CCHA Law Reflects on a Remarkable 2024

As we close the chapter on 2024, we at Church Church Hittle and Antrim (CCHA Law) proudly reflect on a year marked by achievements, growth, and meaningful impact. This past year has been a testament to the dedication of our attorneys and staff, whose expertise and commitment continue to set the standard in legal excellence.

From significant case wins to community initiatives, 2024 highlighted our commitment to serving clients and strengthening the communities we call home. We are proud to honor the outstanding work of our attorneys, who not only elevate the field of law but also exemplify the trusted partnership CCHA Law brings to every client and community relationship.

2024 Awards and Recognitions

Our team was recognized with a variety of awards in 2024 for their expertise and talent. CCHA Law attorneys received the following awards in 2024:

• The Indiana Super Lawyers 2024 list included ten CCHA Law attorneys. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. CCHA Law attorneys who were listed among the top Indiana attorneys included:

• Douglas Church - Civil Litigation, Mediation, Municipal Law

• Liberty Roberts - Civil Litigation

• Leslie Craig Henderzahs - Family Law, Mediation

• Jennifer Hughes - Family Law

• The Indiana Super Lawyers 2024 list of Rising Stars also included CCHA Law attorneys:

• Jessica Billingsley - Employment Law, School + Education Law

• Leslie Gieger - Business Services

• Justin Hays - Business Services

• Samuel W. Hughes - Civil Litigation

• Emily Schmale - Family Law

• Rachel Woloshin - Personal Injury

• David Holt was inducted into the Indiana ASBO Hall of Fame! Since 1991, his dedication to advancing school business management in Indiana, combined with his exceptional service and innovative approach, has made a significant statewide impact and contributed greatly to the growth and advancement of school business practices across the state.

• Tracey Clark, Paralegal and Accounting Administrator, was honored with the 2024 Cathy Canny Award of Excellence by the Indiana State Bar Association! Tracey’s outstanding leadership, dedication to the legal field, and deep commitment to community service make her truly deserving of this recognition.

• Ret. Justice Steven H. David was honored with the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law’s Distinguished Alumni Award. This esteemed award celebrates alumni who set the standard in professional achievement, community service, and dedication to their alma mater. Justice David’s four-decade career—from his service in the U.S. Army JAG Corps to his impactful tenure on the Indiana Supreme Court —reflects his unwavering commitment to justice and advocacy for those in need.

• Andrew Manna assumed the role of Chair for the National School Attorneys Association (NSAA)! The NSAA, which began as a grassroots effort by attorneys across the U.S., continues its mission of uniting and supporting legal advocates working on behalf of our nation’s public schools.

• We celebrated Bonnie Kincaid's incredible 50 years of service with an open house at CCHA Law. Colleagues, clients, chamber members, and judges alike joined us in honoring Bonnie's remarkable contributions and unwavering dedication over five decades.

• Kelleigh Irwin Fagan, was honored with The Distinguished Young Alumni Award from the University of Indianapolis (UIndy)! This award celebrates her outstanding contributions to the community and her embodiment of UIndy’s mission of "Education for Service."

• Emily Schmale received The Indiana Lawyer’s Up and Coming Lawyer Award for her dedication, talent, and contributions to the legal profession.

• Hollie Freimanis was named Indiana Lawyer’s Legal Support Star for her exceptional support and commitment to excellence.

• Chandler Lawson Flynn was selected to join the Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) Class of 2025.

• Emily Schmale was part of Hamilton County Leadership Academy’s (HCLA) 2024 graduating class.

• CCHA Law was recognized by Hackney Publications as one of the '100 Law Firms with Sports Law Practices You Need to Know About' for the second consecutive year.

• CCHA Law was honored to receive the special "Premier Partner" recognition award from the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA). This recognition highlights our continued partnership and dedication to supporting Indiana's schools and communities.

• Board & Leadership Appointments

  • Paia LaPalombara was appointed to the Advisory Panel of the U.S. Council for Athletes' Health - USCAH.

  • J. Michael Antrim was appointed to the IU McKinney Board of Visitors and to the inaugural Board of Directors for the City of Westfield - Government's Parks and Recreation Department.

  • Beth Sease was appointed to the Zionsville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

  • Betsy Barnes was the first woman appointed as a board member to The City of Crown Point Board of Public Works and Safety.

  • Rachel Dever was appointed to the Conner Prairie Horizon Council board.

  • Julia Kozicki was elected as the Council Chair of the 2024-25 Indiana Lions Council of Governors at the 103rd Indiana Lions State Convention.

  • Lynsey David and Ret. Justice Steven David were nominated for key positions at the 2024 Indiana State Bar Association Annual Summit! Lynsey was appointed as District 6 representative for the Board of Governors, and Steve was appointed as Counsel to the President.

CCHA Law Growth and Expansion

CCHA Law experienced significant growth in 2024. One big development this year was our new partnership with The PICTOR Group. Through this collaboration, we offered tailored legal solutions to support schools, colleges, and universities in navigating Title IX complexities and expanded our reach to educational institutions nationwide.

We also grew the firm by welcoming five new attorneys, including:

• Paia LaPalombara - Partner in the Sports Law and Higher Education practice sections

• Jane McGill - Associate in the Sports Law and Higher Education practice sections

• Olivia Burpo - Associate in the Litigation practice group

• Jodie Ferise - Partner in the Higher Education practice section

• Lynsey David - Partner in the Litigation and Insurance Defense practice section

In 2024, Chandler Lawson Flynn and Emily J. Schmale were announced as CCHA Law Partners. Chandler is a partner in the School and Education Law practice group, and Emily is a partner in the Family Law practice group.

Our greatest strength lies in the remarkable individuals who shape our environment and culture. Our team is made up of exceptional professionals we are proud to call colleagues and friends. As we reflect on the achievements of 2024, we do so with immense gratitude and pride for the milestones we’ve reached together.

We’re Part of the Community

CCHA has proudly served Indiana and its communities since 1880. We value the personal connection to our clients immensely and are here to help however we can. Connect with us in 2025 – we’re proud to be a part of the community.

Founded in 1880, CCHA Law is the oldest law firm in Hamilton County, Indiana. As a full-service law firm, CCHA Law provides a myriad of legal services to clients across a wide variety of practice areas including: personal injury, business formation and representation, divorce and family law, estate planning and administration, collegiate sports, k-12 and higher education, complex litigation, governmental entity and municipal law, real estate law, criminal law, labor and employment law, mediation services, and appellate litigation. CCHA Law serves clients across the state of Indiana and beyond with offices in Crown Point, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Noblesville, Tipton, Westfield, and Zionsville.