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Jon M. Bailey, a cum laude graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1975, has been named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Mike Pence, ’86.

A practicing attorney for 38 years in Indianapolis, Bailey was recognized for his work as a deputy prosecutor, his work in the creation of the Marion County Public Defenders Agency, and his litigation work in support of school desegregation.

Bailey served as chair of the board of the public defenders agency for 15 years, and also served on the staff of the Indiana Department of Toxicology’s Breath Test School for 20 years. Bailey was a partner at the law firm Bose McKinney & Evans, where he was responsible for litigating and negotiating the middle and final phases of school desegregation. He retired from the firm in 2012.

The Sagamore of the Wabash is the latest honor Bailey has received in his career. He received the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office Distinguished Service Award, was named an honorary Deputy Chief of the Indianapolis Police Department, and has been named to the Indiana State Bar Association Pro Bono Hall of Fame numerous times, among other honors.