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Tom Froehle, who has spent much of his 38-year legal career directing the strategic direction at one of Indianapolis’ top law firms while working on some of the state’s largest economic development projects, is taking his talents to Indiana University.
Froehle will become IU’s chief legal officer on Aug. 17 after being hired as vice president and general counsel in late June.
According to an announcement from the university, Froehle will direct the IU’s legal strategy, manage both in-house attorneys and outside counsel, and advise top leaders on matters including governance, policy development and risk management. He will also oversee the offices of civil rights compliance, university compliance and internal audit.
Froehle, partner and chair emeritus at Faegre Drinker, led the forerunners of his firm through two significant mergers, ultimately helping it grow into one of the 50 largest firms in the nation.
As a public finance attorney, he put his worked on some of the largest economic development projects in the state over the past 30 years—from the Honda plant in Greensburg to Lucas Oil Stadium and the NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis. He represented universities and public entities on major financing initiatives and related regulatory requirements.
“Tom brings the experience and judgment required to advise a complex public university in a rapidly changing environment,” IU President Pamela Whitten said in a written statement. “He understands how to move important work forward while fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. His leadership will serve our students, faculty, staff and partners well as we build on the tremendous momentum underway at Indiana University.”
Froehle grew up in Bloomington, received his undergraduate degree at IU and earned his law degree cum laude at the University of Michigan Law School.
He began his career at Baker & Daniels in 1988, building a corporate and public finance practice.. That would eventually lead him to become a law firm executive, with his selection as Indianapolis managing partner in 2000 and then his election as chair and chief executive partner of Baker & Daniels in 2008.
In 2012, Froehle led the firm’s merger with Minnesota-based Faegre & Benson to become Faegre Baker Daniels. Froehle was named chair and managing partner in 2016 and assumed those roles in 2017.
Then in 2020, he also guided Faegre through its combination with Philadelphia-based Drinker Biddle & Reath and would become the co-chair of the combined firm now known as Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP.
That move would create a firm of more than 1,200 attorneys, consultants and professionals in 20 locations across the United States, United Kingdom and China.
Froehle has served on the board of directors of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indiana Sports Corp and many other professional and civic organizations.
In 2025, he received The Indiana Lawyer’s Leadership in Law Lifetime Achievement Award, which was created in 2021 to recognize seasoned legal professionals whose exemplary careers have demonstrated excellence in community involvement, mentorship and civility.
“I’ve always believed the best outcomes come from strong teams working together with a shared commitment to excellence, which is why I’m particularly excited to join President Whitten and her leadership team,” Froehle said in written comments about his new appointment. “I look forward to advancing IU’s mission by providing clear, practical legal guidance that helps the university navigate complexity, manage risk and move important initiatives forward.”
Froehle succeeds Anthony Prather, who is retiring from IU. Andrea Newsom will serve as interim vice president and general counsel until Froehle assumes the job.
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