John C. Trimble

Pro Hac Vice Admissions:

• Superior Court, Sacramento, California
• Superior Court, San Bernardino, California
• U.S. District Court, Central Division of California, Los Angeles Division
• Superior Court, Washington, D.C.
• Fulton Superior Court, Atlanta, Georgia
• Cook County Circuit Court, Chicago, Illinois
• Laurel County Circuit Court, Commonwealth of Kentucky
• Fayette Circuit Court, Lexington, Kentucky
• U.S. District Court, Eastern Division, Baltimore, Maryland
• Wicomico Circuit Court, Salisbury, Maryland
• Saratoga Circuit Court, Saratoga, New York
• U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
• Court of Common Pleas, Stark County, Canton, Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio Western Division, Cincinnati, Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Cleveland, Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Eastern Division of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Division
• Harris County Circuit Court, Houston, Texas

Appeals:

• Villas at Winding Ridge v. State Farm Fire and Casualty Company (Seventh Cir. Ct. App. 2019). Court of Appeals affirmed Defendant's summary judgment ruling on breach regarding breach of contract and breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing.
• Blackmon v. Mt. Zion Apolstolic Church, Inc. (Ind. Ct. App. 2018). Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's grant of partial summary judgment to Mt. Zion on wrongful death and survival claims.
• Mid-America Sound v Indiana State Fair Commission, et al. Indiana Supreme Court. Represented the Indiana State Fair in the defense of a claim for indemnity filed by Mid-America for damages arising out of a stage roof collapse at the Fair on August 13, 2011, in which 7 persons were killed and over 70 were injured. (March 2016)
• Empire Fire and Marine Ins. Co. v. Frierson, 2016 WL 276482 (Ind. Ct. App. 2016), Counsel for Defendant, arguing for reversal of jury verdict against insurer (represented by a different law firm) for trial court's errors in failure to grant summary judgment in underinsured motorist claim.
• Andy Mohr West d/b/a Mohr Toyota, et al v, Toyota Motor Sales USA, et al. Indiana Supreme Court. Represented Toyota in a dispute filed by three Indianapolis area Toyota dealers who sought to challenge Toyota’s right to move a Toyota dealership from Anderson, Indiana to Fishers, Indiana.
• Robert Spierer, et al v Jason Rosenbaum, et al U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Represented college student Rosenbaum on the issue of whether he had legal liability to the parents of Indiana University student, Lauren Spierer, who disappeared early one summer morning after an evening of partying in Bloomington, Indiana. (August 2015)
• Wellpoint, Inc. (f/k/a Anthem, Inc.) and Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. v. National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, et al, Amicus counsel for The American Casualty Insurers Insurance Association, The National Association of Mutual Insurance Company, and The Property Association of America, addressing availability of liability coverage for allegations of bad faith by a medical insurance company (2015).
• Bush v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 905 N.E.2d 1003 (Ind. 2009).  The issue involved parents’ attempts to recover uninsured motorist coverage for the death of their adult son who did not reside in their home.
• Tri-Etch, Inc. v. Cincinnati Insurance Company, Amicus counsel for the Indiana Institute of Indiana Inc., addressing the issue of whether an insurance company must waive the late notice defense if it raises other unrelated coverage issues (2008).
• Richard J. and Delores J. Pflanz v. Merrill Foster, Individually, Merrill Foster d/b/a Friendly Foster’s Service and Sunoco, Inc (R & M), Amicus Counsel for Insurance Institute of Indiana on the issue of the statute of limitation to bring an insurance claim for environmental clean-up damages.
• Indiana Bell Telephone Co. v. Indiana Payphone Association, Amicus counsel for the American Public Communication Council arguing issues relating to utility rates for pay telephones.
• Cain v. Griffin, 2006 Indiana Supreme Court. This case decided that there is no duty of good faith owed by an insurance carrier to a Third-Party Beneficiary of and insurance contract.
