2023 Trial Lawyer of the Year
Sarah Graziano, Hensley Legal Group
Sarah Graziano was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but has called Indiana her home since graduating from Valparaiso University School of Law, with honors, in 1999. Sarah began her career focusing on litigation for a well-respected defense firm in Indianapolis, but she quickly realized that her true focus was to help people who have disputes with corporations, insurance companies, and the like. Since 2002, Sarah has focused her practice on helping individuals who have been injured at the hands of others. In addition, she has helped individuals with employment matters, including discrimination, wrongful termination, and contractual disputes.
Sarah has been extremely fortunate to have a large number of civil jury trials in her twenty three years of practice. Sarah is an active member in good standing with the Indiana Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. She sits on the board of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA). As part of her membership with the ITLA, she has had the privilege to speak at seminars hosted by ITLA on issues involving claims for injuries. |
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.
Sarah's Nomination
Submitted by Tina Bell
I have personally known Sarah for about 15 years. She has been a true, “in the trenches” trial lawyer for 24 years now. She has tried over 40 jury trials to verdict! I don’t know if this language is allowed or appropriate – but Sarah is a bad ass. Year after year, she keeps setting them up and knocking them down. She has no fear when it comes to stepping into the courtroom and fighting for justice in front of jury - the definition of a “trial lawyer”. The last year has been a wonderful example of her unmatched trial skill set. Additionally, her known advocacy at trial is now translating to remarkable settlements because she has made a name for herself as someone who will go to trial.
In April 2022 she obtained a $4.25 million policy limits settlement in hotly contested case where a 16-yearold girl crossed against the light on way to school when struck. Severe leg injury leading to necrosis and below the knee amputation.
In August 2022 she received an amazing trial verdict of $25 million (THAT WAS PAID!!) in Marion County with Judge Dietrick. Severe TBI of young man struck by ambulance not on an emergency run.
In Oct/Nov 2022 she received a $5.5 million settlement against trucking company for severe and permanent neck injury including surgery and pain management.
In Dec 2022 she received an $8,450,000.00 settlement in an admitted liability case for a young woman with CRPS from wrist injury in moderate car crash.
In March 2023 she received another trial verdict for $3.5 million (ALSO PAID) in Marion County with Judge Oakes. This was a hotly contested liability case in an intersection. Injury was aggravation of neck injury necessitating a cervical fusion.
Both the $5.5M and $8.45M settlements were within 30 days of trial; Sarah had recognized the severity of the injury early on in the case and worked both up with life care plans and experts. It made a huge difference in those cases getting settled.
The 25M judgment was satisfied without a discount after victories on motion to correct error. Of note, they declined their high low when jury was deliberating. The $25M was the ask in closing. Last official offer $2.75M before trial, Sarah’s demand was $7M. A year before trial we agreed to mediator’s proposal of $3.25M defense declined.
Her $3.5M verdict was satisfied with a small haircut. Jury came back at 100% liability against Defendant. Medicals were only 90K, and no wage loss was presented as client was self-employed and did not pay much in taxes. Last offer before trial $50k!
Sarah is not only a killer trial lawyer, she is also an amazing human. She loves deeply and is compassionate. She is loyal. She is smart and funny. She is no non-sense. She does not just call herself a trial lawyer – Sarah Graziano IS A TRIAL LAWYER and deserving of the ITLA Trial Lawyer of the Year award. She is a true defender of the people.
In April 2022 she obtained a $4.25 million policy limits settlement in hotly contested case where a 16-yearold girl crossed against the light on way to school when struck. Severe leg injury leading to necrosis and below the knee amputation.
In August 2022 she received an amazing trial verdict of $25 million (THAT WAS PAID!!) in Marion County with Judge Dietrick. Severe TBI of young man struck by ambulance not on an emergency run.
In Oct/Nov 2022 she received a $5.5 million settlement against trucking company for severe and permanent neck injury including surgery and pain management.
In Dec 2022 she received an $8,450,000.00 settlement in an admitted liability case for a young woman with CRPS from wrist injury in moderate car crash.
In March 2023 she received another trial verdict for $3.5 million (ALSO PAID) in Marion County with Judge Oakes. This was a hotly contested liability case in an intersection. Injury was aggravation of neck injury necessitating a cervical fusion.
Both the $5.5M and $8.45M settlements were within 30 days of trial; Sarah had recognized the severity of the injury early on in the case and worked both up with life care plans and experts. It made a huge difference in those cases getting settled.
The 25M judgment was satisfied without a discount after victories on motion to correct error. Of note, they declined their high low when jury was deliberating. The $25M was the ask in closing. Last official offer $2.75M before trial, Sarah’s demand was $7M. A year before trial we agreed to mediator’s proposal of $3.25M defense declined.
Her $3.5M verdict was satisfied with a small haircut. Jury came back at 100% liability against Defendant. Medicals were only 90K, and no wage loss was presented as client was self-employed and did not pay much in taxes. Last offer before trial $50k!
Sarah is not only a killer trial lawyer, she is also an amazing human. She loves deeply and is compassionate. She is loyal. She is smart and funny. She is no non-sense. She does not just call herself a trial lawyer – Sarah Graziano IS A TRIAL LAWYER and deserving of the ITLA Trial Lawyer of the Year award. She is a true defender of the people.