Class notes

Sidney D. Eskenazi, ’53, and his wife, Lois, received the Herman B Wells Visionary Award, which honors those rare individuals whose lifetime commitment of time, talent, and treasure to Indiana University reveals a deep understanding of the power of philanthropy to shape the future of the institution and a determination to see that future realized.

1960s

State American Legion Commander Leland Baxter of Sellersburg has reappointed attorney Joseph T. Bumbleburg, ’61, to his 11th term as department judge advocate of the Indiana Department of the American Legion. Bumbleburg is a member of Ball Eggleston, PC Attorneys and Lafayette Post 11 of the American Legion.

Hon. V. Sue Shields, ’61, was a recipient of the New Palestine Education Foundation Distinguished Alumni Award. Shields had a long career on the bench as a county judge and then on the state appeals court. In addition, Shields was honored along with the women of the Indiana Appellate Courts in a special presentation and panel discussion during the Indiana's Bench & Bar 19th Amendment Celebration hosted by the Indiana State Bar Association.

VER BEEK RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Veteran labor and employment attorney Carl Ver Beek, ’62, was the recipient of the Justice Foundation of West Michigan's Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes a member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association for special contributions in service and support to the mission of GRBA and JFWM, the community at large, and the practice of law in West Michigan. Ver Beek is a member of the Law School’s Academy of Law Alumni Fellows.

1970s

Hon. Linda Chezem, ’71, participated in a special presentation and panel discussion honoring Judge V. Sue Shields and the women of the Indiana Appellate Courts during the Indiana's Bench & Bar 19th Amendment Celebration hosted by the Indiana State Bar Association.

Milton R. Stewart, ’71, was honored with Indiana University's Distinguished Alumni Service award, the highest award bestowed upon alumni. Milt and his wife, Judi, also received the Keystone Award, which recognizes individuals who have shown exemplary leadership through their volunteerism and generosity for multiple IU campaigns or fundraising initiatives (see the July 2021 issue of ergo).

Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren announced the creation of the George and Viola Taliaferro, ’77, Fellowship, which aims to increase diversity and inclusion within the Big Ten conference offices. Viola Taliaferro became the first Black Hoosier to serve as a magistrate in Monroe County Circuit Court in 1989 and had the same honor upon being appointed Monroe Circuit Court judge in 1995. She continues to work on special projects for the Indiana Supreme Court as a retired judge.

J. Mark McKinzie, ’79, wrote the article "McKinzie: Is an In-house Counsel Position Right for You?" for The Indiana Lawyer, which examined the differences between working in-house and as an associate or partner in a law firm.

1980s

Hon. Elaine B. Brown, ’82, and Hon. Loretta H. Rush, ’83, participated in a special presentation and panel discussion honoring Judge V. Sue Shields and the women of the Indiana Appellate Courts during the Indiana's Bench & Bar 19th Amendment Celebration hosted by the Indiana State Bar Association.

The Indiana Historical Society has published a book by Kenneth L. Turchi, ’83, titled Looking Forward, Giving Back: The Jewish Merchants of Downtown Indianapolis. The book traces the growth of the city’s Jewish-owned stores and that community’s resulting philanthropic contributions over the past century. This is his third book. Turchi retired in December as assistant dean of the IU Maurer School of Law and will continue to write and produce ergo in 2022 and 2023.

E. Lynn Grayson, ’86, a partner with the boutique environmental law firm Nijman Franzetti LLP, started her term as the 2021–22 president of the Chicago Bar Association at its 148th annual meeting.

1990s

Gary T. Bell, ’90, was appointed as clerk of court for the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Indiana. Previously, Bell served as acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Indiana.

Hon. Martha B. Wentworth, ’90, participated in a special presentation honoring Judge V. Sue Shields and the women of the Indiana Appellate Courts during the Indiana's Bench & Bar 19th Amendment Celebration hosted by the Indiana State Bar Association.

Alfred State College dedicated the Wilder and Linneball Hall of Excellence, a facility that honors the achievements and contributions of alumni. The facility was made possible through a contribution from the law firm founded in 2000 by J. Joseph Wilder and his wife, Laura A. Linneball, ’91.

Kreis Enderle shareholder Jeff Swenarton, ’91, has been selected to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s inaugural listing of “Go-to Lawyers” in the area of real estate and condominium law.

