Ice Miller is pleased to announce that partners, Charles E. Bush II, James Watson, and chief operating officer (COO), Mitchell Hopwood have been selected as 2024 Leadership in Law honorees by The Indiana Lawyer. Bush is being recognized as an Up and Coming Lawyer, Watson as a recipient of the Distinguished Barrister Award, while Hopwood was selected as a Legal Support Star.

The annual Leadership in Law Awards honor members of the legal community who have shown a commitment to their profession, as well as to the clients and communities they serve. As 2024 honorees, Bush, Watson and Hopwood will be recognized on Thursday, May 30, at an event celebrating all Leadership in Law Award winners.

Bush is an accomplished attorney in Ice Miller’s Workplace Solutions practice, who began his legal career at the firm as an associate in 2013. Elevated to partner in 2020, he is a champion for diversity and is constantly looking for ways to dismantle racial and cultural barriers for the next generation. Bush understands his platform and the impact that he can make and takes that responsibility seriously by mentoring law students and younger attorneys.

Watson is a part of the firm’s Data Security & Privacy and White Collar Defense &Investigations practices. His more than 20 years working in federal law enforcement in cybersecurity and data privacy has positioned him to advocate for clients across the state and beyond. Watson served as an agent at the FBI, where he participated in numerous high-profile matters, including investigating the Florida aspects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as well as coordinating with international partners to address transnational criminal organizations.

As Chief Operating Officer, Hopwood has helped facilitate key strategic mergers, which have enabled Ice Miller to expand its practice offerings and increase its fleet of lawyers and support staff, as well as position the firm to reach across state lines and target clients on a more national scale. He has been the driving force for initiatives across all administrative departments to help move Ice Miller into an era of continuous improvement and growth, and up through the rankings of the Am Law 200.  

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About Ice Miller LLP

Ice Miller LLP is a full-service law firm dedicated to helping our clients stay ahead in a changing world. With more than 350 legal professionals across nine offices, we advise clients on all aspects of the complex legal issues impacting businesses each day. We serve emerging growth companies, FORTUNE 500 corporations, municipal entities and nonprofits. To learn more, visit us at icemiller.com.