IndyBar: Judicial Spotlight: Hon. Tara Melton, Presiding Judge of Marion Superior Court 15

How long have you been a Marion Superior Court judge? Judicial officer?

I was one of Governor Eric Holcomb’s last Marion Superior Court appointees on December 31, 2024. I assumed the position January 1, 2025. Prior to my appointment, I was hired by Judge Mark Jones as a Magistrate in my current court, Marion Superior Court 15, January 1, 2021. I served as a Magistrate until my appointment on December 31, 2024. I also served as a Judge Pro Tempore appointed by Judge Michelle Smith Scott in the Center Township Small Claim Court from about 2009-2014 and appointed by Judge Kim Bacon in the Lawrence Township Small Claims Court in 2015.

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

I am a member of the Supreme Court’s Child Welfare Improvement Committee. I serve on the Local Rules and Forms and the Informal Domestic Relations Trials Committees of the Family Division. I served as a panelist and guest speaker several times for the Children’s Policy and Law Initiative of Indiana. I Co-Chair the Family Life Education Committee of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I mentor for the Black Heritage Club at Lawrence Central High School. Community service is very important to me.

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

Always be prepared. Read everything filed in the case and entered by the Court. Be honest with the Court even if it means admitting a mistake, misstep or intentional act. It’s better to own it than attempt to deceive the Court or opposing counsel. We’ve all been there. Remember this is not personal. Wins and losses don’t always measure your competence and ability. Often times, the admissible evidence is simply against your client.

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

Mentorship is my passion. I have several mentees who are aspiring to be attorneys. It is so important to me because I know I would not have achieved my goals without the great mentors in my life. I have been blessed to have incredible mentors my entire life. I am afraid to add names for fear of leaving someone out. I will say that I appreciate Michelle Smith Scott who gave me my first opportunity to be a judicial officer. She took the time to mentor me in every way. I appreciate Mark Jones for hiring me as a magistrate. I appreciate Judge Tanya Walton Pratt for her mentorship and sisterhood. She has been a great mentor afar and closely. There are countless others I did not name but are just as important and invaluable to me. The biggest insight I gained from my mentors is to be available to other people aspiring to go higher than where they are. I had no exposure to the legal profession prior to law school. I saw how much better it was for the students who did. That is my motivation for availing myself as a mentor for others coming behind me. I mentor anyone who believes I can help them in any way.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy my family time. I enjoy my time in my sauna. I enjoy creating personalized gifts. I believe things made by hands and from the heart make the best gifts.

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

I would be a business CEO, preferably a non-profit organization.