LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2024: Allison Emhardt

IU Health

Indiana University McKinney School of Law, 2015

Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?

I was a biology major at IU, and I ended up taking a course on health policy in the United States in which we read “The Healing of America” by T.R. Reid. I was hooked. The book describes different health care systems around the world, and it made me want to become a lawyer so I could learn and explore the legal and policy side of health care.

Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?

My parents, Carl and Eileen Potenza. My dad spent his career both formally and informally coaching others in how to be a great team member and leader, helping them find careers that they truly enjoy. My mom has been an influence on so many young kids as a teacher and tutor; and as a survivor of a violent crime, she also has counseled several other survivors through their trials and beyond. They’ve both gone through a lot of their own personal struggles but have always maintained such a positive outlook on life and have both made it their mission to help others.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Your career path does not need to be a straight line. Some of the best are not.

What makes a good lawyer/judge?

The ability to listen deeply.

What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?

We don’t all like to be adversarial. My husband is a prosecutor and people always say, “Wow, two lawyers in the family, you must argue all the time.” But I don’t love to argue; I love to think and problem solve, which I think is true of many lawyers. Still, I do win most arguments with my husband.

Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.

I’ve always tried to say “yes” to everything presented to me in my career. For the most part, that’s served me well. But a great leader once gave me valuable advice that setting boundaries also allows you to thrive in your own role, because you have a lot more room to say “yes” to the things that matter to you. Bonus: It allows you to bring in other people to flourish in their roles too.

Tell us something surprising about you.

I just completed my 17th Indianapolis Mini-Marathon. I ran my first one with my dad when I was 12 years old and still haven’t beat his personal record. I’m coming for him, though. It’s one of the coolest things this city has to offer and feels like a great kickoff to May in Indy.

If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?

I love reading and writing, and I was a copy editor for the Indiana Daily Student, my college newspaper. So I think it would be fun to be a book editor.< a href=”/leadership-in-law-2024″>Read more Leadership in Law profiles.