Leadership in Law

From startups to Fortune 500 giants, Benjamin Blair has built a reputation as a leader in finding solutions to taxing problems. As an authority on tax law, Blair has also shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, IU Maurer School of Law. But Blair also applies his talents on pro bono […]

If you’ve ever taken a leisurely stroll or bike ride along central Indiana’s Monon Trail, tip your hat to Alan Townsend for helping make the project possible. A leader of Bose’s litigation practice, Townsend’s practice areas range from business and land use matters to attorney discipline. He’s also active in bar organizations and community service, […]

For nearly 55 years, Syd Steele has been practicing law — from his beginnings in the armed forces to forming his own firm where he practiced with friends and colleagues for more than three decades. While Steele is thinking about retirement these days, his colleagues say he still puts in full work weeks, and Steele […]

Joseph L. Smith Jr. has helped lay the groundwork for numerous major projects in central Indiana, but the most impactful may be yet to come. Smith is helping steer development of the new Marion County Criminal Justice Center, which he believes has transformative potential. But Smith says he is proudest of his efforts to promote […]

As one of Indiana’s leading trial lawyers, Jason Reese also is a leader in his profession, mentoring young lawyers and exemplifying community service. As his personal injury firm has grown, including moving in 2017 into a new state-of-the-art office, so has Reese’s commitment to service. These include multiple bar activities, extensive pro bono work through […]

Some of the most complex and high-stakes litigation in Indiana and the nation is in the hands of Andrea Roberts Pierson and fellow litigators at Faegre Baker Daniels. Pierson and her colleagues are defending medical devices in a mass tort action and recently resolved a separate multidistrict litigation. But she’s just as dedicated to service, […]

Andy Ozete and four partners set out a few years back to start their own law practice, and Ozete says it was a great decision. Throughout his career, Ozete has earned accolades for his skill as an attorney and his commitment to serving the legal profession and the greater Evansville community. Among other activities, he […]

A veteran practitioner regarded as an authority on real estate law, Rory O’Bryan also is hailed as a mentor to those who work with him and a well-regarded instructor at his alma mater, IU Maurer School of Law. Perhaps those are some of the reasons he’s earned the nickname “Yoda.” Like the “Star Wars” hero, […]

As chief judge of one of the nation’s busiest federal courts, Hon. Jane Magnus-Stinson has built a remarkable judicial reputation while also holding fast to the profession’s touchstones of civility and justice. She was appointed to the federal bench nearly a decade ago after years in private practice, as an adviser to former Gov. Evan […]

As managing shareholder of the Indianapolis office of Ogletree Deakins, Todd Kaiser has seen the number of attorneys increase by more than 50 percent since 2012. A litigator with extensive courtroom experience in complex employment law matters, he’s noted for his commitment to ethics and civility. Kaiser also has played a leading role in promoting […]

As a bankruptcy practitioner, John Hoard has been appointed a receiver in multiple cases in which his representation helped creditors recover hundreds of millions of dollars. But while he’s built a reputation as a leader in the bankruptcy bar, he also is active in providing pro bono work through the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, where […]

Norman Hedges, through his work at the IU Maurer IP Law Clinic, helps Hoosier inventors and entrepreneurs propel and protect their creations and innovations while also preparing law students to be future IP attorneys. In addition to his professional work at his alma mater, Hedges helps National Guard members at Camp Atterbury through the Lawyers […]

Before he became a renowned labor and employment attorney, Terry Dawson was a radio disc jockey and announcer, a vocation he’s still connected to through his current work. You might see him on TV or hear him on the radio talking about labor issues from local unions to National Football League negotiations. Clients and colleagues […]

As a leader in Indiana’s legal community, Norris Cunningham is a co-founding partner of Katz Korin Cunningham PC, joining the firm in 2017 and leading its health care practice. As he’s watching that firm grow, Cunningham also has his eye on increasing inclusion in the profession. He’s a leader in the Indiana State Bar Association’s […]

As a leading Indianapolis real estate attorney, Jeff Abrams knows a thing or two about deals. The Taft Stettinius & Hollister partner has been involved in many multi-million-dollar developments. One of his next big deals will benefit the legal community, as he’s been a driving force in building a new home for the Indianapolis Bar […]