Client-Recommended Attorneys, Adjusters and Experts
Client-Recommended Attorneys, Adjusters and Experts



Best's Recommended Insurance Attorneys - General Defense


803 South Calhoun Street, 9th Floor, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 11489, Fort Wayne, IN 46858-1489

Established: 1950

Practice Areas

  • Insurance Defense
  • Automobile
  • Commercial Law
  • Product Liability
  • Professional Liability
  • Property and Casualty
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Public Entities
  • Self-Insured
  • Health Care
  • Toxic Torts
  • Environmental Law
  • Coverage Issues
  • Mediation
  • Arbitration


About Us

65 Years of Experience

It is the mission of Hunt Suedhoff Kearney LLP to provide the personal attention of a small town practice with the skill, power, and effectiveness of a regional practice.

We believe in long lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with our clients. We will provide high quality, cost effective legal services in a timely manner at a price that is fair and reasonable to the firm and clients alike. We will provide professional, ethical representation as both advocates and advisors. We will address our clients' present and future needs with appropriate, innovative, and successful solutions.

A Rich History of Success

The Story of Hunt Suedhoff Kearney is really the story of two law firms. The first, Hunt Suedhoff, dates back to the 1940's. Back then, Fort Wayne attorney Leigh L. Hunt earned a reputation as a knowledgeable and effective trial lawyer. A few years later in 1950, he opened his own law firm, concentrating on litigation and committed to giving his clients the best service possible. Through the years, as the firm grew, it became widely recognized for capable attorneys and a knowledgeable staff.

The second story begins in South Bend, Indiana in 1960 with the creation of Kalamaros & Associates. The firm was founded on the idea of combining traditional work ethic with modern technology and contemporary techniques to best serve its clients. Through the years, it too became known for outstanding service and talented attorneys.

In 2000, the two firms joined forces. This solidified Hunt Suedhoff Kearney as the premier law firm in northern Indiana with one of the area's largest civil litigation practices. The Firm works with the insurance industry and national corporations as regional counsel. The Firm's commercial, corporate and estate services feature experienced attorneys as well.

At Hunt Suedhoff Kearney, we are still committed to Mr. Hunt's ideal of providing the best service possible and Mr. Kalamaros' belief in adaptation and growth. Effective communication skills and the ability to find successful solutions to clients' problems through knowledge, integrity, experience and efficiency, are the hallmarks of Hunt Suedhoff Kalamaros.

A Variety of Experience

Insurance litigation is one of the most demanding areas of practice for attorneys. Law firms must be able to represent clients in cases dealing with all types of businesses, organizations and government agencies. It is also imperative to be knowledgeable in many facets of the law. Our representation in the insurance industry has given Hunt Suedhoff Kalamaros a reputation for dedication, resourcefulness and success. We are adept at immersing our-selves in different areas of business in order to provide competent and successful legal service to our clients.

Hunt Suedhoff Kearney also provides health care law services to a wide variety of clients. Health care groups and hospitals in this area trust us to represent them in medical malpractice defense, risk management, guidance on regulatory issues and compliance, advice and services in the business aspects of health care practice.

We attend to our clients' personal and business law needs in estate planning, probate administration, estate law and family law. On the business side we represent clients in business organization, employment matters, commercial transaction cases and other areas of corporate law. We also work extensively in the fields of mediation and conflict resolution for clients. Our staff includes skilled lawyers in business law, assisting small and mid-sized companies both in their daily operations and representing them as special needs arise. We are confident that we can find solutions for you in these areas as well.

Litigation Strength

While many law firms speak of courtroom experience, when it comes to litigation, we are second to none. Hunt Suedhoff Kearney has one of the largest litigation practices in northern Indiana. We represent a variety of clients including corporations and individuals in local, state and federal courts. So whether you need representation as a defendant or plaintiff, for personal or business reasons, we can help.

We resolve hundreds of disputes each year in and out of the courtroom we go where we need to go and we do what we need to do, be it trial, hearing, appeal, arbitration, mediation or administrative proceeding. Our experience in the courtroom and our reputation for outstanding advocacy make it less likely that your case will end up in the courtroom. However, if circumstances do dictate such action, we have the experience and knowledge to do the job.

Superior Service

Historically, we have concentrated in the insurance industry our work with these clients has given us valuable insights into that business. It has taught us certain disciplines, including complaince and efficiency. Insurance clients demand efficient use of their funds and we extend those standards to all our clients. You can be assured that the amount of work done on your case will be what is reasonable under the circumstances. When you receive a bill, you will know what we did and why we did it.

We currently operate four offices, Fort Wayne, South Bend and Indianapolis Indiana and St. Joseph Michigan. We are available wherever and whenever you need us.


Additional Locations

  • South Bend, Indiana
  • 205 West Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 300
  • P.O. Box 4156 (46634-4156)
  • South Bend, Indiana 46601
    • Telephone: 574-232-4801
    • Fax: 574-232-9736
  • Indianapolis, Indiana
  • 155 East Market Street, Suite 750
  • Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
    • Telephone: 317-784-4966
    • Fax: 317-784-5566

Client Information

Representative Clients


Personnel Information

Partners


Scott L. Bunnell

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 1983
Education:
  • Michigan State University, B.A., 1979
  • Michigan State University, J.D., 1983

Born: 1954


Timothy W. DeGroote

Managing Partner

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 1995
Education:
  • Marquette University, B.A., 1991
  • Valparaiso University, J.D., 1995

Born: 1969


James J. Shea

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 1984
Education:
  • King's College, B.A., 1981
  • Valparaiso University, J.D., 1984

Born: 1959


Stephen E. Dever

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 1995
Education:
  • Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, B.S., 1989
  • Indiana University School of Law, J.D., 1995

Born: 1967


Daniel J. Palmer

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 1991
Education:
  • Butler University, B.S. (cum laude), 1988
  • Indiana University School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 1991

Born: 1966


Eric M. Wilkins

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 2005
Education:
  • Indiana University, B.S., 2001
  • University of Dayton School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2005

Born: 1978


Michelle K. Floyd

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 2010
Education:
  • Indiana University-Bloomington, B.A., 2002
  • Valparaiso University School of Law, J.D. (cum laude), 2010

Born: 1979


Jeremy D. Lemon

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 2012
Education:
  • Liberty University, B.S., 2009
  • Liberty University School of Law, J.D. (magna cum laude), 2012

Born: 1987


Michael G. Getty

Fort Wayne, IN and South Bend, IN
Admitted
  • Illinois, 1987
  • Indiana, 1993
Education:
  • University of Michigan, B.A., 1984
  • Southern Illinois University School of Law, J.D., 1987

Born: 1962


Joshua A. Burkhardt

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 2001
Education:
  • Northern Kentucky University, B.A. (cum laude), 1998
  • Ohio Northern University, Pettit College of Law, J.D. (with high honors), 2001

Born: 1974


Associates


Kathryn R. Yarnelle

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 2015
Education:
  • Valparaiso University, B.A., 2012
  • Valparaiso School of Law, J.D. (magna cum laude), 2015

Born: 1989


John D. Hamilton

Fort Wayne, IN and Indianapolis, IN
Admitted
  • Indiana, 2013
Education:
  • Olivet Nazarene College, B.A., 2007
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., 2012

Born: 1985


Kirsten R. Andrews

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 2018
Education:
  • Indiana University-Fort Wayne, B.S., 2015
  • The University of Toledo College of Law, J.D., 2018

Born: 1992


Jerad B. Marks

Fort Wayne, IN

Admitted
  • Indiana, 2015
Education:
  • University of Maryland University College, B.S., 2010
  • Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, J.D., 2014

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