Lara is passionate about policyholder representation, guiding policyholders through disputes both in and out of court. She is experienced in discovery matters, including taking and defending depositions, working with expert witnesses and litigating discovery disputes.
Prior to joining the firm, Lara most recently served as Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Indiana. She gained additional legal experience as a Deputy Solicitor General for the state of Indiana and as a law clerk for the Honorable Mark S. Massa of the Indiana Supreme Court.
Lara has represented clients at virtually all stages of trial and appeal. Her experience includes first-chairing two federal jury trials and a contested evidentiary hearing, all of which concluded in favorable verdicts for her federal employee clients; arguing several appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the Indiana Supreme Court; assisting in preparing numerous cert-stage, merits-stage and amicus briefs for filing in the U.S. Supreme Court; arguing a preliminary injunction hearing in a high-profile civil rights lawsuit; and representing employers in Title VII and FMLA litigation.
Professional and Community Involvement
Former defense counsel, Indiana Army National Guard Senior Trial Defense Team
Former vice chair, Indiana State Bar Association Leadership Development Academy
Former associate, Sagamore American Inn of Court
Former member, Christ Church Cathedral Stewardship Committee
Piccoloist, Indiana Wind Symphony
