Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The Indianapolis Bar Association has appointed James Bell, a partner at Hoover Hull Turner LLP, as its representative on the Marion County Judicial Selection Committee. Bell succeeds Michael Gaerte of Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, who has served in the role since the committee’s formation in 2017.
Justice Derek Molter, chair of the committee, recently commended Gaerte for his “careful preparation in advance of meetings and his respectful, insightful, and constructive contributions” and welcomed warmly Bell to the committee.
The Marion County Judicial Selection Committee is responsible for evaluating Marion Superior Court judicial candidates and recommending nominees to the Governor. Established through legislation passed in 2017 by the Indiana General Assembly, the committee comprises 14 members serving four-year terms. These members include:
• Four attorney representatives appointed by legal associations
• Four members selected by legislative leaders
• Four members appointed by the chairs of both major political parties (two from each)
• One vice-chair
• One Indiana Supreme Court Justice, who serves as chair
Under Indiana law, the Indianapolis Bar Association appoints one member to the committee, who must be a Marion County resident and a criminal law practitioner.
Bell, a well-respected criminal defense and attorney discipline defense attorney, will complete Gaerte’s current term, which ends June 30, 2025, before beginning his own four-year term, set to expire June 30, 2029.
In his new role, Bell will help ensure a fair and transparent selection process by assessing judicial candidates based on qualifications, experience, and judicial temperament. The committee ultimately submits three of the most highly qualified candidates to the Governor for final appointment.
The Indianapolis Bar Association expressed its gratitude to Michael Gaerte for his years of dedicated service and welcomed James Bell as he takes on this critical position.•
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.