Protecting Your Legacy: Michele Lorbieski on Estate Planning, Probate, and Family Disputes

Protecting Your Legacy: Michele Lorbieski on Estate Planning, Probate, and Family Disputes

Michele Lorbieski is an attorney at Lewis Wagner & Trimble whose practice focuses on probate, trust, and estate litigation. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Michele's journey to Indiana began when she attended DePauw University, becoming the first in her family to travel by plane and experience life outside her home state. What started as a dream of becoming a broadcast journalist eventually led her to Georgetown Law, a career in Big Law during the 2008 financial crisis, and ultimately a rewarding practice helping families navigate some of life's most difficult transitions. In this episode… Estate disputes often involve much more than legal documents, they involve family relationships, grief, expectations, and deeply personal conflicts. How can thoughtful estate planning help families avoid costly litigation and preserve relationships during difficult times? Michele Lorbieski shares her path from journalism to law and explains how she found her niche in probate and trust litigation. She discusses will contests, guardianships, estate disputes, and the emotional realities that often accompany these cases. Michele breaks down common misconceptions about probate, explains when probate can be beneficial, and highlights how tools such as trusts, beneficiary designations, and thoughtful planning can help families avoid future conflict. She also emphasizes the importance of clear communication and proactive planning to ensure loved ones understand a person's wishes before disputes arise. Beyond her legal career, Michele opens up about family, personal loss, and the experiences that have shaped her outlook on life. She reflects on how spending time outdoors through hiking, camping, mountain biking, and other adventures has helped her find perspective, resilience, and healing. Michele also shares her passion for Indiana sports, particularly the Indiana Fever and the WNBA, and discusses the importance of strong role models like Caitlin Clark and Aaliyah Boston for future generations. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Michele Lorbieski about probate litigation, estate planning, family dynamics, and the life experiences that have influenced both her legal career and personal philosophy. Michele shares lessons on resilience, gratitude, personal growth, and why intentional planning, both in law and in life, can make all the difference.

Kentucky Roots, Lake Cumberland, and the Journey to Law: A Conversation With Judge Tim Oakes

Judge Tim Oakes' story begins in the hills and lakes of Kentucky, where his family's roots run deep near Lake Cumberland. Raised between Kentucky traditions and Indianapolis life, Judge Oakes reflects on a childhood shaped by fishing trips, houseboats, family stories, and the hardworking communities that emerged alongside the development of Lake Cumberland in the 1950s. Those early experiences, combined with lessons learned from his father and the close-knit culture of rural Kentucky, helped shape the values that would later guide him into a life of public service and law. In this episode… For many people, Lake Cumberland is more than a destination, it is a way of life tied to family traditions, storytelling, and generations of shared memories. Judge Tim Oakes reflects on growing up surrounded by Kentucky culture, from regional sayings and small-town folklore to long summers spent boating, fishing, and exploring the deep coves and wooded shorelines of one of the region's most iconic lakes. He explains how the peacefulness of the water and the strong sense of community continue to provide balance amid the pressures of legal and professional life. Judge Oakes also discusses his journey from Tech High School in Indianapolis to Wabash College and eventually into the legal profession, sharing the challenges of adjusting academically while discovering a deeper calling toward justice and service. Influenced by personal experiences, mentors, and his upbringing, he describes how law became a path to help others and better understand fairness within the communities he cared about most. Throughout the conversation, Judge Oakes shares humorous family stories, reflections on Kentucky dialect and culture, and vivid memories of road trips between Indiana and Kentucky that reinforced the connection between the two regions. Whether discussing fishing at the lake, relaxing on a houseboat at sunset, or navigating winding back roads through small Kentucky towns, he paints a picture of Lake Cumberland as both a retreat and a cornerstone of his identity. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Judge Tim Oakes about his Kentucky roots, the traditions and culture surrounding Lake Cumberland, and the life experiences that ultimately led him into the legal world. The discussion highlights the importance of community, heritage, and finding peace in nature while balancing the demands of public service and the law.

Inside Mass Torts, Trial Law, and the Fight Against Damage Caps: A Conversation With Ned Mulligan

