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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Jun 8

    Kentucky Roots, Lake Cumberland, and the Journey to Law: A Conversation With Judge Tim Oakes

    Judge Tim Oakes' story begins in the hills and lakes of Kentucky, where his family's roots run deep near Lake Cumberland. Raised between Kentucky traditions and Indianapolis life, Judge Oakes reflects on a childhood shaped by fishing trips, houseboats, family stories, and the hardworking communities that emerged alongside the development of Lake Cumberland in the 1950s. Those early experiences, combined with lessons learned from his father and the close-knit culture of rural Kentucky, helped shape the values that would later guide him into a life of public service and law. In this episode… For many people, Lake Cumberland is more than a destination, it is a way of life tied to family traditions, storytelling, and generations of shared memories. Judge Tim Oakes reflects on growing up surrounded by Kentucky culture, from regional sayings and small-town folklore to long summers spent boating, fishing, and exploring the deep coves and wooded shorelines of one of the region's most iconic lakes. He explains how the peacefulness of the water and the strong sense of community continue to provide balance amid the pressures of legal and professional life. Judge Oakes also discusses his journey from Tech High School in Indianapolis to Wabash College and eventually into the legal profession, sharing the challenges of adjusting academically while discovering a deeper calling toward justice and service. Influenced by personal experiences, mentors, and his upbringing, he describes how law became a path to help others and better understand fairness within the communities he cared about most. Throughout the conversation, Judge Oakes shares humorous family stories, reflections on Kentucky dialect and culture, and vivid memories of road trips between Indiana and Kentucky that reinforced the connection between the two regions. Whether discussing fishing at the lake, relaxing on a houseboat at sunset, or navigating winding back roads through small Kentucky towns, he paints a picture of Lake Cumberland as both a retreat and a cornerstone of his identity. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Judge Tim Oakes about his Kentucky roots, the traditions and culture surrounding Lake Cumberland, and the life experiences that ultimately led him into the legal world. The discussion highlights the importance of community, heritage, and finding peace in nature while balancing the demands of public service and the law.

    Kentucky Roots, Lake Cumberland, and the Journey to Law: A Conversation With Judge Tim Oakes

  5. May 25

    Inside Mass Torts, Trial Law, and the Fight Against Damage Caps: A Conversation With Ned Mulligan

    Ned Mulligan is an Indiana trial lawyer with more than 15 years of experience handling mass torts, personal injury, medical malpractice, and complex litigation. Originally from New Hampshire, Ned built his legal career in Indiana after beginning practice during the 2008 recession, eventually finding his passion in plaintiff advocacy and courtroom litigation. His work has included major pharmaceutical and medical device cases, as well as high-stakes trials involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. In this episode… Mass tort litigation presents unique challenges that differ significantly from class action lawsuits. From multidistrict litigation procedures and consolidated discovery to the complexities of individual damages, attorneys handling these cases must navigate years of litigation while balancing strategy, preparation, and client advocacy. How do lawyers manage large-scale cases against major corporations while still focusing on the individual stories behind every injury? Ned Mulligan shares his path into trial law, discussing his early years working long hours while gaining courtroom experience through personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He explains the structure of multidistrict litigation and how defendants often use delays and procedural leverage in mass tort cases involving pharmaceutical companies, medical devices, and emerging social media litigation. Ned also reflects on his first major trial involving an improperly placed IV that led to an amputation and an $11 million jury verdict that was later significantly reduced due to Indiana's statutory damages caps. Throughout the conversation, Ned passionately discusses the impact of tort reform and his opposition to arbitrary damages limitations, arguing that juries are capable of fairly assessing harm and understanding the true human impact of catastrophic injuries. He explains why trial preparation, exhaustive case knowledge, and credibility before a jury are critical to successful advocacy, while also emphasizing the importance of integrity, trust, and community within the legal profession. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Ned Mulligan about mass tort litigation, trial strategy, medical malpractice cases, and the evolving landscape of complex plaintiff litigation. Ned also shares lessons from balancing family life with demanding legal work, the value of mentorship, and why helping injured clients remains at the center of his career.

    Inside Mass Torts, Trial Law, and the Fight Against Damage Caps: A Conversation With Ned Mulligan

  6. May 11

    Inside The Marc Lopez Law Firm: Trial Strategy, Team Culture, and Criminal Defense Advocacy

