Jarrell B. Hammond

Senior Counsel

417.453.8644

Communication, responsiveness, and results are the hallmarks of Jerry’s legal practice. He enjoys the relationships he has developed with his clients, some of whom are now second and third generation clients.

Practice Areas

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Business Litigation

Estates, Trusts & Guardianships

Estate Planning & Administration

Legal Assistant

Brenda Clarkson

317.237.0500

bclarkson@lewiswagner.com

“I have always believed that the practice of law is a customer service business. Responding timely to clients, who are investing time and money with you, is what they expect and deserve. There is no substitute for good client communication, an important hallmark of my practice.”

Jerry was a partner with the firm for over 20 years, withdrawing from the partnership and becoming Senior Counsel in 2021. He concentrated his practice in the areas of probate litigation, estate planning and administration, and general civil litigation. He was also formerly the managing partner of the firm. Throughout his carrer, Jerry was regularly named to Indiana Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, and is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating.

Jerry continues to be associated with the firm in a consulting and mentoring role to his Lewis Wagner colleagues and the Estate Planning & Administration and Estates, Trusts & Guardianships practice groups. He and his wife, Laura, now live close to grandchildren in Wisconsin.

Child Advocates – Board of Directors Vice President
Indiana State Bar Association – Probate and Property Section
Indiana Super Lawyers, 2004-2022
- Top 50, 2013-2014, 2018-2020
Indianapolis Bar Association
- Estate Planning and Administration Section Executive Committee, 2010-2012
- Marion County Superior Court Pro Bono Project
Indianapolis Bar Foundation
- Distinguished Fellow
- Life Fellow
Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review – Rated AV® Preeminent
Nod to Professionalism by the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Professionalism Committee, 2011
The Best Lawyers in America, 2010-2023
- Inaugural Business Litigation Issue, Trusts and Estates, Summer 2019
- Indianapolis, Lawyer of the Year – Trusts and Estates, 2015, 2018
The Indiana Lawyer – Distinguished Barrister, 2015

Jerry has authored several articles and seminars on estate planning, estate administration and probate litigation.

“Probate Litigation, Contested Guardianships,” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, August 22, 2017.
“Mediating Probate and Trust Disputes: This Isn't Your Ordinary Civil Mediation,” Indiana Bar Association, August 8, 2017.
“120 Hot Tips in Estate Practice, 5 Ways to Discourage Probate Litigation,” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum.
“Probate Litigation, Trust Disputes,” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum.
“120 Hot Tips in Estate Practice, Elder Law Litigation Issues,” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum.
“Estate Litigation, Will Contests,” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum.
“Estate Administration Procedures: Why Each Step Is Important, Common Issues to be Prepared for in Litigation and Probate,” National Business Institute.
“Navigating the Trust Process from State to Finish, Essential Knowledge for Working with Trusts,” National Business Institute.
“Administering the Estate of John Q. Public, Handling Creditors’ Claim and Tax Issues,” Half Moon, LLC.
“Probate Litigation, Testamentary Capacity & Remedies of a Beneficiary,” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum.
“Drafting Your First Will or Trust in Indiana, Trust v. Will – Advantages and Disadvantages; Basic Will Drafting; Ethical Considerations,” National Business Institute.
Rules and Procedures of the Marion County Assessor
“Elder Law Litigation Issues,” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum.
“120 Hot Tips in Estate Practice, 5 Tips on Trust Litigation,” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum.
“Probate Litigation, Estate and Guardianship Accountings,” Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum.