Attorney Marc Lopez of the Marc Lopez Law Firm helped teach Indiana attorneys about the ethics of business development and marketing at ICLEF’s Applied Professionalism 2026 seminar on October 29, 2026, in Indianapolis.
His advice focused on two practical lessons for attorneys beginning their careers: Be proactive about making connections and establishing yourself, and stay informed about the marketing being done on your behalf.
Marc joined F. Anthony “Tony” Paganelli, Rebecca W. Geyer, and Frederick W. “Fred” Schultz for the panel, “Understanding the Ethics of Business Development and Marketing.” The session was part of a day-long continuing legal education program hosted by the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, known as ICLEF.
Take Initiative When Building Your Legal Career
Marc encouraged new attorneys to take an active role in establishing themselves.
Make connections. Get involved. Put effort into building professional relationships.
Starting a legal career involves developing both legal skills and relationships with the people around you. Marc’s message emphasized taking initiative during that process instead of waiting for opportunities to arrive.
For attorneys beginning their careers, that means treating professional connections and business development as work deserving ongoing attention. Establishing yourself takes participation, effort, and a willingness to reach out.
Stay Involved in Your Law Firm’s Marketing
Marc’s second teaching point concerned the relationship between attorneys and marketing agencies.
His message was direct: Don’t assume an agency will automatically do what is right for your practice. You need to know what is going on.
Hiring outside help should still involve asking questions and understanding the work being done in your name. Attorneys should remain engaged with how their services are presented and how their practices communicate with the public.
For someone establishing a firm, it can be tempting to hand marketing to an agency and turn attention elsewhere. Marc encouraged new attorneys to remain informed participants in that relationship.
The practical takeaway: Get help where you need it, and stay involved.
Coming to Teach and Leaving With More to Learn
The seminar was also a learning opportunity for Marc.
Reflecting on the experience, he said he came to teach and walked away having learned so much from fellow panelists Fred, Rebecca, and Tony.
That exchange is part of what makes continuing legal education valuable. Presenters bring different experiences, perspectives, and approaches to the same professional challenges. Participating creates opportunities to contribute and to reconsider your own approach through conversations with colleagues.
For Marc, the experience combined sharing lessons from his career with learning from the attorneys presenting alongside him.
About ICLEF’s Applied Professionalism 2026 Seminar
The Applied Professionalism 2026 program took place at the ICLEF Conference Facility in Indianapolis on October 29.
Marc’s panel was one part of a full day devoted to professionalism and the practical responsibilities of legal practice. Other sessions addressed civility, career development, malpractice insurance, lawyer assistance, legal ethics, conflicts of interest, and trust accounts.
In addition to Marc and his fellow panelists, the program’s listed faculty included Hon. Leanna K. Weissmann, Monica S. McCoskey, Eric C. Redman, James J. Bell, and Margaret M. Christensen. The agenda also included a session devoted to the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program.
The Marc Lopez Law Firm thanks ICLEF, program chair Tony Paganelli, the entire faculty, and the participating attorneys for supporting Indiana’s legal community.
About Attorney Marc Lopez
Marc Lopez is an Indianapolis attorney whose background includes service as a Marion County deputy prosecutor and experience in criminal defense and personal injury litigation.
Through his practice and participation in attorney education, Marc contributes a practitioner’s perspective on the work of representing clients and building a law practice.
Learn more about Attorney Marc Lopez’s background or explore the Marc Lopez Law Firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Marc Lopez teach at ICLEF’s Applied Professionalism 2026 seminar?
Marc participated in a panel on the ethics of business development and marketing. His teaching points emphasized proactively making connections and establishing yourself, along with staying informed about the work of outside marketing agencies.
Who presented alongside Marc Lopez?
Marc’s fellow panelists were F. Anthony “Tony” Paganelli, Rebecca W. Geyer, and Frederick W. “Fred” Schultz.
When and where was the seminar held?
The seminar took place on October 29, 2026, at the ICLEF Conference Facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What does ICLEF stand for?
ICLEF stands for the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, the organization that hosted the day-long Applied Professionalism 2026 program.