Applegate & Dillman Elder Law hired Laurel R. Gilchrist, ’92 as an attorney. Gilchrist most recently owned and practiced at Gilchrist Law LLC and previously served as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

Quarles & Brady LLP hired Kevin A. Halloran, ’92, as partner in the firm's business law practice group. Halloran most recently served as partner with Bose McKinney & Evans LLP.

MILLER ELECTED BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

Clayton C. Miller, ’93, was recently elected president of the Indiana State Bar Association and was featured in an Indiana Lawyer article, “Q&A with Clayton Miller, 2021–22 president of the Indiana State Bar Association.”

Armstrong Teasdale is proud to announce that Patrick W. Rasche, ’93, has been elected managing partner.

Blank Rome LLP is pleased to announce that John P. Curp, ’95, was recognized by the Cincinnati City Council for his contributions to the city and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. Curp was recognized along with his former deputy solicitor, Aaron Herzig, and the City of Cincinnati Law Department for their notable role in refusing to defend Ohio’s unconstitutional law prohibiting the recognition of Jim Obergefell and John Arthur’s out-of-state marriage in Maryland in their home state of Ohio.

The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers announced the election of Kathleen A. DeLaney, ’95, of DeLaney & DeLaney LLC as a new Fellow. Election as a Fellow is the highest recognition by one's colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the profession, exemplifying integrity, dedication, and excellence. (In October the Law School’s Moot Court was named in honor of DeLaney and her mother, Ann M. DeLaney, ’77. See related article in this issue.)

CHICAGO UNITED RECOGNIZES MONTES

Martín Montes, ’95, was selected as one of Chicago United's 2021 Business Leaders of Color. He is a member of the Law School’s Law Alumni Board.

Beth Webber, ’95, joined the judiciary as the newest magistrate judge of the Allen Superior Court Family Relations Division.

TOPDOG Legal Marketing LLC is pleased to announce the acceptance of the company’s blog into the LexBlog and Arizona Attorney Daily legal blog networks. This inclusion comes on the heels of TOPDOG’s being recognized as one of Feedspot’s “Top 40 Legal Marketing Blogs & Websites in 2020 for Law Firms.” TOPDOG's founder and CEO is Krista Duncan Black, ’96. TOPDOG's production chief, attorney Heather Kane, ’96, spoke about the acceptance on legalnewsline.com.

Schiff Hardin LLP is pleased to announce that the Environmental Practice Group will be led by partner Daniel J. Deeb, ’96.

Sandip Patel, ’96, was featured in the article "How I Made Law Firm Leader: Advice from Marshall Gerstein Executive Committee Member Sandip Patel" on Law.com.

The Huntington County Courts have announced that Amy C. Richison, ’96, has been appointed as the new full-time magistrate for Huntington County Superior Court and Huntington County Circuit Court. Richison has been the elected prosecuting attorney for Huntington County since the start of 2007.

Global advertising technology leader The Trade Desk announced the appointment of Joshua L. Smith, ’96, as senior vice president, chief privacy and product counsel.

Heidi G. Goebel, ’97, was named as one of the 2021 "30 Women to Watch" honorees by Utah Business. Goebel was honored for "breaking barriers and blazing ahead" according to Utah Business. She was featured in the inaugural season of One More Cold Call, the Law School’s podcast (see related article in this issue).

David E. Harris, ’97, joined Christel House International as executive vice president. Harris leads the development and execution of Christel House’s expansion strategy.

Angelina A. Torain, ’97, was appointed the director of athletics and recreation at the University of Chicago after a national search. Torain was then featured in "DePauw Stories" in DePauw University's magazine in summer 2021 after the appointment.

BEARD NAMED ADTALEM CEO

Adtalem Global Education announced that Stephen W. Beard Jr., ’98, will succeed Lisa Wardell as chief executive officer and be elected to the company’s board of directors. Beard joined Adtalem in 2018 as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary and has since assumed positions of increasing responsibility, including being named chief operating officer in 2019.

The Royal Oak City Commission unanimously approved Aaron Leal, ’98, to serve as city attorney. Leal has 16 years of experience in municipal law.

MAVTV Motorsports Network has announced the executive promotion of Kevin Asbell, ’99, to chief operating officer and general counsel from his previous role as general counsel of Lucas Oil Products, Inc.

Squire Patton Boggs LLP has appointed Cipriano S. Beredo III, ’99, Americas chair of Squire Patton's global corporate practice. Beredo, a Cleveland partner who is also a member of the firm's 12-person global board, has completed transactions in more than 30 companies and manages staff around the world.

