Black Community Events in Indiana

Nathaniel Lee, Partner; BA/MA, MSU; JD, UGA; SUPER LAWYER FROM 2006-2023; TOP 100 ATTORNEY AWARD; 2007-2023; Atty Award; Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America 2006-2019, NTL; IN Admitted to practice in IN and Illinois in both state and federal courts. litigated 185+ trials. Member/offices/honors: Chair, Marion County Bar Association(1987-2010, 2014); Counsel, IN Ronald McDonald House (1987-2000), Legal Ed Director/Civil Advocacy Chair, NBA (2001-2011); Presidential Awards, NBA (2002/2004/2007/2021); IN Supreme Court Hearing Officer (1999-2000), Indiana Supreme Court CLEO Advisory Board (1999-2006), IN Supreme Court; Co-Chair, Judicial Evaluation Committee, IBA (2002-2004); AAJ; IBA; MCBA; ISBA; CCBA; ITLA, AIEG, APITLA; T Advisory Committee, Obama 2012; MSU, Hall of Fame, 2013; NBA, Esquire Award; VP, NBA, 2019-2020; Trial Master Award, 2019; American Bar Fellow, 2019; President Biden Community Service Award, 2022. Verdicts : 17 million: Shipp v CWC; 10.5 millions Highbaugh v Hege et al; and over dozen verdicts verdicts between 1 to 5 million dollars. Numerous settlements, including 8.5 million, 6.0 million, 5 million, etc.

I worked as a Civil Court Bailiff and a law clerk for the American Civil Liberties Union. At the Indiana State Public Defender Office, I worked as a law clerk then an attorney. I practice mainly in the areas of criminal law, representing people accused of misdemeanors, felonies, traffic offenses, OVWI/DUI, drug cases, probation violations, and drug crimes. I also practice family law, personal injury, small claims, and Civil Rights and discrimination.

Freedom S.N. Smith is a partner in the Ice Miller LLP's Environmental group and works in the areas of regulatory compliance and risk management, environmental law, agricultural law, administrative law, and general litigation. Freedom’s clients are involved in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, energy, real estate, and construction. Freedom has experience representing companies, municipalities, and citizens in a wide variety of areas in both state and federal courts as well as in administrative proceedings across the country. She assists not only with day to day compliance questions and activities, but also has frequently litigated cases for both public and private clients under a wide variety of regulatory programs. She has also handled numerous complex lawsuits involving business disputes, including cases involving breach of contract, products liability, and fraud. Freedom also advises and represents entities and individuals with regard to regulatory and compliance matters; managing environmental liability in business transactions, including the transfer of operations may be contaminated or potentially regulated by environmental laws; business certifications, and procurement. She works with numerous corporations, municipalities and utilities on all aspects of environmental compliance, air and water permitting, wastewater discharges, responding to local, state and federal agencies, dealing with citizen complaints, Brownfields redevelopment, and policy issues. Freedom is often called upon to use her general litigation and administrative agency experience to assist in representing Ice Miller clients in other venues, such as before the Indiana Department of Administration and, the United States Department of Transportation, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Black Law Students Association at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, IN represents a vital student community within one of the state's most respected legal education institutions. This organization exists to support and empower Black law students as they pursue their legal careers while maintaining connections to their identities and communities. Located in the heart of Indianapolis's legal community, the association serves as a bridge between students and the broader legal profession. Members participate in a law school environment that explicitly values giving back and helping others, with a curriculum and culture that emphasize pro bono service and civic responsibility. The McKinney School of Law has built a reputation for developing lawyers who lead with purpose—not only in legal practice but in government, business, and community service. The organization provides its members with peer support, mentorship, and professional guidance as they navigate law school and prepare for legal careers. Through involvement in the association, students build lasting relationships with classmates who understand their unique perspectives and experiences. The group also facilitates connections between students and the accomplished alumni network, which includes prominent figures in Indianapolis's legal, governmental, and civic sectors. By fostering community and belonging among Black law students at McKinney, the association contributes to a more inclusive and representative legal profession. Members graduate equipped not only with legal knowledge and skills but also with a strong professional network and a commitment to using their legal education to serve others and advance justice in their communities.

Black Graduates in Management Club represents a dedicated student organization at the University of Notre Dame located in Notre Dame, IN, committed to fostering community among graduate business students. This organization understands that the graduate school experience extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and creating a sense of belonging within the Mendoza College of Business community. At its core, the club recognizes that every student arrives at Notre Dame, IN with unique needs and aspirations. The organization works intentionally to make each member's experience as meaningful and enriching as possible. By bringing together Black graduate students in management programs, the club creates a space where members can share experiences, support one another, and develop lasting professional relationships that extend beyond their time at the university. The organization serves as a bridge between individual students and the broader resources available at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. Members gain access to comprehensive support services, including academic advising, campus resource connections, and cohort engagement opportunities. The club values the importance of community connection, recognizing that students thrive when they feel genuinely supported and connected to their peers. Based in Notre Dame, IN, the Black Graduates in Management Club exemplifies the values of inclusion, mentorship, and community building that define the graduate experience at Mendoza College of Business. The organization operates with the understanding that graduate school is a transformative journey, and having a supportive community of peers makes that journey more meaningful. Through regular engagement and accessible support systems, this student organization ensures that every member feels valued and empowered throughout their academic career.

Rooted in the vibrant academic community of Notre Dame, Indiana, the Black Graduate Student Association represents a cornerstone organization for Black graduate scholars at the University of Notre Dame. This student-led initiative embodies a commitment to building solidarity, fostering authentic connections, and celebrating the rich contributions of Black graduate students within the university's intellectual and social fabric. The association exists to affirm the experiences and voices of its members while creating spaces where graduate students can find belonging, encouragement, and mutual support throughout their time at Notre Dame, IN. By bringing together students from various academic programs and backgrounds, the organization strengthens the graduate student community and cultivates lasting friendships and professional relationships that extend beyond the classroom. The Black Graduate Student Association recognizes the importance of cultural affirmation and community building in the graduate school experience, particularly for students navigating predominantly white academic spaces. Through social gatherings, cultural celebrations, and collaborative events, the organization honors the identities and experiences of its members while contributing to the overall diversity and inclusivity of the University of Notre Dame. The association serves as a testament to the resilience, excellence, and cultural pride of Black graduate students, creating a legacy of community care and mutual empowerment within the Notre Dame, Indiana campus environment.