Best Civil Lawyer in Indiana
Meghan U. Lehner
Civil Lawyer
Meghan discovered her interest in employment law long before she got her law degree, inspired by her family’s long-held union ties — including her 91-year-old-grandmother in the 1950’s — and her mom’s experience as a small business owner. Since getting her law degree from Indiana University McKinney School of Law in 2005, she’s practiced as an attorney in Indiana and Florida.
A proud Italian-American, Meghan grew up working on her mom’s large charter boat on Long Island, New York. She graduated from Hofstra University with and English degree and played tennis and softball in college. She lives in Fishers with her husband, Dave, and sons, Robert and Joey.
Starting her career in Indianapolis, she began as an attorney at Fulk & Associates and later joined Haskin, Lauter, LaRue & Gibbons. In 2008, Meghan moved to Florida and worked for a defense firm, before returning to Indiana to resume work at Haskin & LaRue now known as John H. Haskin & Associates.
With a focus on employment law and civil rights. Meghan represents employees in cases concerning Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA, FLSA, wage claims, and Due Process and First Amendment violations. She’s a frequent contributing author and has presented continuing legal education seminars and presentations in employment law and discrimination.
CHRISTOPHER ESKEW
Civil Lawyer
Chris Eskew is a talented criminal defense litigator who was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. His passion for Indiana, his dedication to his clients, and his courtroom acumen set him apart from other Indianapolis criminal defense attorneys. Chris Eskew does not rely on ridiculous commercials, cheesy gimmicks, slogans, aggressive marketing, or false promises. Rather, his track record for success speaks for him. He believes in a unique approach to client representation that focuses on the client’s goals. At an initial consultation, he sits down with prospective clients, discusses their situation, explains the law and how criminal cases work, and then works with the clients to determine what their goals and priorities really are. Armed with that information, Chris Eskew then crafts a defense strategy tailored to the clients’ unique situations and interests.
After graduating from Southport High School in Indianapolis in 1996, Chris Eskew attended DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science in 2000. While in college, he played football for all four years for the Tigers and was an active member of Delta Tau Delta. After graduating from college, he developed a passion for litigation, criminal law, and assisting individuals who were wrongly or unfairly accused of crimes. He began law school at Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana. While in law school, he participated in the Criminal Defense Clinic in which he acted as a student attorney and assisted real clients. In addition, he participated in of Moot Court, which helped him refine his oral argument and legal brief writing skills.
Meisenhelder, Jay
Civil Lawyer
Bar Admissions
- Indiana, 1997
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana, 1997
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana, 1997
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, pro hac vice
- U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit
- Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Bloomington, Indiana
- J.D. – 05/1997
- Honors: cum laude
- Honors: Order of Barristers
- University of Maryland
- M.B.A. – 1994
RAEANNA SPAHN
Civil Lawyer
Raeanna is a skilled attorney focusing her practice in personal injury civil litigation. She has the experience and knowledge to understand and navigate complex civil litigation, including matters arising out of automobile and trucking collisions, premises liability accidents, dog bites, Section 1983 civil rights violations, and medical malpractice actions. Raeanna uses her comprehensive knowledge and experience to provide aggressive representation and sound legal advice for her clients.
Raeanna is committed to providing personalized legal representation for her clients. During initial consultations, she actively listens and engages in dialog with prospective clients to fully understand their concerns and goals. After the initial consultation, Raeanna develops a specifically-tailored plan to address her clients’ needs. While litigation can be complex, Raeanna is committed to ensuring that her clients understand and feel comfortable with the entire litigation process, from start to finish.
Marc Lopez
Civil Lawyer
If Attorney Marc Lopez could only use two words to describe his primary professional motivation, those words would be helping people. The only thing that makes him happier than assisting others is fighting injustice, and as a criminal defense lawyer, Attorney Lopez is able to combine his two passions into a single career.
In the words of your high school guidance counselor: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Measured by this standard, Attorney Lopez is always on vacation.
Before opening his own practice to begin his project of making the world a better place, one criminal defendant at a time, Attorney Lopez worked the other side of the fence. As a deputy prosecutor in Marion County, he handled thousands of criminal cases, many of which went to trial. This provided him with an invaluable foundation of courtroom experience. During his time as a prosecutor, he learned the hard way to spot potential weaknesses in the State’s case.
Mark Nicholson
Civil Lawyer
Why is Indiana criminal defense and personal injury attorney Mark Nicholson called the Battery Man? Because his first criminal jury trial was a battery case.
The case was called the Big Buford Battery case. They charged his client with throwing a big Buford sandwich at the manager through the drive-thru window. Then going through the drive-thru window and battering the manager. It was all captured on video.