Amy Hock, ’99, assumed her new role at Union Health as the system’s general counsel. Hock addresses a full range of legal issues in the health care realm including contracts, patient relations, regulatory and reimbursement issues, risk management and more.

South Bend Mayor James Mueller appointed Sandra L. Kennedy, ’99, corporation counsel for the city of South Bend. Kennedy served as an assistant city attorney in the legal department since 2018 and previously served in transactional and civil litigation practice.

2000s

Jessica P. Barth, ’00, joined MultiCare Health System as its senior health system counsel. Previously she was counsel with Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath in Indianapolis.

Proloy K. Das, ’00, was featured in the article "Republican Darling in a Blue State: Meet Murtha Cullina Appellate Lawyer Proloy Das" on Law.com.

Greg A. Small, ’01, was announced as the new executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission. Small served as the general counsel for the Indiana Gaming Commission since August 2015.

April R. Drake, ’03, has been appointed as Wayne Circuit Court judge by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb. Drake joined the prosecutor’s office in 2011 as deputy prosecutor and became chief deputy in 2016.

Terrance Stroud, ’03, joined the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies in the newly created role of global affairs fellow. Stroud’s responsibilities include collaborating on long-term strategic planning, identifying strategic partnership and employer relations opportunities, and advising on the development and implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Janet R. Decker, ’04, was recognized with the Dr. James E. Mumford Excellence in Extraordinary Teaching Award from the IU Faculty Academy on Excellence in Teaching (FACET) Bloomington.

Magistrate Jacqueline V. Gaines, ’04, published "The Legal Quicksand 2+ Parents: The Need for a National Definition of a Legal Parent" in Vol. 46 of the University of Dayton Law Review.

Early Learning Indiana has named Freedom Smith, ’04, to its board of directors. Smith is a partner in the Indianapolis office of Ice Miller LLP.

Megan H. Stifel, ’04, was featured in the Security Nation episode, "Rapid7: Megan Stifel and Ciaran Martin discuss the sticky issue of ransomware payments" on MarketScreener. Stifel also spoke with PBS NewsHour's William Brangham for the segment "Exploring the Implications of the Colonial Pipeline Hack."

Jones Day has added Amy Kläsener, ’05, to its global disputes practice in its Frankfurt, Germany office.

Dr. Poom Moolsipla, ’06, was elected by a faculty committee chaired by the university president to be the next dean of the faculty of social sciences at Srinakharinwirot University.

Tiffani K. Taylor, ’06, has joined the Indianapolis office of SmithAmundsen's Health Care Practice. As a member of the firm’s Health Care Practice Group, Taylor advises hospitals, health care systems, long-term care facilities, community mental health centers and federally qualified health care centers on regulatory compliance, federal grant management, and government enforcement actions.

Rachel E. Clark, ’07, has been elected president of the Illinois Education Association Staff Organization. Clark has been associate general counsel at IEA for 13 years.

First Internet Bank welcomed Dustin R. DeNeal, ’07, as first vice president, counsel. DeNeal is responsible for a range of legal and regulatory matters, and provides guidance to the First Internet Bank executive leadership team.

Stephanie Artnak Everett, ’07, joined Egglife Foods as the company's chief legal and human resources officer. Everett is responsible for all legal, human resources, compliance and corporate administrative aspects of the business.

Governor Eric Holcomb has named Derek R. Molter, ’07, to the Indiana Court of Appeals. Molter has been with Ice Miller in Indianapolis since 2013 and was named partner in 2016. Previously he was an associate at Arnold & Porter in Washington, DC. In addition, according to Indiana Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush, ’83, who nominated him, Judge Molter has volunteered more than 900 hours of pro bono work and worked diligently to improve the administration of justice and the legal system.

Mickey K. Weber, ’07, was appointed as Clark County chief public defender. Weber, who has done private criminal defense work since 2007 and also done public defender work in Clark County, was appointed by the Clark County public defender board.

The Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) Board of Governors awarded Des Moines attorney Alexander V. Kornya, ’08, with the 2021 Rolland E. Grefe Pro Bono Publico Award. This annual award recognizes an attorney who has enhanced the human dignity of others by delivering pro bono legal services and has committed his or her talent and training to improving the quality of justice in Iowa.

REYNOLDS JOINS BAKER MCKENZIE CHICAGO

Stephen E. Reynolds, ’08, joined Baker McKenzie's Chicago office as partner following 12-plus years in Ice Miller LLP's litigation group, where he also co-founded the firm's data security and privacy practice. He is a member of the school’s Law Alumni Board.

