Paul A. Leonard, Jr.

Mr. Leonard has served on the Board of ILS, Inc. since its inception, including a term as President of the Board of Directors from 2007 to 2010.

Foreclosure Paralegal. Full-time position for a self-starter who is willing and eager to take on responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. Must have excellent communication, computer and organizational skills; ability to work both independently and as part of a team; ability to work in a high-volume practice; ability to work at a fast pace with great attention to detail; self-motivation and a high degree of professionalism.

Apply Here

AG Zoeller Presents Award to the March Against Hunger Medium Firm Division Winner, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller awarded Burke Costanza & Carberry law firm for its efforts to serve local families in need.

The office participated in the fourth annual statewide March Against Hunger food drive and received the Attorney General’s Cup for winning the medium firm division. The firm gave 758 pounds of food and $4,075.64 in monetary donations to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.

“This year the Burke Costanza & Carberry law office stepped up and brought in a significant number of donations,” Zoeller said. “I am thankful for their support of the community and for families in need. Food banks across the state are facing challenges and it is my hope this friendly competition makes their efforts to help others a little bit easier.”

“We were delighted to hear of the firm’s triumph in the medium division of the Attorney General’s March Against Hunger,” George Carberry said. “Although the generosity of my co-workers and colleagues is not surprising to me, the sheer volume of their food and financial contributions in response to the Attorney General’s challenge is inspiring.  As a result of their efforts, many Hoosier families will have food on their tables in the months ahead. I’m also grateful to my colleague Ann Marie Woolwine for her smart and enthusiastic campaign leadership.”

Fifty-one law groups from Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio competed and broke the record for March Against Hunger donations, both monetarily and in quantities of nonperishable goods. Donations totaled 11,404 pounds of food and $51,822 in monetary donations.

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is one of 11 regional food banks in Indiana that partner with Feeding Indiana’s Hungry or FIsH – an organization which helps link Indiana’s resources to feed those in need. Each year, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office has joined FIsH and the Indiana State Bar Association to help challenge law firms to donate goods and raise money for these banks.

Food Bank of Northwest Indiana Director Angie Williams said the group provides nutritional support to those in need of hunger relief through its network of 100 community agencies across Lake and Porter counties.

“The 4th Annual March Against Hunger food drive has been a huge success this year in Northwest Indiana,” Williams said. “We are so thrilled to have a local firm place first in the medium firm division.  We would like to thank Burke Costanza & Carberry for the firm’s commitment to fighting hunger and the generous donation of food and funds. This support is greatly needed especially with the growing demand for food assistance across our region. With partners like the Attorney General and Burke Costanza & Carberry we can truly fight hunger and feed hope.”

Award winners within five categories will receive the “Attorney General’s Cup” for collecting the most donations. Divisions include:

• Large firm (50+ persons) 
• Medium firm (10-49 persons) 
• Small firm (1-9 person/s)
• Solo practitioner
• Public/Nonprofit

For the second consecutive year, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP garnered top honors as the best law firm in Northwest Indiana as determined by its clients and other readers of Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly, Northwest Indiana’s leading business periodical.  

BCC was named  best law firm in all four law categories: 

• Litigation
• Estate Planning
• Corporate and Business
• Acquisitions and Mergers

The firm maintains offices in Merrillville, Valparaiso and Chicago.

George Carberry, BCC’s managing partner, characterized the recognition as “very humbling,” and a testament to “the hard work that everybody at the firm puts in.  A lot of [the recognition] has to do with the people we attract. I’m so very proud of the people we have here [at the firm].”

Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP is a general practice law firm of over 20 lawyers engaged in virtually every area of civil law.

Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP is proud to announce its achievement in winning the medium division in the Attorney General’s March Against Hunger food drive campaign and in bringing the Attorney General’s Cup to Northwest Indiana, a first in competition history.

Together, attorneys and staff donated over 778 pounds of food and $4,080 dollars to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.  These dollars and pounds translated to over 20,000 points in the contest – leading the medium sized firm division.

