Jessica Williams Schnelker

PARTNER
P
317.773.2190
F
317.773.5320
E
jschnelker@cchalaw.com
Emily J. Schmale
Gregory A. Schrage

Education

  • Notre Dame Law School, J.D., cum laude
  • Purdue University, B.A., with highest dictinction

Bar Admissions

  • Indiana Supreme Court
  • United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan

Awards + Recognition

  • Indiana Super Lawyer Rising Star 2017-2021
  • Up and Coming Lawyer, Leadership in Law Honoree (2020)
  • Participant in 2019 International Association of Defense Counsel Trial Academy
  • 2018 Young Lawyer of the Year, Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana
  • Distinguished Fellow, Indianapolis Bar Foundation
  • Executive Note Editor, Journal of Legislation (2012-2013)
  • Phi Beta Kappa (2010)

Professional Memberships

  • Women in the Law Committee, Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana (Chair 2019-2020)
  • Product Liability Committee, Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana (Chair 2016-17)
  • Juvenile Products Committee, Defense Research Institution (2014-2020)

Community Involvement

  • Kids' Voice of Indiana, Guardian Ad Litem
  • Coburn Place, Board Member
  • Nickel Plate Arts, Board Member
  • Riley Cheer Guild, Member

Publications + Presentation

  • Protecting Confidential Client Documents, Jessica Williams Schnelker, Presenter at DRI PRODUCT LIABILITY CONFERENCE, Austin, TX (February 8, 2019)
  • The Evolving State of Personal Jurisdiction in Indiana, Jessica Williams Schnelker and Kevin C. Schiferl, INDIANA CIVIL LITIGATION REVIEW (2017)
  • Cars of the Future: Product Liability Implications and Solutions, Jessica Williams Schnelker and Robert B. Thornburg, INDIANA CIVIL LITIGATION REVIEW (2015)
  • Looking Forward for Clarify: The Medicare Secondary Payer Act and Future Medical Expenses in Liability Litigation, Nicholas C. Pappas and Jessica Williams Schnelker, DEFENSE TRIAL COUNSEL OF INDIANA 20th ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND MEETING (2013)

Jessica is a trial lawyer with extensive experience representing clients at every stage in litigation: from initial case evaluations all the way through trial and appeals. She represents businesses, schools, and public entities in a variety of state and federal litigation, including Section 1983, Title IX, catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, and employment matters.

Jessica’s trial experience includes serving as counsel in multiple federal and state jury trials, including trials in Indiana, Michigan, Georgia, and Nevada. She has extensive experience evaluating cases for trial, preparing corporate representatives for trial testimony, arguing dispositive trial motions, and cross-examining expert witnesses.

In her life outside of work, Jessica enjoys reading, yoga, and spending time with her friends and family. She volunteers for a variety of organizations in and around Indianapolis and strives to maintain at least one pro bono case at any given time.

Areas of Practice

School + Education Law Icon

School + Education Law

CCHA represents school boards and employers in Indiana and across the country. Given the fact that schools are held under such close scrutiny, it is…