Carmel reader: Paul Sweeney would be “outstanding addition” to county judiciary

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Dear Editor:

I am honored to write in support of my friend and former colleague Paul Sweeney. In my view we can choose no finer lawyer, citizen, and public servant to become the first judge of Hamilton County’s new Superior Court 9.

I came to Indiana 35 years ago to practice law at the law firm of Ice Miller, from which I recently retired as a senior partner. I was fortunate to practice alongside Paul Sweeney for nearly 20 of those years, which gave me a front-row view of his legal ability, work ethic, fairness, and unwavering commitment to serving others. These are the precise characteristics that will make him an outstanding judge for the citizens of Hamilton County.

While many lawyers can claim to be “litigators” because they are involved in filing documents related to lawsuits, Paul is part of the rare breed of trial lawyers who actually spend their time in courtrooms working with judges, juries, opposing counsel, and other courtroom personnel who enable our judicial system to function. Paul has represented clients in Indiana courts from all walks of life – small businesses, large corporations, and needy individuals – in a wide range of legal matters, and is committed to the pursuit of justice for all Hoosiers.

Even among experienced courtroom lawyers, Paul stands out for his fearlessness and dogged determination to do the right thing, which are essential characteristics for any judge I’d want on the bench. While Paul is a planner and thinker who carefully thinks through all the factual and legal issues presented by a case before trial, he also has a rare ability to make adjustments once trial begins in response to unexpected developments. This ability to think deeply while remaining flexible in response to changing circumstances would be an asset to any judge.

Paul is a life-long learner, and he would apply this love of learning to augment his years of experience as a courtroom advocate to become a supremely effective member of the bench. Most importantly, he is dedicated to his family, his church, and the profession of law in a way that is more akin to a calling than a vocation. This same dedication would cause him to work every day to be a more effective judge and continually improve the Indiana court system.

Like Paul, I am a Hoosier by Choice, and I, like Paul, have come to love this State deeply. Paul would be an outstanding addition to our judiciary, and I give him my highest endorsement, and vote, to become the first judge of Hamilton Superior Court 9.

Michael L. Tooley
Carmel