During the month of March, contest organizers within the firm kept donations flowing in through a series of inter-firm competitions and practice group rivalries. Though the inter-firm rivalries and team spirit kept the contest lighthearted, participants were well aware their efforts addressed a very serious need in Northwest Indiana. The firm kicked off this year’s campaign with remarks from Derek Frazier, procurement manager of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.  Many were surprised to learn the Food Bank distributed over 5 million pounds of food in 2011 alone.

Managing partner George Carberry summed up the BCC’s efforts:  “We were delighted to hear of the firm’s triumph in the medium division of the Attorney General’s March Against Hunger.  Although the generosity of my co-workers and colleagues is not surprising to me, the sheer volume of their food and financial contributions in response to the Attorney General’s challenge is both inspiring and humbling.  As a result of their efforts, many Hoosier families will have food on their tables in the months ahead.  I’m also grateful to my colleague Ann Marie Woolwine for her smart and enthusiastic campaign leadership.”

For more information about the March Against Hunger food drive campaign, visit: http://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2773.htm or contact Michelle Mayer, Director of Outreach Services in the Office of the Attorney General at 317.234.6668.

For the second year, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP competed in the Attorney General’s March Against Hunger Food Drive Competition. This year, the attorneys and staff donated over 778 pounds of food and $4,080 dollars to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.  These dollars and pounds translated to over 20,000 points in the contest and BCC is hoping this number will lead in the medium sized firm division.

During the month of March, contest organizers within the firm kept donations flowing in through a series of inter-firm competitions and practice group rivalries. Creative leadership within each of the practice groups resulted in a variety of contests, bake sales, and fundraising efforts.  Though the inter-firm rivalries and team spirit kept the contest lighthearted and fun, the participants were well aware their efforts addressed a very serious need in Northwest Indiana. The firm kicked off this year’s campaign with remarks from Derek Frazier, procurement manager of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.  Many were surprised to learn the Food Bank distributed over 5 million pounds of food in 2011 alone.

At the close of the competition, the mood in the firm was nearly jubilant as the totals of donated food and funds were tallied and announced. Managing partner George Carberry summed up the BCC’s efforts:

While the generosity of my co-workers and colleagues at the firm is not surprising to me, the sheer volume of their food and financial contributions toward the Attorney General’s “March Against Hunger” is both inspiring and humbling.  The good people of BCC “Marched Against Hunger” the same way Grant, as the saying goes, “marched against Richmond;” their selfless efforts amounted to an all-out “attack” on hunger in the State of Indiana, and as a result of their good work in response to the Attorney General’s call, many, many Hoosiers will be able to feed their families in the months ahead.  I’m also very grateful to my colleague Ann Marie Woolwine for her smart and enthusiastic leadership of our office campaign.

BCC awaits word from the Attorney General’s office as to how its efforts rank in this year’s competition.  Regardless of the outcome, the firm is proud of its successful campaign and the generosity of its members.

The induction ceremony at which Bob became a Fellow took place recently before an audience of 614 Fellows and guests during the 2012 Spring Meeting of the College held in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship.

Membership in the college cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5,838 members in the United States and Canada, including active Fellows, Emeritus Fellows, Judicial Fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and Honorary Fellows. The College strives to improve and elevate the standards of trial practice, the administration of justice and the ethics of the trial profession. Qualified lawyers are called to Fellowship in the college from all branches of trial practice. They are carefully selected from among those who customarily represent parties in civil litigation, as well as those who prosecute or defend criminal cases. The college is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.

Robert F. ParkerWith his induction, Bob becomes only the third actively practicing attorney in Northwest Indiana to achieve Fellow status. And Bob is only the second attorney in the northern half of Indiana to be both a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the prestigious, invitation-only Federation of Defense and Corporate Counsel. Additional information on Bob’s qualifications and achievements can be found on Bob’s biography page.

Last year, BCC raised over 500 pounds of food and aims to reach that number again this year. This year’s competition will run from March 1 to March 31st.  If would like to donate non-perishable food items and join in BCC’s efforts, please drop off your donation to the Merrillville or Valparaiso office during our regular business hours.

