Judge Kelly Benjamin Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Bartholomew County Circuit Court Judge Kelly S. Benjamin, was sworn in and admitted into the United States Supreme Court Bar in Washington D.C.
This allows Benjamin the ability to appear in front of, and present cases to, the United States Supreme Court as an attorney. To be admitted, one must demonstrate that they are a licensed attorney in good standing with a state’s highest court for at least three years, have a good moral character, are not currently subject to any disciplinary actions and have two sponsors from existing Supreme Court Bar members to vouch for the attorney seeking admission.
Benjamin has been an attorney for 32 years and was elected to the Bartholomew County Circuit Court in 2017. She sits as the Circuit Court judge hearing criminal felony, family law, civil law and probate cases. Since being elected, she has been involved with the ASAP initiative, starting in 2017 as the lead for the Intervention Section, and now sits on the ASAP Board as vice president.
She started the Adult Drug Recovery Court Program in 2019 which is currently ongoing. She was chairperson of the Indiana Office of Court Services Judicial Education Committee for six years from 2018 – 2023. She was accepted into the Graduate Judicial College and successfully completed the two-year program in the summer of 2023.
“Walking into the historical United States Supreme Court and being admitted to the Bar, with all Supreme Court Justices present, was a very humbling and incredible experience after practicing law for over 32 years. Myself and nine other attorneys from Indiana who were being admitted were also unexpectedly allowed a short meet and greet with Chief Justice Roberts. Truly a culminating lifetime event. Many sincere thanks to the Indiana State Bar Association for assisting with the application, process and arrangements for this amazing opportunity and honor,” Benjamin said.
