Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
By Rani Amani
Each year, IndyBar’s Women and the Law Division (WLD) proudly supports mentoring by offering a year-long mentoring program. The program consists of assigned mentoring teams, where three to five lawyers (and law students)—from various practice areas and at different stages in their careers—meet at least once a month. As someone who has participated in the program for several years, I cannot begin to describe the meaningful connections that I’ve made and the things I’ve learned. I’ve been so lucky to have had such amazing friends help me navigate my first few years of practice, and I’m excited to register for this year’s program. I hope you are, too! The deadline is Feb. 16.
To kick off its mentoring program, WLD hosts an annual reception. This year’s fun event will take place on Feb. 27 from 5:30-7 p.m. at IndyBarHQ. WLD will also present its annual Mentorship Award, which honors a female attorney who has gone above and beyond to mentor other women in the legal profession. This year’s recipient is Hon. W. Helen Marchal of the Marion Superior Court. And as one of Judge Marchal’s many nominators for this award, I cannot think of anyone else more deserving.
Since I met Judge Marchal, she has been only brilliant and kind. Coincidentally, after meeting virtually to collaborate on WLD’s coloring book, All Rise: Stand-up Women in Hoosier History, I timidly approached Judge Marchal at the WLD’s 2023 Mentorship Program Reception. As it often goes with these events, Judge Marchal and I didn’t have enough time to chat. Instead, we were ushered into a room for the presentation of that year’s Mentorship Award. While I was content with our interaction, I was baffled to see an email from Judge Marchal when I got home apologizing for our short talk and asking when I’d be free for a quick bite to eat. After that, the rest was history.
While I could write a thesis on why Judge Marchal deserves this award, I’ll try to keep this short and say two things. First, Judge Marchal has supported me not only professionally but also personally—and for that, I’ll be forever grateful. There were certainly times when she had a long day at work or had to prepare for a jury trial, but she took the time to shoot me an email or text to check in or to meet and listen to me gab about everything. Second, and most importantly, Judge Marchal has taught me about the type of leader I want to be—wicked smart, approachable, unbelievably kind, funny, and gracious. It’s safe to say I want to be Judge Marchal when I grow up. And I’m not the only one.
Believe it or not, the mentorship Judge Marchal has shown me is in no way unique. Rather, it’s who she is—always extending her hand to lift someone else and pull them along. Whenever I mention Judge Marchal’s name in conversation, people start grinning from ear to ear, and the room lights up. They also often share an anecdote like mine—one of how Judge Marchal took a few minutes out of her busy day to support someone and make them feel seen. That’s a superpower not very many people have. It has something to do with still being able to care while traversing the height of your career.
And so, please join me in congratulating Judge Marchal as the WLD’s 2025 Mentorship Award recipient. I’m not exaggerating when I say, on behalf of myself and the Women and the Law Division, that we’re all so excited to celebrate her on Feb. 27. You can sign up for the mentorship program and register to attend the event by visiting www.indybar.org/WLDReception.•
Rani Amani is an associate in Ice Miller LLP’s litigation group. Before joining Ice Miller, Rani served as a judicial term clerk for the Honorable Derek R. Molter of the Indiana Supreme Court. She is a proud and active member of the Executive Committee of IndyBar’s Women and the Law Division.
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.