Connell Michael, LLP

05/10/2026

Today, we celebrate the mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers who lead with strength, compassion, wisdom, and resilience every single day.

Whether at home, at work, or within our communities, your guidance and support shape lives in countless ways. We are grateful for all you do often behind the scenes and without recognition.

From all of us at Connell Michael, LLP Happy Mother’s Day to the women who care, nurture, advocate, and inspire.

04/30/2026

Nancy Minton is facing three counts each of obstruction of justice and failure to make a report and one count of neglect of a dependent in the investigation.

04/26/2026

Every child deserves a safe and supported childhood. In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, we are reminded of the role we all play in protecting and advocating for children.

At Metzger Rosta LLP and Connell Michael LLP, we are dedicated to standing with children and families, working to promote safety, accountability, and a stronger future for those impacted.

04/24/2026

We’re proud to celebrate Connell Michael, LLP partner Jennifer Hostetter, on being named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s prestigious Top 40 Under 40 list.

This recognition highlights Jennifer’s leadership, dedication to her clients, and meaningful contributions to our firm and the broader community. Her commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and precision continue to set her apart.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jennifer is deeply invested in giving back, demonstrating a passion for service that reflects the very best of our profession.

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer on this well-deserved honor. We’re fortunate to have her as a leader on our team and look forward to her continued success.

02/22/2026

We are extremely proud to share that all three senior Partners of Connell Michael, LLP, including Erin L. Connell, Catherine M. Michael, and Jennifer J. Hostetter were selected to the 2026 Indiana Super Lawyers® list!

Being selected to Super Lawyers® is a prestigious and highly competitive honor, the list recognizes outstanding attorneys who have demonstrated professional achievement and peer recognition through a rigorous, patented selection process that includes nominations, independent research, and evaluation by a blue-ribbon panel of attorneys. Only a small percentage of lawyers in each state are selected each year.

We’re especially proud to note that Catherine M. Michael was the sole attorney in Indiana honored with a Super Lawyers® distinction as a Super Lawyer in School Law.

Meet Our CM Super Lawyers®

Erin L. Connell, Founding & Co-managing Partner
Erin focuses her practice on Family Law. A Certified Family Law Specialist as certified by the Family Law Certification Board, and a U.S. Air Force Veteran, Erin brings nearly two decades of experience and a deep understanding of complex family matters, including international cases under the Hague Convention. Her approach blends compassionate client service with strong advocacy whether in mediation, collaborative law, or the courtroom.

Catherine M. Michael, Founding & Co-Managing Partner
Catherine’s practice centers on representation of children and the disabled in Education and School Law and Personal Injury, where she is nationally recognized for her work. Her distinction as the only attorney in Indiana selected for School Law this year speaks to her unique expertise and leadership in this specialized area.

Jennifer J. Hostetter, Partner
Jennifer focuses exclusively on Family Law, including high-conflict divorce, custody disputes, parenting time issues, and post-decree modifications. She’s also a trained mediator, parenting coordinator, and guardian ad litem, bringing strategic insight and calm authority to even the most emotionally complex cases.

About Connell Michael, LLP

As one of the largest women-owned law firms in Indiana, Connell Michael, LLP provides result-driven legal advocacy across Family Law, Personal Injury, and Educational Law. Additional attorneys in this firm in an associate or of-counsel position include Dayna Friduss, Carla Leader, Michelle McQuire, and Ben Hinerfeld. Staff includes Patricia Howey, Lori Elmlinger, Lyndsey Gillespie, Steve Elmlinger, Emma Vargas, Devin Elmlinger, Sarah Pund and Abigail Nebot. We combine deep legal experience with personalized service to fiercely protect our clients’ rights, futures, and families.

www.connellmichaellaw.com

https://digital.superlawyers.com/v/Indiana-2026/?page=30

Women-owned, nationally recognized firm practicing personal injury, family, and educational law. We fight zealously and get results.

