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Church Church Hittle + Antrim
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 1990
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
My father and grandfather were car dealers who navigated that period in history when certain cars were defectively designed and others failed to meet standards of quality and performance. The cars simply could not be satisfactorily repaired. My father was deeply troubled when he was unable to correct a problem or otherwise satisfy a customer who, in the small town of New Albany, was most likely a friend, neighbor or brother Rotarian. I remember two lawsuits in which my father was involved that were brought primarily against the car manufacturers. To me, the trials seemed to go on for months because my dad agonized over what seemed to him to be unfair applications of the law that left people in our community, our friends, without redress. I couldn’t understand how the law could leave good people with no remedy. Shortly thereafter, “Lemon Laws” were passed to protect consumers. This mysterious concept of the “law” had me intrigued.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I always dreamed of being a marine biologist. I love to swim, and I was swimming at least as early as I was walking. Had my life taken a different path, it may have been one that involved water as a career!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Lift up and support others; use what you’re good at to contribute to something bigger than you.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
Treat others the way you would like to be treated; listen.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
They are very giving of their time and talents.
How do you spend your free time?
By catching up with others. I love to hear events of interest in the lives and professions of others. It’s easy to make a call while outside walking or kayaking.
Do you have a secret talent?
Swimming — and as a result, I can do the splits.
What was it like to become the first female partner at your firm, and what changes have you seen for women in the law since then?
I had the luxury of all male senior partners who treated me like I was the most important person in the world. Their treatment instilled confidence in me and motivated me to be the best lawyer and leader I could. The law has grown and evolved for the better with the
addition of more female and other minority perspectives.
You’re active in bar associations, including serving as president of the Indiana State Bar Association. How have those organizations benefited your career?
The ISBA provided fundamental principles, values and extensive camaraderie that broadened my perspectives and deepened my belief that when you support one, the whole group is stronger. It caused me to see and experience the value and satisfaction in contributing to a cause larger than my own career.
I was deeply moved at one ISBA gathering where an appellate judge personally enriched the career of a struggling practitioner by offering her a life-changing employment opportunity. Absent that act of kindness, the lawyer may have left the practice of law. Most importantly, the ISBA afforded me the opportunity to listen and learn from some of the finest leaders in the nation, whom we are fortunate to have residing right here in Indiana.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
Abraham Lincoln: He just kept working to improve. •
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