Community Activity

Board of Directors of the International School of Indiana, Board Member (2016 – 2019)

• The International School of Indiana is a private school (pre-K through high school) offering language immersion in Spanish, French, and Mandarin.

Legal Lines (IndyBar’s Ask-A-Lawyer Program), Volunteer Attorney

• Don answers calls from the general public through the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Ask-A-Lawyer program that gives callers the opportunity to obtain legal advice free of charge.

North Central Football Fanatics, President (2002-2004)

• Don renamed the North Central High School football boosters the “Football Fanatics,” led a resurgence of spirit among parents and fans, and organized events for players and their families.

North Central High School football, Public Address announcer (2002-2011)

• Tapping into his penchant for sportscasting, Don was “the Voice of the Panthers” at home football games for 10 years and would surprise the crowd by using creative words to describe the action on the field.

Washington Township Baseball, Inc., Secretary (1999-2005); Vice President (2009-2010); President (2010-2011)

• Don was not just a “fan in the stands.” He was actively involved in the leadership of the governing board of the high school’s baseball program.

Westminster Legal Ministry Chairman, (1988-2011)

• Through its affiliation with Don’s home church, Second Presbyterian, Don headed a group of volunteer attorneys who provided legal guidance to needy families on Indy’s near Eastside.

Representative Matters

Since he started practicing law over 35 years ago, Don has limited his practice to labor and employment law. Don has extensive experience representing clients in the following industries: Credit unions, construction, insurance, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, printing, temporary labor, restaurant, and housing.

• Prosecuted and defended numerous requests for temporary and permanent injunctions in non-compete cases on behalf of employers.
• Defended an insurance company in employment discrimination case that set the standard for determining whether an insurance agent is an independent contractor: Knight v. United Farm Bureau Mut. Ins. Co., Inc., 950 F.2d 377 (7th Cir. 1991).
• Defended county employer at trial and on appeal against wrongful discharge claim: Moulton v. Vigo Co., 150 F.3d 801 (7th Cir. 1998).
• Represented employer in a religious discrimination case, in which employee unsuccessfully sought court intervention permitting employee to use the phrase “Have a blessed day” in the workplace: Anderson v. U.S.F. Logistics, 274 F.3d. 470 (7th Cir. 2001).
• Represented employer in a wage case, in which the Indiana Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s award of vacation pay to the employee, and enforced the employer’s written policy that vacation pay was not earned until the employee’s anniversary date: Damon Corp. v. Estes, 750 N.E.2d 891 (Ind. Ct. App. 2001).
• Represented employer hospital in a worker’s compensation case, in which the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that the Worker’s Compensation Board lacked the statutory authority to award interest on worker’s compensation benefits, including overdue medical bills: Christopher R. Brown, DDS, Inc. v. Decatur Co. Memorial Hospital, Inc., 892 N.E.2d 642 (Ind. 2008).
• Defended employer in a class action in a wage and hour case: Artis v. First Revenue Assurance, LLC, (1:09-cv-01555, S. D. Ind. 2009).

Beyond the Office

Don and his wife, Debbie, are the proud parents of three sons and the very proud grandparents of four grandchildren. All three of their sons are medical doctors after attending medical school at Indiana University. Don remains a huge sports fanatic, with special interests in his Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Indians, and Chicago Cubs (with whom he has played in two fantasy camps). During the college football season, Don particularly roots for DePauw, Miami (FL), and Alabama, teams he “adopted” as a result of where his sons attended school. Don is an avid golfer who is constantly in search of the “perfect swing.”

Awards & Recognition

Best Lawyers in America – (2022)

• Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Recognition in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by clients and legal professionals as a significant honor conferred on a lawyer by their peers

Indiana Super Lawyers – (2004-2006 and 2009-Present)

• Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes the top lawyers in Indiana via a patented multiphase selection process involving peer nomination, independent research, and peer evaluation. The Indiana lawyers who receive the highest point totals during this selection process are further recognized in Indiana Super Lawyers Top Lists.

First Baptist Athletics Hall of Fame inductee – (2006)

• Don was inducted into the First Baptist Athletics Hall of Fame after coaching basketball there for years. He continues to referee youth basketball. First Baptist Athletics’ motto is “The Place for Good Sports.”