IndyBar Record Spring 2026

Women and the Law Division ' s

Mentorship Reception

BY REBECCA MCCLAIN , INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

mentor and friend all these years.” Dina had many words of wisdom to share and honored her own mentor, Robert Wagner, who taught her the meaning of mentorship and deep reverence for the profession. But the room fell silent and reflective on this: “Love is not always a word we use in law practice. But I have come to believe it is the most powerful one. To love the work enough to do it well. To love the people you mentor enough to tell them the truth. To love the profession enough to demand excellence. And to love the next generation enough to give them not just instruction — but confidence.” Like many well-rounded lawyers, Dina’s interests stretch beyond the courtroom to traveling, gardening, hiking, and paddle boarding. The interests we share as individuals often bring us together as lawyers and make us better advocates for our communities as well. From WLD, we are forever grateful to Dina and all the mentors who pour into our community.

The Women and the Law Division (WLD) hosted its mentorship reception on February 24, 2026. This annual event features a cocktail reception, award ceremony, and networking. Every year the Mentorship Committee accepts members to the Mentorship Program where new and

established attorneys, judges, and other legal professionals are matched into groups to build strong support systems. Year after year this program sees returning members due to the impact it makes. The goal of this program is to provide an open and honest sounding board for female legal professionals at every phase of life. Over the years the hope is that these relationships turn into lifelong friendships. A lot of the mentorship participants can attest to the fact we would not be where we are in our careers if not for the support of our community and allies. The Mentorship Program serves as a space to uplift and inspire one another in both our professional and personal achievements. Each year WLD honors a female legal professional who has demonstrated consistent and exceptional mentorship, along with strong leadership within the legal community with their Mentorship Award. This year WLD honored Dina Cox from Lewis, Wagner & Trimble LLP for her contribution to mentees over her decorated career. The event was filled with love and support from many attendees who showed up in order to bestow Dina with this honor. Nabeela Virjee of the WLD Executive Committee stated, “As a young lawyer, Dina taught me the fundamentals of practicing law. Her mentorship of me did not end when I transitioned to work for the City. Instead, it grew and strengthened. She is the person I go to when I want to talk through a case, get ready for trial, cry to when I feel overwhelmed by the job, and celebrate with when a win comes my way. She isn't just this way for me, but for so many others.” Janelle Kilies of Lewis Wagner & Trimble LLP presented the Mentorship Award to Dina, “She’s been more than just a mentor to me (and many others). She’s been a steady source of encouragement, perspective, and kindness. Her belief in me has shaped the way I see myself and the work I do. Even now, she continues to lead by example, showing that true mentorship isn’t about a single moment, but a lasting presence that continues to guide and inspire. I feel incredibly honored to have her as my

We look forward to next year’s event and to honoring another mentor, so please be on the lookout for the call for nominations later this year.

Rebecca earned her J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law. She was a member of the Intellectual Property & Technology Law Journal and obtained an Intellectual Property Law Certificate cum laude. Rebecca currently serves as Assistant General Counsel at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for the Regulatory Bureau over all regulatory and enforcement matters ranging from oil and gas wells to dam safety. She joined DNR in 2020 and her practice mainly includes representing the Divisions of Water, Historic Preservation & Archaeology, and Fish & Wildlife in administrative proceedings. She previously practiced at the Office of the Indiana Attorney General in the Litigation Division’s Administrative and Regulatory Enforcement Section. Rebecca enjoys hiking with her dog, attending farmer’s market, traveling to new museums, and supporting the arts such as her neighborhood Shakespeare group and the Indianapolis Opera in her spare time.

IndyBar Members gathered at the 2026 Women and the Law Mentorship Reception, Dina Cox pictured with award at top.

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