Michael Jasaitis inducted as president, new ISBA Board of Governors members

Indianapolis (Oct. 11, 2024) – Michael Jasaitis, a distinguished attorney and community leader from Crown Point, Indiana, was inducted as president of the Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) during the association’s Annual Assembly Meeting on Oct. 10.

Jasaitis is a partner at Austgen Kuiper & Jasaitis P.C., where he brings over two decades of legal advocacy to his general civil practice, focusing on litigation, business law, school law, and real estate. Recognized as a Super Lawyer and having earned the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, Jasaitis is widely respected for his legal ability and ethical standards.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of Jasaitis' career has been his work advocating for high school students across Indiana who have been declared ineligible to participate in athletics. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jasaitis believes that participation in athletics is an “integral part of the high school educational experience.”  He has gained a strong reputation for his dedication to ensuring students have access to these extracurricular opportunities, which often provide a critical pathway to post-secondary education.

A graduate of Valparaiso University (1997), Jasaitis earned his law degree magna cum laude from Valparaiso University Law School in 2000, where he was a member of the Law Review and served as president of the Student Bar Association. He has been admitted to practice law in both Indiana and Illinois since 2000.

Jasaitis has demonstrated a deep commitment to the ISBA, serving in various leadership capacities for nearly two decades. He chaired the ISBA Young Lawyers Section (YLS) in 2010, where he led the section to national recognition, earning two American Bar Association awards for public service and excellence in programming. During his term, the YLS launched initiatives like "Young Lawyers Serving Hoosier Seniors," and other impactful community service projects that left a lasting impression on both the legal community and the public.

Notably, Jasaitis is the first ISBA president to graduate from the ISBA’s Leadership Development Academy, a leadership program designed to nurture future leaders in the legal profession. Jasaitis was part of the inaugural class (Class 1), further exemplifying his dedication to ISBA and its future.

Jasaitis has also served multiple terms on the ISBA Board of Governors, including two years as the Lake County District Representative, and chaired the ISBA House of Delegates in 2020. His service and dedication to the ISBA have been recognized with the association’s Presidential Citation and Cinch Strap Award, honors given to members who demonstrate outstanding service and leadership within the association.

In addition to his ISBA roles, Jasaitis is a past president of the Lake County Bar Association (LCBA) and a recipient of the LCBA President’s Award in 2015. He has also served on the LCBA Board of Managers for over 15 years.

Beyond his legal career, Jasaitis is deeply committed to his family and community. A father of three children, ranging in age from 6 to 14, Jasaitis enjoys coaching their sports teams and actively supporting their educational and extracurricular activities. He also served as president of Lake Area United Way in 2021, where he played a pivotal role in facilitating the successful merger with United Way of Porter County in 2022.

Jasaitis succeeds Hon. Thomas J. Felts of Fort Wayne, Indiana, as ISBA president. John Maley of Indianapolis was inducted as ISBA president-elect, and Derrick Wilson of New Albany, Indiana, was elected vice president during today’s meeting.

ISBA’s new leadership team, as elected by members is:

OFFICERS
President: Michael Jasaitis, Crown Point 
President Elect: John Maley, Indianapolis
Vice President: Derrick Wilson, New Albany
Secretary: Angela Jones, Saint John
Treasurer: Jimmie McMillian, Indianapolis
Counsel to the President: Justice Steven David (Ret.), Columbus

BOARD OF GOVERNORS 
1st District: Steve Sersic, Munster
2nd District: Rachel Arndt, Rochester
3rd District: Doug Sakaguchi, South Bend
4th District: Hon. Frances Gull, Fort Wayne 
5th District: Patrick Jones, Lafayette 
6th District: Lynsey David, Fishers
7th District: Scott Bieniek, Greencastle
8th District: Derrick McDowell, Evansville
9th District: Abbey Fargen Riley, Jeffersonville
10th District: Jim Williams, Muncie
11th District:

• Jane Dall Wilson, Indianapolis
• Joe Rompala, Indianapolis 
• Traci Cosby, Indianapolis

At Large: 

• Allyse Wirkkala, Indianapolis
• Melissa Keyes, Indianapolis

Past President: Hon. Tom J. Felts, Fort Wayne
House of Delegates Chair: Hon. Elizabeth Bellin, Elkhart
House of Delegates Chair Elect: Steve Hoar, Evansville
Young Lawyers Section Chair: Matt Land, Indianapolis 
Young Lawyers Section Observer: Libby Klesmith, South Bend

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Media Contact
Megan Purser
ISBA Communications Manager
mpurser@inbar.org
317.639.5465, ext. 923