LEADERSHIP IN LAW 2024: Ranissa Dycus

American Senior Communities

Indiana University McKinney School of Law, 2016

Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?

I truly wanted to help people. I grew up in the inner city and experienced injustices at my high school all the time. I even personally experienced injustice as a youth in sixth grade. I knew from that experience, I wanted to be a voice and advocate for my community. I wanted to be the person you can call to point you in the right direction of what to do and where to get help.

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

Food blogger. That is still a dream of mine—I plan to be a food blogger when I retire.

Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?

Katie Jackson-Lindsay. She looks like me and grew up in similar circumstances as me. When I first met her in our legal community, it made me believe I actually can do this job and do it well, no matter my background.

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

Trust yourself, but at the same time, don’t take yourself too seriously. Imposter syndrome is a real thing, but no one is perfect. I’m learning to overcome that.

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

Sometimes less is more. You don’t need a lot of pomp and circumstance or to name-drop. If you’re good and if something is meant for you, it will be yours. Your work will speak for itself. I name-dropped in a job interview once with a judge … very much a lesson learned.

What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?

We are good people! Not all lawyers are shady (LOL).

Tell us something surprising about you.

I don’t like Oreos or peanut butter. For some reason when I tell people that, they are extremely shocked.

What makes a good lawyer/judge?

I think being relatable/able to understand people makes a good lawyer and judge. It’s hard for people to see outside themselves, and to be a good lawyer and/or judge I think that is required.

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