Bartholomew County Bar Association

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at bartholomewcountybar@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How can I join?

Membership is restricted to persons who are licensed to practice law in the State of Indiana and who reside, work, or practice law in Bartholomew County, Indiana. Members of the Judiciary are not precluded from joining. Members must apply annually and pay a membership fee. A member who becomes retired may continue to join at a reduced rate. Please contact us using the form below if you are interested in joining the Bar Association.

How often does the Bar Association meet?

The Bartholomew County Bar Association hosts an annual meeting, typically in April, and a series of social events throughout the year. Look at our events calendar for the latest information.

What is included with my membership?

Members are granted access to all Bar Association hosted events including the annual meeting, as well as education, networking, and social events. Bar Association members are also listed on our website under the area(s) of law that they practice.

I need a lawyer. Can the Bar Association help me find one?

The Bartholomew County Bar Association does not give referrals for attorneys. If you wish to hire an attorney, please obtain contact information and contact the attorney directly. Please contact Legal Aid for information on pro bono assistance. The Bar Association does, however, provide a list of active member attorneys on our Find a Lawyer page.

Meet the Bartholomew County Bar Association Board

Jessie DeWeese, President

Chris Clerc, Treasurer

Elliott Happel, Vice President

Jessie DeWeese has served as the Bartholomew County Bar Association’s Board President since 2023. She is a graduate Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and also holds a master’s degree in Bioethics and Health Policy from Loyola University Chicago. She is a partner at Glover DeWeese.

Elliott Happel, Vice President

Chris Clerc, Treasurer

Elliott Happel, Vice President

William “Elliott” Happel has served on the Bartholomew County Bar Association Board since 2021, and served as the Vice President of Board since 2023. He is a graduate of the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. He is a practicing partner at Thomasson, Guthrie, Schuh-Ogle, & Happel, P.C.

Austin Whitted, Secretary

Chris Clerc, Treasurer

Austin A. Whitted has served on the Bartholomew County Bar Association Board since 2022. He is a 2022 IU Robert H. McKinney Law School graduate and practices at Whitted Law LLC.

Chris Clerc, Treasurer

Christopher Clerc has served on the Bartholomew County Bar Association Board since 2013. He is a 2012 graduate of University of Georgia Law School and a current LL.M. candidate at IU Robert H. McKinney Law School. He is the Deputy General Counsel of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Lindsey Holden-Kay, Board Member

Brittany Long, Board Member

Lindsey Holden-Kay served on the Bartholomew County Bar Association Board from 2016-2020 and from 2022 to present. She is a 2014 graduate of the Indiana University Maurer School of Law and currently serves as Bartholomew County’s Prosecuting Attorney.

Brittany Long, Board Member

Brittney Long has served on the Bartholomew County Bar Association Board since 2015. She is a 2014 graduate of IU Robert H. McKinney Law School. She was in private practice from 2014 to 2022. She was born and raised in Bartholomew County.

Mathew Taylor, Board Member

Brittany Long, Board Member

Laura Raiman, Board Member

Mat Taylor has served on the Bartholomew County Bar Association Board since 2023. He is a 2016 graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He currently serves as a Bartholomew County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.

Laura Raiman, Board Member

Brittany Long, Board Member

Laura Raiman, Board Member

Laura Raiman has served on the Bartholomew County Bar Association Board since 2013. She is a 2012 graduate of IU Robert H. McKinney Law School and practices at Beck Rocker LLC.

Madison Long, Board Member

Madison Long has served on the Bartholomew County Bar Association Board since 2024. She is a 2023 graduate of IU Maurer School of Law and practices at Thomasson, Guthrie, Schuh-Ogle & Happel, P.C.

Need More Information?

Quick Links

State Bar Association
Bartholomew County
City of Columbus
Chamber of Commerce
Economic Development Board
Columbus Visitor’s Center

Bartholomew County Bar Association

225 Washington Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201

The Bartholomew County Bar Association does not give referrals for attorneys. If you wish to hire an attorney, please obtain contact information and contact the attorney directly. Please contact Legal Aid for information on pro bono assistance.