News Archive

Chris Clerc is a lawyer from Columbus, Indiana, who serves as deputy general counsel for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In addition, Clerc also serves on the Council for the Tax Section of the Indiana State Bar Association.

Where are you from originally and where do you live and work now?

I’m from Columbus, Indiana. I live there and work in Indianapolis.

What is your job now?

I work at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, where I am deputy general counsel.

Where did you do your legal studies?

University of Georgia School of Law (2009-2012, J.D. Degree). I studied for the Indiana Bar using an IndyBar review course and achieved an Indiana law license in fall 2012.  I continued to learn law during my practice and always had excellent mentorship, initially through the Indiana Bar Association’s Mentor Match program. My studies are ongoing at IU McKinney, and I anticipate graduating in fall 2025.

What made you want to become a lawyer?

I pursued my J.D. to practice in public interest. As a teenager, I had a period when I made many poor decisions. I was caught, and the consequences I faced helped me change for the better. During my undergraduate years I worked in academic research projects. I enjoyed these opportunities, but I did not see direct positive impact from that work to the lives of other people. I sought a law degree to directly help people solve their problems. I practiced in public interest, primarily as a trial lawyer, after law school.

What made you decide to pursue a Master of Laws degree?

My work at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles introduced me to corporate and tax practice.  I wanted to learn more. The LL.M. is a chance to improve my skillset more quickly and completely than I could with self-study alone.

What made you decide on IU McKinney for your graduate degree?

I had many specific requirements for a graduate program. My family (wife Jin; sons Henry, age 6 and Victor, age 4) evaluated programs over a roughly 12-month period. The LL.M. Corporate and Commercial track at IU McKinney fits my needs perfectly. I am particularly grateful to Dean Tom Wilson and Elise Seidel, who answered my many questions about IU McKinney and worked diligently to allow me to attend.

What's your experience been like at IU McKinney?

McKinney has rekindled love for the law. My courses drive my curiosity to study and learn more in new areas. I’m also strengthening the fundamentals required to practice effectively and improve as a lawyer. The program has exceeded all my expectations.