Even though he has been practicing law for 50 years, Douglas D. Church’s motivation to practice hasn’t wavered.
“Continuing to enjoy the interaction with my colleagues and clients and the stimulation resulting from an interesting case to resolve,” Church said of his motivation.
Church, a senior partner of the Noblesville firm of Church Church Hittle + Antrim, has been named the 2020 Legendary Lawyer by his peers in the Indiana Bar Foundation for his dedication to legal ethics, community involvement and public service.
The annual Legendary Lawyer Award recognizes an Indiana Bar Foundation Fellow who demonstrates adherence to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession throughout a legal career of 50 years or more
“To be honored by my peers in such a way means a great deal, knowing they recognize my commitment to serving others in the same way they do,” Church said. “When you’ve had a career as long and rewarding as mine, you learn very quickly that anything is a possibility. Not a day has gone by that serving others wasn’t at the top of my priorities, though I know the same can be said about my peers at CCHA and elsewhere.”
The Noblesville resident will be honored in a virtual ceremony before friends, family and colleagues at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15.
“There is not another person who possesses greater insight, greater passion, or greater humility than Doug,” stated the Honorable Steven David, Indiana Supreme Court, in his letter of support. “He is everything that comes to mind when one thinks of what a legendary lawyer is and what a legendary lawyer means to our profession.”
Church watched the growth of Noblesville and Fishers as he served as town attorney for the Town of Fishers from 1980 to 2015 and was city attorney for Noblesville from 1988 to 1996.
“It was great fun to be ‘…in the room where it happened…’ for so many significant events,” Church said.
He is a past president of the Indiana State Bar Association, Hamilton County Bar Association and the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum
Church has been involved in numerous community endeavors, serving on several board of directors, including being a founding member of Hamilton County Leadership Academy.
“Community involvement is truly at the core of law,” he said. “Serving our friends and neighbors is of the utmost importance, both by day and within the walls of CCHA, and after hours. Becoming involved with community partners and entrenched in the communities we serve ensures the attorneys at CCHA remain humbled to our broader mission and that we don’t lose sight of what is truly important in life – providing value and help where we can, when we can.”
Church joined his uncle, Manson Church, along with then partners Justin and Joe Roberts and Gary Beerbower upon his admission to the bar in 1970 in the firm which was then called Roberts and Church. After the passing of Justin Roberts, the firm was renamed Church Roberts and Beerbower. After the retirement of Joe Roberts and Gary Beerbower, the firm became Church Church Hittle + Antrim, which it remains to this day.
“From five lawyers when I began, to 47 lawyers today and a local, regional, state and national practice, it has been quite an exciting 50 years,” Church said.
