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Ice Miller LLP
Valparaiso University School of Law, 2013
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I originally decided to enter the legal profession because I wanted to be an NFL agent. I love sports and wanted a career that involved sports. At that time, I believe you needed an advanced degree to become an agent, so I decided to take the leap and go to law school. Of course, my career goals have changed and my career path has not led me to practicing as a sports agent. Nevertheless, my original plan of representing professional athletes is what originally led me to the practice of law.
What does “diversity, equity and inclusion” mean to you?
Diversity, equity and inclusion means providing all individuals with the access and tools they need to succeed. It is not about one race, gender or any other specific characteristic. Rather, it is about providing everyone with complete access to equal opportunities.
How did you get involved in DEI work, and why have you stuck with it?
I got involved with DEI work at my firm through mentoring and working with diverse attorneys at my firm. I have since expanded that work both inside and outside of my firm. I stick with it because I believe it is important for the legal profession to have a diverse representation of lawyers across all types of practices.
What would you say to someone who perceives “DEI” as a business “buzzword”?
I would tell them to read and get educated on DEI work. I would also tell them to get involved with DEI efforts and advocate for change, which will help ensure DEI remains more than a buzzword.
What is the most significant change you’ve seen in the legal profession since you began your career?
I think the most significant change is the post-COVID remote work phenomenon. When I first started, I never thought the legal profession would move to a largely remote work environment. I am curious as to how remote work will change the profession going forward and if it will remain the norm.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have received is that I need to take time to enjoy where I am at in life. I often worry myself thinking about the future and what is next rather than enjoying where I am at and what I have accomplished.
How do you spend your free time?
I spend the majority of my free time with my family. I enjoy playing golf, fishing and attending sporting events.
What was your favorite — and least favorite — class in law school?
My favorite class was Constitutional Law. Randomly enough, I enjoyed learning about past cases that have shaped the way we live today. My least favorite class was Evidence. I had a great professor, but learning about hearsay was awful.
How do you combine your experience in employment law with efforts to advance DEI work?
As an employment lawyer, I frequently advise clients on how to build better workplaces. This includes workplaces that are diverse and operate without discriminatory policies and procedures. This work goes hand in-hand with DEI as it helps to promote workplace environments that are diverse, inclusive and equitable.
We’re told that you’ve worked with diverse law students through initiatives such as the Diversity Job Fair. Tell us about that work, and why helping law students, in particular, is important to you.
I served as a committee member for the IndyBar diversity job fair for several years. We helped to plan, organize and execute the job fair. This is great work because it gives employers who are looking for diverse talent a direct opportunity to interview excellent diverse law students, and it likewise gives diverse students the opportunity to interview for internship opportunities.
Helping law students is important because it helps create a pipeline of successful attorneys. Indeed, I received an offer from Ice Miller through my attendance at a diversity job fair.
Also, as a partner at a large law firm, I find that many diverse students who are interested in Big Law do not have mentors or contacts at large law firms who can provide advice about practicing in this environment. The diversity job fair is a great initiative!
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