We would also like to encourage you to vote for Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP in the following categories:

• Best corporate law firm
• Best law firm for business acquisitions and mergers
• Best law firm for litigation
• Best estate-planning practice

As you may recall, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP swept all four of the categories in 2011. We would love to win “Best of Northwest Indiana Business” in all four categories again in 2012!

Click here to fill out the “Best of Northwest Indiana Business Survey”

Voting ends Monday, February 20th, 2012.

We always strive to provide the best possible services to our clients, and we appreciate them greatly! Thank you!

I like history. I enjoy learning about people who have come before me and forming a mental image of what life must have been like. My imagination puts me in a time I was never able to experience firsthand.

This year, the Valpo Chamber celebrates its 100th Anniversary. That is remarkable, not only because 100 years is a long time.  It is no accident that the Chamber has survived – in fact, flourished – for so long. That longevity is the result of great leadership and active participation within Valparaiso’s business community. At its core, the Chamber’s success can be attributed to the vision of those upon whom the community’s future has depended.

Valparaiso has always looked to its future. In the 1920s, a group backed by the Chamber envisioned a first-class hotel in what was a quickly growing city. Their vision and efforts culminated in the financial commitment of Charles H. Lembke and the eventual construction of the five-story Lembke Hotel.

More recently, the determination and vision within our community are no less brave or imaginative than they were generations ago. Entire neighborhoods and commercial corridors have undergone a dramatic transformation in our efforts to redevelop and renew. Our downtown has become a destination for dining with the addition of six new restaurants. And, let’s not forget the unique public space that is Central Park Plaza, offering the opportunity to gather as a community.

As with our physical environment, Valparaiso’s institutions show the signs of growth and progress resulting from their visionary leaders.  Ivy Tech Community College and Porter Hospital have attracted attention and generated excitement with the construction of new facilities. Valparaiso University, under the leadership of President Mark Heckler, is embarking upon a courageous strategic effort to multiply its enrollment and add to its world class reputation among private universities.  Changes like these will affect Valparaiso forever.

Like the community as a whole, the Valpo Chamber is a product of bold leadership and vision over the years.  It occupies one of the most notable, and certainly historic, office buildings in downtown Valparaiso.  It enjoys unique relationships with Valparaiso Community Festivals and Events, the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation, and the city’s Redevelopment Commission. With over 700 members, it is not only the largest chamber of commerce located in Northwest Indiana, but offers unparalleled events and programming that fuel the success and growth of those members.

These achievements and our successes are far greater reasons to celebrate than are the 100 years it took to achieve them. I will enjoy celebrating with you this year, but I will not be satisfied knowing that we have achieved so many goals.

In a tribute to the past and a focus on our future, there are few words more inspiring than those of one of the most defining characters of the Italian Renaissance, Michaelangelo:

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.

The challenges and opportunities that lie ahead stir my imagination far more than what has passed.  I will be looking to our future.  I hope you will, too.

Valparaiso Magazine Winter 2012 Issue

Valparaiso Magazine Vol. 12 | Issue 1 Winter 2012

Ann Marie has been an active member of the YLS since 2009, helping to coordinate annual events like Law Day and the Law Day Essay Contest.  She recently helped plan the 2011 Bridging the Gap seminar for newly admitted attorneys and assisted fellow members in drafting and adopting YLS bylaws. 

The stated purpose of the YLS is to stimulate the interest of new and young lawyers in the objectives of the LCBA, to carry on activities which will be of assistance to new and young lawyers in the practice of law, and the citizens of Lake County, Indiana.  To that end, one of Ann Marie’s immediate goals is to create broad social media access for YLS members using Facebook and LinkedIn to increase member awareness and involvement for YLS activities and service projects in 2012.

Read the article extracted from the Lake County Bar Association Newsletter here.

Below is an excerpt.  Read the full article here.

