IndyBar: An Open Letter to our Indianapolis Attorneys, Young and Old

Dear IndyBar Members,

I hope this message finds you well and thriving in both your professional and personal lives, or at least surviving this very busy holiday season. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our legal careers, it’s essential that we take a moment to reflect on the core values that unite us as members of this prestigious association. One such value is our commitment to inclusivity. It is a principle that transcends the boundaries of our practice areas, experience levels, and backgrounds. And yet, despite our shared dedication to excellence in the legal profession, we must be honest about a concern that has been raised by some of our members: the perception that the Indianapolis Bar Association can feel cliquish, leaving some members feeling disconnected or excluded.

As your president, I want to address this issue head-on, acknowledging that no organization is immune to the challenges of building a truly inclusive community. At the same time, I firmly believe that we have the opportunity—and indeed, the responsibility—to ensure that every member feels welcome, valued, and connected.

A Personal Experience

I was recently reminded of this concern in a rather unexpected way. One weekend morning, my son and I went out for breakfast to catch a quick bite before my son’s soccer match when I overheard a conversation at the table next to me. It was a group of younger attorneys, including two local attorneys and two friends who were also attorneys visiting from Chicago, discussing their experiences with their respective bar associations. As I listened, I was struck by a comment that kept coming up in their discussion: the local attorneys felt that the IndyBar was “cliquey.” They described how it seemed as though certain groups of people, often with more seniority or established networks, tended to dominate the events and discussions, leaving newer members feeling like outsiders. It was a candid and, admittedly, uncomfortable moment for me to hear, but it was an important one.

What stood out most in that conversation was the frustration and disappointment in their voices. They didn’t feel like they had a real opportunity to connect or engage in the community, despite their desire to do so. This experience served as a reminder to me of the impact that our collective actions—or in some cases, our inaction—can have on how others experience our association.

Understanding the Issue

It is an unfortunate truth that large professional organizations, especially those with a long history and a diverse membership, can sometimes foster an environment where it feels like certain groups or circles of individuals are more tightly knit than others. This may happen inadvertently, but the impact can be far-reaching. When members feel isolated or out of place, it undermines the objective we are trying to achieve: a dynamic, collaborative environment where all of us—regardless of background, practice area, or tenure—can grow, learn, and advance together.

The feeling of being excluded can be particularly acute for our younger practitioners, those who are new to join IndyBar, or those who are simply not as connected to the “social fabric” of IndyBar. In a profession where mentorship, networking, and collaboration are vital to success, the perception that certain groups are more “in” than others can limit opportunities for everyone.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

As an organization, we must be proactive in addressing these concerns and creating an environment that encourages connection and mutual respect among all members. It is vital that we actively dismantle any barriers to participation and ensure that all members—regardless of their background or experience level—feel that they belong.

To that end, we are committed to the following initiatives and values that I believe will help mitigate these concerns and foster a more inclusive culture within our association:

• Fostering Diverse Leadership: We are dedicated to ensuring that our leadership bodies, committees, and boards reflect the diversity of our membership. By actively recruiting leaders from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, practice areas, and perspectives, we create a more inclusive environment where all voices are heard.

• Broadening Networking Opportunities: We recognize the power of networking to build relationships and advance careers. To ensure that networking opportunities are accessible to everyone, we will continue to expand our events, making them more inclusive and accessible. This includes offering events in various formats, such as virtual, hybrid, and in-person, to accommodate different schedules and preferences. We are also exploring “speed networking” sessions and interest-based gatherings that allow members to connect with others outside of their immediate circles.

• Mentorship Programs for All: One of the cornerstones of success in our profession is mentorship. However, mentorship should not be reserved only for those who already have access to influential circles. Our association is committed to expanding mentorship programs that connect seasoned professionals with newer members. We will prioritize matching mentors and mentees across diverse practice areas and backgrounds, ensuring that every member has access to the support and guidance they need.

• Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue: We understand that open, honest conversations about inclusivity are essential for growth. To facilitate this, we will continue to host regular discussions and forums where members can share their experiences and ideas for creating a more welcoming environment. The Seats Is Yours series, and other forums to follow, will be places where we can listen to each other, learn from one another, and together work toward breaking down the barriers that divide us.

• Celebrating Our Diversity: Diversity is not just about acknowledging differences—it is about celebrating them. We are committed to celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and experiences that make up our membership. Whether it’s through cultural events, educational programs, or special recognition of our diverse members, we aim to highlight and honor the many ways our association is stronger because of its diversity.

Moving Forward Together

The strength of our association lies not just in the legal expertise of its members but in the ability to come together as a community, united by a shared purpose. We all bring unique perspectives to the table, and it is through collaboration, respect, and inclusivity that we will continue to thrive.

As your soon to be immediate past-president, I am committed to leading by example. I encourage each of you to take an active role in this journey toward inclusivity. Be intentional about getting outside of your comfort zone by reaching out to members you may not know at IndyBar events, participating in new IndyBar events, and being open to learning from others. Much like everything else in life, you’ll get out of it IndyBar what you put in. I look forward to working with all of you to make our association stronger, more inclusive, and more united.

Sincerely,
David J. Duncan
President, Indianapolis Bar Association