IndyBar: President’s Update

The IndyBar President’s Update is a regular feature where we share what’s been happening behind the scenes, celebrate wins, and give you a sense of where we’re headed. It’s a way to keep everyone in the loop, reflect on what we’ve accomplished together, and look ahead to what’s next.

• Thanks go to the IndyBar members that assisted the legislature with legal analysis during the recent special session. Several questions regarding constitutional law were raised and our Legislative Committee leaders worked with Indiana legal scholars to provide analysis.

• The Indianapolis Bar Foundation gathered to celebrate the work of its volunteer leaders this week, and what a successful year it’s been. Under President Bri Clark of Dentons Bingham Greenebaum, the IndyBar Foundation reached the milestone of 30,000 served through its Virtual Help Desk, providing free online legal advice via www.indybar.org. This year alone, nearly 2,000 central Indiana residents have been assisted through the other various public outreach and pro bono activities funded by the foundation. Particular thanks go to retiring board members who have worked to fundraise and lead over the past six years of service: Carol Nemeth Joven of Williams Law Group LLC, Bianca Black of Littler Mendelson PC, Hon. Terrence Tharpe of the Marion Superior Court, and Melanie Reichert of Broyles & Ricafort PC. Here are the ways you can support the IndyBar Foundation as we near the end of 2025:

• Visit www.indybarfoundation.org and click on the “Donate Today” button in the top right corner of the screen and donate!
• Volunteer your time for a foundation-supported program. Choose from IndyBar-organized programs like the Free Wills Clinic and the Virtual Help Desk, or give back through partner programs from previous Community Empowerment Grant recipients. Email Kari Hartman at [email protected] for ways to get involved.
• Level Up your gifts! If you’ve donated to the foundation already this year, you’ll get a notice shortly with what level of gifting you’re currently at and what it would take for you to hit the next level of notoriety. Contact Julie Armstrong at [email protected] for more details.

• It’s not too late to make 2026 the year you expand your network by volunteering with IndyBar. Various committees undertake the many initiatives and projects of the Indianapolis Bar Association. Several of our practice area groups and special divisions like young lawyer and Masters are often in need of new members to join in their efforts. You can find those openings at www.indybar.org/opportunity. Ultimately, IndyBar is always open to welcoming members getting involved particularly in our general committees You can visit www.indybar.org/committeeapp to volunteer by quickly submitting your request or contact Julie Armstrong, IndyBar Executive Director, at [email protected] to express your interest in serving on one or more of committees.•