Jason Shartzer is a trial attorney based in Indiana with more than two decades of experience handling personal injury, civil rights, and complex litigation cases. Raised in Brownsburg on the west side of Indianapolis, Jason's passion for justice began early in life and ultimately led him to pursue a legal career. After graduating from Loyola University in New Orleans, he attended law school at Thomas Jefferson School of Law before returning to Indiana.

In this episode…
The path to becoming an effective trial lawyer often requires resilience, humility, and a willingness to take on the toughest cases. Jason Shartzer shares how his early legal experience working with attorney Buddy Yosha helped shape his courtroom approach, often stepping in to handle challenging cases others were hesitant to take. Those formative years taught him the importance of authenticity, preparation, and connecting with juries through honesty and humility.

Jason also dives into the complexities of civil rights and police misconduct cases, explaining the legal hurdles attorneys face when pursuing claims against government entities due to sovereign immunity and other legal barriers. He discusses a recent civil rights verdict involving a police shootout at a homeowner's residence, where careful investigation and ballistic evidence played a key role in challenging the officers' account of events. Along the way, he reflects on broader issues within tort law, including the limitations of the medical malpractice system and the critical role civil litigation plays in holding powerful institutions accountable.

In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Jason Shartzer about his journey from Brownsburg to building his own practice, the mentors who shaped his career, and the lessons he's learned from decades in the courtroom. Jason also shares advice for young lawyers on perseverance, humility, and pursuing meaningful work, emphasizing that despite the challenges of litigation, helping clients through difficult moments makes the profession deeply rewarding.

Nick Baker is a longtime Indiana trial lawyer and lifelong Hoosier who has practiced law for more than two decades. Raised in Bloomington and a graduate of Indiana University, Nick was influenced early on by his father, Indiana's longest-serving judge, and his stepfather, a respected medical malpractice defense attorney. Throughout his career, he has focused on challenging government overreach and corporate misconduct, including taking cases involving Ku Klux Klan-era laws to the United States Supreme Court.

In this episode…
Judicial independence and democratic participation remain cornerstones of the American legal system—but what happens when historical laws and modern politics collide? Nick Baker joins the podcast to discuss his current pro bono lawsuit challenging Indiana's judicial selection framework, tracing its origins back to the 1920s and examining how those laws shaped voting rights and judicial appointments in counties such as Lake, St. Joseph, and Marion.

Nick explains the broader legal and constitutional questions surrounding judicial transparency, appointment systems, and the importance of maintaining public trust in the courts. He and Alex explore civic engagement, voter participation—particularly among younger generations—and the role primary elections play in shaping leadership. The conversation also touches on larger national policy issues, including healthcare costs, insurance industry profits, corporate consolidation, taxation, and federal debt, all through the lens of accountability and representative government.

In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes interviews Nick Baker about his legal career, his campaign, and his perspective on preserving democratic institutions. Nick shares why he believes pragmatic leadership, civic involvement, and community engagement are essential to protecting the rule of law and ensuring that government reflects the will of the people.

Chase Wilson is an attorney who focuses on civil rights and constitutional law, with experience navigating complex use-of-force and government accountability cases. In this episode, Chase joins Circle City Conversations host Alex Limontes to break down recent federal immigration enforcement incidents and the legal frameworks that govern accountability when federal officers are involved.

In this episode…
Recent federal immigration enforcement actions have raised serious questions about the use of force, accountability, and the legal remedies available to victims and their families. High-profile incidents in Minneapolis involving the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Peretti have brought renewed attention to how ICE agents operate in public spaces and the legal limitations that arise when federal officers are accused of excessive force.

Chase Wilson walks through the facts surrounding these incidents, explaining how publicly available video footage has played a critical role in shaping the narrative and exposing potential misconduct. He outlines the legal barriers victims face when pursuing civil rights claims against federal officers, including the limits of 42 U.S.C. § 1983, the erosion of Bivens claims, and the challenges of pursuing wrongful death actions under the Federal Tort Claims Act, particularly within the Seventh Circuit. The conversation also explores doctrines such as qualified immunity, the discretionary function exception, and how courts analyze reasonableness in deadly force cases.

In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes and Chase Wilson discuss what ICE agents can and cannot legally do during enforcement actions, including warrantless arrests in public spaces and the constitutional protections that apply to private property. They also share practical guidance for bystanders and community members, including the importance of documenting encounters, understanding constitutional rights, and seeking experienced civil rights counsel. The episode concludes with a broader discussion on the need for accountability, mentorship within civil rights law, and the critical role attorneys play in protecting civil liberties amid aggressive enforcement efforts.