60th Annual Institute Faculty Bios
Carla Aikens
Carla Aikens is an attorney licensed in Michigan and Illinois. Born and raised in Southeast Michigan, she headed east to play collegiate tennis and receive a B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, where she was published in the Georgetown Poverty Law Journal. Following her second year of law school, she accepted an offer to practice in the Philadelphia office of a large firm upon graduation. Before she could begin, however, she received a call from the Honorable Paul D. Borman in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, who asked her to serve as his law clerk. This still remains one of her favorite jobs she has ever had. At the completion of her clerkship, Carla became a corporate associate in the Detroit office of the same Philadelphia-based firm, where she performed a wide variety of general corporate matters for businesses and nonprofits. She later worked for a Chicago-based international law firm handling mergers & acquisitions for private equity companies and performed extensive corporate work on bankruptcy matters.
When the opportunity presented itself, she started her own law firm, Carla D. Aikens, P.L.C., over thirteen years ago. Her firm now includes two associates and specializes in employment and personal injury matters. She has leadership positions as a member of the American Association for Justice and the Michigan Association for Justice, and she is also a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
She loves her family, being a fierce advocate for the people. No matter where she has lived, she has always rooted for the home team, even when they lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in June of 2005, but she is not bitter or anything.
When the opportunity presented itself, she started her own law firm, Carla D. Aikens, P.L.C., over thirteen years ago. Her firm now includes two associates and specializes in employment and personal injury matters. She has leadership positions as a member of the American Association for Justice and the Michigan Association for Justice, and she is also a member of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association.
She loves her family, being a fierce advocate for the people. No matter where she has lived, she has always rooted for the home team, even when they lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in June of 2005, but she is not bitter or anything.
Dr. Randall Benson
Dr. Randall Benson is a globally regarded behavioral neurologist and imaging neuroscientist who is recognized for his advances in the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders. During fellowship at Mass General Hospital, in the 1990s, he pioneered the use of fMRI to map language in neurosurgical patients with tumors and epilepsy. Then, while faculty at Wayne State University in the 2000s, his research, using electrical and magnetic stimulation of the brain in hemiparetic and aphasic stroke, demonstrated proof of concept for the ability to induce neuroplasticity.
More recently, Dr. Benson’s clinical practice and research has focused on more precise diagnosis in head injured patients, leveraging newer functional neuroimaging, neurosensory and pituitary evaluations, culminating in more effective treatments and improved outcomes in patients. Dr. Benson’s research and clinical practice through Center for Neurologic Studies are strongly focused on disorders of the brain and cognition. Dr. Benson’s commitment to finding novel ways to enhance recovery of function after stroke led to multiple foundation and industry-sponsored investigations into the use of targeted electrical/magnetic stimulation of the brain in motor and language impairment following stroke. Dr. Benson’s research on brain disorders is high impact and cutting edge.
For more information on the Center for Neurologic Studies please visit: www.centerforneurlogicstudies.com or call 727-565-4929.
More recently, Dr. Benson’s clinical practice and research has focused on more precise diagnosis in head injured patients, leveraging newer functional neuroimaging, neurosensory and pituitary evaluations, culminating in more effective treatments and improved outcomes in patients. Dr. Benson’s research and clinical practice through Center for Neurologic Studies are strongly focused on disorders of the brain and cognition. Dr. Benson’s commitment to finding novel ways to enhance recovery of function after stroke led to multiple foundation and industry-sponsored investigations into the use of targeted electrical/magnetic stimulation of the brain in motor and language impairment following stroke. Dr. Benson’s research on brain disorders is high impact and cutting edge.
For more information on the Center for Neurologic Studies please visit: www.centerforneurlogicstudies.com or call 727-565-4929.
