feel beautiful and confident

Fav hobbies: Bowling, landscaping with Rob's business and hiking in the mountains of Arizona

Fav book or author and current reading: Or what are you currently reading?  I like all genres and I really enjoy just reading for fun to take my mind off work - one rarely sees me without my Kindle when not at work

Fav vacation spot: Sedona, Arizona

Fav food or restaurant: One cannot go wrong with a good steak and bottle of wine for favorite food but my favorite restaurant is Judi's in Sedona, Arizona mostly because of the name and the fact it means I am in Sedona!

Top of your bucket list: Take a Pacific Coast Highway Roadtrip from San Diego to Washington in one trip in a convertible 

Michael J. Jasaitis

Professional enjoyment: The legal profession provides us the opportunity to have an impact on a wide range of people in a challenging, yet gratifying, environment.

Your inspiration: It had been a thought since middle school upon meeting a lawyer during a career day. After getting an opportunity to test the waters, defending my hallmates in a college disciplinary proceeding (for an alleged late-night, Nintendo Tecmo Bowl noise violation), I got the urge to explore the profession in greater detail. Thereafter, the practice of law truly appeared to be a vocation where one could make a significant difference in a variety of ways, whether inside or outside of the courtroom.

Why bar association involvement: It gives us the ability to associate with like-minded individuals and to collaborate with other legal professionals. This leads to fantastic networking opportunities with lawyers, judges and legislators, which benefit everyone involved (as well as the clients we represent). Furthermore, our bar association provides an environment for attorneys of all experience levels to hone and improve their legal acumen through particular section involvement.

If not a lawyer: a stand-up comedian or educator

Fav hobbies: soccer (both coaching and playing).

Fav book or author and current reading: Chase the Lion … in between Goosebumps, Dr. Seuss, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and N.E.3d Reporter.

Fav vacation spot: on the balcony of a cruise ship in the Caribbean with my family.

Fav food or restaurant: corn on the cob, In-N-Out Burger restaurant or any good sushi joint.

Top of your bucket list: watching my three children become difference-makers.

Beau F. Zoeller

Professional enjoyment: Being a transactional lawyer, my favorite part about the legal profession is working together with lawyers and nonlawyers toward a common goal of successfully completing a transaction.

Your inspiration: My inspiration and the most important role model in not only the legal profession but also life was (and continues to be) my grandfather. He put others first by leading a life of service. The law degree was a tool he used to provide such service to clients, nonprofits and the public at large.

Why bar association involvement: The ISBA has so many great things to offer to lawyers, but perhaps the most important to me is the opportunity to work with lawyers around the state on service projects and issues facing the legal profession.

If not a lawyer: professional golfer

Fav hobbies: spending time with my wife, daughter, dog, family and friends; hunting, fishing and golf.

Fav book or author and current reading: Anything written by Ron Chernow or Michael Lewis.

Fav vacation spot: any place I can golf and/or fish.

Fav food or restaurant: Cast Iron Steakhouse in Jeffersonville, Ind.

Top of my bucket list: fishing for black marlin off the coast of Australia.

How has your career progressed during the time since you graduated LDA?
It is no exaggeration to say that my career has progressed more in the five years since graduating from the LDA than in the nine years before my involvement. Whether it was presenting oral argument at the Indiana Supreme Court’s bicentennial event in Corydon or assuming leadership positions in the state and local bar, the LDA gave me the confidence to put myself out there for opportunities that would otherwise have passed me by.

In what ways have you seen LDA impact your career?
The biggest impact for me was the realization that success as a lawyer is more than how many hours you can bill. The idea of servant leadership really resonated with me and gave me the push I needed to pursue causes that I was passionate about, both within the legal community and the community where I live. I am much more fulfilled now than when I measured success and failure by my salary.

Do you still connect with anyone from your LDA class?
Yes! One of the best things about the LDA is having an instant network of people from all over the state, practicing in virtually all areas of the law. 

What advice do you have for attorneys early in their careers?
Expose yourself to as many areas of the law as you can. When I began my career in a small insurance defense firm, I could have never imagined that I would try multiple federal criminal cases or argue a plaintiff’s case to the Indiana Supreme Court. Had I stayed with what I knew, I would never have even attempted to most noteworthy accomplishments in my career.

Why would you recommend LDA to new attorneys?
There are so many reasons, but the one I would highlight the most is the personal connections. I know of no other program or opportunity where you can have one-on-one time with Supreme Court Justices, engage in conversations with state-wide business leaders, or just grab a beer with a remarkable attorney from the other side of the state. It is these connections that have stuck with me long after the paintball bruises have healed.

