Congratulations to the 2025 IPDC Award recipients
These exceptional defenders and support staff have demonstrated unwavering dedication to providing zealous advocacy and high-quality representation for indigent clients in Indiana. Their tireless efforts have a significant impact on lives and uphold the fundamental right to meaningful legal counsel.
Celebrate their achievements by watching the video below
Gideon Award Recipients
Every year, the Indiana Public Defender Council (IPDC) selects a recipient for the esteemed Gideon Award, an honor reserved for an exceptional defender who embodies the qualities of a zealous advocate for indigent clients in Indiana. This awardee distinguishes themselves through their unwavering dedication and exceptional performance throughout their career, upholding the fundamental right to legal counsel established in the landmark Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Kyle Dugger |
| 2024 | Andrew Foster |
| 2023 | Vickie R. Yaser(co-recipient) |
| 2023 | Mark A. Bates (co-recipient) |
| 2022 | Christopher P. Shema (co-recipient) |
| 2022 | Steven H. Schutte (co-recipient) |
| 2021 | Stephanie L. Kress |
| 2020 | Courtney Benson-Kooy |
| 2019 | Kathleen Cleary |
| 2018 | Victoria B. Casanova (co-recipient) |
| 2018 | William W. Gooden (co-recipient) |
| 2017 | Michael E. Hunt |
| 2016 | Marce Gonzalez Jr. |
| 2015 | Michael K. Ausbrook |
| 2014 | Gregory L. Fumarolo |
| 2013 | Thomas C. Hinesley |
| 2012 | Raymond V. Casanova |
| 2011 | Lloyd Randolph Turner |
| 2010 | Eric K. Koselke |
| 2009 | James J. Abbs |
| 2008 | Jessie A. Cook |
| 2007 | Anthony V. Luber |
| 2006 | Steven E. Ripstra |
| 2005 | Ann M. Sutton |
| 2004 | Monica Foster |
| 2003 | Jeffrey D. Stonebraker |
| 2002 | Roy L. Dickson |
| 2001 | Joseph M. Cleary |
| 2000 | Daniel L. Toomey |
| 1999 | Robert Brent Zook |
| 1998 | Sharon C. Clark |
| 1997 | Hope H. Fey |
| 1996 | Robert W. Hammerle |
Gault Award Recipients
The Gault Award was instituted by the Board of Directors of the Indiana Public Defender Council as an annual tribute to a defender who has exhibited an exceptional level of dedication, skill, and professionalism while advocating for indigent juvenile clients. This accolade is named in honor of the landmark In re Gault case, which solidified the right to legal representation in juvenile delinquency proceedings. Each Gault Award recipient allocates a significant portion of their practice to offering indigent defense services in cases involving juveniles.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Annie Fierek |
| 2024 | Shannon O'Toole |
| 2023 | Katherine A. Province |
| 2022 | Gary W. Sorge |
| 2021 | Rachel A. Vilensky |
| 2020 | Carl A. Markovich |
| 2019 | Joel C. Wieneke |
| 2018 | Shannon Howard-Chastain |
| 2017 | James Spangler Jr. |
| 2016 | Michael C. Ice |
| 2015 | Jan B. Berg |
| 2014 | Kaarin M. Lueck |
| 2013 | No Gault recipient |
| 2012 | Robert W. Newell |
| 2011 | No Gault recipient |
| 2010 | Jill M. Johnson |
| 2009 | Amy E. Karozos |
| 2008 | Katherine A. Cornelius |
| 2007 | Daniel C. Schroeder |
| 2006 | Jeffrey D. Galyen |
| 2005 | Steven C. Smith |
| 2004 | Janice L. Stevens |
| 2003 | Jeffery L. Lantz |
Baird Award Recipients
Every year, the IPDC (Indiana Public Defender Council) carefully selects a new practitioner in the legal field who exemplifies intelligence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service. This individual is honored with the prestigious Zebulon Baird Award, a recognition that commemorates Baird's legacy as a true advocate for justice. Zebulon Baird's life was a living embodiment of the principles of service and fairness that lie at the core of public defense. The Baird Award is intended to honor a lawyer with fewer than 10 years of experience in the legal profession who mirrors the same resolute determination as Baird himself. Through this award, we aspire to keep Baird's memory alive and to rekindle the spirit that drives us all in our roles as public defenders, reminding us of the profound reasons that led us to embrace this important work.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Brooke L. Scheurich |
| 2024 | Riley Parr |
| 2023 | Codi M. Morrison (co-recipient) |
| 2023 | Katharine C. Czinke (co-recipient) |
Teresa Campbell Staff Award
Established in 2024, the Teresa Campbell Support Staff Award recognizes a public defender support staff person who demonstrates a strong dedication to public defense and to providing high quality legal support to public defenders. This award is named in honor of Teresa Campbell, a long servicing IPDC staff member who served public defenders, assigned counsel, and their staff members with warmth, treating their needs with the utmost respect and urgency. This award seeks to keep Teresa’s memory alive by recognizing other support staff who serve with warmth and kindness.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Janice Glotzbach |
| 2024 | Kathy McDowell |
Maritza Webb Advocacy in Child Welfare Award
The Maritza Webb Advocacy in Child Welfare Award recognizes public defenders who exhibit vigor, compassion, and critical thinking while protecting the dignity and constitutional rights of families involved in the child welfare system. Named in honor of Maritza Webb, who spent her legal career defending families in CHINS and TPR cases, this award seeks to keep her memory alive by recognizing child welfare public defenders who embody her passion and commitment to improving the child welfare system. The award celebrates attorneys who demonstrate exceptional advocacy skills and unwavering dedication to ensuring fair treatment and due process for vulnerable families navigating complex legal proceedings.
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Heather Edmands |