• Midtown Chiropractic v. Illinois Farmers Insurance Company, 2006. Counsel for Insurance Institute of Indiana and Property Casualty Insurers Assoc. of America, on the issue of whether creditors of plaintiffs can bring direct actions against defendant insurance carriers.
• Minnet v. State Farm, Indiana Court of Appeals, 2001.  Counsel for Insurance Institute of Indiana on the issue of whether Indiana should judicially adopt a third party tort of bad faith.
• Jesse v. American Community Mut. Ins. Co., Counsel for Insurance Institute of Indiana (III), arguing the issue of material misrepresentation on an application for insurance.
• Ammerman v. Ford, Indiana Supreme Court, 1999.  Counsel for Defense Research Institute (DRI), arguing admissibility of expert witness testimony.
• Ross v. Cheema, Indiana Supreme Court, 1998.   Counsel for Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, Inc., arguing against the expansion of damages for negligent infliction of emotional distress.
• Mortell v. State Farm Insurance, 1996. Indiana Court of Appeals. Counsel for Indiana Insurance Institute, arguing procedures for review of insurance company conduct in the administration of claims.
• Collins v. Economy Fire & Casualty, Indiana Supreme Court, 1995. Counsel for Indiana Insurance Institute, arguing issue of insurance company liability for excess verdicts.
• Richey v. Chappell, Indiana Supreme Court, 1990. Counsel for Indiana Defense Lawyers Association, arguing issue of discoverability of insurance claim files.

• Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated AV® Preeminent
• The Best Lawyers in America® in the fields of Insurance Law; Mediation; and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, 2010-2021
  • Best Lawyers' 2020 Indianapolis Mediation - Lawyer of the Year
  • Best Lawyers' 2019 Indianapolis Personal Injury Litigation - Lawyer of the Year
  • Best Lawyers’ 2016 Indianapolis Insurance Law - Lawyer of the Year
  • Best Lawyers’ 2015 Indianapolis Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants - Lawyer of the Year
  • Best Lawyers’ 2013 Indianapolis Insurance Law - Lawyer of the Year
• Indiana Super Lawyers®, 2004-2021  
  • Top 10, 2009-2019
  • Ranked Number One in Indiana. 2011-2017
  • Insurance Coverage, Top 50, 2020-2021 
• Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel Connect Award, 2020
• Richard H. Krochock Award, DRI, 2019
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 2017
• Professionalism Award, Indianapolis Bar Association, 2016
• Presidential Citation, Indiana State Bar Association, 2013
• Distinguished Barrister, The Indiana Lawyer, 2009
• Award of Recognition for Legislative Assistance in the area of tort liability law,  Insurance Institute of Indiana, 1999
• Exceptional Performance Citation, Defense Research Institute, 1999
• President’s Award, Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, 1999
• Fred H. Sievert Award for National Outstanding Defense Bar Leader of the Year, Defense Research Institute, 1999
• Alumni Achievement Award, Hanover College, 1998 
• “Who’s Who in Law,” Indianapolis Business Journal, 1998
• One of Indianapolis’ Top Lawyers, Indianapolis Monthly Magazine, 1993
• 1991 Indiana Defense Lawyer of the Year, Indiana Defense Lawyers Association, 1992

• American Bar Association 
• American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel
  • Fellow, December 2017
• Association of Attorney/Mediators
  • Immediate Past President, 2019-2020
• American Defense Counsel of Northern California and Nevada
  
  • Nathan Holt Memorial "Friend of the ADC" Award
• Defense Research Institute
  • Membership Committee, 2020
  • Member Messaging Task Force, 2019
  • Women In The Law Committee, Promotion & Leadership Vice-Chair Chair, 2015
  • Chair, Law Practice Management Committee, 2013-2015
  • Indiana State Representative, 2001-2003
  • Board of Directors, 2003-06
  • Chair, Judicial Task Force on the Independence of the Judiciary, 2005-2008 
  • Chair, State and Local Defense Organization Relationship Committee, 2007-2009
