On the heels of his induction as 2013-2014 President of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA), Mark Ladendorf caught up with Dave Stafford of The Indiana Lawyer to discuss law and life. The full article can be viewed here.
Regarding his role as ITLA President:
Q. What are some major practice concerns for trial lawyers that you’ll talk about during your term as president?
A. I view my role as a facilitator for the growth of the ITLA in the many endeavors in which we already partake. Our outreach includes legislative, administrative, PAC, interaction with the judiciary, fundraising, CLE seminars and social events. All of these efforts are undertaken with the promotion of a strong civil justice system in mind. With the pervasive overview of the ITLA in the many aspects of the legal profession, I will attempt to balance many roles and bring my 33 years of legal experience to the table.
I feel fortunate to serve my administration under the guidance of Micki Wilson, Jason Bell, Lindsay Meyer and Bridget Gross as well as the executive committee who steer this great organization.
On being a trial lawyer:
Q. What is your favorite thing about being a trial lawyer?
A. I take great pride in being a trial lawyer, not for myself, but for being able to serve others who seek representation when the odds are stacked against them. Not that I have a “Robin Hood” persona, but it is always gratifying to assist someone who needs you most, especially against some of our society’s most powerful interests.
His most challenging case?
Q. Is there one particular case you’ve worked on that stands out as the most difficult?
A. By far, the toughest case I worked on was seeing my friend and fellow attorney, Joan Irick, pass as a result of malpractice. To everyone who knew Joan, she was a terrific person and consummate professional. My representation of her in the last years of her life was one of the most heartbreaking and wrenching experiences I have been part of. She will be endeared and missed forever.
Mark’s advice to new lawyers: “[T]here are enormous opportunities for a person who holds a legal degree as it is the most versatile degree in society. Go forth and serve and good things will happen.”
For the rest of The Indiana Lawyer‘s interview with Mark Ladendorf, check out http://www.theindianalawyer.com/ladendorf-takes-helm-as-itla-president/PARAMS/article/31612.