Nicholas V. Hanna

“Always stand up for the little guy”

This was something I was always taught growing up. Spending my entire life in Indiana, I was—and still am—lucky enough to have parents who instilled values like this in me my entire life. Standing up for the little guy isn’t literal. Early in my career at the Public Defender Agency in Marion County, I quickly realized that everyone’s situation is different. Clients of all backgrounds, languages, and circumstances came through those doors. But in representing them, the goal was always the same: to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves against a government that has far more resources, power, and experience at its disposal.

In my first year of law school at IU McKinney in downtown Indianapolis, the school held its annual internship and job fair. I wasn’t completely sold on criminal defense work, even though that had been my plan coming into law school. The Criminal Defense Team—Andy Baldwin and Max Wiley—were there, and after talking with them, I knew I wanted to work for them that summer. And that summer confirmed it: I wanted to be a Criminal Defense Attorney. Watching the way that firm fought for their clients motivated me, once again, to stand up for the little guy.

As I started my legal career at the Marion County Public Defender Agency, I learned fast. You learn how to build a case. You learn how to communicate with your clients—not just telling them what they want to hear, but being honest with them. You learn how to cross-examine witnesses and object to evidence the State is improperly trying to introduce. You learn how to be a criminal defense attorney. I also learned how to handle being young and just starting out. I let my work speak for itself, and I’ve proven time and again that while I may be young, I have the drive to excel at this job and to truly serve my clients.

I was honored when I got a message from Kathie Perry asking if I’d consider joining the Criminal Defense Team. I loved my job at the Public Defender Agency, but I knew this was an opportunity I could not pass up on. I knew what type of law firm had asked me to join them. This is a firm that doesn’t mess around, and they share the same values I do. It’s a firm of fighters, and I’m glad to be a part of it.