Andrew L. Teel is a Law Clerk to the Hon. Holly A. Brady, United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

I thoroughly enjoyed my February 2019 trip to Havana, Cuba. The small group lent to great discussions during our CLE. The opportunity to see and enjoy the music and dance of Cuba was quite profound in that the skill levels were quite high and the performances were as entertaining as any professional troupe in the US. I would love to return to Cuba but for President Trumps ban on such travel.

Visiting a communist country was impactful when one compares the judicial system in the U.S. with the legal system of Cuba. It reinforces the ideals of democracy when compared to a controlled state.

If the U.S. government permits travel to Cuba, I would highly recommend such a trip. Attendees are immediately immersed into the culture of Cuba with its three mixed economies – the state economy, the gray market economy and the black-market economy. You will find yourself interacting with all these different economies. The environment, social, food, and culture of Cuba are quite different from south Florida. When we were there it was quite warm and humid. But enjoyable when traveling from Indiana. The tour permitted many opportunities to enjoy the myriad types of Cuban cuisine.

I particularly enjoyed sitting in the park across the street from our hotel enjoying a cigar. On several occasions, a Cuban would join me on the bench with his cigar. Despite our language barriers we were able to communicate and enjoy the evening.

The Cuban people I encountered were very friendly and engaging. One night I joined two other attendees for the Buena Vista Social Club for dinner and music. We walked from the hotel to the venue. Some blocks were lit, some were not. My companions were a bit timid to walk down the sidewalk that was not lit, but at no time did I feel afraid of any criminal element. On our first day I got separated from the group and made my way back to the hotel alone walking through northern Havana. I never felt that I would be the victim of crime. In fact, two Cuban woman stopped to help me with my map to get directions back to the hotel.

The photographic opportunities are boundless - I'm still working on my Cuba book of photos.

I highly recommend ISBA trips. They are educational, expose you to different cultures, and demonstrate that we are all in this together (or at least we should be).

Bruce Kamplain is an attorney at Norris Choplin Schroeder LLP.

How has your career progressed during the time since you graduated LDA?
When I graduated LDA Class IV in 2015, I was a law clerk at the Indiana Supreme Court. I then moved to the City of Indianapolis Office of Corporation Counsel as Assistant Corporation Counsel – Litigation in January 2018. I have served as Deputy Chief Litigation Counsel for the City since May of this year. 

In what ways have you seen LDA impact your career?
The program has aspired me to pursue leadership roles within state and national bar associations as well as in my legal career. Because LDA focuses on developing leaders—not simply training attorneys—the five-month program offers valuable tools in developing leadership skills, such as team and consensus-building, and developing task-oriented goals. Organizations want active members who can contribute. Employees who balance professional demands while being active in local organizations are more likely to be promoted to management/supervisory level positions and appointed to sit on special committees and decision-making boards. In fact, it was noted to me that my leadership roles in the community played as important a part as my prior professional responsibilities when being considered for employment.

Do you still connect with anyone from your LDA class?
My LDA family stays connected—and I mean beyond the LDA Facebook page. Even though we don’t see each other on a monthly basis like we did in 2015, not only is it nice to personally know an attorney in all corners of the state, but we continue to support each other through life’s ups and downs. We celebrate job changes, relocations, marriages, and births. And even hold each other up through life’s my most difficult moments. My father passed away a couple of years after my LDA graduation. He was a Muslim living in California and I am Christian. I had no idea how to go about planning a service that would honor his faith and from so far away. I texted my LDA sister, Ala’a, who I had not spoken to in almost a year. She responded right away. She held my hand and walked me through what I needed to do. And when I apologized for not having stayed better in touch she simply responded, “There is no need for apologies among friends.”

What advice do you have for attorneys early in their careers?
Take advantage of the opportunities for growth, such as the LDA program, as they are made available to you. Far too often we forget that we are leaders in our community—not just attorneys on the job. It is a tremendous privilege to be members of the legal community and with that comes a responsibility to give back more than we have been given. The LDA empowers and equips you to do just that.

Why would you recommend LDA to new attorneys?
The strength of the LDA program is that it teaches you about yourself. It teaches you to identify the areas in which you add value and contribute to those around you beyond the meetings, contracts, billing, and briefing. It teaches you to be a better listener, a more compassionate leader, and a more well-rounded thinker by opening you to differing perspectives from around the state. In the end, the greatest value of being a part of the LDA program is impact that it has on you as a person. If you are looking to for an opportunity that will accelerate your professional opportunities while developing personal growth, look no further than the LDA.

Traci M. Cosby serves as Deputy Chief Litigation Counsel at the Office of Corporation Counsel.