Approximately 18 months ago ICLEF went down a new avenue of CLE presentation – live group webcasts through law firms around Indiana.  These sessions are designed to provide another facet to our CLE service by offering programs at your doorstep. Recently, we talked with one partner in Valparaiso about his experience with the ICLEF live group webcasts.
 
Dan Gioia, Burke, Costanza & Carberry LLP, shared his thoughts following the live ICLEF group webcast of “Trust Accounts Made Easy,” a 3-hour CLE program broadcast from his law firm’s conference room….

Positive Response for ICLEF’s Live Group Webcasts

The inaugural class of twenty-five attorneys was chosen from a large group of applicants, and we could not agree more with the selection. Mr. Castleton’s professionalism, knowledge, and prior leadership experience will contribute greatly to the program. We extend our congratulations to Mr. Castleton and the other participants that were selected.

About the Program:
The Leadership Development Academy was developed by the ISBA on January 14, 2011 with the intent to “empower and develop lawyers to be informed, committed, and involved so that they may fill significant leadership roles in local and state bar associations, in Indiana communities and organizations and to serve as role models in matters of ethics and professionalism.”  The Leadership Development Academy consists of meetings on important topics including state and local government, media, education, diversity, and public safety.  In addition, participants will hear from prominent leaders on leadership principles, efficiency, effectiveness, and the challenges and rewards of leadership.

To learn more about the Leadership Development Academy, click here.  To learn more about Attorney Richard W. Castleton, click here. 

Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named Paul A. Leonard, Jr. as the “South Bend Best Lawyers Family Law Lawyer of the Year” for 2012.

After more than a quarter of a century in publication, Best Lawyers is designating “Lawyers of the Year” in high-profile legal specialties in large legal communities. Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is being honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.”

Best Lawyers compiles its lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The current, 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in America (2012) is based on more than 3.9 million detailed evaluations of lawyers by other lawyers.

The lawyers being honored as “Lawyers of the Year” have received particularly high ratings in our surveys by earning a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

Steven Naifeh, President of Best Lawyers, says, “We continue to believe – as we have believed for more than 25 years – that recognition by one’s peers is the most meaningful form of praise in the legal profession. We would like to congratulate Paul A. Leonard, Jr. on being selected as the ‘South Bend Best Lawyers Family Law Lawyer of the Year’ for 2012.”

Richard W. Castleton

Mr. Castleton is fluent in Spanish.  He lived in Santiago, Chile  for two years and has performed business throughout most of Latin America.  In his spare time, Mr. Castleton enjoys spending time with his wife and children, attending their dance recitals and sporting events, cycling, and running.  He enjoys being an active member in the community.

Mr. Castleton will also be the leading writer and editor on Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP’s new Labor & Employment Blog.

More information about Richard W. Castleton

Click Bug Studios, LLC

Coverage of the Showcase by the Northwest Indiana Times

• Associate Patricia Haas was lauded for her work at St. Thomas More school in Munster as a contribution to the Association’s Law Day program.
• Associate Anne Marie Woolwine was also recognized in connection with Law Day. Anne Marie served on the committee which oversaw the judging of the Law Day Essay Contest and the awarding of cash prizes to the winners.
• Partner Dan Gioia’s upcoming seminar presentation sponsored by the Women Lawyers Association on “How to Increase the Odds of a Settlement at Mediation” was publicized.
• Finally, the Firm as a whole was celebrated as a result of its recent selection as “Best Law Firm in Northwest Indiana” by the readers of Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly. 

Congratulations to our lawyers for this well-deserved recognition.

Read the May 2011 Minute Sheet

With an unprecedented sweep of all 4 law firm categories, Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP has been voted the best law firm in Northwest Indiana by the readers of Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly.

