Circle City Conversations

Alexander Limontes
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

This is the Circle City Conversations, where the heart of Indianapolis comes alive through the stories of its people. Join us as we explore our city, one insightful conversation at a time.

  1. 1d ago

    The Unexpected Path to the Courtroom: Matt Bigler on Trial Law and Perseverance

    In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes continues the Cinco de Mayo Podcast Tour with the second stop at Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler, sitting down with attorney Matt Bigler. Growing up in Washington, Indiana, Matt never initially imagined a career in law. His early goal was to become a high school history teacher and coach, but an unexpected change in direction eventually led him from Indiana State and Purdue to IU Law School and ultimately into the courtroom. In this episode… Matt shares the winding path that brought him into the legal profession, including his early experiences in education, graduate school, and the pivotal encouragement from a friend that led him to an internship with the prosecutor's office. After beginning his legal career in Warrick County, Matt moved to Indianapolis and quickly found himself handling DUI cases and serious alcohol-related crashes. That experience became the foundation for his approach to investigating complex personal injury cases. The conversation explores how skills developed as a DUI prosecutor, including analyzing blood alcohol evidence, cell phone data, crash reconstruction, and causation, translate directly into personal injury litigation. Matt also discusses getting early trial experience, trying jury cases within months of joining Marion County, and why hands-on courtroom experience remains so important for attorneys who want to become effective litigators. The conversation also dives into some of Matt's most memorable cases, including a complicated dram shop lawsuit involving a bar, a staged scene, criminal proceedings, and the challenge of gathering the evidence necessary to prove liability. Matt explains why he gravitates toward complex liability cases, wrongful death, medical malpractice, crash reconstruction, and cases involving law enforcement. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Matt Bigler offers an honest look at an unpredictable legal career, the value of trial experience, and the importance of staying authentic along the way. From his early ambitions of teaching and coaching to becoming a trial lawyer and firm owner, Matt's story is a reminder that careers do not always follow the path you expect and sometimes the unexpected turns lead you exactly where you belong.

    The Unexpected Path to the Courtroom: Matt Bigler on Trial Law and Perseverance

  2. Sep 7

    From Small-Town Indiana to the Bench: R.T. Green on Law, Leadership, and Legacy

    R.T. Green's journey through the Indiana legal community is rooted in small-town values, mentorship, public service, and a lifelong commitment to helping others. From growing up in Madison, Indiana, to practicing law and serving as a judge in Bartholomew County, Green has spent his career learning from the people and communities around him. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes sits down with R.T. Green to discuss his path through Indiana's legal profession, the mentors who shaped his career, his experience on the bench, and the values that have guided him both inside and outside the courtroom. In this episode… Growing up in southern Indiana, R.T. Green was surrounded by examples of community service and perseverance. He reflects on his father's role in helping establish the Vernon Volunteer Fire Department, his family's farming and small-business roots, and the lessons he learned from growing up in a community where helping your neighbors was simply part of life. Green discusses his experiences playing basketball throughout Indiana and attending Indiana State University before beginning his legal career. He shares stories about the mentors who influenced him, including Leon Cline, and explains how their professionalism, work ethic, and dedication to justice helped shape his own approach to practicing law. His career eventually took him from practicing attorney to judge in Bartholomew County, where he became the youngest circuit court judge and was later considered for the Indiana Supreme Court. Green explains how experiencing the legal system from different perspectives as an attorney, judge, and clerk, gave him a broader understanding of advocacy, courtroom dynamics, and the human emotions behind difficult cases. The conversation also explores how the practice of law has evolved. Green discusses the growing role of technology, jury research, and artificial intelligence in modern litigation, comparing today's sophisticated data-driven tools with earlier approaches to understanding jurors and preparing cases. Beyond the courtroom, Green shares his passion for fishing, hunting, conservation, and preserving Indiana's outdoor traditions. He also reflects on working alongside his son, Collin, and the pride that comes from passing knowledge and experience to the next generation. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes and R.T. Green discuss Indiana's legal community, small-town values, mentorship, judicial service, family, and the importance of giving back. Green's story demonstrates how a career in law can be shaped not only by courtroom victories, but by the people, communities, and traditions that teach us how to serve others with humility and integrity.

