Law for the sake of children, for families in transition™
Deborah M. Agard graduated cum laude from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, in 2000. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Butler University, and received her BA from Indiana University. She worked as a paralegal for eighteen years before earning her law license. Deborah has taught several family law seminars for attorneys, paralegals, and judges. She received the Indiana Pro Bono Commission's award for excellence in pro bono publico, named in honor of the Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, Randall T. Shepard, and honors his vision and leadership in pro bono in Indiana. The 2008 Randall T. Shepard Pro Bono Publico Award celebrated three attorneys and two bar associations state-wide. Deborah was named Up and Coming Lawyer in 2007 by the Indiana Lawyer Leadership in Law; Distinguished Fellow by the Indianapolis Bar Association in 2007; and, in 2006, she received the Board Member of the Year award from the Indiana State GAL/CASA. Deborah was a Charter Class Member of the Indianapolis Bar Association's Bar Leader Series, and she received the 2003 Heartland Probono Council award. Deborah serves as Chair of the Board of Directors and volunteer Guardian ad Litem for Kids Voice of Indiana, Inc.; she is a member of the Civil Rights of Children Committee of the Indiana State Bar Association, Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Committee, Family Law Section, Indiana State Bar Association; a member of the advisory committee for The Indiana Lawyer, a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the National Association of Counsel for Children. Deborah's practice concentrates in family law issues at the trial and appellate levels.
Leah S. Cannon, Associate Attorney, graduated from Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis after obtaining her BA, cum laude, from Jackson State University, Jackson Mississippi. Leah worked with the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, prosecuting cases that ranged from misdemeanor to felony offenses, and she was the deputy prosecutor for Adult Protective Services, the PAIR Mental Health Diversion Program, and Identity Deception Unit before entering private practice. Leah's experience includes work in family law, civil litigation, and real estate issues. Leah helped set up summer camp for at-risk youth with the not-for-profit organization, One Hundred Black Men, in Jackson Mississippi; she is a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Leah is a volunteer guardian ad litem for Kids' Voice of Indiana, Inc., and her practice concentrates in family law and criminal issues at the trial and appellate levels.
LaVern R. Ceaser, Legal Assistant, has completed most of her coursework in Paralegal Studies; she manages the administrative and legal secretarial duties in criminal, civil, and family law. A native Texan, LaVern gained experience as a legal assistant with a Dallas law firm concentrating in family law. LaVern has extensive experience with computers, computer graphics, and a vast knowledge of software applications. She offered volunteer services to local food pantries and her community.
Kelley C. Midkiff, Adminsitrative Assistant, is a graduate of the University of Maine. Kelley has extensive administrative experience in Maine and in Indianapolis in areas ranging from education & psychiatric sevices to the Indiana Coalition on Housing and Homeless issues in Indianapolis. Kelley's vast experience ranges from working on a lobster boat to coordinating data entry for extensive data bases in all areas of business.
Rebecca D. Nakasone, Administrative Assistant, attended the University of Indianapolis and brings a diverse background of experience to the firm that ranges from inventory control, accounting, website management, and retail sales.
Lynda Trimble, Receptionist, is currently working toward her paralegal degree.
Julia F. Agard, Office Administrator, retired in 2006 after selling her bookstore opened in the early 1980s. Julie assists with the financial administration of the firm and is a volunteer Guardian ad Litem for Kids' Voice of Indiana, Inc., was nominated as Volunteer of the Year at the 2006 Indiana Governor's Conference on Service and Volunteerism, and she was recognized for her contributions to the Children of St. Mary's Child Center, Indianapolis. Julie has nine grandchildren and three great-granddaughters.