Black Community Events in Indianapolis, IN

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.

The Central Indiana Realtist Association (CIRA) is a community-driven organization based in Indianapolis, IN with a powerful mission: to improve the quality of life for underserved and unserved populations through homeownership and professional real estate services. As a charter member of NAREB, CIRA represents a legacy of advocacy and economic empowerment that spans generations. The association goes beyond traditional real estate services to actively enhance economic development opportunities for its members and the broader Indianapolis community. CIRA understands that homeownership is more than a transaction—it's a pathway to financial stability, community building, and generational wealth. By combining professional expertise with a deep commitment to serving those historically excluded from real estate opportunities, CIRA creates meaningful change in Indianapolis. The organization's members are passionate about breaking down barriers to homeownership and ensuring that every resident of Central Indiana has access to quality real estate services and the support needed to achieve their housing goals.

Founded to empower African American real estate professionals, the Black Real Estate Brokers Association represents a commitment to building strong, successful businesses within the real estate industry. Serving the Indianapolis, IN community and professionals nationwide, this national association exists specifically to support Black real estate brokers, agents, and independent professionals who are shaping the future of real estate transactions. At its heart, the Black Real Estate Brokers Association believes that independent real estate professionals deserve dedicated advocacy and support. The organization recognizes the significant contributions that Black real estate brokers and agents make to the industry and works tirelessly to elevate their visibility, expertise, and market impact. Through educational initiatives, the association helps members understand their important place in the real estate business and the success they can achieve as they grow. Membership in the association connects professionals to a powerful network of peers, resources, and opportunities. The National Relocation & Referral Network provides valuable business connections, while educational programs and member benefits strengthen professional capabilities. By promoting member companies and their unique value propositions, the Black Real Estate Brokers Association ensures that African American real estate professionals in Indianapolis, IN and across the nation receive the recognition and support they deserve. The association stands as a beacon for excellence, professional development, and community empowerment within the real estate industry.