IndyBar: Role Models from the Bench and Bar

Civility. Courtesy. Respect. Professionalism. These are words that should be synonymous with “Advocate” but in a world of high stakes, strong opinions, and a general, societal decline in basic manners, how can attorneys fight the good fight while living up to these ideals – especially if the other side doesn’t? We set out to find examples of lawyers who model the way while providing excellent representation.

Getting Along is Not Wrong, an initiative of the IndyBar Standing Committee on Professionalism, is the impressive collection of such positive and compelling behavior. Check out the newest entry below, and find new installments online at indybar.org/blog.

Mr. John R. Maley, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

I was fortunate to have a father/mentor, Bob Maley, who epitomized all that is good about the bar. I learned from him primarily by being around him every day growing up, seeing how he treated people, and on occasion, watching him in court. He knew everyone by first name wherever he went and was kind to all. He took his work and clients seriously but not himself. Since he passed away several years ago, I have learned more about him from those in the community that he quietly served, including many pro bono clients. If I can be half the gentleman, advocate and counselor that he was, I will have done him proud.

I was also fortunate to clerk for Judge Larry J. McKinney at the start of my career. I learned from him that the work we do is serious but that we should not take ourselves too seriously. I also learned from Judge McKinney that lawyer civility is essential. He expected this from all in his court, and he treats counsel with respect.

While clerking I was able to observe and get to know Neil Shook during lengthy proceedings in Judge McKinney’s court. He was the consummate professional even in challenging situations. Thereafter, I came to know him better through bar association service, including his years as an IndyBar leader and eventual president. Neil served as a great example for all lawyers. I remember him often and am thankful for having learned from him.•