  • Chair, Public Policy Committee, 2010
• Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana
  • Recipient of DRI Tribute, 2018
  • Diplomat, 2013
  • Board of Directors, 1993-2000
  • President, 1998-1999
  • Legislative Chairman, 1991-1999
  • Defense Lawyer of the Year, 1991
• Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, 2009
  • Chair of the Insurance Steering Committee, 2019-2020
  • Vice Chair of the Membership Recruitment Committee, 2019-2020
  • Vice Chair of the Sponsorship Committee, 2017-present
  • Vice Chair of the Masters in Marketing Committee, 2016 - present
  • Vice Chair of the Law Practice Management Section, 2016 - present
  • State Representative of Indiana as part of the P&O Committee, 2016 - present
  • Vice Chair of the Defense of the Judiciary Committee
• Indiana State Bar Association
  • Chair of the State Legislation Committee 1996
  • Committee on Improvements to the Judicial System, January 2008
• Indianapolis American Inn of Court, 2004 - present
• Indianapolis Bar Association
  • Past President, 2016
  • President, 2015
  • President Elect, 2014
  • Discipline/Grievance Committee D, 1996 - present 
  • Litigation Section, 1981-present
  • Board of Managers, 2002-2004
• Indianapolis Bar Foundation
  • Fellow, November, 2001
• Indianapolis Law Club, 1994 - present 
• Indianapolis Lawyers Club, 1998 - present
• Indianapolis Legal Aid Society, Inc.
  • President, 2020-2021
  • Board of Directors, 2009 - present
• Indiana Arson and Crime Association, Inc.
• International Association of Defense Counsel, 1994 - present
• Judicial Excellence Political Action Committee (JEPAC), 2007 – present
• Kentucky Defense Counsel
• Seventh Circuit Bar Association
• The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, Indiana Chapter, 2014 - present

• Recent Developments in Insurance Law, ICLEF Year in Review, Indianapolis, IN, December 12, 2019.
• Metrics and a Good Partnership, DRI Insurance Seminar, New York, NY, December 5, 2019.
• A Practical Discussion of Common Ethical Issues in Mediation, Indianapolis Bar Association ADR Section, Indianapolis, IN, December 3, 2019.
• SECURA Insurance 2019 Casualty Claims Conference, September 24-26, 2019.
• Transparency: A Key to Successful Firm Management, DRI Managing Partners and Law Firm Leaders Conference, Denver, CO, September 5-6, 2019.
• Legal Bill Auditing, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel 2019 Annual Meeting, Sun Valley, ID, July 31, 2019.
• The Implicit Biases Hidden Within Us, The United States Attorney's Office, Indianapolis, IN, July 11, 2019.
• You May Think That Diversity in Your Law Firm Doesn't Matter: You May Be Wrong, Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, Columbus, OH, November 15, 2018.
• A Mediator's Perspective on Mediating the Wrongful Death Claim: Tips for the Plaintiff & Defense, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, Indianapolis, IN, November 2, 2018.
• Recognizing and Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls After a Mass Disaster, Shelter Insurance Counsel Conference, Kansas City, MO, October 1, 2018.
• The Rapidly Shifting Sands of Law Practice: Don't Be Left Behind, Idaho Association of Defense Counsel 2018 Annual Meeting, McCall, ID, September 21-22, 2018.
• What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You: Understanding Insurance Company Metrics, Idaho Association of Defense Counsel 2018 Annual Meeting, McCall, ID, September 21-22, 2018.
• What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You: Understanding Insurance Company Metrics, Alabama Defense Lawyers Association, Perdido Beach, AL, June 21-24, 2018.
• Recognizing and Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls After a Mass Disaster, Missouri Organization of Defense Lawyers 2018 Annual Meeting, Branson, MO, June 2, 2018.
• Rainmaking & Relationship Building: Do You Have a Plan?, Indianapolis Bar Association, Indianapolis, IN, May 22, 2018.
• Your Losing Season - Don't Let Ethical Issues Turn the Tide on You, Association of Attorney-Mediators, Indianapolis, IN, April 21-22, 2018.
