Only one week remains to submit nominations for Indiana Lawyer’s Leadership in Law Awards. Entries for the 2019 Up and Coming Lawyer and Distinguished Barrister awards will be accepted until noon Friday, Jan. 25.
In this season of reflection, I hope you’ll think about friends and colleagues who live up to and exceed the legal profession’s loftiest ideals. Think of those who embody the very best of what it means to be a great lawyer. Those are the people we seek to honor in Indiana Lawyer’s 2019 Leadership in Law Awards.
Nominations for Indiana Lawyer’s Leadership in Law Awards open today. Entries for the 2019 Up and Coming Lawyer and Distinguished Barrister awards will be accepted until Jan. 25, 2019.
I’ve gotten to know Indiana Lawyer’s 2018 Leadership in Law honorees a bit in the past few weeks. What I’ve learned is, in addition to being collectively capable of handling just about any legal matter imaginable, our Distinguished Barristers and Up and Coming Lawyers also demonstrate the spirit, dedication, humanity and drive to make their profession and their communities better.
Ryan Vershay represents some of Indiana’s largest companies in real estate and business litigation in state and federal court and has become a leader within his firm. But he’s also passionate about helping young professional succeed. He’s active with IndyHub, which brings together young professionals, especially those new to the area, for opportunities to socialize […]
Jessica Van Dalen isn’t just a leader as a patent attorney in a traditionally male-dominated practice area. She’s also credited with building important connections between Purdue University, where she earned a degree in material science and engineering, and IU Maurer. She’s also a leader in volunteering her time and efforts — notably, receiving the Indiana […]
Blake J. Schulz has built a successful real estate practice, representing buyers and sellers in transactions totaling more than $1 billion. But he’s also helped many other young lawyers along the way. Outside the office, he’s active in man bar organizations as well as community groups that assist children and adults in need. What attracted […]
Caitlin Schroeder is a skilled litigator who’s defended cases ranging from antitrust and product liability to attorney discipline. She’s an authority on social media discovery and frequently writes about legal ethics. She also dedicates her time to mentoring international law students and volunteering for Project Home Indy, which provides shelter for pregnant teens. When did […]
Patrick H. Reilly represents titans including the National Football League and the National Hockey League. But he also is hailed as a team player who can score with product liability matters and in cutting-edge practice areas such as drone law. He also is active in efforts to promote diversity in the legal profession and the […]
Nikki Quintana has always wanted to make her hometown of Fort Wayne a better place to live and work. When she’s not directing the organization that protects community members from unlawful discrimination, she is active in community efforts to eliminate domestic violence and increase quality of life and opportunities for people of all backgrounds. What […]
Chad Pryor’s combination of ambition, analytical ability, business acumen and relationship-building make him a key player as associate general counsel of one of the nation’s fastest-growing businesses. He’s also led efforts serving people with autism and their caregivers, and he has provided free legal service to more than 150 people in central Indiana. How did […]
Ann McCready has an impressive history of complex commercial and insurance litigation and leadership at Taft and at her prior firm, Tressler LLP, in Chicago. She’s active in the Integrating Woman Leaders Foundation and serves on the Young Professionals Advisory Board of Children’s Bureau, Inc., which supports and assists at-risk children and their families. What […]
Adam Kline’s childhood on the family farm in Blackford County informs his practice in Bose’s agribusiness, estate and wealth transfer and real estate groups. He serves ag clients in 61 of Indiana’s 92 counties. As a Purdue undergrad, he helped develop the Krach Leadership Center, and he’s currently involved with efforts to bring young talent […]
Zac Kester seized on a niche in the legal market, forming Charitable Allies to help nonprofits navigate complex tax and compliance issues. He serves more than 100 active clients and writes frequently on legal issues facing nonprofits. He’s active with United Way and the Philanthropy Alliance and volunteers with Ascent 121, an anti-human-trafficking organization. How […]
Lindsay Faulkenberg has always seen her legal career as a way to serve children, but she also uses her talents to help mentor law school grads who’ve had trouble passing the bar. She volunteers and provides pro bono service with numerous organizations whose missions range from ending domestic violence to serving immigrant and refugee communities. […]
Kathleen Casey has devoted her career to public defense, and now she’s helping lead efforts to examine and propose changes to improve Indiana’s public defender system. These efforts could impact thousands of Hoosiers’ lives for decades to come. She also is a strong advocate for restoration of lost driving privileges and for immigration reform. When […]
Meagan R. Brien is a go-to lawyer for civil and fiduciary litigation, corporate services and estate planning, but she’s also a leader in the firm’s diversity and inclusion efforts. She also handles pro bono service for the firm and serves the Evansville community by volunteering with a wide range of nonprofit boards. (Photo courtesy of […]
Christopher Bayh bears the surname synonymous with two generations of Indiana political titans, but those who know and work with him say he works as hard as anyone as a go-to litigator in complex, high-stakes matters. He also works to help homeless people in Indianapolis, and pro bono efforts have included representing asylum-seekers fleeing violence. […]
Justin Allen has been practicing just five years, but he’s distinguished himself as a leader at his firm and in bar associations. He serves as president of IndyBar’s Young Lawyers Division. His leadership is also evident in his community service. He is vice chair of the board of Hear Indiana, which provides resources for deaf […]
Thomas M. Zurek came to Indianapolis in 2002, making a sizeable splash when he joined OneAmerica Financial Partners. Since then, the company’s assets under administration has grown from $12 billion to more than $80 billion. Before moving to Indiana, Zurek served as corporate counsel and in private practice in Texas and Iowa in a prolific […]