Leslie M. Smith

David Hooper provides experienced and practical advice to help clients grow and achieve success. Whether assisting public companies, financial institutions, closely held entities, fund sponsors, or individuals, David offers sophisticated guidance in a responsive and collaborative manner on securities, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and corporate law matters. David is the chair of the firm’s Securities and Capital Markets Practice Group and concentrates his practice in the ar...

Clients rely on Caitlin Byczko for her substantial experience before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and creative approach to trademark prosecution matters. A dedicated advocate, Caitlin is known for her straightforward and direct counsel as it relates to even the most complex legal issues. Caitlin is a member of the Intellectual Property Department, where she develops and executes global brand strategies for creating, protecting, and enforcing intellectual property assets, including tra...

Erick Ponader is a member of the firm's Business group and received his undergraduate degree in chemistry and biology and his J.D. from Indiana University-Bloomington. He represents clients in commercial law and real estate development, acquisition, sale, leasing and financing. Mr. Ponader also advises and represents life science companies in all aspects from start-up forward, including entity structure and formation, financing and operations. He has extensive experience in the sale and purch...

As a leader, Scott serves on the firm’s management committee and as a member of the firm's IT Oversight Committee. As a practitioner, Scott prepares and prosecutes patent applications through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and counsels clients on the protection and development of IP. Scott is known for his experience in creating the strategies his clients need to succeed in their respective markets. Having been involved in patent portfolio development and management for a ...

Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department, Julia Gard’s practice includes searching and clearing trademarks, prosecuting domestic and international trademark applications, IP licensing, and litigation before the TTAB. At every turn, Julia serves as a mark maximizer by ensuring her client’s valuable IP assets remain intact and commercially viable. Julia’s experience ranges from searching, clearing, filing and registering trademarks, service marks and domain n...

Amy L. Beard is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law. Amy L., who practices law in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Amy L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Heather Willey advises clients in the areas of government services, government finance, and education and healthcare law. Practical and analytical, Heather is an ardent team player who is able to create synergy among even the most diverse parties, working through issues collaboratively while realizing her client’s goals. Heather focuses her practice on broad governmental and municipal law issues for cities, towns and counties. A registered Indiana lobbyist, Heather has been involved in ...

Jeff focuses on representing high-growth, venture-backed technology companies, start-up commercialization, private equity and venture capital finance, and mergers and acquisitions. In particular, he advises growth stage companies on legal and business matters, including entity formation, corporate governance, commercial contracts, raising capital, strategic collaborations, licensing technologies and acquisitions. He is a member of the firm's Corporate and Transactional Practice Group.

Litigator and regulatory counselor Kara Kapke advises on issues involving autonomous vehicle technology, transportation policy, education, tax policy, First Amendment law, and other compliance and regulatory matters. She also offers diverse experience in defending schools, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturers, media outlets and other entities in complex litigation. Kara functions as outside general counsel for government agencies, schools and businesses of all sizes and involved in every...

Zachary E. Klutz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Public Finance Law. Zachary E., who practices law in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Zachary E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.