DTCI: Young Lawyer Spotlight

Chelsea Steele Hyslop

Firm: Frost Brown Todd LLC

Years in Practice: Almost 2 years

Practice Focus: Product Liability, Tort, and Insurance Defense

Why did you decide to become a lawyer?

I decided to become a lawyer because I have always had a passion for using my education and background to be an advocate. Lawyers are in a unique position to advocate for individuals during some of the most stressful periods of their lives. Being involved in litigation is hard for a lot of people, and I enjoy being in a position where I can provide guidance during those stressful times.

What do you enjoy most about the practice of law?

I really enjoy developing strategies to defend complex litigation issues and providing advice to a variety of clients in different industries. I enjoy collaborating with my colleagues to solve these problems, and I like having the opportunity to learn something new every day.

What has been one of the greatest highlights or accomplishments of your legal career thus far?

Having the opportunity to help prepare for trials early in my career has been one of the highlights of my legal career. I have helped prepare several mock trial presentations to aid in analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the case and provide trial recommendations to the client, which is something I really enjoy.

What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve experienced in your first few years in practicing law, and how have you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I have experienced so far in my career is learning how to actually practice the law. When I first started work, it felt like a constant uphill battle to become comfortable in my new career because everything was new. However, I learned to rely on my colleagues and peers for guidance and advice, which has helped me to overcome my hesitation to ask for help.

What is one of the most important lessons you have learned in your first years of practicing law?

One of the most important lessons I have learned in my first year of practicing law is to have confidence in my ability to present meaningful ideas to my team.

Why did you join DTCI, and what do you find beneficial about being a member?

I joined DTCI because DTCI provides a great network of people and resources throughout Indiana. I attended my first DTCI annual meeting last year, and it was such a great experience in terms of meeting new mentors, gaining insight into the changing legal landscape, and developing my network. DTCI also has a lot of opportunities for both Young Lawyers and Women in the Law, and I find all of the CLE and networking opportunities to be incredibly beneficial to both my personal and professional development.

If you weren’t practicing law, what would you be doing and why?

If I weren’t practicing law, I would probably be a mental health counselor as I have a background in psychology, and I would want to continue to be an advocate for those in need.

What is one fun fact about you not many others know?

In my spare time I enjoy making greeting cards using a variety of mediums, with a focus on watercolor and calligraphy techniques.•