News Archive

Chloe Carnes, J.D. ’23, took part in IU McKinney’s Rural Justice Initiative while in law school. She now works as a public defender in Greene County, serving in the same office where she interned as part of the RJI program.

Where are you from originally? Where did you do your undergraduate studies and what did you major in? Did you work before coming to law school and if so, where?

I am originally from the small town of French Lick, Indiana. I went to IU Bloomington and after changing my major several times, I graduated with a B.S. in Public Affairs, focusing on Law and Public Policy. While I was in undergrad I spent several years working for a local dog boarding/daycare facility. I also continued to work at that facility during my gap year between undergrad and law school.

What brought you to law school? Are there any lawyers in your family? What made you choose IU McKinney?

I am the first lawyer in my family. When I originally started undergrad, I started out as a double major in criminal justice/neuroscience. At that time, I believed I was interested in a career in forensic psychology. After discovering that I was not as interested in the science courses as I originally thought, and exploring a few other majors, I continued to come back to the criminal justice classes I took during my first year. I had always been interested in the criminal justice system and thought I may be interested in pursuing something in criminal justice reform at the legislative level. This led me to enrolling in the law and public policy program. That program required several courses focusing on different areas of the law, including courses taught by Mauer faculty. I think this is when I really began to develop an interest in attending law school. I chose IU McKinney in large part due to the financial assistance available to students, and the opportunity to learn from such a great faculty. Being in the heart of Indianapolis provides many opportunities for externships and volunteer opportunities. At the time I was also still considering a future in legislation, so being located right across the street from the Statehouse was also a draw to McKinney for me.

What appealed to you about the Rural Justice Initiative, made you want to take part? What did you enjoy most about the program?

The Rural Justice Initiative originally appealed to me because there are very few opportunities for paid experience in a public defense setting. I knew this is the area of law I wanted to work in and had previously spent a summer as an intern for the Monroe County Public Defender office. I had a great experience there, but unfortunately it was completely unpaid. As someone from a rural community myself, I also was interested to see the differences between a more suburban area like Monroe County and a rural setting. Throughout my time in the program, I was able to gain a lot of experience in and out of the courtroom. As the only intern in an office of three full time attorneys, there was ample opportunity for me to assist and observe in different areas. This was very different from my experience in a larger public defender office. By the end of the summer, I was even able to participate in a misdemeanor jury trial. I think the experience I gained working in such a small office was by far one of the most beneficial parts of the program for me.

I understand you were placed in the Green County Public Defender's office as a student and now you work there. What's it like to be working in the place where you were a student?

After my initial summer semester participating in the Rural Justice Initiative, I returned as a paid certified legal intern for the remainder of my 3L year. This was huge as it allowed me to earn income while getting internship experience, which is unfortunately not something many county public defender offices are able to offer. It also led to me getting hired in the office as a full-time attorney after I passed the bar exam. I think becoming employed in the same office I worked in as an intern has been extremely helpful in my transition into being a new attorney. Throughout my time as an intern, I was able to become familiar with the prosecutors, judges, and court staff. Being a brand-new attorney can be daunting, so it takes some of the stress away when you are already familiar with the court system you are practicing in. It has also been great to have already been well connected with the other attorneys in my own office. I know that I can always feel comfortable to ask questions and go to them for additional support.

What's surprised you the most about working in rural Indiana? What do you wish people knew about the rural parts of the state? 

I think that I have a somewhat unique situation in that I grew up in a rural community, so there was not a lot that surprised me culture wise participating in the program. I honestly think it gave me a greater understanding and appreciation for many clients’ way of life. As far as what I wish people knew about rural Indiana, I would say a few things. First, regarding the program, I think the experience you can gain working in a small office is invaluable. I was able to regularly represent clients as a certified intern in court. I was also able to develop more personalized relationships with other members of the justice system. I think that in a smaller, more rural community, there is more opportunity to interact and have a personal connection with your peers. Our local bar association has around 30 members. Second, I think that working in a rural area can help you gain experience even faster than you might in a larger county. In an office of only three full-time attorneys, I have already had multiple opportunities to sit as second chair on high-level felony trials. The attorney shortage in rural areas of the state is a real issue, and new attorneys really have an opportunity to gain experience as well as make a difference in the lives of clients by practicing in these areas.