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IU McKinney faculty, staff, and alumni took part in a program aimed at supporting newly-licensed lawyers as they begin their practices amid the pandemic and economic fallout. “Vision 2020 Going Forward: How to See Yourself Through This,” was a collaboration of the Indiana State Bar Association, Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program, the Indiana Supreme Court, and local bar associations across the state.

The initiative, the idea for which came from Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush, and Indiana State Bar Association President Leslie Henderzahs, ’90, was a four-part series offered online over eight weeks. Topics included navigating the challenges of beginning your career during a pandemic; coping with the stress of becoming a new lawyer; perspectives from a variety of legal professionals; networking and professional development for new lawyers; opportunities to be matched with a mentor, and more.

Former Dean Andrew R. Klein moderated a session to kick off the series. He gathered some IU McKinney alumni who were students or graduating in 2011 or 2012 to serve as panelists. The panel offered their tips and suggestions for new lawyers who are beginning their careers now.

“The discussion made me think about the period right after the Great Recession and some students/grads who successfully navigated challenges entering the profession at that time,” Dean Klein said. “They did a great job.”

Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Chasity Thompson, ’02, also took part in in a panel discussion as part of the series, as did Indiana Supreme Court Justice Steven David, ’82. All of the participants shared contact information, Justice David noted, and all of the new ISBA admittees were matched with a mentor.

The message from Justice David was one of encouragement and hope. “You will get through this,” he told the participants. “It’s OK to not be OK in these times.”

ISBA Young Lawyers Section Chair Beau Zoeller, ’12, also was part of the program. He, like the 2020 graduates, completed his law school education during a turbulent economic time.

“Navigating uncertainty and a tough job market is stressful. I knew, aside from academic performance, I needed to show involvement and network as much as possible,” Zoeller said. “The opportunities were not going to find me, rather I had to find them and take advantage of the resources available, so I got involved in the Indiana State Bar Association on multiple levels and began taking every networking opportunity there was, including just reaching out to people.”

Zoeller recognizes that networking is different now than it was when he graduated from IU McKinney, and he encouraged all new lawyers to take advantage of virtual opportunities to connect with their more seasoned peers in the profession.

“I hope recent graduates understand that they are not alone and that the legal community is strong in Indiana,” Zoeller said. “There are numerous people and resources available and at their fingertips; all they have to do is reach out and take advantage of those resources and opportunities.”