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By Burnell Grimes, Carrier Global Corporation
IndyBar isn’t just an association; it’s an invaluable career partner.
When I joined IndyBar as a law student, I was simply looking to build community. What I found instead was a professional hub that accelerated my growth, expanded my network, and shaped my identity as a lawyer and leader in Indianapolis.
A Network That Opened Doors
From the moment I stepped into IndyBar’s Law Student Division, I encountered a rare culture of authenticity and access. Senior lawyers, judges, and business leaders didn’t just offer advice, they invested in my success. Those early relationships became mentors, collaborators, and referral sources who helped me navigate Big Law, transition into in-house practice, and eventually serve global businesses while supporting growing, local organizations.
IndyBar created space for me to learn from leaders who had already traveled the road I hoped to walk.
Leadership That Accelerates Impact
Serving on the IndyBar Board of Directors and now as Chair of the Business Law Section gave me something every lawyer needs, but few receive early in their career: the opportunity to lead.
These roles strengthened how I think, how I serve, and how I show up in the profession. They helped me build a voice rooted in strategy and service which are skills I now use daily when advising executives, partnering with nonprofit leaders, and contributing to Indiana’s legal and civic community.
The Bar Leader Series: A Transformational Experience
My participation in the Bar Leader Series remains one of the most meaningful milestones in my professional journey. It pushed me beyond the technical practice of law into the broader responsibility of leadership – understanding community issues, driving solutions, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. The program deepened my understanding of Indianapolis and sharpened my commitment to leading with purpose.
Most importantly, it gave me a cohort of peers who continue to inspire and challenge me.
Connecting Service and Purpose
IndyBar’s pro bono and community-based opportunities have allowed me to stay connected to the people and neighborhoods that shaped my passion for law. Whether advising a global corporation or guiding a growing nonprofit, the commitment remains the same: use the law as a tool for positive, meaningful impact.
A Professional Home That Grows With You
As I reflect on my journey, from law student to Big Law associate, from in-house counsel to community consultant, one truth is clear: IndyBar has been a central thread in every chapter.
It has been:
• A network that lifts as it leads
• A platform for meaningful leadership
• A community that invests in people
• A partner in both professional and personal growth
For any lawyer seeking to grow, contribute, and lead in Central Indiana, my advice is simple:
IndyBar isn’t just an association; it’s a catalyst for your career.•
Burnell Grimes is an innovative, business-focused attorney who advises domestic and global companies on commercial transactions, supply chain operations, marketing, data privacy, and corporate governance. He currently serves as Director of Legal – North America Energy Solutions at Carrier Global Corporation and consults with small businesses and community organizations across Indianapolis on formation, governance, and strategic planning.
An active member of IndyBar, he serves as Chair of the Business Law Section and is a graduate of IndyBar’s Bar Leader Series. Burnell lives in Indianapolis with his wife Brit’ney and their children, Burnell III (“Trip”) and Brooklyn Belle.
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