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By Emily Chimenti, Wilson Kehoe Winingham LLC
The Indianapolis Bar Association’s Women and the Law Division (WLD) is set to host its much-anticipated Summer Reception on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the historic and stylish Tinker House on the near north side of Indianapolis. The event promises to be an evening of meaningful connection, inspiration, and recognition—celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in the legal profession.
A highlight of the legal community’s summer calendar, this reception is more than just a networking opportunity. It’s a space to reflect on progress, honor excellence, and foster a stronger, more inclusive legal community. This year’s event carries even greater significance with two notable moments: the featured address by Magistrate Polly Beeson and the presentation of the inaugural V. Sue Shields Young Female Lawyer Award to Melissa Hamer.
Honoring a Leader: Magistrate Polly Beeson
The Summer Reception’s keynote speaker, Magistrate Polly Beeson, brings a wealth of experience, insight, and commitment to justice. Judge Beeson’s commitment to justice and equality was forged early through her family history and personal conviction. Her father, a Holocaust survivor, fled to America for safety. From him, Judge Beeson learned of the American Dream and lessons in hard work and perseverance.
With a legal career rooted in service and leadership, Judge Beeson is known not only for her courtroom acumen but also for her dedication to mentorship and civic engagement. Judge Beeson was named a delegate to the World Jewish Congress and further as a future leader of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis. Her remarks are expected to touch on her own journey, the challenges she has faced and overcome, and her vision for supporting the next generation of women lawyers.
Attendees can look forward to a thoughtful and empowering message from Judge Beeson, one that underscores the importance of perseverance, integrity, and supporting one another in a profession where representation and community matter more than ever.
Introducing a New Legacy: The V. Sue Shields Young Female Lawyer Award
This year’s reception marks the first presentation of the V. Sue Shields Young Female Lawyer Award, an honor created to recognize an emerging female attorney who embodies excellence, professionalism, and a commitment to the ideals of justice.
The award is named in tribute to Honorable V. Sue Shields, a pioneering figure in Indiana’s legal landscape. Judge Shields was the first woman elected to court of general jurisdiction, the first female appointed to the Indiana Court of Appeals, and the first female magistrate judge for the Southern District of Indiana. Throughout her storied career, she paved the way for countless women in law, breaking barriers and mentoring young attorneys who followed in her footsteps.
Fittingly, the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award is Melissa Hamer, an accomplished young attorney whose career exemplifies the spirit and legacy of Judge Shields. Known for her sharp legal mind and tireless work ethic on complex matters such as environmental law, construction disputes, and e-discovery, Hamer has already made a lasting impression within the Indiana legal community. Her peers commend her not only for her legal achievements, but also for her generosity in mentoring others and her efforts to advance diversity and equity in the profession, particularly 1in areas of law that are typically male-led.
A Venue for Connection and Celebration
Held at Tinker House, a beautifully restored industrial space with modern flair, the reception offers the perfect setting for colleagues, mentors, and friends to gather and celebrate shared values and successes. Light refreshments, drinks, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere will make this both a celebratory and meaningful occasion.
The Women and the Law Division invites attorneys, judges, law students, and allies from across the legal community to attend. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your legal journey, this event offers inspiration, opportunity, and a deeper connection to the community of women shaping the legal field in Indiana.
Events like the WLD Summer Reception underscore the ongoing importance of supporting women in the legal profession. Representation, mentorship, and recognition all play vital roles in fostering a more equitable legal system.
By highlighting the achievements of leaders like Magistrate Beeson and emerging leaders like Melissa Hamer, the Women and the Law Division continues its mission to uplift, connect, and empower. The establishment of the V. Sue Shields Award marks a new chapter—one that will continue to celebrate excellence and encourage the next generation of women lawyers. We hope to see you all there! You can grab tickets on the IndyBar website.•
Emily Chimneti is an attorney at Wilson Kehoe Winingham LLC in Indianapolis focusing her practice on plaintiff’s personal injury cases. In particular, she represents injured persons and their family members in medical malpractice, trucking, and product liability matters. Chimenti graduated from Butler University in 2013 with honors and Valparaiso University School of Law in 2016, magna cum laude. She is the current chair of the Women and the Law Division.
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