News Archive

Leanna Weissmann, ’94, a private practitioner in Aurora, Indiana, has been named to the Indiana Court of Appeals. She was one of three finalists for the position, all of whom are IU McKinney graduates. Judge Lakshmi Reddy, ’97, of Vigo Superior Court; and Lisa Reger, ’94, who practices in New Albany, also were under consideration for the spot on the bench. This is only the second time that all three of the finalists for an Indiana appellate court judgeship were women.

A significant amount of Weissmann’s career has been undertaking appellate work. She has filed more than 400 appeals on both civil and criminal issues, and argued before the Court of Appeals, the Indiana Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court, where she won.

“Leanna Weissmann is one of our state’s most experienced and accomplished appellate lawyers. She represented clients in many cases before the Indiana Supreme Court when I was a member,” said Professor Frank Sullivan Jr. Professor Sullivan served on the Supreme Court for 19 years prior to joining the faculty at IU McKinney as Professor of Practice. “Both her briefs and her oral arguments were always well-researched and extremely persuasive. She will be an excellent member of the Court of Appeals.”

Weissmann, who was born, raised, and currently resides in Aurora in Dearborn County, is the first appointee from southeast Indiana to join the appellate court in more than two decades. She will replace Judge John Baker, who also is originally from Aurora. Judge Baker retired in July 2020 after serving the court for over 30 years.

“I am humbled and honored to be appointed to the Court of Appeals,” Weissmann said. “I have a long history with this court and I am excited to continue to serve Hoosiers in my new role.”

Weissmann has been a member of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission since 2013. She also is an adjunct professor at Ivy Tech Community College in Lawrenceburg where she teaches four legal classes each semester. She previously served on the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Board.

Weissmann also is active in her community. She is a Life Member of the Girl Scouts and led a troop for 13 years. She has served as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters and as a literacy tutor. She also created and led an internet outreach program for tweens. Additionally, Weissmann is a certified aerobics instructor and offers free classes.