    From Small-Town Indiana to the Bench: R.T. Green on Law, Leadership, and Legacy

  3. Aug 31

    Bench Bar Poolside Chat 2: Rebecca Geyer and David Duncan at Bench Bar

    In this special episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes heads to French Lick, Indiana, for the Bench Bar Conference, where attorneys from across Indiana gather for education, networking, and camaraderie. This episode combines two conversations from the conference with Rebecca Geyer, an estate planning and elder law attorney, and Dave Duncan, in-house counsel for Scannell Properties. In this episode… The Bench Bar Conference has grown from a relatively small gathering into a major event for Indiana's legal community, creating opportunities for attorneys to step away from the courtroom and build relationships with colleagues across different areas of practice. Rebecca and Dave reflect on how the conference has evolved and why its lasting appeal goes beyond the continuing legal education. Rebecca Geyer discusses her work in estate planning and elder law while sharing what makes the Bench Bar Conference such a valuable opportunity to connect with other attorneys. Dave Duncan offers a perspective from his role as Assistant GC, discussing his work in real estate development and the legal issues that arise in transactions, including utilities and other considerations that can have significant implications for projects. Rebecca and Dave also offer advice for younger attorneys who may feel uncomfortable walking into a room full of established legal professionals. They emphasize the importance of introducing yourself, participating in conversations, and taking advantage of opportunities to become involved in the broader legal community. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes speaks with Rebecca Geyer and Dave Duncan about their careers, the evolution of the Bench Bar Conference, and the importance of building relationships within the legal profession. Despite the summer heat in French Lick, the conference demonstrates why education, friendship, and community remain such important parts of a fulfilling legal career.

    Bench Bar Poolside Chat 2: Rebecca Geyer and David Duncan at Bench Bar

  4. Aug 17

    Bench Bar Poolside Chat 1: Sarah Baker and Bianca Eddy on Networking, Litigation, and Building Community

    In this special episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes heads to French Lick, Indiana, for the Indy Bar Bench Bar Conference, where attorneys from across the Indiana legal community gather to learn, connect, and enjoy time together outside the courtroom. This episode combines two conversations from the conference with Indianapolis family law attorney Sarah Baker and product liability associate Bianca Eddy. Sarah Baker is a family law attorney and co-founder of Baker Lindsey Sadler. With years of experience in family law and attending the Bench Bar Conference, Sarah offers an honest look at the realities of practicing family law, building a legal practice, and maintaining meaningful relationships within the profession. In this episode… What does it really take to build a successful legal career? Beyond legal knowledge and courtroom skills, both Sarah Baker and Bianca Eddy emphasize the importance of relationships, community involvement, and simply being willing to put yourself out there. Sarah discusses common misconceptions about family law, explaining why real courtroom experiences are far more emotionally complicated than what television portrays. She shares the importance of setting realistic expectations with clients, understanding the personal circumstances behind each case, and recognizing that practicing law requires both legal knowledge and empathy. The conversation also explores the role of the Bench Bar Conference as a place where professional relationships turn into lasting friendships. Sarah offers advice to young attorneys on networking, encouraging them to introduce themselves to judges and colleagues, attend community events, and embrace the discomfort that often comes with putting yourself out there. Alex also sits down with Bianca, a product liability associate who moved to Indianapolis after practicing law in Boston. Bianca discusses her passion for courtroom litigation and how her background in theater has helped her develop confidence, presence, and quick thinking at trial. She shares why she enjoys the welcoming atmosphere of the Bench Bar Conference and encourages young lawyers to take the simple step of walking up and starting a conversation. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes speaks with Sarah and Bianca about litigation, networking, professional relationships, and finding community within the legal profession. Their experiences highlight an important lesson for lawyers at every stage of their careers: success isn't built solely in the courtroom, it is also built through the people you meet, the relationships you maintain, and your willingness to become part of the community around you.