The verdict: Not Guilty!
His first personal injury case was a car accident. He views car accidents as a form of battery. One car hitting (battering) another, although generally unintentional.
Mark Nicholson was born and raised in New Castle, Indiana. When he was a little kid, comic books fascinated him, especially Batman. They often refer to him as the Batt-Man Attorney. Why does he spell Batt-Man with two Ts? The 2 Ts in Batt are “To Take” down the charges, the case or whatever stands in the way of getting justice for his clients.
Amie Martens
Civil Lawyer
Whether you’re facing criminal charges, risks to your children or assets in a family law case, or dealing with your driving record, you need an attorney who makes your problems her problems and takes them as seriously as you do. That’s why Indiana clients choose Indianapolis litigation lawyer Amie Martens. Amie combines keen legal skills and a dedication to protecting individual rights in Indiana to provide exceptional criminal defense, family law, and traffic defense counsel when you need it most.
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Amie embodies the Hoosier work ethic. Amie learned the value of hard work and determination in her youth, carrying that ethic throughout her schooling and into the legal community. She began prosecuting criminal offenses as a certified legal intern with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office while still in law school. After graduating from IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law, she joined the Indianapolis prosecutor’s office full-time as a deputy prosecutor.
JANE RUEMMELE
Civil Lawyer
Jane Ruemmele is a 1984 graduate of Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana. Her legal career has extended for the better part of thirty years. Jane has been lead counsel in over a hundred (100) jury trials, and has had the good fortune to have a wide array of work experiences ranging from the Marion County Public Defender Agency to Ice Miller, one of the largest law firms in the state. Jane has filed and won many appeals, and has conducted oral arguments before the Court of Appeals. Jane received national attention for her work in defending those who have given false confessions in serious felonies, ultimately resulting in the dismissal of those charges.
Jane originally began her legal career as a clerk for Segal and Macy (now Macy Macy and Swanson) before becoming an associate for McClure McClure and Kammen. With these firms, Jane developed her skills in the practice of criminal law, family law, employment law, and civil rights litigation. Having found a calling in criminal defense work, Jane spent the next three (3) years in public defense with the Marion County Public Defender Agency and then the State Public Defender focusing on all levels of public defender representation, including PCR’s and appeals. At Ice Miller, she focused on real estate and litigation. A trial attorney at heart, Jane returned to the major felony division of the Marion County Defender Agency in 2007 until she retired in 2015. Most recently, with SK Huffer & Associates, Jane developed her experience in insurance defense litigation and federal civil practice.
Hoosier Justice: A Guide to Finding Top Civil Lawyers in Indiana
The crossroads of America, Indiana, is a state rich in history and bustling with commerce. However, legal disputes can arise, and navigating the legal system can feel like traversing the winding paths of Indiana’s cornfields – complex and unfamiliar. Here’s how to find the best civil lawyer in Indiana to champion your cause and achieve the best possible outcome:
1. Unleash Your Inner Legal Bloodhound: Research and Referrals
- Online Investigation: Utilize the vast resources of the internet to research reputable civil lawyers in your area. Legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and state bar associations (e.g., the Indiana State Bar Association at IN.gov) provide listings of qualified lawyers.
- Trusted Recommendations: Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Seek referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with civil lawyers in Indiana.
2. Reviews and Testimonials: Reading Between the Lines
- Client Insights: Look for online reviews and testimonials from past clients. These offer valuable insights into the lawyer’s expertise, communication style, and success rate. Consider resources like Google Reviews, Avvo, and Martindale-Hubbell for client evaluations.
3. Examining Credentials and Experience:
- J.D. Powerhouse?: Check the lawyer’s educational background, professional affiliations, and any specialized certifications relevant to your case.
- Proven Track Record: Experience matters. Look for a lawyer with a history of handling cases similar to yours and a demonstrably successful track record.
4. Consultations: A Lawyer You Can Trust
- Narrow Your Options: After researching potential lawyers, schedule consultations to discuss your case in detail.
- The Right Fit: During consultations, assess the lawyer’s knowledge, communication style, and compatibility with your needs. A strong attorney-client relationship is essential for success.
5. Fee Transparency: Knowing the Costs Upfront
- Ask About Fees: During consultations, inquire about the lawyer’s fee structure. Understand how they bill (hourly rate, contingency fee, flat fee) and any potential additional costs. Transparency is key.
6. Comfort and Trust: A Foundation for Success
- Finding Common Ground: Choose a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and with whom you can build a trusting relationship. Effective communication is vital for a successful legal outcome.