02/05/2026

From Policy to Practice: Advocating for Special Education Rights in Schools
Presenters: Missy Alexander, Catherine Michael, Esq, Mandy Favaloro, Esq & Theresa Sester

Brief Session Description:
This two-day training is crafted for parents, advocates, and attorneys new to special education, committed to protecting the rights of students with disabilities in public schools. With a focus on special education discipline, the program dives deep into spotting issues, legal frameworks, strategic advocacy, and practical problem-solving. Topics include effective evaluations, IEP development and implementation, seclusion and restraint, Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), Manifestation Determination Reviews, expulsion defense, and at-the-table negotiation strategies for IEP Meetings and Mediations. Through interactive exercises, real-world scenarios, and collaborative discussions, participants strengthen their skills in navigating the law, the school system, influencing outcomes, and negotiating with decision-makers. The training is structured to meet a range of experience levels and prioritizes effective advocacy over formal legal representation at hearings. This training is focused on bridging the gap between policy and practice to equip you with tools that make a difference. Note: The training emphasizes advocacy strategies, not direct hearing representation.

For additional information and to register now, please visit our website. www.copaa.org/page/2026-conference-register



ALT - Promotional graphic for the COPAA 28th Annual Conference. Presentation title and featuring headshots of Presenter(s) and their names. Event details include Crystal Gateway Marriott, VA, March 3–8, 2026, with COPAA branding and a U.S. Capitol illustration in the background.

02/05/2026

01/16/2026

Connell Michael, LLP in Carmel, Indiana is hiring a full-time Associate Attorney with 2–6 years of litigation experience. We are looking for a candidate with beginning trial experience, exceptional legal writing ability, and strong litigation skills. Candidates willing and motivated to learn will be considered.

Connell Michael, LLP is a team oriented firm that values professionalism, integrity, and strong advocacy. We take pride in delivering high quality work and providing thoughtful, responsive service to our clients. Our practice areas include personal injury, family law, civil rights, and education law, and our cases often involve meaningful issues that make a real difference in people’s lives.

This position offers a competitive salary, health benefits, a 401(k) with employer matching, and a flexible work environment. Hybrid/remote work may be available for the right candidate with the appropriate experience and self-motivating drive.

If you are interested, or know someone who may be a good fit, please message me or send a resume and writing sample. Feel free to share. Please contact us at [email protected] with a copy to our office manager [email protected].

12/07/2025

Family of student with autism wins in the Fifth Circuit in Extended School Year case

On November 21, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit handed down a victory for a student with a disability. You can read the Fifth Circuit decision in North East Independent School District v. I.M. here.

In this case, the parent of a student with autism sought full-summer extended school year services (“ESY”), among other relief, to prevent her son’s documented regression during school breaks. The parent prevailed following a due process hearing, the school district appealed, and the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas affirmed.

The school district appealed the district court’s decision, and the parent again prevailed, with the Fifth Circuit finding that because the school district refused to offer full-summer ESY services, the student’s Individualized Education Program (“IEP”) was insufficiently individualized and the district therefore did not provide the student an appropriate education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”). The Fifth Circuit noted that the school district had known the following: the student regressed during school breaks, he benefited from ESY services, half-day summer ESY services for only six weeks was too short a time period given the student’s needs, and the interruption of IEP services during breaks caused the student to regress. Specifically, there was clear evidence that he had regressed in toileting skills and experienced an increase in dangerous elopements following school breaks. The court also determined that the student’s behavioral regression outweighed the academic benefits of his IEP.

Family of student with autism wins in the Fifth Circuit in Extended School Year case., along with the Texas Organization of Parent Attorneys and Advocates represented by COPAA member, Roy Atwood, submitted an amicus brief to the Fifth Circuit in support of the family. The brief was authored by COPAA Legal Director Selene Almazan and Amicus Committee Co-Chairs Catherine Merino Reisman and Ellen Saideman.

�https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.copaa.org/resource/resmgr/docs/2025_docs_/24-50833,_north_east_v._i.m..pdf

ALT - Government Justice Court Symbol text read Amicus Brief

11/21/2025

Connell Michael, LLP is honored to support the Hamilton County Humane Society and its annual Tinsel & Tails event, an evening that celebrates the inspiring stories, dedicated volunteers, and lifesaving work that make our community stronger.

The Hamilton County Humane Society plays a vital role in providing compassionate care, medical support, and second chances to thousands of pets each year. Their mission goes far beyond sheltering they foster community, advocate for animal welfare, and give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.

As a firm deeply committed to our community, supporting Tinsel & Tails is an opportunity for us to stand behind the people and pets who make Hamilton County such a remarkable place to live and work. We are grateful for the humane society’s unwavering dedication and for the love and comfort their work brings to families across the county.

Connell Michael, LLP is proud to play a small part in empowering an organization that continues to inspire hope, create change, and strengthen the bonds that hold our community together