The publication annually selects the “best” organizations for a wide variety of business products and services after polling its readers. Voting was conducted starting in October, 2010. Law firms compete in four categories:

1. Best Corporate Law Firm
2. Best Law Firm for Business Acquisitions and Mergers
3. Best Law Firm for Litigation
4. Best Estate Planning Practice

In its recently published Spring-Summer 2011 issue, NWIBQ announced the results of its most recent poll: first place awards to BCC in all four law firm categories! When the results were announced, BCC’s Managing Partner, George Carberry, thanked those responsible:

“This very gratifying confirmation of BCC’s status as the preeminent law firm in Northwest Indiana was made possible by the sustained efforts of our fine lawyers and staff, who put in the hard work every day that allows us to provide our clients with the level of service that results in this type of recognition. Our challenge now is to sustain that level of service going forward, and we are working harder than ever to achieve that goal.”

A complete list of the winners in all categories can be found on NWIBQ’s website at www.nwibq.com.

Law Day was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 as a celebration and occasion to mark the nation’s dedication to the principle of the rule of law. Each year, volunteer legal professionals across the country bring this celebration directly to the classrooms of local students on Law Day. These professionals choose a timely and relevant topic to provide students with the opportunity to discuss issues relating to the rule of law.

The topic for Law Day 2011 is The Legacy of John Adams, A Government of Laws, Not Men. Most eighth grade students are aware of the pivotal role that John Adams played in the founding of the United States, and later as our nation’s second President. However, many students may not realize the role that John Adams, the first “lawyer-president” of the United States, played in influencing the development of the rule of law in the new nation. Through his defense of the unpopular accused in the Boston Massacre, Adams instilled the principle that all accused of a crime are entitled to a competent defense. The continuing relevance of his work is evident in our society today, and Law Day 2011 will bring a discussion of Adams’ legacy and its modern day application directly to Lake County’s eighth-graders.

In addition to the Law Day 2011 presentations on April 29, the LCBA is also sponsoring an essay contest on the Law Day 2011 program topic. The deadline for submission of entries is May 6, 2011. Entrants will select from a list of provided essay topics addressing the Law Day theme, and write an essay of 250 words or less on their chosen topic. Two winners will be chosen, one boy and one girl. The winners will each receive a monetary award of $250.00. The law firms of Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP and Burke Costanza & Carberry LLP are each sponsoring one of the $250 awards. Additionally, the Lake County Bar Association will seek the assistance of local newspapers and media outlets to publish the winning essays. Download a flyer detailing the essay topics and entry process. This flyer will also be sent to Lake County schools.

Schools interested in participating in Law Day 2011 may contact the Law Day Committee’s Classroom Coordinator, Ann Marie Woolwine, at LawDayCC@sftlawyers.com.  Lawyers, judges, law professors and others interested in participating in Law Day 2011 may volunteer by simply completing the online form at http://www.sftlawyers.com/lawday or by contacting the LCBA office for more information. For other information about the LCBA’s participation in Law Day 2011 and the Essay Contest, contact Benjamin Fryman, Committee member, at bdf@sftlawyers.com.

BCC’s attorneys and staff have worked together in donating to the 2011 March Against Hunger food drive.  Both barrels provided by the local food bank have been filled to the brim. 

BCC has also encouraged donations through inter-office competitions which have collectively brought in 524 pounds of various food goods including proteins, carbohydrates, and basic food staples. 

The spirit of giving has united the firm in a collective effort to give back to its community. 

2011 March Against Hunger Food Drive Flyer

or

Visit the official 2011 March against Hunger Website

Download a pdf of the Indiana Association of Mediators March 2011 Newsletter.

The Indiana Association of Mediators (IAM) is a professional organization dedicated to the use of mediation for all types of dispute resolution.  The Members of IAM meet regularly to address current issues, techniques, and resources to assist themselves in handling this valuable Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) vehicle.

The Indiana Association of Mediators works very closely with the Indiana State Bar Association’s ADR Section; and has co-sponsored national speakers for seminars and conferences in conjunction with the ISBA ADR Section Council, which currently boasts over 250 members statewide.

These organizations provide the opportunity to network among the finest Mediators in the State of Indiana.  BCC partner Dan Gioia is a member and participant in IAM.

Paul A. Leonard, Jr.

This is the seventh consecutive year Mr. Leonard has been selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers.