IndyBar Record Spring 2026

IN THE SWIM OF THINGS

Charley Smith of Hunt Suedhoff Kearney LLP has spent the past decade building a routine in the pool as an “adult-onset swimmer.” He first started swimming while his daughter trained at the Natatorium, using the time to get in a few laps of his own. What began casually grew into a more serious commitment. After several years training with a triathlon club, Charley shifted his focus to swimming and joined Indy Aquatic Masters, where he has trained for the past five years. He now swims early in the morning at pools across the north side, often logging around 3,000 yards per workout. He competes in one to three meets each year and also serves as a meet announcer. While he is quick to note that he is not the fastest in the pool, he values the consistency and community the sport provides. For Charley, swimming offers a way to stay active, reset mentally, and connect with others, including many fellow attorneys and IndyBar members.

RAISING THE BAR, AND THE VOLUME

Sam Laurin , IndyBar member and partner at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, found his way to Tonic Ball through a simple connection. Knowing his interest in music, a board member invited him to join the organizing committee. Nearly a decade later, Sam remains closely involved in what has become one of Indianapolis’s most distinctive fundraising events. Now in its 25th year, Tonic Ball brings together more than 60 local bands for a one-night, multi-venue concert experience, with each group performing in the style of a selected artist. The event regularly draws more than 2,600 attendees and has become a signature collaboration across the community, including support from local law firms. Beyond the music, the impact is substantial. Proceeds from last year’s event helped provide 48,000 free meals to individuals in need. For Sam, the combination of creativity and purpose is what makes the experience stand out. “I have more fun on Tonic Ball night than any night in the year,” he said. “It just keeps getting better.”

TAKING THE STAGE

OPENING DOORS, CHANGING TRAJECTORIES

For nearly five decades, Maria Matters , Maria Matters Attorney at Law LLC, has been a constant presence in Indianapolis’s local theater community through her work with Footlite Musicals. She first became involved in 1976 while still in high school, initially drawn in through an old flame. What started with stage management and lighting design soon grew into performing. Over the years, Maria has taken on nearly every role onstage and behind the scenes. Today, she primarily focuses on directing and lighting design, continuing to shape productions and mentor others. While she says her favorite show is usually the one she’s currently working on, her 2020 production of Fun Home stands out as especially meaningful. The reward lies not just in the performances, but in the community the theater creates. “It’s a creative outlet for me,” she said, “and the arts benefit the city at large in so many ways; expanding minds and providing escape.” Over the years, she has watched generations of young performers grow up through Footlite’s programs, with some even returning later with children of their own.

IndyBar member attorneys Lee Christie , Christie Bell & Marshall PC, and Rick Norris , Norris Choplin Schroeder LLP, have spent nearly a decade helping expand access to higher education for Indianapolis students through their work as founding board members of the Walker Charitable Foundation. Rick’s connection to the mission is personal as he was friends with James Walker. The estates of the Walker brothers made the foundation possible. For Lee, Rick, and their fellow volunteer board members, the goal remains clear: remove barriers, invest in potential, and help change the trajectory of a life. Inspired by the brothers’ experience receiving support to attend Ball State University, the foundation was created to provide similar opportunities for students from Indianapolis Public Schools. Since launching its first cohort in 2016, it has supported roughly 120 students, covering tuition, laptops, supplies, and living expenses, ensuring students can focus on their education & graduate debt-free. Each recipient is paired with a mentor who stays alongside them throughout college, offering guidance and consistency.