IndyBar: Judicial Spotlight: Hon. Marc T. Rothenberg

Hon. Marc T. Rothenberg
Criminal Court 19

How long have you been a Marion Superior Court judge?

I have been a judge since 2009. I have been a judicial officer since 2003.

Other projects, committees or service roles you are involved in off the bench?

Man, where do I begin? Here are a few of the many things I am involved in. I am currently serving my third term on the Marion Superior Court Executive Committee, the Indianapolis Bar Foundation Board and on the Marion County IT Board. In the past I have been a VP on IndyBar, as well as on the IndyBar Board for several terms.

Best tip you have for lawyers appearing in your court or criminal law courts in general?

BE PREPARED! Keep your client informed, know your case, know what you want to do before you get into the courtroom, and talk to the opposing counsel before your hearing.

Your mentor(s) and the greatest insight you gained from them?

I have several. Judge Cale Bradford taught me how to have a work-life balance. Judge Bob Altice and Judge Sheila Carlisle taught me how to succeed (and cope) with Major Felony Court. Judge Mike Keele taught me how to work a civil case. Beyond that, the greatest insight I ever learned from anyone is from working at McDonald’s prior to law school. Customer service is important, especially as a judge. Those who appear before you are there for serious matters, likely not their best day. It is not a judge’s job to make it worse by mistreating them in some way.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love reading, watching horror movies, playing video games, and hanging out with my wife, dog, cat and daughter (when she decides to come home from college).

If you weren’t a judge, what would you be doing?

I would be an author, a screenwriter and maybe a literature teacher. Something to do with writing (which is hilarious, because English in high school wasn’t exactly my forte.)