Ned Mulligan is an Indiana trial lawyer with more than 15 years of experience handling mass torts, personal injury, medical malpractice, and complex litigation. Originally from New Hampshire, Ned built his legal career in Indiana after beginning practice during the 2008 recession, eventually finding his passion in plaintiff advocacy and courtroom litigation. His work has included major pharmaceutical and medical device cases, as well as high-stakes trials involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death claims. In this episode… Mass tort litigation presents unique challenges that differ significantly from class action lawsuits. From multidistrict litigation procedures and consolidated discovery to the complexities of individual damages, attorneys handling these cases must navigate years of litigation while balancing strategy, preparation, and client advocacy. How do lawyers manage large-scale cases against major corporations while still focusing on the individual stories behind every injury? Ned Mulligan shares his path into trial law, discussing his early years working long hours while gaining courtroom experience through personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He explains the structure of multidistrict litigation and how defendants often use delays and procedural leverage in mass tort cases involving pharmaceutical companies, medical devices, and emerging social media litigation. Ned also reflects on his first major trial involving an improperly placed IV that led to an amputation and an $11 million jury verdict that was later significantly reduced due to Indiana's statutory damages caps. Throughout the conversation, Ned passionately discusses the impact of tort reform and his opposition to arbitrary damages limitations, arguing that juries are capable of fairly assessing harm and understanding the true human impact of catastrophic injuries. He explains why trial preparation, exhaustive case knowledge, and credibility before a jury are critical to successful advocacy, while also emphasizing the importance of integrity, trust, and community within the legal profession. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Ned Mulligan about mass tort litigation, trial strategy, medical malpractice cases, and the evolving landscape of complex plaintiff litigation. Ned also shares lessons from balancing family life with demanding legal work, the value of mentorship, and why helping injured clients remains at the center of his career.

Inside The Marc Lopez Law Firm: Trial Strategy, Team Culture, and Criminal Defense Advocacy

The Marc Lopez Law Firm served as the final stop on the Circle City Conversations Cinco de Mayo our, where the team visited law offices across Indianapolis to spotlight attorneys, firm culture, and the work being done throughout Indiana's legal community. Joining the conversation are attorneys Marc Lopez, Matt Kroes, and Anthony Benitez, alongside host Alex Limontes, for a discussion centered on criminal defense, trial advocacy, and the sacrifices required to fight for clients every day. In this episode… Behind every criminal defense case is a team working long hours, making personal sacrifices, and carrying the pressure of protecting someone's future. The attorneys at Marc Lopez Law Firm discuss the realities of criminal defense litigation, their commitment to trial readiness, and why holding the government accountable is essential to preserving fairness within the justice system. The group reflects on the culture within the firm which is built around hard work, camaraderie, and a shared competitiveness in the courtroom. From jury selection and storytelling strategies to the emotional dynamics of trial advocacy, the attorneys explain how preparation and teamwork influence both trial outcomes and plea negotiations. The discussion also explores the differences between jury and bench trials, the pressure surrounding felony cases, and the firm's philosophy that criminal defense is ultimately about protecting freedom, opportunity, and constitutional rights. The conversation further examines DUI prosecutions and procedural issues that can significantly impact clients' lives, particularly when delayed evidence or pending charges affect employment and livelihoods. The attorneys share frustrations with systemic inefficiencies while emphasizing the importance of forcing the state to meet its burden of proof through evidence and proper procedure. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes and the Marc Lopez Law Firm team discuss courtroom strategy, the importance of accessibility within the legal system, and the dedication required to advocate for clients facing difficult circumstances. The episode also highlights the firm's close-knit culture, commitment to the Hispanic and Latino community, and the passion that drives criminal defense attorneys to continue fighting for justice every day.

The 2026 Indy 500: A Conversation on Racing, Tradition, and Community With Jimmy McMillian

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and a defining symbol of Indiana culture. As the 110th running of the Indy 500 approaches, anticipation builds across the state with traditions like porch parties, Carb Day festivities, and family gatherings that bring fans together in celebration of racing history. Jimmy McMillian serves as Vice President of External Affairs for Penske Entertainment and Senior Corporate Counsel, where he oversees a wide portfolio of racing events and legal operations across multiple major motorsport properties, including the Indy 500, Long Beach Grand Prix, and the upcoming DC Grand Prix honoring America's 250th anniversary. In this episode… The Indianapolis 500 is more than a race, it is a cultural event that brings together generations of fans, families, and communities. Behind the scenes, however, a massive organizational and legal effort ensures that each race weekend operates smoothly, from sponsorship agreements and liability planning to fan engagement and facility management. How does one of the world's largest sporting events balance tradition, innovation, and logistics on such a massive scale? Jimmy McMillian shares insight into his role managing legal, operational, and external affairs for Penske Entertainment, explaining how coordination with partners such as the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers helps ensure seamless event execution. He discusses the shift from contract-heavy preparation in the lead-up to race season to a more community-focused approach during race weekends, where thousands of fans are welcomed through educational programs, museum tours, and interactive experiences designed to make the Speedway accessible to all. The conversation also highlights major investments in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including a multi-million-dollar renovation of the museum, upgraded facilities, expanded seating and parking, and enhanced fan experiences that reflect Roger Penske's vision for continuous improvement. Jimmy and Alex explore how the Speedway has evolved into a year-round entertainment destination, hosting events beyond the Indy 500, while still preserving its historic identity as the world's largest single-day sporting event. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Jimmy McMillian about the legacy of the Indianapolis 500, the operational and legal complexity behind major sporting events, and the importance of maintaining accessibility and tradition for future generations. The discussion also reflects on the Speedway's role in Indiana's identity, its commitment to fan experience, and the enduring excitement that continues to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the world each year.