Deena Buchanan
Name: Deena Buchanan
Firm: Buchanan Law Firm, LLC
Primary office address: 5345 Wyoming Blvd NE, Suite 202, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Phone Number:505-900-3559
Email address: [email protected]
States licensed: NM, NJ, PA (inactive)
Law school and year graduated: Georgetown University Law Center 1998
Undergrad schools degrees: University of Pittsburgh, summa cum laude, 1995 (Major: English Literature, Minors: Psychology and History, Certificate: Women’s Studies)
Martindale-Hubbell and other legal ratings: AV-rated
Trucking specific organizations and leadership positions and awards:
ATAA Member, AAJ Trucking Litigation Group (Publications Committee co-chair 2023-2024)
Law Organizations and leadership and awards:
NMTLA, NELA, New Mexico Disciplinary Board Member 2020-2023
Notable Results:
Catastrophic Injury -$11.65 million settlement (medical and hospital negligence)
Trucking Wrongful Death - $9 million settlement (involved trucker on illegal drugs)
Trucking Wrongful Death - $5 million settlement (distracted driving)
Firm: Buchanan Law Firm, LLC
Primary office address: 5345 Wyoming Blvd NE, Suite 202, Albuquerque, NM 87122
Phone Number:505-900-3559
Email address: [email protected]
States licensed: NM, NJ, PA (inactive)
Law school and year graduated: Georgetown University Law Center 1998
Undergrad schools degrees: University of Pittsburgh, summa cum laude, 1995 (Major: English Literature, Minors: Psychology and History, Certificate: Women’s Studies)
Martindale-Hubbell and other legal ratings: AV-rated
Trucking specific organizations and leadership positions and awards:
ATAA Member, AAJ Trucking Litigation Group (Publications Committee co-chair 2023-2024)
Law Organizations and leadership and awards:
NMTLA, NELA, New Mexico Disciplinary Board Member 2020-2023
Notable Results:
Catastrophic Injury -$11.65 million settlement (medical and hospital negligence)
Trucking Wrongful Death - $9 million settlement (involved trucker on illegal drugs)
Trucking Wrongful Death - $5 million settlement (distracted driving)
Andrew Gardner
Andrew K. Gardner is the founding attorney at A. K. Gardner Law. Originally from Michigan, he attended Michigan State University and obtained a Bachelors in Political Science with a minor in Computer Science. He then attended Michigan State University College of Law, graduating magna cum laude, after which he moved to Houston. Mr. Gardner’s background in technology has allowed him to use automation and technology to streamline handling his cases, particularly in mass torts and car crash cases. This experience has put Mr. Gardner at the front of the Artificial Intelligence scene. He has given over 15 speeches about the ethical use of AI in legal practice, and he has been appointed to the Artificial Intelligence Task Force for the State Bar of Texas and for the American Association for Justice.
Mark Kosieradzki
Mark Kosieradzki Minneapolis, MN, is a nationally recognized trial lawyer featured in “Best lawyers in America”. During his 45-year career Mark has joined trial teams throughout the country in a wide variety of wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. In recent years, Mark’s practice has focused primarily on sex abuse and nursing home abuse cases.
CNN featured Mark’s work on sexual abuse in nursing homes. http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/02/health/nursing-home-sex-abuse-investigation/
The Minneapolis Star Tribune described him as “one of the nation’s most feared elder abuse litigators.” http://www.startribune.com/meet-the-minnesota-lawyer-taking-on-the-senior-care-industry/450626193/ His landmark civil right case on behalf of an incarcerated woman resulted in the application of section 1983 protections to detainees.
Known as one of the country’s leading authorities on deposition technique, strategy and law, Mark has published the hornbooks for depositions: 30(B)(6): Deposing Corporations, Organizations & the Government 2nd ed. and Deposition Obstruction: Breaking Through. Mark’s obstruction management tool, Stonewalling Solutions has revolutionized how to deal with litigation obstruction. His latest book Litigation Obstruction: Breaking Through is the go-to reference for the law and strategies for stopping litigation obstruction.
When Mark turned 50, he started playing the blues harmonica. At 63 he took up salsa dancing in Havana. At 66 he rode a bicycle the length of Puglia, Italy.
CNN featured Mark’s work on sexual abuse in nursing homes. http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2017/02/health/nursing-home-sex-abuse-investigation/
The Minneapolis Star Tribune described him as “one of the nation’s most feared elder abuse litigators.” http://www.startribune.com/meet-the-minnesota-lawyer-taking-on-the-senior-care-industry/450626193/ His landmark civil right case on behalf of an incarcerated woman resulted in the application of section 1983 protections to detainees.
Known as one of the country’s leading authorities on deposition technique, strategy and law, Mark has published the hornbooks for depositions: 30(B)(6): Deposing Corporations, Organizations & the Government 2nd ed. and Deposition Obstruction: Breaking Through. Mark’s obstruction management tool, Stonewalling Solutions has revolutionized how to deal with litigation obstruction. His latest book Litigation Obstruction: Breaking Through is the go-to reference for the law and strategies for stopping litigation obstruction.
When Mark turned 50, he started playing the blues harmonica. At 63 he took up salsa dancing in Havana. At 66 he rode a bicycle the length of Puglia, Italy.
Steve Langer
Steven L. Langer: Partner in the Valparaiso, Indiana law firm of Langer & Langer, now in his 43rd year of practice concentrates on plaintiff’s medical malpractice law and complex litigation. Mr. Langer is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a past President of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Langer is a past President of the College of Fellows of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Langer is the current state chair for the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Mr. Langer is rated AV by Martindale Hubbell and has been selected as a Super Lawyer from 2008 - 2024. Mr. Langer has been included in the Best Lawyers in America for the 2015 – 2024 editions in the areas of medical malpractice and personal injury. Recently, Mr. Langer was named Best Lawyers 2024 Lawyer of the Year in South Bend for personal injury. Mr. Langer has published numerous articles on medical negligence and civil evidence.
