Overview to Indianapolis Legal Market
The legal industry in Indianapolis represents a substantial part of the Northwest Indiana economy. In recent times, the diversification of the legal market in the city has made it an attractive destination for litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Large firms, or "big law" firms, have two or more offices based in various locations throughout the country, providing an efficient economy of operations for the practice of law . Such firms have offices in major cities across the United States, including one in Indianapolis, which acts as their hub for regional law services.
Law in Indianapolis encompasses a variety of industries, from tax attorney services for small business owners to corporate attorney services for well-known brands.
What Makes A Law Firm ‘Largest’
When determining the "largest" law firms, several metrics are commonly used to gauge scale and service offerings. In most cases, the number of attorneys employed by a law firm represents the primary metric. However, a more accurate representation of size is often the range and depth of services offered by an attorney or law firm. Larger firm A may have ten employment law attorneys, significantly more than the two attorneys of firm B. However, firm B, while seemingly smaller in terms of employee size, may have a larger overall geographic reach and a more comprehensive range of legal practice areas. Law firms exist to provide value. Value can be multifaceted and can run the gamut from the number of attorneys to the variety of practice areas to which that firm is able to offer services.
This brings us to the Geminos research and rankings. The purpose of this guide is to provide choices. The list of "top firms" will continue to change as law firms grow or contract. As a new law firm emerges onto the scene, it will likewise be added.
In our research and rankings, the criteria used to select top law firms include, but are not limited to:
Number of attorneys and staff
Range of services offered
Revenue generated
Geographic presence
Industry specializations
Size of client base
Firm stability (no surprise closures or failures)
Overall reputation in the legal community
Largest Law Firms in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is home to several large law firms that serve clients across the nation and beyond. These firms handle a wide range of legal matters, from complex litigation to corporate law and intellectual property. Here’s an overview of some of the largest law firms based in Indianapolis.
Baker & Daniels, which was founded in 152 years ago in 1852, has an extensive history in Indiana and has grown to become one of the nation’s largest law firms. Today, Baker & Daniels has offices in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Bloomington, and also has locations in Chicago, Washington D.C., New York, Beijing, and Shanghai, China. The firm has roughly 280 attorneys on staff and handles all major types of legal issues, from antitrust and intellectual property to labor and employment and real estate. It currently has a strong focus on regulatory issues, including those relating to energy, the environment, and utilities.
Ice Miller was founded in 1910 as a 6-person law firm in Indianapolis. Today, it has evolved into one of the larger firms in the country, with roughly 300 attorneys and 12 offices around the world. Some of the firm’s larger practice areas include advertising and public relations, corporate and business law, education, energy and environmental, and real estate. The firm has worked on many high-profile projects in and around the city, including the $57 million renovation of the Indiana Statehouse in the 1960s and providing public finance services on the Lucas Oil Stadium development.
Faegre Baker Daniels is the product of the merger of two prominent Indiana firms: Baker & Daniels and Faegre & Benson, which was a well-known Minneapolis firm. The combined firm continues to have offices in both Indianapolis and Minneapolis, as well as offices in Denver, London, Singapore. It has more than 550 attorneys, who practice in more than 40 areas. Just some of its many practice areas include bankruptcy, corporate governance, intellectual property, labor and employment, and public finance. The firm provides services to clients in more than two dozen countries, and it handles a wide range of legal matters, from tax-related cases to employment and labor.
Whitham Hite, which is now known as Whitham Hite, PLC, was founded more than a century ago. It has since grown to become one of Indiana’s largest law firms, with more than 40 employees. The firm also has one of the largest teams of employee benefits, ERISA, and executive compensation attorneys in the nation. Its attorneys practice in a wide range of fields, including bankruptcy, employment and labor, healthcare, and tax. The firm has served clients from all over the United States, including a number of reputable educational institutions.
Harrison & Moberly was founded in 1880 and has grown to become a full-service firm, with a dozen practice areas on offer. These services include alternative dispute resolution, business law, employee benefits, healthcare, and insurance coverage. The firm also has longstanding relationships with a number of corporations, which puts it in a strong position for advising clients on their various business practices. Today, the firm has a presence in downtown Indianapolis, with over 70 attorneys on staff.
Law Firms By Practice Area and Specialty
In general, large law firms in Indianapolis have a wide array of practice areas and specializations. In many cases, these firms will have a dear focus on different business sectors or industries. For instance, they may have entire departments focused on healthcare law, intellectual property, transportation or real estate, entertainment, life sciences or energy. This level of specialization is incredibly important for the clients that seek out the counsel of these large businesses.
