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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowSaying “it’s time,” Indianapolis attorney Samuel “Chic” Born is retiring from the practice of law at year's end.
The Indiana University Maurer School of Law graduate enjoyed a two-phased career that began in 1970. As a new lawyer, he joined Ice Miller where he established a practice representing management in employment law cases and labor disputes. Then after a major heart attack in 1996 which caused him to reconsider his career path, he joined The Mediation Group LLC.
“I figure I had a great run at two places,” Born said. “I have had an awful lot of fun and seen a lot of heartache. It’s time.”
In addition to his law practice, Born, 70, was active in several bar associations. He served as president of the Indianapolis Bar Association in 1988 and of the Indiana State Bar Association from 1997-1998. Also he was a member of the American Bar Association House of Delegates.
Born grew up in a very small town in Illinois where his parents ran a furniture store and funeral home. His father wanted him to takeover the family businesses. His mother wanted him to be a doctor. But, as Born explained, he “wanted to do something else.”
He enrolled in Northwestern University but there he struggled and transferred to Simpson College in Iowa. Remembering his childhood and early adult years, Born described himself as a child of the 1960s.
“I did it all,” he said, “don’t even ask.”
After completing his law studies in Bloomington, he moved to Washington, D.C., and submitted his resume to many law firms but was only invited to one interview. He returned to Indiana and accepted an offer from Ice Miller.
Although Born represented companies and school corporations, unions started asking him to help settle their disputes with other unions. That work introduced him to mediation and held such strong appeal that he eventually switched to that practice full time.
Once he retires Dec. 31, Born plans to travel with his wife and spend time with his grandchildren. No doubt he will be able to entertain the youngsters with stories of his time as an attorney.
“I’ve had a wonderful time practicing the law,” he said.
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