Kearns, Clarissa E.

When I was in college, the first two years were mostly the same for all the students. In the third year, students decided which path they wanted to follow. For me, I knew I wanted to be either a doctor or a lawyer - both were equally honorable professions. Back then, doctors did everything. They were surgeons as well as medical doctors. As I thought about it, I realized that I couldn't cut people, so I decided on Law School. After I was admitted to the Indiana Bar, I was drafted in the army for the Korean War. During my training for the infantry, I saw a notice stating that 1500 admitted lawyers were needed. I asked a Sergeant about the notice, and he told me that it was true. I signed up for the Army Judge Advocate Corps and was on active duty from 1953 to 1955. After basic training, I was commissioned in the JAG Corps and was sent to the University of Virginia for three months of intensive training in military law. Eventually I was assigned to Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, IN as the Post Judge Advocate for the remainder of my military active duty.

The military gave me a lot of experience across a range of practices. After release from the army, I practiced in a variety of areas; as time went on my areas of practice narrowed to commercial law, estate planning and administration, estate settlement, and real estate law. What I like best about these particular areas of law is that it's the constructive side. Almost everyone comes away with a good result if the job is well done. All law has two sides, constructive (one on one) and adversarial. I've found that I really enjoy advancing the interests and desires of my clients. I like helping them avoid the pitfalls of the law and of life. I take pleasure in pleasing people - it's easier to do when you're working for just them. I am no longer accepting new cases, but referring them to the capable younger attorneys at this firm.