Moreover, these lawyers often have an emphasis on particular litigation practices as well. Almost every large law firm in the region has a litigation department that has a clear focus, in some cases, on everything from antitrust to product liability. Part of what allows these firms to stay competitive, over the long run, is their ability to take on a broad range of cases and litigate effectively on their client’s behalf.
Often, it’s their industry focused, multi-disciplinary teams that give them a competitive advantage in the courtroom, as well as with their clients.
Largest Law Firms Influence on Economy
In addition to the obvious legal benefits to the Hoosier State, large law firms have a pronounced impact on the state’s economy. Aside from the many lawyers employed by these firms and the positive contribution to their region, big law firms also make substantial contributions to the local economy by way of municipal development and the employment of non-legal staff. As law firms in Indianapolis continue to grow, so too does their impact on the local economy.
Local economies benefit tremendously from the tax revenue generated by large firms. In addition to payroll taxes for employees based in Indianapolis , large law firms like Faegre Baker Daniels, Frost Brown Todd, and Lewis Wagner generate sizeable funds through real estate. A firm’s offices and staff proclivity for restaurants, hotels, and retail shops also contribute to the local economy.
Though large law firms cannot entirely insulate themselves from a financial downturn, they are less susceptible than other businesses, owing to consumer demand for legal services. Hence, large law firms in Indianapolis tend to see stable revenues, making them good developers of local economies.
Find the Right Law Firm for You
When it comes to selecting the right law firm in Indianapolis, or any city for that matter, there are numerous factors to consider. With many big law firms operating in the area, how do you go about choosing the one that best suits your needs? Here are some tips to help you make that important decision.
Utilize the Internet
The Internet is a powerful tool when it comes to finding law firms in Indianapolis. By simply visiting websites and social media pages, you can quickly learn a great deal about the firm and its areas of expertise. For instance, while the number of lawyers in the firm may be impressive, if the lawyers don’t practice in the area for which you require legal assistance, then why bother using your time exploring that particular law firm’s website?
Take the time to read what other clients have said about the law firm to determine its reputation in the community. Again, carefully read all reviews, with an eye towards any complaints that may indicate an area in which the firm falls short in meeting its customers’ needs. Also, be mindful of lawsuits and disciplinary actions against the law firm, which can also indicate a lack of competence.
Pick Up the Phone
Once you have done an adequate amount of research online, the next step is to pick up the phone and call the firms in which you are interested. Explain specifically the type of legal services you require, so it is easy for the law firm to determine whether they are best equipped to assist you. If not, at least they have met the first requirement, which is to be honest with you. A law firm that takes on a case outside of their area of expertise is doing both you and their own credibility a major disservice. The best law firms are those that only take on cases in the areas in which they excel.
Also, be sure to inquire about fees, both hourly and retainer, so you know from the start what you will pay. By getting this information upfront, you reduce the chances of any misunderstandings later on.
Meet in Person
After narrowing down your list of potential law firms, it is a good idea to meet with each of them in person. During the initial consultation, which should be free, decide if you are comfortable with the attorney you would be working with, and if you feel as though he or she understands your situation or case. Most importantly, determine if you trust them to handle your case.
Future Impact and Trends in Indianapolis Law
The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and the future of law firms in Indianapolis seems to be promising. The digital transformation – a movement that has affected every industry – is making significant inroads into legal practice. Many Indiana firms are adopting modern digital technologies to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and better serve their clients. From electronic billing and invoicing to case management software and secure cloud-based storage, digital tools are redefining productivity and collaboration.
As clients become more informed and have access to a wider array of information regarding legal matters, they expect their lawyers and legal teams to tailor their counsel and services accordingly. Law firms in Indianapolis will need to rise to this challenge by adopting flexible business models that can adapt to changing client needs. Innovative service delivery, such as unbundled legal services, flat-rate pricing, and collaborative virtual meetings, will become the new normal.
Another factor influencing the future of law firms in Indianapolis is the growing importance of national and global markets . With the economy becoming increasingly interconnected, local firms have a greater opportunity than ever to extend their services beyond state and regional borders. This also means that in-state competition may be coming from national and international firms offering their services to Indianapolis clients.
The local market will likely see some consolidation amongst the larger firms, emulating trends seen in other large cities. In the past, Indianapolis was known for a relatively flat law firm hierarchy. However, as younger lawyers continue to take the reins, new perspectives will emerge, potentially changing the internal structure and culture of the leading firms.
The future looks bright for law firms in Indianapolis. Many firms in the city are already leaders in innovative practices, and the trend toward modernization and technology adoption is sure to continue. Even as external factors shape their growth, one thing remains certain: these firms will continue to be valuable partners to businesses and individuals navigating complex legal landscapes in the Hoosier State and beyond.