Henry E. Reaves III, ’09, founder and CEO of Reaves Law Firm, PLLC in Memphis TN, was awarded an EMMY® in the Commercial Spot category during the 35th Annual Midsouth Regional EMMY AWARDS. The Strong Women of the Reaves Law Firm, produced by Henry Reaves III and Ivan Rodrigues, highlighted women who have made an impact on both the world and the Reaves Law Firm, centering on Memphian journalist and trailblazer Ida B. Wells’s groundbreaking lawsuit against the Southwestern Railroad Company in 1885. MultiMillion Dollar Club attorney Henry E. Reaves III founded the firm in 2011. The largest Black-owned law firm in Memphis, it is known for its inspiring commercials and marketing campaigns.

2010s

Co-founder and chief executive officer of TayCo Brace, Gavin F. Ferlic, ’10, was featured in the Inside Indiana Business article "Medical Device Startup Seeing Growth."

GWAC member and Chair of the National Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Onika K. Williams, ’10, began a new position as of counsel with Steptoe in their transportation, rail transportation practice.

Erin McAdams Franzblau, ’11, has been appointed as Freeborn & Peters’ associate general counsel for employment matters. Franzblau is a partner in Freeborn’s Litigation Practice Group in Chicago, with a focus on helping companies navigate employment laws.

Shane Hageman, ’11, was named in the Indianapolis Business Journal Forty Under 40 list. The Forty Under 40 list celebrates young adults who are making an impact in their communities through work and their volunteer efforts.

Ann O'Connor McCready, ’11, was named in the Indianapolis Business Journal Forty Under 40 list. The Forty Under 40 list celebrates young adults who are making an impact in their communities through work and their volunteer efforts.

David B. Rosenberg, ’11, has been named executive vice president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Rosenberg most recently served as vice president of operations for Market Street Group, a locally owned consulting and advisory firm.

PHOTO: ERIC LEARNED, INDIANAPOLIS BUSINESS JOURNAL.

Easter and Cavosie welcomed new partner Elizabeth Steele Schmitt, ’11, to the firm. Steele Schmitt brings more than ten years of litigation experience, having most recently practiced in the litigation group of the large regional firm, Dinsmore & Shohl (formerly Wooden McLaughlin).

1st Source Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Luke Williams, ’11, marketing and electronic banking compliance officer, to officer of the bank. Williams joined the bank in October 2019 as a member of the compliance department with special focus on ensuring bank advertising follows all applicable regulations as well as supporting the bank’s digital banking initiatives.

Steven P. Mehr, ’12, has been named partner at Ballard Spahr. Mehr has a national, broad-based real estate practice, with a focus on the development, leasing and financing of commercial, retail, industrial and resort properties.

Mario Treto Jr., ’12, was inducted on the Wall of Fame by the Leyden High School District 212 Board of Education in a ceremony and reception. District 212's Alumni Wall of Fame Awards Program recognizes outstanding graduates of Leyden High Schools while offering role models for its students.

Taft Law has added David J. Bartoletti, ’13, to the firm’s tax group in its Indianapolis office. Bartoletti advises companies and investors on both tax and legal matters arising during key events in the corporate life cycle, including business and fund formation, joint ventures, capital raising transactions, and mergers and acquisitions.

ARAB AMERICA FOUNDATION HONORS BARBARI

The Arab America Foundation included Rammy G. Barbari, ’14, as a recipient of its Class of 2021 40 Under 40 initiative. 40 Under 40 is a celebration of accomplished young Arab Americans that have great achievements both in the workplace and in their communities. In addition, Barbari was named partner at Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP.

Dino A. Bovell, ’14, co-hosted a networking and mentoring forum focusing on Black male vulnerability and the importance of seeking out peer and mentor relationship titled "Not So Scary Hours: Championing International Relationships". Bovell was recently elected to the Law School's BLSA Alumni Board.

Mitchell E. Lenyo, ’14, accepted the position of deputy district defender for the Jackson/Cape Girardeau, MO office of the Missouri State Public Defender.

Krieg DeVault LLP hired Matthew D. Malcolm, ’14, as a senior associate in the firm’s real estate practice. Malcolm most recently served as an attorney with Kahn, Dees, Donovan and Kahn in Evansville.