Mr. Langer is rated AV by Martindale Hubbell and has been selected as a Super Lawyer from 2008 - 2024. Mr. Langer has been included in the Best Lawyers in America for the 2015 – 2024 editions in the areas of medical malpractice and personal injury. Recently, Mr. Langer was named Best Lawyers 2024 Lawyer of the Year in South Bend for personal injury. Mr. Langer has published numerous articles on medical negligence and civil evidence.
Judge Melissa May
Melissa S. May was appointed to the Indiana Court of Appeals by Governor Frank O’Bannon in April of 1998. She was born in Elkhart, Indiana. She received a B.S. in criminal justice from Indiana University-South Bend and, in 1984, a J.D. from Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis. She is also a graduate of the Graduate Program for Indiana Judges.
Prior to her appointment to the Court, Judge May practiced law for fourteen years in Evansville, Indiana, where she focused on insurance defense and personal injury litigation.
Judge May has been active in local, state, and national bar associations and bar foundations. She served the Indiana Bar Association on the Board of Managers from 1992-1994, as Chair of the Litigation Section from 1998-1999, as Counsel to the President from 2000-2001, as Chair of the Appellate Practice Section from 2008-2009, and as Secretary to the Board of Governors in 2008-2009. She is also a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and the Evansville Bar Association. She is a fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation and is currently serving on their Board of Directors. Judge May is a fellow for the American Bar Association, and a Master Fellow of the Indianapolis Bar Association.
From 1999 until December 2004, Judge May was a member of Indiana’s Continuing Legal Education Commission, where she chaired the Specialization Committee. She is currently on an Advisory Panel to the Specialization Committee. In 2005, she was named to the Indiana Pro Bono Commission and in July 2008, she was named as Chair of that Commission. While chair, she worked with the fourteen pro bono districts to train lawyers and mediators on how to assist homeowners facing foreclosure. Judge May was appointed to the Coalition for Court Access in 2018. In addition, she was a member of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum from 1994-1999 and has been a co-chair of ICLEF's Indiana Trial Advocacy College from 2001 to present. Judge May also served on the Civil Instruction Committee, an Indiana Judicial Conference Committee, which has been working to translate all of the civil jury instructions into “plain English.” She frequently speaks on legal topics to attorneys, other judges, schools, and other professional and community organizations.
In 2003, Judge May was named to the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Attorney Specialization. She is now special counsel to that committee. In the spring of 2004, Judge May became adjunct faculty at Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where she teaches a trial advocacy course. Also in the spring of 2004, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law from the University of Southern Indiana. In 2015, Judge May became a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. In 2023, the Indiana Bar Foundation presented her with the Champion of Civil Legal Assistance Award. Judge May was retained on the Court of Appeals in 2010 and 2020, and lives in Marion County.
Prior to her appointment to the Court, Judge May practiced law for fourteen years in Evansville, Indiana, where she focused on insurance defense and personal injury litigation.
Judge May has been active in local, state, and national bar associations and bar foundations. She served the Indiana Bar Association on the Board of Managers from 1992-1994, as Chair of the Litigation Section from 1998-1999, as Counsel to the President from 2000-2001, as Chair of the Appellate Practice Section from 2008-2009, and as Secretary to the Board of Governors in 2008-2009. She is also a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and the Evansville Bar Association. She is a fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation and is currently serving on their Board of Directors. Judge May is a fellow for the American Bar Association, and a Master Fellow of the Indianapolis Bar Association.
From 1999 until December 2004, Judge May was a member of Indiana’s Continuing Legal Education Commission, where she chaired the Specialization Committee. She is currently on an Advisory Panel to the Specialization Committee. In 2005, she was named to the Indiana Pro Bono Commission and in July 2008, she was named as Chair of that Commission. While chair, she worked with the fourteen pro bono districts to train lawyers and mediators on how to assist homeowners facing foreclosure. Judge May was appointed to the Coalition for Court Access in 2018. In addition, she was a member of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum from 1994-1999 and has been a co-chair of ICLEF's Indiana Trial Advocacy College from 2001 to present. Judge May also served on the Civil Instruction Committee, an Indiana Judicial Conference Committee, which has been working to translate all of the civil jury instructions into “plain English.” She frequently speaks on legal topics to attorneys, other judges, schools, and other professional and community organizations.
In 2003, Judge May was named to the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Attorney Specialization. She is now special counsel to that committee. In the spring of 2004, Judge May became adjunct faculty at Robert H. McKinney School of Law, where she teaches a trial advocacy course. Also in the spring of 2004, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law from the University of Southern Indiana. In 2015, Judge May became a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. In 2023, the Indiana Bar Foundation presented her with the Champion of Civil Legal Assistance Award. Judge May was retained on the Court of Appeals in 2010 and 2020, and lives in Marion County.
Florence Murray
Certification/Specialties
National Board of Trial Advocacy, Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate, 2021-24; Truck Accident Law Advocate, 2023-24
American Board of Trial Advocates, Associate Member, 2021 – present
Education
Ohio State University, Michael E. Moritz College of Law, Columbus, Ohio, 2005; J.D., Alternative Dispute Resolution Cert.
Ashland University, School of Education, Ashland, Ohio; M.Ed.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola University, Baltimore, Maryland, 1991; B.A.
Honors & Awards
AAJ 2023 Board of Governors Outstanding Achievement
AAJ 2021 Distinguished Service Award
Fortune Women Leaders in the Law, 2015
Martindale Hubbell® AV® Rated, 2014 – 2024
Ohio Super Lawyers® Rising Stars, 2014 – 2016; Ohio Super Lawyers® 2019 – 2024
Professional Associations & Memberships
American Association for Justice (AAJ) – Board of Governor; Membership Oversight Committee; National Finance Council
Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, Treasurer
Bad Faith Insurance Litigation Group, Co-Chair
Insurance Section, Secretary
Past Chair of the Section Leaders Council, Civil Rights Section, State Delegates, and Railroad Section
Leadership Academy 2017 Graduate
Melvin Belli Society, board member
American Board of Trial Advocates, associate member
Association of Truck Accident Attorneys, Past Co-Chair of Women’s Caucus 2022-2023
National Lawyers Guild & National Police Accountability Project, member
Ohio Association for Justice, Board Member; Trucking Safety Committee- Past Chair
Society of Women Trial Lawyers, member
Presentations
Semi-Truck Air Brake Primer, OAJ Trucking CLE, 2015
Civil Rights & Tort Claims in School Bullying Cases, OAJ Winter Convention, 2016
Section 504 Plans & Civil Rights Claims, AAJ Annual Convention, 2017
Dealing with Difficult Judges, AAJ Trucking Litigation Group Members Only, 2017
Blockchain- How Technology is Changing the Way Business is Conducted & the Discovery Trail, OAJ Convention, 2019
How to Get Other Records on Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies, OAJ Annual Convention, 2020
Basics of Bad Faith Insurance Claims, OAJ Annual Convention, 2020
Methods for Establishing and Proving Damages in FELA Claims, AAJ Annual Convention, 2020
Defeating the Unauthorized Driver Defense, ATAA Webinar, 2020
Identifying and Using Industry Standards Outside of the FMCSR, AAJ Trucking CLE, 2021
Maintenance Issues that Affect your Case: Mechanical & Brake Issues, NJAJ Boardwalk, 2021
The Gift of the Sudden Medical Emergency in Truck Wrecks, ATAA Webinar, 2021
Left Turn/U-Turn Cases: Establishing Negligence of Both the Driver and the Company, ATAA Conference, 2021
Those Warts are Beauty Marks: Personality Changes with TBIs, AAJ Atlanta TBI Seminar, 2022
The Injured Brain – Proving the Invisible Injury, AAJ Annual Convention, 2022
Horn Blasts & Brain Injuries in Train Workers, AAJ Annual Convention, 2022
The Injured Brain: The Building Blocks to Permanency in Ohio, OAJ Annual Convention, 2023
Ethics of Representing TBI Survivors, Wyoming Trials Lawyers, 2023
Winning the Concussion Case, FJA’s John Romano Workhorse Seminar, 2024
Ethical Issues that Arise in TBI Cases, AAJ Annual Convention, 2024
Bad Faith Insurance- Getting the Most out of 30(b)(5) and 30(b)(6) Depositions, AAJ Annual Convention, 2024
National Board of Trial Advocacy, Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate, 2021-24; Truck Accident Law Advocate, 2023-24
American Board of Trial Advocates, Associate Member, 2021 – present
Education
Ohio State University, Michael E. Moritz College of Law, Columbus, Ohio, 2005; J.D., Alternative Dispute Resolution Cert.
Ashland University, School of Education, Ashland, Ohio; M.Ed.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola University, Baltimore, Maryland, 1991; B.A.
Honors & Awards
AAJ 2023 Board of Governors Outstanding Achievement
AAJ 2021 Distinguished Service Award
Fortune Women Leaders in the Law, 2015
Martindale Hubbell® AV® Rated, 2014 – 2024
Ohio Super Lawyers® Rising Stars, 2014 – 2016; Ohio Super Lawyers® 2019 – 2024
Professional Associations & Memberships
American Association for Justice (AAJ) – Board of Governor; Membership Oversight Committee; National Finance Council
Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, Treasurer
Bad Faith Insurance Litigation Group, Co-Chair
Insurance Section, Secretary
Past Chair of the Section Leaders Council, Civil Rights Section, State Delegates, and Railroad Section
Leadership Academy 2017 Graduate
Melvin Belli Society, board member
American Board of Trial Advocates, associate member
Association of Truck Accident Attorneys, Past Co-Chair of Women’s Caucus 2022-2023
National Lawyers Guild & National Police Accountability Project, member
Ohio Association for Justice, Board Member; Trucking Safety Committee- Past Chair
Society of Women Trial Lawyers, member
Presentations
Semi-Truck Air Brake Primer, OAJ Trucking CLE, 2015
Civil Rights & Tort Claims in School Bullying Cases, OAJ Winter Convention, 2016
Section 504 Plans & Civil Rights Claims, AAJ Annual Convention, 2017
Dealing with Difficult Judges, AAJ Trucking Litigation Group Members Only, 2017
Blockchain- How Technology is Changing the Way Business is Conducted & the Discovery Trail, OAJ Convention, 2019
How to Get Other Records on Truck Drivers and Trucking Companies, OAJ Annual Convention, 2020
Basics of Bad Faith Insurance Claims, OAJ Annual Convention, 2020
Methods for Establishing and Proving Damages in FELA Claims, AAJ Annual Convention, 2020
Defeating the Unauthorized Driver Defense, ATAA Webinar, 2020
Identifying and Using Industry Standards Outside of the FMCSR, AAJ Trucking CLE, 2021
Maintenance Issues that Affect your Case: Mechanical & Brake Issues, NJAJ Boardwalk, 2021
The Gift of the Sudden Medical Emergency in Truck Wrecks, ATAA Webinar, 2021
Left Turn/U-Turn Cases: Establishing Negligence of Both the Driver and the Company, ATAA Conference, 2021
Those Warts are Beauty Marks: Personality Changes with TBIs, AAJ Atlanta TBI Seminar, 2022
The Injured Brain – Proving the Invisible Injury, AAJ Annual Convention, 2022
Horn Blasts & Brain Injuries in Train Workers, AAJ Annual Convention, 2022
The Injured Brain: The Building Blocks to Permanency in Ohio, OAJ Annual Convention, 2023
Ethics of Representing TBI Survivors, Wyoming Trials Lawyers, 2023
Winning the Concussion Case, FJA’s John Romano Workhorse Seminar, 2024
Ethical Issues that Arise in TBI Cases, AAJ Annual Convention, 2024
Bad Faith Insurance- Getting the Most out of 30(b)(5) and 30(b)(6) Depositions, AAJ Annual Convention, 2024
Sach Oliver
Sach D. Oliver, a distinguished trial lawyer and CEO of the Oliver Law Firm, is renowned for his expertise in the courtroom. With over 20 years of trial work, he stands as one of the top trial lawyers in the United States.
His commitment extends beyond depositions and trials, as demonstrated by his philanthropic efforts. As a passionate live auctioneer, he has raised millions for nonprofit organizations, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact.
His inaugural publication, 'Depositions Are Trial,' published by AAJ (American Association for Justice®), just hit the shelves, where he shares his expertise, results, and battle scars across the country.
Family holds a special place in Sach's heart, evident in his love for God and his cherished family—his wife, Codi, and their two daughters. Outside of his legal pursuits, you can find Sach cowboying on their family horse and cattle
ranch, creating lasting memories with his
friends and family.
His commitment extends beyond depositions and trials, as demonstrated by his philanthropic efforts. As a passionate live auctioneer, he has raised millions for nonprofit organizations, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact.
His inaugural publication, 'Depositions Are Trial,' published by AAJ (American Association for Justice®), just hit the shelves, where he shares his expertise, results, and battle scars across the country.
Family holds a special place in Sach's heart, evident in his love for God and his cherished family—his wife, Codi, and their two daughters. Outside of his legal pursuits, you can find Sach cowboying on their family horse and cattle
ranch, creating lasting memories with his
friends and family.
Bruce Plaxen
Bruce Plaxen does traditional single event cases ranging from dog bites to car accidents and premises liability as well as complex litigation. Mr. Plaxen has been on the Board of Governors for the Maryland Association for Justice (formerly the Maryland Trial Lawyers Association) since 1993 and has chaired almost every committee and held every office, including President of MAJ. He is the former Chairman of the Maryland Association for Justice Political Action Committee. Bruce is the only three-time winner of the President's Award, presented by the Maryland Association for Justice for exemplary leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment. He was honored as the 2009 Maryland Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Maryland Association for Justice. Since 2003, Mr. Plaxen has served on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice (formerly the Association of Trial Lawyers of America). In 2024, he was elected President-Elect of AAJ.
Roy Tabor
For more than 40 years, Roy Tabor has focused on life-changing events resulting from personal injuries or wrongful death.
Roy has helped hundreds of families navigate the legal system and has obtained substantial settlements and verdicts to help try to compensate them for their losses. Roy is a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice.
He has received numerous honors and distinctions, including his being selected to the list of the Nation's Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association. He is a member of the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, of which there are less than 1% of U.S. lawyers. For years, Roy has been listed as a Super Lawyer by Indianapolis Magazine. Roy has also been named to Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.
He also serves with distinction as a Board Member Emeritus of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and is a Fellow in the Indiana College of Advocacy. Because of his success and leadership in representing families who suffer tragic losses from semi-tractor trailer collisions, he is one of few members of the National Advisory Board of the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers. He also is a member of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. He speaks frequently across the nation on topics including how to successfully handle commercial motor vehicle cases.
Roy has helped hundreds of families navigate the legal system and has obtained substantial settlements and verdicts to help try to compensate them for their losses. Roy is a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, the Indiana State Bar Association, the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice.
He has received numerous honors and distinctions, including his being selected to the list of the Nation's Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel and named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the American Trial Lawyers Association. He is a member of the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, the Million Dollar Advocates, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, of which there are less than 1% of U.S. lawyers. For years, Roy has been listed as a Super Lawyer by Indianapolis Magazine. Roy has also been named to Best Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America.
He also serves with distinction as a Board Member Emeritus of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and is a Fellow in the Indiana College of Advocacy. Because of his success and leadership in representing families who suffer tragic losses from semi-tractor trailer collisions, he is one of few members of the National Advisory Board of the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers. He also is a member of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. He speaks frequently across the nation on topics including how to successfully handle commercial motor vehicle cases.
Jay Stefani
Jay Stefani is the Managing Partner at Levinson and Stefani Injury Lawyers, a Chicago-based boutique firm helping victims of truck and automobile crashes. He is active member of the the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice, where he currently serves as Treasurer of the Motor Vehicle Section, and is a past Chair of the Sole Practitioner & Small Firm Section.
A DePaul graduate (undergraduate and law school), Jay continues to be a part of the university acting as a mentor within the DePaul University and College of Law communities. He is a past President of the DePaul Law Alumni Engagement Board, and currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council.
A DePaul graduate (undergraduate and law school), Jay continues to be a part of the university acting as a mentor within the DePaul University and College of Law communities. He is a past President of the DePaul Law Alumni Engagement Board, and currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council.
Dr. Cheryl Willis
Cheryl D. Wills, MD is a board-certified general, child, adolescent, and forensic psychiatrist based in Cleveland, OH. She is in private practice and recently served as Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University, as well as Vice Chair for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Chief of Child Psychiatry at the MetroHealth System in Cleveland, Ohio.
She earned a BA in biochemistry at Columbia University and an MD at the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. She completed training in adult and child psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Case Western Reserve University. She has conducted thousands of clinical and independent medical evaluations and is known for her ability to ascertain the whole story.
She is an immediate past Trustee of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), which has 39,000 physician members and served two elected terms. She is known for her strategic governance approach and ability to forge consensus among disparate stakeholders. She was awarded APA Special Presidential Commendations in 2021 and 2023 for her exemplary service and contributions to the future of psychiatry. The recognition is a rare achievement, even for APA Board members.
In 2020-2021, Dr. Wills chaired the APA Presidential Task Force on Structural Racism which completed a data-driven systematic review of the APA's functioning and governance- including the status of best practices implementation in diversity, equity, inclusion and governance. The findings resulted in organization-wide reform and a historic 18 actions approved by the Board. Although each presidential task force has one year to complete the work, Dr. Wills' team fulfilled the charge in seven months during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She is the 2024 Scientific Program Chair for the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law and received its Red Apple Distinguished Service Award in 2024. She is active in the American College of Psychiatrists and serves on several editorial boards. Her work in organized medicine has earned her a reputation as a collaborator and proven leader.
Dr. Wills writes and lectures nationally and internationally about clinical, forensic and administrative mental health, trauma, risk management, workplace culture, professionalism and other topics. Dr. Wills’ manuscript, The CHESS Method of Forensic Opinion Formulation: Striving to Checkmate Bias, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, describes her approach to forensic case analysis and is required reading in many forensic psychiatry fellowship training programs.
Her skillset makes her an effective expert witness, consultant, clinician and educator.
She earned a BA in biochemistry at Columbia University and an MD at the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. She completed training in adult and child psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh and a forensic psychiatry fellowship at Case Western Reserve University. She has conducted thousands of clinical and independent medical evaluations and is known for her ability to ascertain the whole story.
She is an immediate past Trustee of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), which has 39,000 physician members and served two elected terms. She is known for her strategic governance approach and ability to forge consensus among disparate stakeholders. She was awarded APA Special Presidential Commendations in 2021 and 2023 for her exemplary service and contributions to the future of psychiatry. The recognition is a rare achievement, even for APA Board members.
In 2020-2021, Dr. Wills chaired the APA Presidential Task Force on Structural Racism which completed a data-driven systematic review of the APA's functioning and governance- including the status of best practices implementation in diversity, equity, inclusion and governance. The findings resulted in organization-wide reform and a historic 18 actions approved by the Board. Although each presidential task force has one year to complete the work, Dr. Wills' team fulfilled the charge in seven months during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
She is the 2024 Scientific Program Chair for the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law and received its Red Apple Distinguished Service Award in 2024. She is active in the American College of Psychiatrists and serves on several editorial boards. Her work in organized medicine has earned her a reputation as a collaborator and proven leader.
Dr. Wills writes and lectures nationally and internationally about clinical, forensic and administrative mental health, trauma, risk management, workplace culture, professionalism and other topics. Dr. Wills’ manuscript, The CHESS Method of Forensic Opinion Formulation: Striving to Checkmate Bias, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, describes her approach to forensic case analysis and is required reading in many forensic psychiatry fellowship training programs.
Her skillset makes her an effective expert witness, consultant, clinician and educator.
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Sunrise Faculty
Holt Hovde
Holt Hovde is an associate attorney at Waldron Tate Bowen Land LLC practicing in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice, real estate, business, and construction.
Holt received his B.A. from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and his J.D. from Indiana University McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana. While at Indiana University Holt was a member of Sigma Chi and Steering Committee for the IU Student Foundation. As a member of the Steering Committee, Holt led major university projects and events that inspire support of Indiana University – including the nationally recognized Little 500. While at IU McKinney School of Law, Holt served as a note candidate and associate editor for the Indiana Health Law Review and worked as an extern for the honorable Robert Altice. Holt also clerked at Waldron Tate Bowen Spandau LLC during his final year of law school, where he gained valuable experience before joining the firm.
Holt Hovde is currently a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, Indianapolis Bar Association, and the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. Holt is also a council member of the ISBA Young Lawyer Section Council. As a dedicated Hoosier and Indianapolis native, Holt plans to continuously expand his involvement in the Indianapolis community.
Holt Hovde is currently licensed to practice law in the State of Indiana.
When Holt is not working, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and taking care of his dog Rhett. Holt also enjoys cheering on his Indiana Hoosiers and Indianapolis Colts.
Holt received his B.A. from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and his J.D. from Indiana University McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana. While at Indiana University Holt was a member of Sigma Chi and Steering Committee for the IU Student Foundation. As a member of the Steering Committee, Holt led major university projects and events that inspire support of Indiana University – including the nationally recognized Little 500. While at IU McKinney School of Law, Holt served as a note candidate and associate editor for the Indiana Health Law Review and worked as an extern for the honorable Robert Altice. Holt also clerked at Waldron Tate Bowen Spandau LLC during his final year of law school, where he gained valuable experience before joining the firm.
Holt Hovde is currently a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, Indianapolis Bar Association, and the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. Holt is also a council member of the ISBA Young Lawyer Section Council. As a dedicated Hoosier and Indianapolis native, Holt plans to continuously expand his involvement in the Indianapolis community.
Holt Hovde is currently licensed to practice law in the State of Indiana.
When Holt is not working, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and taking care of his dog Rhett. Holt also enjoys cheering on his Indiana Hoosiers and Indianapolis Colts.
Taylor Ivy
Taylor was born and raised in Southwest Indiana. He attended the University of Southern Indiana for his undergraduate degree, Southern Illinois University for his first year of law school and graduated from IU McKinney in 2021.
Taylor started as a law clerk at Ladendorf Fregiato and Bigler in 2019. After graduating law school and passing the bar, Taylor was brought on to the team in a more permanent capacity. Taylor dedicates most of his time litigating against First Chicago insureds and filing motions for fees.
In his free time, Taylor enjoys golfing, fishing, wood working, and spending quality time with his wife, Rachal, and son, Jack.
Taylor started as a law clerk at Ladendorf Fregiato and Bigler in 2019. After graduating law school and passing the bar, Taylor was brought on to the team in a more permanent capacity. Taylor dedicates most of his time litigating against First Chicago insureds and filing motions for fees.
In his free time, Taylor enjoys golfing, fishing, wood working, and spending quality time with his wife, Rachal, and son, Jack.
Autumn Seib
Autumn Seib is a medical malpractice attorney at Wagner Reese, LLP. She devotes her entire practice to representing patients and their families in medical malpractice cases. Autumn grew up in Lapeer, Michigan, and graduated valedictorian of her high school. She attended college at Central Michigan University where she studied political science, psychology, and philosophy. Autumn received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees with perfect GPAs in just four years. After graduation, Autumn received a scholarship to attend Indiana University Maurer School of Law where she obtained her juris doctorate.
After law school, Autumn began her legal career as a defense attorney, representing healthcare providers as opposed to patients in medical malpractice cases. Having previously worked as a defense attorney, Autumn has unique insight into the strategies and arguments often used by her opponents, including how to overcome them. In 2023, Autumn was selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 40 under 40 for Civil Plaintiff litigation. In 2024, she was named a Rising Star by Indiana Super Lawyers and included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Outside of work, Autumn lives in Westfield, Indiana where she frequently runs the many trails throughout the Indianapolis area. She also enjoys participating in outdoor activities, watching sports, cooking new recipes, and spending time with family, friends, and her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chester.
After law school, Autumn began her legal career as a defense attorney, representing healthcare providers as opposed to patients in medical malpractice cases. Having previously worked as a defense attorney, Autumn has unique insight into the strategies and arguments often used by her opponents, including how to overcome them. In 2023, Autumn was selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as one of the Top 40 under 40 for Civil Plaintiff litigation. In 2024, she was named a Rising Star by Indiana Super Lawyers and included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Outside of work, Autumn lives in Westfield, Indiana where she frequently runs the many trails throughout the Indianapolis area. She also enjoys participating in outdoor activities, watching sports, cooking new recipes, and spending time with family, friends, and her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chester.
Janet Wallace
Since she was a teenager, Janet has dedicated her career to advocating for those who are injured due to someone else’s negligence. She has experience in personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases.
Janet has been at Johnson Jensen LLP since 2011 performing a variety of tasks. In 2017, she completed her time at IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law and was sworn into the Indiana bar. Janet was part of the Indianapolis Bar Association Bar Leadership Class XIX.
Janet lives in Perry Township with her husband and children. When she is not working, she enjoys attending her kids’ sporting events, playing card games, traveling on weekend adventures, and spending time with her family.
Janet has been at Johnson Jensen LLP since 2011 performing a variety of tasks. In 2017, she completed her time at IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law and was sworn into the Indiana bar. Janet was part of the Indianapolis Bar Association Bar Leadership Class XIX.
Janet lives in Perry Township with her husband and children. When she is not working, she enjoys attending her kids’ sporting events, playing card games, traveling on weekend adventures, and spending time with her family.
Chase Wilson
Chase and his wife, Alyssa, live in Franklin Township with their two children, Wilder and Indiana, as well as their two dogs, Marvin and Rita. Chase is an admitted nerd and sports fanatic who played soccer and wrestled while attending East Central High School in St. Leon, IN.
He then attended from Indiana State University where he received his bachelors in legal studies and political science, with minors in Philosophy and Civic Leadership. During his time at Indiana State he met his now wife, Alyssa, and was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, serving as their Vice President for a year and being named Athlete of the Year three years in a row.
Upon graduation from undergrad Chase chose to attend the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law from which he graduated in 2016. During law school Chase worked as a certified legal intern for the Law Office of William W. Hurst, LLC. He graduated with a certificate in Corporate & Commercial law which aids him in interpreting insurance contract language.
Since graduating law school Chase has been an attorney at Hurst Limontes LLC where he represents clients who have been involved in auto accidents, slip & falls, negligent firearm discharge, residential fires, and constitution rights violations (excess force and denial/inadequate medical care under 42 U.S.C. §1983). Chase also enjoys insurance coverage disputes.
He then attended from Indiana State University where he received his bachelors in legal studies and political science, with minors in Philosophy and Civic Leadership. During his time at Indiana State he met his now wife, Alyssa, and was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, serving as their Vice President for a year and being named Athlete of the Year three years in a row.
Upon graduation from undergrad Chase chose to attend the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law from which he graduated in 2016. During law school Chase worked as a certified legal intern for the Law Office of William W. Hurst, LLC. He graduated with a certificate in Corporate & Commercial law which aids him in interpreting insurance contract language.
Since graduating law school Chase has been an attorney at Hurst Limontes LLC where he represents clients who have been involved in auto accidents, slip & falls, negligent firearm discharge, residential fires, and constitution rights violations (excess force and denial/inadequate medical care under 42 U.S.C. §1983). Chase also enjoys insurance coverage disputes.