Summary

Mel has extensive experience in municipal law and related planning and zoning including advising clients on all issues relating to local government and economic development. Mel understands the issues confronting local government and the services it provides to its citizens. He currently serves as the town attorney for the Town of Plainfield and the Town of Mooresville.

Mel is also experienced in all types of court trials, jury trials and motion practice. A client represented by Mel received the largest jury award in a condemnation case of its kind in Indiana.

In addition to his professional practice, Mel has served on the board of directors for the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Government Practice Section. He is a member of Advancing Indiana Municipalities (AIM) (formerly Indiana Association of Cities and Towns) and has been a speaker at their annual conferences. He is also a member of the Municipal Lawyers’ Association of America.

Awards

  • Longevity Award Honoree, Advancing Indiana Municipalities (AIM) (2017)

  • AV® Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell 

  • Honoree, Best Lawyers in America, Municipal Law (2012 – present)

  • America’s Most Honored Professionals Top 1% Honoree, American Registry (2017)

  • Carol Prize Honoree, Legal Advocacy (1970)

All Service Areas

Education

  • Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law (1972)

    Moot Court Board

  • Indiana State University (1967)

Admissions

  • State - Indiana
  • Federal - Northern District of Indiana
  • Federal - Southern District of Indiana
  • Federal - U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Speeches and Publications

  • “Commercial Law Practices,” Florida Justice Association (formerly Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers Association) Annual Meeting
  • Presentations for Advancing Indiana Municipalities (AIM) (formerly Indiana Association of Cities and Towns) annual meetings on annexation and town attorney issues
  • Conducted multiple seminars for members of Plan Commissions and Boards of Zoning Appeals

Professional Affiliations

  • Indiana State Bar Association

    Member
    Former Member, Board of Directors, Government Practice Section (2013-2017)

  • Indianapolis Bar Association

    Member

  • Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association

    Member

  • Plainfield Chamber of Commerce

    Member (2000 – present)

Community Involvement

  • Danville Conservation Club

    Member, Board of Directors (2002 – present)

  • Plainfield United Methodist Church

    Member, Finance Committee

  • Brownsburg Conservation Club

    Member (2002 – present)

  • Marion County Fish and Game

    Member (2016 – present)

  • Hendricks County Community Foundation

    Member, Board of Directors
    Chair, Grant Committee
    Former Chair, Lilly Endowment Scholarship Committee (1990 – 2000)
    Former Member, Finance Committee (2006 – 2010)