IndyBar Record Spring 2026

John Higgins joined Krieg DeVault LLP as a partner of the firm's Litigation and Dispute Resolution services. His represents construction industry clients, ranging from contractors/remodelers to developers and related businesses, in complex disputes. LaToya Highsaw started her own practice, Highsaw Jointer Law. Her practice focuses on divorce, custody, parenting time, and guardianship matters throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. Katrinia Hopkins joined Highsaw Jointer Law as an associate attorney. She focuses her practice on divorce, paternity, guardianships, and adoption matters with preparation and discipline. Melinda Hudson joined EdChoice Legal Advocates. Before joining EdChoice, she practiced at a national law firm representing clients in complex litigation, investigations, and regulatory matters. Laurel Judkins was picked by the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee as its next Executive Director. Thomas Jones joined The Gibson Legal Group. He is an experienced litigator who represents clients across a wide spectrum of business and real estate disputes. Douglas Louks has joined Tradebe Environmental Services as Senior Counsel. Douglas has a background in environmental and insurance litigation. Michael Moffatt, Jr. was promoted to Senior Associate at Krieg DeVault LLP. He is a member of the firm's litigation practice, specializing in commercial litigation. Thao Nguyen was elected as Managing Partner at Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP. Nguyen focuses her practice on insurance coverage for policyholders and environmental and commercial litigation. Cassie Nielsen joined Krieg DeVault LLP as a Partner. She is a seasoned construction and commercial litigator whose practice spans high stakes construction matters, complex business disputes and litigation, and contract negotiation.

Justin R. Olson , IndyBar Member & Chair of IndyBar's Health Care & Life Sciences Section, was confirmed by the Senate for his appointment to become a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of Indiana. In a statement released by his office, Senator Todd Young said "Justin is a Hoosier through and through, with a distinguished record of public service, legal excellence, and respect for the rule of law. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated the integrity, judgment, and temperament that are essential for service on the federal bench. I look forward to his service.” Olson has been an active IndyBar member for several years. He currently works at Kroger Gardis & Regas LLP practicing civil litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Olson was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and clerked for Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush. He is a graduate of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Annie Pagonis joined Frank & Kraft. Annie focuses on helping families preserve their wealth by avoiding guardianship and probate, saving taxes, and avoiding unnecessary expenses to leave their legacy to their heirs. Sarah Pfister joined Kroger Gardis & Regas LLP. She is a litigator supporting multiple practice groups. Jackson Schroeder was named Partner at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP. Schroeder concentrates his practice on administrative litigation, environmental litigation, and insurance coverage disputes. Jenna Shives joined Krieg DeVault LLP. Shives represents clients in employment disputes, commercial and environmental litigation, and appellate matters, bringing more than a decade of litigation experience to high-stakes cases.

Fernando Silva joined Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP. Silva is a multistate attorney licensed in Indiana and Illinois whose practice focuses on commercial litigation, general liability, and employment law. He has helped clients to achieve favorable outcomes in both state and federal court. Brooke Smith joined Krieg DeVault LLP as a partner. She represents construction contractors, subcontractors, owners and design professionals,. Eric Speer joined Barnes & Thornburg LLP as an Associate Attorney. Speer will be joining the healthcare department. Kyle Steinbrueck was admitted into Partnership at Plews Shadley Racher & Braun LLP. Steinbrueck is an experienced attorney specializing in real estate litigation and environmental disputes. Ned Tonner joined The Nice Law Firm LLP. Ned is a seasoned advocate for individuals, families, and businesses throughout Northwest and Central Indiana. Patrick Toole joined Kirchoff & Jewel LLC as their newest Associate Attorney. Patrick will focus his practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, probate and trust litigation, and business law. Kathryn Tomey was promoted to Senior Associate at Krieg DeVault LLP. She is a member of the firm's commercial real estate and lending practice, specializing in finance. Justin Wiser joined Ogletree Deakins as an Associate. Justin's practice is primarily focused in the employment law space. Alexandra Young joined Highsaw Jointer Law as an Associate Attorney. Her practice centers around divorce, custody, paternity, guardianships, and adoptions, including experience as a Guardian Ad Litem.

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