The law firm of Dunn DeSantis Walt & Kendrick is pleased to announce the addition of attorney John E. Solis, ’14. Prior to joining DDWK, Solis practiced at a large national firm, where he was recognized as the firm’s Orator of the Year in 2020.

Anna L. Wortham, ’14, joined Bracewell LLP. Wortham represents healthcare providers of all types, including hospital systems and physician groups, on litigation, regulatory and enforcement matters.

WASHINGTON STATE BAR ELECTS COUCH

Jordan L. Couch, ’15, was elected to the Washington State Bar Association Board of Governors.

Matthew N. Leist, ’15, was named partner at Kirkland & Ellis. Leist is a corporate partner whose practice focuses on the representation of private equity sponsors, private and public companies, and financial institutions in connection with complex business transactions, including leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, secured and unsecured financings, loan workouts and restructurings.

Kyle McHugh, ’15, was named partner at Kirkland & Ellis. McHugh represents private equity sponsors and public and private company clients in mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, “take-private” transactions, joint ventures, divestitures, private financings, venture capital and other growth-based investments, recapitalizations and restructurings, as well as in related corporate governance, executive compensation and general corporate matters.

John E. Pence, ’15, has been named American-made merchandise company Ace Specialties' new chief executive officer.

Emily A. Storm-Smith, ’15, was featured in the Indiana Lawyer article "In-house Lawyer Launches Self-Publishing Company After Bootlegger Steals Novel." StormSmith serves as senior corporate counsel at Strada Education Network in Indianapolis and is also the author of two completed novels and one novella.

Joel Weinberger, ’15, was named partner at Kirkland & Ellis. Weinberger is in the Chicago office.

Scannell Properties has hired Elizabeth (Ellie) Gonso, ’16, as an attorney on its legal team. Gonso previously served as an attorney in the real estate groups of two New York City law firms.

Skyler B. Hutto, ’16, was named in The State's (Columbia, SC) Class of 2021 20 under 40 list, which recognizes young adults that have a history and a dedication to serving others.

Cory J. Kopitzke, ’17, was named vice chair of the ABA Health Law Section Life Sciences Interest Group.

Katz Korin Cunningham has added Nathan Pagryzinski, ’17, as an attorney in its health care litigation practice group. Pagryzinski most recently served as an associate attorney for Kightlinger & Gray, LLP.

The Indianapolis Business Journal has announced that Sarah C. Parks, ’17, has been included in the inaugural class of 20 in their Twenties, a group of up-and-coming leaders in central Indiana that the IBJ believes will help shape the economy and community for decades to come.

Pumirad Pingkarawat, ’17, joined the firm of Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners Ltd. as an associate. Weerawong C&P is one of the largest independent Thai law firms, with a team of nine partners and more than 100 lawyers.

Jamal A. Sowell, ’17, Florida’s secretary of commerce and the president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, was interviewed on WEDU PBS's Suncoast Business Forum.

Tasha Tiensilakul, ’17, joined the firm of Weerawong, Chinnavat & Partners Ltd. as an associate. Weerawong C&P is one of the largest independent Thai law firms, with a team of nine partners and more than 100 lawyers.

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP is pleased to welcome Brett C. Wilson, ’17, as an associate in the firm’s Business Group in its Indianapolis office. Wilson focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, including private equity and venture capital transactions. He also provides general corporate counsel to businesses of all sizes on matters related to corporate governance, commercial contracting, capital raises, and joint ventures.

GRAND RAPIDS BAR ASSOCIATION HONORS THIBODEAU

Alexander J. Thibodeau, ’18, was recognized by the Grand Rapids Bar Association with its 3 in 10 award. The award honors attorneys in their first 10 years of practice that have demonstrated outstanding professional achievements, exceptional public service and significant contributions to the legal profession.

The Indianapolis Business Journal announced that Alexandria M. Foster, ’18, has been included in the inaugural class of 20 in their Twenties, a group of up-and-coming leaders in central Indiana that the IBJ believes will help shape the economy and community for decades to come.

The law firm of Barrett McNagny LLP announced that Phillip W. Smith II, ’19, joined the firm. Smith concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate law and business law.

2020s

Madalyn A. Clary, ’21, has joined Dentons Bingham Greenebaum in Indianapolis as a member of the public finance group. Clary focuses her practice on government services and municipal bond law.

Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP (PSRB) is pleased to announce that Yuning Tian, ’21, has joined the firm as an associate.

Josh Winograd, ’21, had his article “Floridian Felons and the Franchise” published in the University of Florida Journal of Law and Public Policy.