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Indianapolis Legal Aid Society
Indiana University McKinney School of Law, 1993
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
When I was in my senior year of college, one of my housemates insisted on betting $50 that he would score better on the LSAT than I would. I took the bet, and he lost. I did much better on the test than I thought I would, so I applied to law schools. I have stuck with the practice of law all this time because I truly enjoy helping people in need. It has all been worth it, even though I was never paid that $50.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
My mother, Catharine “Kitty” Stewart. She entered law school when I was in high school, and she practiced family law for quite a while. Throughout her career, it always seemed to me that she was respected and well-liked, and I have sought to achieve that same level of success.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
This piece of advice came to me second-hand from my mother, who heard it from Judge Charles Applegate when she was his bailiff. He said, “It’s a mighty thin pancake that doesn’t have two sides,” meaning (to me) that it is wise to consider the other side of every argument, whatever side you might happen to be on.
What makes a good lawyer/judge?
Most really good judges have an excellent poker face but are also masters of non-verbal communication. My favorite lawyers to work with are people who will pick up a telephone and talk about a case.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
I wish more people understood that there are many different kinds of lawyers, and none of us knows everything there is to know about the law. Some might give off that impression, but we all have some version of “I’ll need to do a little bit of research on that,” which means “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
This question is anxiety-inducing. Many of the lessons learned that really stick out were not fun experiences.
Tell us something surprising about you.
My preferred mode of transportation is bicycle. As far as I am concerned, the greatest vacations all involve a multi-day bicycle ride from town to town.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I think I might have enjoyed being a travel writer.
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