• Looking Back at the Highlight Film of the Race: Mediation Hindsight is 20/20, Association of Attorney-Mediators, Indianapolis, IN, April 21-22, 2018.
• Legal Trends That Everyone Should Know - What You Don't Know CAN Hurt You, Association of Legal Administrators Indiana Chapter Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, April 10, 2018.
• Metrics/Civil Procedure, I.U. Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Indianapolis, IN, March 19, 2018.
• Common and Recurrent Problems In The Appraisal Process: It’s Time To Get It Right, National Association Of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) Claims Conference, Lake Buena Vista, FL, February 7, 2018.
• Webinar: Succession Planning for In House Attorneys, Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel, January 22, 2018.
• A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart Revisited, Brotherhood Mutual, January 11, 2018.
• 2017 Year in Review, "Insurance Law Update," Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, December 5-6, 2017.
• The Rapidly Shifting Sands of Law Practice: Don’t Be Left Behind, Law Practice Management, DRI Annual Seminar, Chicago, IL. October 4-8, 2017.
• The More the Merrier: Keeping Your Members Engaged, SLDO Program, DRI Annual Seminar, Chicago, IL. October 4-8, 2017.
• Planning for a Successful Firm Culture: How to Develop and Implement a Strategic Plan for Your Firm, Managing Partners and Law Firm Leaders Conference, DRI's Law Practice Management Committee and The Remsen Group, Chicago, IL, September 14-15, 2017.
• Insurance Law Update, Indiana Law Survey, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, September 14, 2017.
• Succession Planning, Elevate Your Firm, Indiana Chapter Association of Legal Administrators, September 13, 2017.
• Practical Tips for Achieving Success in Mediation of Complex and Catastrophic Claims, Advancing the Art of Mediation, Association of Attorney-Mediators, Sante Fe, NM, April 7, 2017.
• Succession Planning: Protecting Your Firm and Your Clients’ Legal Interests in Times of Transition, Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, 2017 Winter Meeting, Charleston, SC, March 10, 2017, Panelist.
• Building Relationships and Rainmaking, Washington Defense Lawyers Association, Whistler, BC, Canada, July 15, 2016.
• The Future of Law and How Lawyers Can Prepare and Thrive in Changing Times, All-Ohio Legal Forum FuturePlan: Strategies for the Future of Your Practice, Cincinnati, OH, April, 2016.
• Practice Structure and Building a “value added” Practice with a Succession Plan, All-Ohio Legal Forum FuturePlan: Strategies for the Future of Your Practice, Cincinnati, OH, April, 2016, Panelist.
• Succession Planning: Protecting Your Client’s Legal Interests in Times of Transition, DRI Women in the Law Seminar, Scottsdale, AZ, February 17-19, 2016, Panelist.
• Litigation Trial Skills Series: Utilizing Technology in the Courtroom, Indianapolis Bar Association, June 10, 2015.
• Using Metrics to Improve Your Business and Bridging the Generation Gap: Practical Tips for Communications Among Generations, Nebraska Annual Meeting, Nebraska Defense Counsel Association, June 5, 2015.
• Breakthrough Negotiations, Faculty Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, May 28-29, 2015.
• The Impact of Metrics on Law Firms: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You, FDCC/IADC Law Practice Management Seminar, Chicago, IL, May 13-15, 2015.
• Make it Rain! Inside Tips for Transitioning from Associate to Rainmaker, Indianapolis Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, May 16, 2014.
• Evolve or Perish: Leading your Firm in an Increasingly Competitive Market, Faculty Member and Presenter on Strategic Planning for Law Firms, 2014 Managing Partner Forum, Atlanta, GA,  May 7-8, 2014.
• Retaining Diverse Employees for Years to Come, Indianapolis Bar Association, April 17, 2014.
• What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You – HIPAA Compliance for Law Firms, Indianapolis Bar Association, March, 2014.
• Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Public Policy Mediation Course, January 9, 2014.