    Bench Bar Poolside Chat 1: Sarah Baker and Bianca Eddy on Networking, Litigation, and Building Community

  5. Aug 3

    From Law Clerk to Firm Owner: How Hurst Limontes Builds the Next Generation of Lawyers

    Every legal career has a starting point. For host Alex Limontes, attorney Dawson Jones, attorney Chase Wilson, and law clerk Enrico Stazzone, that journey began at Hurst Limontes. In this special episode of Circle City Conversations, the team reflects on the law clerk experience that has helped shape generations of attorneys at Hurst Limontes. Alex shares his own path from law clerk to attorney before ultimately purchasing the firm from Bill Hurst, while Dawson and Chase discuss their transition from clerks to practicing attorneys. Enrico offers the perspective of someone currently learning the profession from the ground up. For more than 50 years, Hurst Limontes has built a culture rooted in mentorship, hands-on learning, and client-first advocacy. The conversation explores how those values have been passed from one generation of lawyers to the next. In this episode… What separates a great law clerk from a great attorney? While law school provides the legal foundation, real growth often comes through mentorship, practical experience, and a willingness to learn from every opportunity. Alex Limontes, Dawson Jones, Chase Wilson, and Enrico Stazzone discuss what it was like starting their careers at Hurst Limontes, from conducting legal research and drafting motions to investigating accident scenes and preparing cases for litigation. They explain how practical experience taught lessons that simply can't be learned in the classroom and why asking questions, embracing responsibility, and remaining humble are essential for long-term success. The conversation also honors the mentorship of Bill Hurst and the firm's longstanding philosophy that serving clients always comes before profits. Each guest reflects on how that culture shaped not only their legal skills but also their approach to leadership, professionalism, and client advocacy. Together, they demonstrate how investing in young attorneys creates a lasting legacy that continues to strengthen the legal profession. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes, Enrico Stazzone, Dawson Jones, and Chase Wilson discuss mentorship, professional growth, and the journey from law clerk to attorney. Their stories illustrate how curiosity, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others can lay the foundation for a successful and meaningful legal career.

    From Law Clerk to Firm Owner: How Hurst Limontes Builds the Next Generation of Lawyers

  6. Jul 20

    From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: Collin Green on Building Team Green Law and Creating a Lasting Legacy

    As part of the Circle City Conversations' Cinco de Mayo Tour, Alex Limontes visits Team Green Law to sit down with attorney Collin Green. From a career that began in architecture, engineering, and construction management to helping launch the Team Green personal injury law firm, Collin shares how unexpected career changes, family influence, and a passion for helping others led him to the practice of law. In this episode… Career paths rarely follow a straight line. Sometimes the skills developed in one profession become the foundation for success in another. How do you know when it's time to make a major career change, and what does it take to build a law firm that reflects your own vision and values? Collin Green reflects on his journey from studying architecture at Ball State University and working on large engineering and construction projects to attending law school during the aftermath of the 2008 recession. He discusses balancing family life while earning his law degree, the lessons learned practicing alongside his father, and the decision to launch Team Green Law in 2022 with a focus on client advocacy, community involvement, and long-term growth. The conversation also explores the importance of networking, mentorship, and developing courtroom experience for young attorneys. Collin shares why building authentic relationships, participating in the local legal community, and gaining experience outside familiar environments can shape a successful legal career. Beyond the office, he discusses his passion for coaching youth sports, preserving family farmland in Kentucky, and passing down his love for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors to the next generation. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Collin Green about career reinvention, entrepreneurship, growing a modern law firm, and the importance of community, family, and legacy. Collin's story demonstrates how adaptability, hard work, and staying true to your values can create lasting success both inside and outside the courtroom.

    From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: Collin Green on Building Team Green Law and Creating a Lasting Legacy

  7. Jul 6

    Career Advice From the Bench and Beyond: A Special Collab Episode with the Asked & Answered Podcast

    In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes and co-host James Bell welcome Judge Tricia McMath of Marion Superior Court, Ana Hohn of the Paganelli Law Group for a special conversation focused on mentorship, networking, and building a successful legal career. The discussion follows the format of the Indy Bar Podcast Asked and Answered, hosted by Tricia and Ana, where legal professionals answer questions from young attorneys and law students seeking guidance. Judge McMath serves on Marion Superior Court, handling cases involving eviction, foreclosure, ordinance violations, and traffic matters. Ana Hohn is an attorney at Paganelli Law Group focusing on medical malpractice litigation while also teaching litigation drafting. Together, they bring decades of combined experience navigating different paths within the legal profession. In this episode… What does it take to build a successful legal career? For many young attorneys and law students, the answer goes beyond grades and legal knowledge, it comes down to relationships, mentorship, initiative, and a willingness to embrace opportunities. Judge McMath, Ana Hohn, Alex Limontes, and James Bell share practical advice on how aspiring lawyers can stand out and create meaningful connections throughout their careers. The group discusses the importance of internships, encouraging students to take initiative, ask questions, seek additional responsibilities, and demonstrate reliability. They explain how small moments, such as volunteering for projects, attending community events, and building genuine professional relationships, can lead to mentorship opportunities, career growth, and unexpected paths forward. Judge McMath and Ana reflect on their own journeys through clerkships, public service, private practice, and judicial careers, sharing how persistence and networking helped shape their professional lives. They also discuss the changing culture of the legal community, the value of courthouse relationships, and why maintaining connections with mentors and colleagues remains essential. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes, Judge Tricia McMath, Ana Hohn, and James Bell explore the realities of working in law, balancing professional demands with personal life, and finding the right path within the profession. The conversation offers valuable lessons for future lawyers: stay curious, say yes to opportunities, invest in relationships, and continue learning throughout your career.

    Career Advice From the Bench and Beyond: A Special Collab Episode with the Asked & Answered Podcast

  8. Jun 22

    Protecting Your Legacy: Michele Lorbieski on Estate Planning, Probate, and Family Disputes

    Michele Lorbieski is an attorney at Lewis Wagner & Trimble whose practice focuses on probate, trust, and estate litigation. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Michele's journey to Indiana began when she attended DePauw University, becoming the first in her family to travel by plane and experience life outside her home state. What started as a dream of becoming a broadcast journalist eventually led her to Georgetown Law, a career in Big Law during the 2008 financial crisis, and ultimately a rewarding practice helping families navigate some of life's most difficult transitions. In this episode… Estate disputes often involve much more than legal documents, they involve family relationships, grief, expectations, and deeply personal conflicts. How can thoughtful estate planning help families avoid costly litigation and preserve relationships during difficult times? Michele Lorbieski shares her path from journalism to law and explains how she found her niche in probate and trust litigation. She discusses will contests, guardianships, estate disputes, and the emotional realities that often accompany these cases. Michele breaks down common misconceptions about probate, explains when probate can be beneficial, and highlights how tools such as trusts, beneficiary designations, and thoughtful planning can help families avoid future conflict. She also emphasizes the importance of clear communication and proactive planning to ensure loved ones understand a person's wishes before disputes arise. Beyond her legal career, Michele opens up about family, personal loss, and the experiences that have shaped her outlook on life. She reflects on how spending time outdoors through hiking, camping, mountain biking, and other adventures has helped her find perspective, resilience, and healing. Michele also shares her passion for Indiana sports, particularly the Indiana Fever and the WNBA, and discusses the importance of strong role models like Caitlin Clark and Aaliyah Boston for future generations. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Michele Lorbieski about probate litigation, estate planning, family dynamics, and the life experiences that have influenced both her legal career and personal philosophy. Michele shares lessons on resilience, gratitude, personal growth, and why intentional planning, both in law and in life, can make all the difference.

    Protecting Your Legacy: Michele Lorbieski on Estate Planning, Probate, and Family Disputes
See All (73)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

This is the Circle City Conversations, where the heart of Indianapolis comes alive through the stories of its people. Join us as we explore our city, one insightful conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Alexander Limontes
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Circle City Conversations (c) 2023
  • Show Website
    Circle City Conversations