In Honor of John C. Trimble

John Trimble is an iconic figure in the local and national defense bar. He exemplifies the importance of cultivating relationships through networking and leadership. He is a friend to all and a stranger to none. His tireless hours of volunteering and advocating for the defense bar has afforded him deserved opportunities for leadership positons. He freely imparts his knowledge of legal and life experiences to enhance the learning of others.

Tom Schultz first met John Trimble in 1989 at the Annual Meeting of what was then called the Indiana Defense Lawyers Association. In typical fashion, John approached Tom and introduced himself and encouraged Tom to get involved in what is now knows as the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana (DTCI), indicating that he would assist in anyway. This eventually led Tom to various leadership positions in DTCI and DRI. Lisa Mortier’s very first contact with John was upon her first assignment as DTCI Executive Director in 2001 when, after only two weeks on the job, she was directed to book a flight to Orlando to attend the DRI North Central Regional Meeting. In his capacity as DRI Indiana State Representative, John contacted Lisa immediately to offer his assistance with her travel. John went out of his way, as usual, to introduce her to the DTCI and DRI communities. Throughout John’s career, he has been a tremendous leader, who recruits and encourages people to become more involved in the defense bar both locally and nationally. With John’s support and encouragement, so many people increased their involvement in defense bar organizations. Many of them moved on to leadership roles. John continues to make these kinds of connections with people every day.

After serving a number of years as the chair of the DTCI Legislative Committee, John became DTCI President in 1999. Not surprisingly, he has achieved a number of local awards from the organization, including Defense Lawyer of the Year and the prestigious Diplomat Award.

John has spoken on numerous occasions at DTCI and DRI events and is always the first one to volunteer when help is needed. He has led the way in DTCI’s most recent strategic planning meeting and facilitated the same for many other state organizations.

John has not only been very active in DTCI, but also in the Indianapolis Bar Association, of which he is a past president, and the Indiana State Bar Association, of which he is a former chair of the Judicial Improvements Committee. He has had a great impact on all lawyers throughout the state. He has also served on the Judicial Nominating Committee, which plays a significant role in the selection of Indiana’s appellant court judges.

Within DRI, John has served on the Board of Directors and is a past chair of the Law Practice Management Committee. In 1999 he received DRI’s Fred H. Sievert Outstanding Defense Bar Leader Award.

John is firm counsel and the former managing partner of the Indianapolis law firm of Lewis Wagner LLP. His practice is devoted to the defense of catastrophic and complex claims in Indiana and elsewhere.

DTCI is proud to nominate a Tribute in the DRI Foundation in the name of John C. Trimble.