2025 Trial Lawyer of the Year
Brandon Tate, Waldron/Tate/Land
Brandon E. Tate is a member at Waldron Tate Land LLC licensed in Indiana and Illinois. Brandon focuses his practice on jury trials, personal injury, wrongful death, corporate litigation, Section 1983 constitutional violation claims against state and local entities (such as claims against cities and counties/police departments for police action shootings resulting in death, excessive force resulting in serious bodily injury, and deaths/catastrophic injuries of bystanders resulting from high-speed chases), life insurance denials (both non-ERISA and ERISA policies), and eminent domain takings. Brandon represents injured Hoosiers and their families throughout the State of Indiana in state and federal courts striving to help them through their most difficult times with a drive to help those affected by an injury or loss. Brandon has been recognized by Super Lawyers in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Brandon has presented oral argument in front of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and handled jury trials around the State of Indiana in both state and federal courts.
Brandon has achieved numerous verdicts in excess of insurance policy limits. Among his most notable successes, Brandon served as counsel, along with Ann Marie Waldron and Katie Piscione, in a case involving a client who suffered catastrophic injuries from an accident caused by a drunk driver that left their client a quadriplegic. They were able to secure a jury verdict of $159 Million in state court, which stands as the largest reported Jury Verdict in Indiana history.
Brandon also served as lead trial counsel in a case involving oppressed minority shareholders of a corporation against a majority shareholder in which he and his team, including partner Matthew Land, were able to achieve a jury verdict of $13.7 Million in state court for breaches of corporate fiduciary duties along with the setting aside of a trust holding corporate shares.
Additionally, Brandon and his team were able to achieve a jury verdict of $1.2 Million in federal court for the estate of an individual whom was shot and killed by police officers while the individual shot was holding a gun. In addition, he has handled numerous other claims in which he has recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for his clients.
Brandon was named the Max Goodwin Young Lawyer Award recipient by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association for 2021 and is currently a member of its Board of Directors.
Brandon regularly works with other attorneys around the state both formally as co- counsel and informally in the progression of the advancement of Indiana laws for injured Hoosiers. He is dedicated to the constitutional rights of open access to the courts and equal protection under the law for all persons in Indiana and strives to protect those in all his cases looking to obtain verdicts that could effectuate change.
Brandon earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. While in law school, Brandon earned the Pro Bono Program’s Gold Level award, the Norman Lefstein Award of Excellence, for amassing more than two hundred (200) Pro Bono hours. Brandon was also an active member of the international legal honor society, Phi Delta Phi, Wilkie Inn Chapter. Brandon earned his Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in Political Science with a minor in Economics from Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. During his time at Clemson University, Brandon was a member of the National Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha.
Representative Jury Verdicts:
Awards and Selections:
Brandon has achieved numerous verdicts in excess of insurance policy limits. Among his most notable successes, Brandon served as counsel, along with Ann Marie Waldron and Katie Piscione, in a case involving a client who suffered catastrophic injuries from an accident caused by a drunk driver that left their client a quadriplegic. They were able to secure a jury verdict of $159 Million in state court, which stands as the largest reported Jury Verdict in Indiana history.
Brandon also served as lead trial counsel in a case involving oppressed minority shareholders of a corporation against a majority shareholder in which he and his team, including partner Matthew Land, were able to achieve a jury verdict of $13.7 Million in state court for breaches of corporate fiduciary duties along with the setting aside of a trust holding corporate shares.
Additionally, Brandon and his team were able to achieve a jury verdict of $1.2 Million in federal court for the estate of an individual whom was shot and killed by police officers while the individual shot was holding a gun. In addition, he has handled numerous other claims in which he has recovered substantial settlements and verdicts for his clients.
Brandon was named the Max Goodwin Young Lawyer Award recipient by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association for 2021 and is currently a member of its Board of Directors.
Brandon regularly works with other attorneys around the state both formally as co- counsel and informally in the progression of the advancement of Indiana laws for injured Hoosiers. He is dedicated to the constitutional rights of open access to the courts and equal protection under the law for all persons in Indiana and strives to protect those in all his cases looking to obtain verdicts that could effectuate change.
Brandon earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. While in law school, Brandon earned the Pro Bono Program’s Gold Level award, the Norman Lefstein Award of Excellence, for amassing more than two hundred (200) Pro Bono hours. Brandon was also an active member of the international legal honor society, Phi Delta Phi, Wilkie Inn Chapter. Brandon earned his Bachelor of Science, cum laude, in Political Science with a minor in Economics from Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. During his time at Clemson University, Brandon was a member of the National Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha.
Representative Jury Verdicts:
- $159 Million Motor Vehicle Collision – Quadriplegia (Boone County) – Largest reported Jury Verdict in Indiana History
- $13.7 Million Corporate Breach of Fiduciary Duties – Trust set aside as well (Jackson County)
- $850,000.00 Slip and Fall (Marion County)
- $1.2 Million Police Action Shooting Resulting in Death (Indiana Southern District Court – Federal)
- $275,000.00 Motor Vehicle Collision (Marion County) – Final offer from the Defense was $6,000.00.
- $161,000.00 (plus interest and attorney’s fees) – Value of access easements taken by the State where properties served by the easements were taken two months after the easements – State requested Jury award $0 and $1 respectively for the Easements (Johnson County)
- $45,000.00 Motor Vehicle Collision Soft Tissue Injury (Marion County)
- $350,000.00 Motor Vehicle on Pedestrian in the Dark (Marion County)
- $3,300,000.00 Crane Wrongful Death
- $1,150,000.00 Motor Vehicle Collision
- $750,000.00 Excessive Force Wrongful Death
- $450,000.00 Slip & Fall
Awards and Selections:
- 2021 Max Goodwin Young Lawyer Excellence in Advocacy Award – Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
- 2013 Norman Lefstein Award for Excellence – Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
- 2023 Board of Governors Citation for Contributions to the Board – Indiana State Bar Association
- 2017 Selection to the Indiana Rising Stars List – Super Lawyers
- 2018 Selection to the Indiana Rising Stars List – Super Lawyers
- 2019 Selection to the Indiana Rising Stars List – Super Lawyers
- 2020 Selection to the Indiana Rising Stars List – Super Lawyers
- 2021 Selection to the Indiana Rising Stars List – Super Lawyers
- 2022 Selection to the Indiana Rising Stars List – Super Lawyers
- 2023 Selection to the Indiana Rising Stars List – Super Lawyers
- 2024 Selection to the Indiana Rising Stars List – Super Lawyers
- 2025 Selection to the Indiana Rising Stars List – Super Lawyers
- Indiana State Bar Association
- Immediate Past Chair, 2024 – Young Lawyers Section Council
- Chair, 2023 – Young Lawyers Section Council
- Chair-Elect, 2022 – Young Lawyers Section Council
- Member, 2017 to Present – Young Lawyers Section Council
- Secretary Treasurer, 2021 – Young Lawyers Sections Council
- Member, Planning Committee, 2013 to Present – Solo-Small Firm Conference Planning Committee
- Programing Chair, 2021 to 2022 – Solo-Small Firm Conference Planning Committee
- Programming Co-Chair, 2019 to 2020 – Solo-Small Firm Conference Planning Committee
- Vice-Chair, 2023 to Present – Solo-Small Firm Conference Planning Committee
- Sustaining Member, Present
- Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
- Member, Board of Directors
- Sustaining Member, Present
- Trials
- Personal Injury
- Wrongful Death
- Corporate Litigation
- Section 1983 Constitutional Violation Claims
- Eminent Domain
- Appeals
- Life Insurance Denial (Non-ERISA and ERISA policies)
Trial Lawyer of the Year Award Criteria
A lawyer who upholds the honor of the legal profession and is a true defender of the people; a lawyer who works to protect the rights of injured victims and consumers; a lawyer who successfully handles a case of major public importance in state or federal court, including appellate courts; a lawyer who assists ITLA in their efforts to protect the rights of consumers and injured victims at the state legislature and the U.S. Congress; a lawyer who devotes substantial time and effort to further the mission of ITLA by serving as a member; a lawyer who frequently publishes articles and gives presentations in support of the rights of injured victims and consumer rights; and lastly, a lawyer who earns admiration and respect for trial lawyers as a result of noteworthy activities.
Anne Marie, Brandon Tate, and Katie Piscione's Nomination
Submitted by Sarah Graziano
In 2023-2025 Ann Marie, Brandon Tate & Katie Piscione have teamed up and obtained tremendous results in trial for deserving clients as well as a devasting loss. They are fighting every single day for the clients as evidenced by both their wins and their willingness to try difficult cases. Here are dome of the results:
Rodney Napier v. Justin Davis Verdict: $350,000.00 - Client was driving his motorized wheelchair across the road at an intersection when he was struck by a vehicle turning left. There was no marked crosswalk or sidewalks on either side of the intersection and it was dark outside around 5:30 a.m. Renal tear that healed and broken ribs. Treatment done after around 6 months mostly just PT. Stanley number of $38,000.00.
Case 2 (Ann Marie and Katie): Verdict: $146,430.00 - Individual walking out of a City Barbeque. Tripped and fell on a mat that was out on the floor just on the exterior side of the doors. Fractured her shoulder. Stanley number of $2,300.00.
Case 3 (Ann Marie, Brandon and Katie): Sherry Schnee, David Mark Schnee v Ryann Early Verdict: $159,000,000.00 - Drunk driver hit Mrs. Schnee's vehicle head-on after Mrs. Schnee had dropped her son off at work. As a result, she became quadriplegic. Were not allowed to inform the jury that the Defendant was drunk. Stanley number of $914,000.00. Verdict was $84,000,000.00 to Mrs. Schnee and $75,000,000.00 to Mr. Schnee for his loss of consortium claim.
Case 4 (Brandon): In Re: Docketing of Ralph Pardieck Trust Trial: $13,700,000.00 - Two week jury trial on breach of fiduciary duties primarily between the two sons of Ralph Pardieck who owned a large scale mobile home park down in Seymour with a claim existing by our Client against the mother of the two sons passed away prior to trial. We represented the oppressed minority shareholder against the majority shareholder who had the control of the company. The Jury entered their verdict for the breaches of fiduciary duty at $13,700,000.00. Additionally, the Court granted our request for a Forced Sale requiring the majority shareholder to buy out the oppressed minority shareholders. The jury also set aside the Trust of Ralph Pardieck at our request for undue influence. Intertwined issues of Trust and corporate disputes.
Case 5 (Brandon and Katie): Hollett v. Favors Trial: $275,000.47 (excess verdict) -It was a Rear-End Collision admitted fault case in Marion County that happened over 4 years ago. Fair amount of damage to the trunk area of our client's car, but our client's vehicle was operable, not much damage to the Defendant's vehicle, and the Defendant characterized herself as going 5-10 mph.
Case 6 (Brandon and Katie): Gregory v. Phares Trial: $15,000 -14 year old back seat passenger in a car. Driver failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by another driver. Cuts from broken glass and other injuries.
Case 7 (Ann Marie, Brandon and Katie) Miller v. Tran Cause No. 29D05-1906-CT-005920 (Hamilton) Trial: April 2024 Trial: Defense Verdict -Medical Malpractice case where misdiagnosed with Lupus and several autoimmune diseases. Medical review panel found malpractice but no causation.
Rodney Napier v. Justin Davis Verdict: $350,000.00 - Client was driving his motorized wheelchair across the road at an intersection when he was struck by a vehicle turning left. There was no marked crosswalk or sidewalks on either side of the intersection and it was dark outside around 5:30 a.m. Renal tear that healed and broken ribs. Treatment done after around 6 months mostly just PT. Stanley number of $38,000.00.
Case 2 (Ann Marie and Katie): Verdict: $146,430.00 - Individual walking out of a City Barbeque. Tripped and fell on a mat that was out on the floor just on the exterior side of the doors. Fractured her shoulder. Stanley number of $2,300.00.
Case 3 (Ann Marie, Brandon and Katie): Sherry Schnee, David Mark Schnee v Ryann Early Verdict: $159,000,000.00 - Drunk driver hit Mrs. Schnee's vehicle head-on after Mrs. Schnee had dropped her son off at work. As a result, she became quadriplegic. Were not allowed to inform the jury that the Defendant was drunk. Stanley number of $914,000.00. Verdict was $84,000,000.00 to Mrs. Schnee and $75,000,000.00 to Mr. Schnee for his loss of consortium claim.
Case 4 (Brandon): In Re: Docketing of Ralph Pardieck Trust Trial: $13,700,000.00 - Two week jury trial on breach of fiduciary duties primarily between the two sons of Ralph Pardieck who owned a large scale mobile home park down in Seymour with a claim existing by our Client against the mother of the two sons passed away prior to trial. We represented the oppressed minority shareholder against the majority shareholder who had the control of the company. The Jury entered their verdict for the breaches of fiduciary duty at $13,700,000.00. Additionally, the Court granted our request for a Forced Sale requiring the majority shareholder to buy out the oppressed minority shareholders. The jury also set aside the Trust of Ralph Pardieck at our request for undue influence. Intertwined issues of Trust and corporate disputes.
Case 5 (Brandon and Katie): Hollett v. Favors Trial: $275,000.47 (excess verdict) -It was a Rear-End Collision admitted fault case in Marion County that happened over 4 years ago. Fair amount of damage to the trunk area of our client's car, but our client's vehicle was operable, not much damage to the Defendant's vehicle, and the Defendant characterized herself as going 5-10 mph.
Case 6 (Brandon and Katie): Gregory v. Phares Trial: $15,000 -14 year old back seat passenger in a car. Driver failed to stop at a stop sign and was struck by another driver. Cuts from broken glass and other injuries.
Case 7 (Ann Marie, Brandon and Katie) Miller v. Tran Cause No. 29D05-1906-CT-005920 (Hamilton) Trial: April 2024 Trial: Defense Verdict -Medical Malpractice case where misdiagnosed with Lupus and several autoimmune diseases. Medical review panel found malpractice but no causation.