IndyBar: Class XX of IndyBar’s Bar Leader Series Announced

Class XX of the Indianapolis Bar Association Bar Leader Series has been selected. Representing an array of practice settings and areas, as well as life experiences, Class XX is poised to begin their yearlong journey at IndyBar’s Bench Bar Conference later this month. Only 20 lawyers are chosen from a very impressive group of applicants.

“The Indianapolis legal community never fails to impress. The most difficult part of the program is narrowing the selection to only 20. The number of outstanding young lawyers that are asked to reapply shows just how strong the practice is in the city,” said Julie Armstrong, Indianapolis Bar Association executive director.

Selected to participate as a member of Class XX are:

• Bianca Black, Littler Mendelson PC

• Emily Cheng, Frost Brown Todd LLP

• John DeRoss, Lewis Wagner LLP

• Sean Dewey, Ice Miller LLP

• Kelsey Dilday Miller, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

• Esther Earbin Sandlin, Dinsmore Shohl LLP

• Roberto Falconi, Ice Miller LLP

• Tristan Fretwell, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

• Jackie Gessner, Gutwein Law

• April Keaton, Office of the Indiana Attorney General

• Jessie Meek, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum

• Katie Meek, Kids’ Voice of Indiana

• Mason Riley, Marion County Public Defender Agency

• Jami Sayeed, Indiana Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning

• Myekeal Smith, Norris Choplin Schroeder LLP

• Kate Trinkle, Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC

• Chris Wagner, Hoover Hull Turner LLP

• Nate Walter, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office

• Chase Wilson, Hurst Limontes

IndyBar’s Bar Leader Series Class XX is an intensive yearlong leadership development program designed specifically for early career professionals. Aimed for IndyBar member attorneys in their third to 10th year of practice, the series prepares talented and diverse early-career lawyers to take their places as both leaders in the legal profession and leaders in addressing the needs of the community.

Structured by Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law faculty member and former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan and led by the Honorable Jane Magnus-Stinson and Magistrate Judge Mario Garcia of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the series will feature an impressive array of community leaders bringing their uniquely informed perspectives to the class. Class members will also develop and execute a team service project with the support of former Bar Leader Series participants adding to their skills and network building.

Class members benefit personally and professionally by becoming better prepared for leadership opportunities and challenges. They have the opportunity to meet and interact with prominent legal and community leaders, develop leadership skills, explore long-term opportunities for leadership and form a lifelong network. The Bar Leader Series experience connects the class with issues, thought leaders and organizations crucial to the success of the city.

Topics/issues on tap for Class XX:

• Access to legal services

• Crime

• Early childhood education and public education

• Food insecurity

• Health care

• Housing and homelessness

• Nonprofit volunteer leadership

• Offender reentry

• Personal leadership skills

• Police-community relations

Though Class XX has been chosen, the application for Class XXI is now open via the IndyBar’s website. The application period will close April 15, 2024.•