Palmer: A young lawyer’s case for building a legal career in Indiana

In April, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush issued an order establishing the Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future, which addresses the attorney shortage facing the state.

According to the order, virtually every county in Indiana has fewer lawyers per capita than the national average. This is a problem that needs a solution. Will this article solve it? No. Is this author affiliated with the Commission in any way? Also, no.

However, as a young Indianapolis lawyer who was not born a Hoosier, I find Indiana a fantastic place to build a legal career and encourage others to consider following me here.

I am not sure how much longer I will be able to refer to myself as a “young lawyer.” I moved from Michigan in 2017, graduated from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2020, and four years of practice in Indianapolis have gone by in what seems like four months. (Maybe I will make this a series and the second installment will be: “A Middle-Aged Lawyer’s Case for Building a Legal Career in Indiana.”)

I owe much (if not all) of what I have learned in these years to veteran colleagues willing to share their knowledge and experience.

One of the standout aspects of practicing law in Indiana is the way its senior lawyers invest in the careers of young lawyers. They view them as individuals rather than as just more cogs in the machine.

Indiana’s bar is full of experienced attorneys and leaders who go out of their way to provide mentorship, advice, and networking opportunities to young lawyers and law students. Indiana legal community leaders are dedicated to fostering the next generation of attorneys.

An open-door policy seems embedded in Indiana’s legal culture, creating a sense of camaraderie. It is refreshing for young lawyers to be in an environment where their growth matters to those who have been in their shoes.

Also, in a profession that can be extremely competitive, Indiana stands out by promoting civility and friendliness among its lawyers, particularly when on opposing sides. It is a pleasant change that allows attorneys to focus on collaboration rather than conflict.

Instead of viewing opposing counsel as the enemy, it is commonplace for lawyers to emphasize mutual respect and open communication, which often leads to more favorable outcomes for everyone involved. This positive atmosphere not only makes practicing law more enjoyable but also teaches young lawyers that they can be zealous advocates while maintaining professionalism and a good rapport with their peers.

I have heard plenty of stories from former classmates and colleagues who practice law outside Indiana, and many describe a much more aggressive approach by peers in their practices. They tell me it can be like a pressure cooker, with the focus on creating battles, no matter how small or insignificant the issue may be in the grand scheme of the matter.

This type of atmosphere teaches young lawyers that opposing counsel is the enemy. Aggressive advocacy is important, but civility and professionalism are as well. It is unfortunate that the latter conduct seems to take a backseat in some legal cultures outside Indiana. Indiana is blessed in having a legal culture that recognizes the importance not only of advocating for clients but of fostering positive relationships with colleagues.

As a born and raised Michigander and avid Detroit Lions fan, I enjoyed watching the Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts last month. Despite my soft spot for Michigan, this attorney cannot picture himself practicing law anywhere that isn’t Indiana.

The supportive and friendly vibe of Indiana’s legal community is palpable. Hoosier lawyers should be proud of what they have built. This is an ideal place for a young lawyer to build a meaningful career. I recommend it to any young lawyer looking for intelligent and talented colleagues who are willing to grab lunch after a hard-fought battle in the courtroom.•

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Thomas T. Palmer is an associate in Lewis Wagner’s litigation group. Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.