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Marion County Probate Court
Indiana University McKinney School of Law, 1999
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
I realized without a law degree I could not help people in public service the way I aspired. Law school prepared me to assist Governor Daniels in transforming the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, led me to the Department of Natural Resources to support the new director, and empowered me to help the Vietnam Veterans of America establish the Fort Harrison Veterans Center.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I would be teaching. Leading busy courts in Marion County has given me opportunities to teach judges and lawyers about domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, and problem-solving courts. I especially enjoy helping other judges succeed and learning from them.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
My friends Bob Grand and Terry Anker came from modest beginnings in small towns, but their hard work and generous examples have changed Indiana for the better. As a young lawyer, I learned the most from Deputy Attorney General Gordon White, Mayor Goldsmith, John Okeson, Skip Stitt, and Orville Copsey at the Indianapolis Legal Aid Society. I miss my dear friends Joanie Nickelson and Mark Bunny!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Coach Lou Holtz used to tell Notre Dame students, “I can’t believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary.” He meant it both as a statement of faith and as a challenge to us to excel in serving others.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
A good lawyer loves people deeply and is committed to making peace. A good judge also loves justice and mercy and seeks them by listening.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
Lawyers are problem avoiders, not just problem solvers. I wish people called lawyers before they faced crises. I admire and thank lawyers who help clients at reduced or no cost!
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
I asked Shannon Garvey, our public defender at the Indianapolis Community Court, why she had candy on her desk even though it wasn’t Halloween—as I ate a piece. I almost choked when she said, “Court starts at 1:00 p.m., and many of my clients arrive at 10 a.m. Some of them won’t eat all day.” We opened a food pantry in the courthouse to attack hunger, which helped us rebuild the relationship between defendants, court, and the community. When the court closed, our volunteers were feeding even more neighbors than participants.
Tell us something surprising about you.
I’ve visited all 50 states and spent six weeks in Finland in high school.
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