• What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: A Discussion about How Metrics and Analytics Can Affect Your Practice, DRI Committee Leadership Conference, January 9, 2014.
• Under Attack! How to Respond to Physical and Internet Threats Against Your Firm and Clients, Kentucky Defense Counsel Fall Meeting Lexington, KY, November 8, 2013.
• Behind the Curtain:  What Young Lawyers Should Know About Insurance and Business Metrics, Kentucky Defense Counsel Fall Meeting Lexington, KY, November 7, 2013.
• Civil Forms, Indianapolis Bar Association's presentation for Solo and Small Practice Committee Indianapolis, IN, October 30, 2013. 
• Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Public Policy Mediation Course, August 22, 2013.
• Metrics & Analytics:  The New World of Litigation Management, ITLA Advanced Mediation Training Seminar, July 18, 2013.
• Proper Handling of Trust Accounts and Other Risk Management Issues for Solo and Small Practice Lawyers, Indianapolis Bar Association, Solo and Small Practice Section, May 29, 2013.
• Suing the Sovereign – Tort Claims, Tort Claims against the State of Indiana and Municipalities, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, February 20, 2013.

• "New Year's Resolutions After a Tumultuous 2020," The Indiana Lawyer, January 20, 2021.
• "Are Legal Services a Basic Human Need?" The Indiana Lawyer, November 11, 2020.
• "10 Tips For New Lawyers: Get Your Career Off To a Good Start," The Indiana Lawyer, September 30, 2020.
• "Back to Basics," by Paula Tsurutani, Legal Management, July/August 2020.
• "Teaching Leadership by Example," The Voice of the Defense Bar: Sharing Success, June 25, 2020.
• "Now More Than Ever, We All Need Courage," The Indiana Lawyer, July 22, 2020.
• "Sound Advice From a Nationally Known Lawyer Coach," The Indiana Lawyer, May 27, 2020.
• "Reflections From Quarantine: Moving Remote Experiences," The Indiana Lawyer, May 13, 2020.
• "Tips for Productive Virtual Mediations," The Indiana Lawyer, April 29, 2020.
• "Legal Profession is on front line of coronavirus crisis," The Indiana Lawyer, April 1, 2020.
• Frank Ramos Podcast, "A Conversation with John C. Trimble", November 27, 2019.
• "Rainmakeing 201 - "Developing your substantive credentials," The Indiana Lawyer, November 13, 2019.
• "Rainmaking 101 - Building your social skills and network," The Indiana Lawyer, October 16, 2019.
• "Change Is the Law of Life: How Will Your Firm Face It?" For the Defense, September 2019.
• "Tactics for Negotiation: Are You Ready?," 2019 Women in the Law Committee, Sharing Success Volume 9 Issue 2.
• "What does 'professional generosity' mean to you?" The Indiana Lawyer, July 24, 2019.
• "The continuum of law - not a one-size-fits-all profession," The Indiana Lawyer, May 28, 2019.
• "Do alternative legal communities challenge traditional bars?" The Indiana Lawyer, April 2, 2019.
• "Are You Ready? Tactics for Negotiation," For The Defense, March 2019.
• "Transparency key to successful law firm management," The Indiana Lawyer, Februay 5, 2019.
• "Eye on the Profession: Let's take 'good' and make it even better in 2019," The Indiana Lawyer, December 26, 2018.
• "Eye on the Profession: Does culture in the legal workplace matter?" The Indiana Lawyer, August 22, 2018.
• "Eye on the Profession: Wise words from counsel: There are no clients in the alley," The Indiana Lawyer, February 21, 2018.
• "2018 outlook: Litigation spending up, law firm rosters down," The Indiana Lawyer, January 10, 2018.
• "Eye on the Profession: Are you ready for 2018? Some 'hot' tips to get you started," The Indiana Lawyer, December 27, 2017.
• "Eye on the Profession: Is there a ‘ROI’ for young lawyers' bar association involvement?" The Indiana Lawyer, October 18, 2017.
• "Eye on the Profession: Chris Hickey to lead National Conference of Bar Presidents," The Indiana Lawyer, August 23, 2017.