    The Marc Lopez Law Firm served as the final stop on the Circle City Conversations Cinco de Mayo our, where the team visited law offices across Indianapolis to spotlight attorneys, firm culture, and the work being done throughout Indiana's legal community. Joining the conversation are attorneys Marc Lopez, Matt Kroes, and Anthony Benitez, alongside host Alex Limontes, for a discussion centered on criminal defense, trial advocacy, and the sacrifices required to fight for clients every day. In this episode… Behind every criminal defense case is a team working long hours, making personal sacrifices, and carrying the pressure of protecting someone's future. The attorneys at Marc Lopez Law Firm discuss the realities of criminal defense litigation, their commitment to trial readiness, and why holding the government accountable is essential to preserving fairness within the justice system. The group reflects on the culture within the firm which is built around hard work, camaraderie, and a shared competitiveness in the courtroom. From jury selection and storytelling strategies to the emotional dynamics of trial advocacy, the attorneys explain how preparation and teamwork influence both trial outcomes and plea negotiations. The discussion also explores the differences between jury and bench trials, the pressure surrounding felony cases, and the firm's philosophy that criminal defense is ultimately about protecting freedom, opportunity, and constitutional rights. The conversation further examines DUI prosecutions and procedural issues that can significantly impact clients' lives, particularly when delayed evidence or pending charges affect employment and livelihoods. The attorneys share frustrations with systemic inefficiencies while emphasizing the importance of forcing the state to meet its burden of proof through evidence and proper procedure. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes and the Marc Lopez Law Firm team discuss courtroom strategy, the importance of accessibility within the legal system, and the dedication required to advocate for clients facing difficult circumstances. The episode also highlights the firm's close-knit culture, commitment to the Hispanic and Latino community, and the passion that drives criminal defense attorneys to continue fighting for justice every day.

    Inside The Marc Lopez Law Firm: Trial Strategy, Team Culture, and Criminal Defense Advocacy

  7. Apr 27

    The 2026 Indy 500: A Conversation on Racing, Tradition, and Community With Jimmy McMillian

    The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and a defining symbol of Indiana culture. As the 110th running of the Indy 500 approaches, anticipation builds across the state with traditions like porch parties, Carb Day festivities, and family gatherings that bring fans together in celebration of racing history. Jimmy McMillian serves as Vice President of External Affairs for Penske Entertainment and Senior Corporate Counsel, where he oversees a wide portfolio of racing events and legal operations across multiple major motorsport properties, including the Indy 500, Long Beach Grand Prix, and the upcoming DC Grand Prix honoring America's 250th anniversary. In this episode… The Indianapolis 500 is more than a race, it is a cultural event that brings together generations of fans, families, and communities. Behind the scenes, however, a massive organizational and legal effort ensures that each race weekend operates smoothly, from sponsorship agreements and liability planning to fan engagement and facility management. How does one of the world's largest sporting events balance tradition, innovation, and logistics on such a massive scale? Jimmy McMillian shares insight into his role managing legal, operational, and external affairs for Penske Entertainment, explaining how coordination with partners such as the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers helps ensure seamless event execution. He discusses the shift from contract-heavy preparation in the lead-up to race season to a more community-focused approach during race weekends, where thousands of fans are welcomed through educational programs, museum tours, and interactive experiences designed to make the Speedway accessible to all. The conversation also highlights major investments in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including a multi-million-dollar renovation of the museum, upgraded facilities, expanded seating and parking, and enhanced fan experiences that reflect Roger Penske's vision for continuous improvement. Jimmy and Alex explore how the Speedway has evolved into a year-round entertainment destination, hosting events beyond the Indy 500, while still preserving its historic identity as the world's largest single-day sporting event. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Jimmy McMillian about the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, the operational and legal complexity behind major sporting events, and the importance of maintaining accessibility and tradition for future generations. The discussion also reflects on the Speedway's role in Indiana's identity, its commitment to fan experience, and the enduring excitement that continues to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the world each year.

    The 2026 Indy 500: A Conversation on Racing, Tradition, and Community With Jimmy McMillian

  8. Apr 13

    Inside Nursing Home Neglect Cases: Advocacy, Accountability, and the Law With Katie Karres

    Katie Karres is an attorney with extensive experience handling nursing home neglect and injury cases, focusing on protecting vulnerable populations and holding facilities accountable. Her work highlights the growing need for advocacy in an area of law that is often overlooked, particularly as the aging population continues to expand and long-term care systems face increasing strain. In this episode… Nursing home neglect cases present unique legal and emotional challenges for families and attorneys alike. From understaffing and safety failures to complex legal procedures and limited financial recoveries, pursuing justice in these cases can be a long and difficult process. How can families protect their loved ones and recognize the warning signs of neglect before it's too late? Katie Karres breaks down the legal framework behind nursing home cases, explaining why many claims fall under premises liability rather than traditional medical malpractice. She discusses common issues such as pressure ulcers, falls, and inadequate staffing, while also shedding light on systemic concerns, including how funding structures and profit-driven models can impact the quality of care residents receive. Katie also outlines the lengthy legal process in Indiana, including medical review panels and statutory damage caps, which can make these cases particularly challenging for plaintiffs. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Katie Karres about the realities of nursing home litigation, the importance of family involvement, and the steps loved ones can take to protect residents. Katie shares practical advice on monitoring care, requesting records, and acting quickly when concerns arise, while reinforcing the critical role attorneys play in advocating for accountability and improving standards of care.

    Inside Nursing Home Neglect Cases: Advocacy, Accountability, and the Law With Katie Karres
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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
    68
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Circle City Conversations (c) 2023
  • Show Website
    Circle City Conversations