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Indiana Senate
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 1999
Why did you decide to enter the legal profession?
Entirely by happenstance.
If you hadn’t pursued a legal career, what would you be doing?
I would probably pursue foreign affairs or non-governmental organization work.
Who is someone who has inspired you in your career?
Theodore Roosevelt. His entire life was a series of innovations, determination, and progress. Although he didn’t complete his studies at Columbia Law School, he was awarded a posthumous JD. in 2008.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Not to believe in the “no-win” scenario.
What makes a good lawyer?
A duty of care and attention to clients and professional behavior towards others.
What is something you wish people knew about lawyers?
When we point out seemingly obscure or technical issues, we are trying to prevent a problem or improve a situation and aren’t doing it just to be contrarian or difficult.
Tell us about a “lesson learned” moment you’ve had in your career.
This is not a single moment, but a long observation: be courteous, honest, and helpful to everyone you meet. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, but also because people have long memories and remember who helped them and who was unnecessarily difficult.
Tell us something surprising about you.
I was the first mayor of Zionsville. I also earned third place in the 1976 Mary Beck Elementary School Field Day Hula Hoop Competition in Elkhart.
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