The Work of Justice

Dedicated to supporting the ethical practice of law through research, advocacy support, and reentry strategy

Seal of recognition by the Indiana State Bar Association for outstanding service, featuring balanced scales and a torch.

Indiana Registered Paralegal

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Cover of the Indiana State Bar Association RES GESTAE member journal dated May 2025. The cover features a barred prison cell window with light shining through, symbolizing reentry and justice. The main feature topics include reentry as a human rights issue in Indiana's criminal justice system and a sidebar about the U.S. Supreme Court swearing-in ceremony of Justice Andersen and the future of artificial intelligence in legal cases.

Written Advocacy

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Certificate of Commendation for Advocacy Skill awarded to John Vance from Indiana University McKinney School of Law's Moot Court Society, signed by Mary A. Atkins and Professor Jonathan Warner.

Oral Advocacy

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Executive Committee

Law Student Division, Indianapolis Bar Association

My Professional & Ethical Commitment

As a J.D. candidate and an Indiana Registered Paralegal, I am dedicated to technical excellence and professional integrity. My work is guided by the following principles:

  • I take professional boundaries seriously. In every role I serve, whether as a paralegal, legal Intern, or consultant, I work strictly within that role’s scope and always under the supervision of a licensed attorney. As a J.D. Candidate, I am intentional about which role I am operating in and hold myself to the highest ethical standards at all times.

  • I do not provide legal advice; instead, I empower licensed attorneys with rigorous research, mitigation narratives, and reentry strategies that honor the dignity of every person.

  • I am committed to the highest standards of client confidentiality and fiduciary trust. I believe that effective advocacy requires a deep respect for the inherent dignity of every individual, ensuring that every person involved in the justice system is met with professional excellence and absolute honesty.

Core Competencies

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Legal Research & Writing

  • Legal research (constitutional, statutory, and evidentiary issues)

  • Legal drafting (suppression motions, sentencing memoranda, and mitigation narratives)

  • Published analysis (Res Gestae, Harbinger Law Review)

  • Analytical proficiency (issue spotting, rule-based reasoning, and case synthesis)

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Advocacy & Reentry Strategy

  • Bridging communication gaps through client-centered strategies

  • Developing mitigation evidence and life-story narratives

  • Contributing to reentry policy and legislative advocacy

  • Designing holistic reentry plans and supporting post-conviction relief

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Litigation & Trial Support

  • Supporting death-penalty and LWOP strategy development

  • Preparing hearings, tracking exhibits, and organizing chronologies

  • Managing high-volume felony caseloads with precision

  • Leading paralegal teams in discovery review, trial prep, and workflow systems

Professional Engagements

I have had the opportunity to present to attorneys, law students, and community partners on topics, such as reentry challenges, human-centered advocacy, and criminal justice reforms.

Selected Legal Education & CLE Presentations

  • Witness | Indiana Senate Committee on SB 464

  • Panelist | Southern District Federal Court CLE

  • Speaker | Trial Persuasion Series, Marion County Public Defender Agency

  • Panelist | Youthful Offender Modifications CLE, Indiana Public Defender Council

  • Panelist | Bernstein Institute for Human Rights Conference, NYU Law

  • Panelist | R-Street Institute Webinar, Juvenile Justice Reforms

Selected Speaking Engagements

  • Speaker | Indianapolis Urban League

  • Speaker | University of Indianapolis, Forensic Social Work

  • Speaker | IU McKinney, Juvenile Justice

  • Speaker | RecycleForce

  • Speaker | Wabash Valley Correctional Facility

Consulting For Attorneys

  • Mitigation Strategy | Construction of life-history narratives for sentencing and post-conviction relief.

  • Systemic Navigation | Developing holistic reentry plans to bridge gaps between clients and the justice system.

  • Litigation Workflow | Managing high-volume felony discovery, trial chronologies, and legal technology.

  • Policy Analysis | Strategic insights into evolving Indiana reentry standards and legislative reforms.

Professional Affiliations

  • Fellow | ICLEO (Indiana Conference on Legal Education Opportunity)

  • Executive Board | Law Student Division

  • Team Lead | Marion County Public Defender Agency, Major Felony Paralegal Team

  • Paralegal Member | Indianapolis Bar Association (IndyBar)

  • Student Member | Indiana State Bar Association

  • Student Member | American Bar Association