• "Eye on the Profession: Indiana attorneys: Change is here; you will eventually like it," The Indiana Lawyer, June 14, 2017.
• "Eye on the Profession: Lawyer succession planning is easier said than done," The Indiana Lawyer, April 5, 2017.
• "Eye on the Profession: Dr. King's timeless words from 50 years ago still ring true," The Indiana Lawyer, February 22, 2017.
• "Eye on the Profession: Our profession needs to be ready for rocky times ahead," The Indiana Lawyer, November 2, 2016.
• "The Appraisal Process and the Insurer’s Dilemma, DRI: For The Defense," October 2016.
• “Believe What You Want to Believe: The Decision is Yours,” The Indiana Lawyer, November 18, 2015.
• “What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Insurance Metrics and Analytics,” DRI: For The Defense, November 2015.
• "When a Barking Dog is a Good Thing: Some Tips for Success for Young Lawyers," The Indiana Lawyer, August 26, 2015.
• “Disruptive Innovation: Lawyers Must Pay Attention,” The Indiana Lawyer, August 12, 2015.
• “Implicit Bias: We All Have It,” The Indiana Lawyer, July 29, 2015.
• “Solo and Small Practice: It takes Courage and Strength,” The Indiana Lawyer, July 15, 2015.
• “Personal Branding: Do You Have a Brand?” The Indiana Lawyer, June 17, 2015.
• “Mentoring: Do You Have it in You?” The Indiana Lawyer, June 3, 2015.
• "Reflections on a 'Family Reunion' Bench Bar 2015," The Indiana Lawyer, July 1, 2015.
• "Do You Hate Networking? Then Call it 'Friend Making'," The Indiana Lawyer, May 6, 2015.
• "The Time for a New Justice Center is Now," The Indiana Lawyer, April 22, 2015.
• "Reflections on a Lawyer's Role in a Firestorm," The Indiana Lawyer, April 8, 2015.
• "To Be or Not to Be...Connected 24/7," The Indiana Lawyer, March 25, 2015.
• "What You Don't Know Can Hurt You: It's Time To Pay Attention," The Indiana Lawyer, March 11, 2015.
• Civility Seminar Article, DRI: For the Defense, July 2012.
• "Making Choices in Mediation," Indianapolis Bar Association, November 23, 2011.
• "Mediation of Catastrophic and Complex Claims," Florida Mediation Institute, April 2011.
• "Avoiding Dealing With Pessimism," The Association of Attorney-Mediators Newsletter, September 2009.
• "Mediation of Catastrophic and Complex Claims," DRI: For the Defense, August 2009.
• "The Time is Now for Defense Lawyers to Learn about the Issues Facing the Judiciary," DRI: For the Defense, August 2007.
• Without Fear or Favor: A Report by DRI's Judicial Task Force, DRI, 2007 (Chair).

• Castleton Rotary Club
  • President, 1991-1992
  • Board of Directors 1988-1992
• Greater Indianapolis Republican Finance Committee
  • Board of Directors 1988-1994
  • Vice-Chairman, 1993-1994
• Hanover College
  • Board of Trustees, 2000-present
  • Board Secretary 2005-2006
  • Alumni Association Board of Directors, 1985-1992; President 1991-1992
• Hanover College Club of Indianapolis
  • President 1988-1990
• Indiana Supreme Court Commercial Working Group, 2015
• Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Board of Visitors
  • Chairman, 2015
  • Vice Chairmen, 2010-2014
  • Chairman of Board, 1996-1998
  • Member 1988 - present
• Lawrence Township Republican Roundtable, Chairman, 1991-1995
• Marion County Indiana Republican Ward Chairman; Assistant Republican Township Chairman, Lawrence Township, 1990-2000
• Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township Education Foundation
  • President, Board of Directors, 2004-2005
  • Board of Directors, 2000-2006
• National Junior Tennis League, Indianapolis Chapter
  • Board of Directors, 1999-2003