Bench Bar Poolside Chat 1: Sarah Baker and Bianca Eddy on Networking, Litigation, and Building Community

In this special episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes heads to French Lick, Indiana, for the Indy Bar Bench Bar Conference, where attorneys from across the Indiana legal community gather to learn, connect, and enjoy time together outside the courtroom. This episode combines two conversations from the conference with Indianapolis family law attorney Sarah Baker and product liability associate Bianca Eddy. Sarah Baker is a family law attorney and co-founder of Baker Lindsey Sadler. With years of experience in family law and attending the Bench Bar Conference, Sarah offers an honest look at the realities of practicing family law, building a legal practice, and maintaining meaningful relationships within the profession. In this episode… What does it really take to build a successful legal career? Beyond legal knowledge and courtroom skills, both Sarah Baker and Bianca Eddy emphasize the importance of relationships, community involvement, and simply being willing to put yourself out there. Sarah discusses common misconceptions about family law, explaining why real courtroom experiences are far more emotionally complicated than what television portrays. She shares the importance of setting realistic expectations with clients, understanding the personal circumstances behind each case, and recognizing that practicing law requires both legal knowledge and empathy. The conversation also explores the role of the Bench Bar Conference as a place where professional relationships turn into lasting friendships. Sarah offers advice to young attorneys on networking, encouraging them to introduce themselves to judges and colleagues, attend community events, and embrace the discomfort that often comes with putting yourself out there. Alex also sits down with Bianca, a product liability associate who moved to Indianapolis after practicing law in Boston. Bianca discusses her passion for courtroom litigation and how her background in theater has helped her develop confidence, presence, and quick thinking at trial. She shares why she enjoys the welcoming atmosphere of the Bench Bar Conference and encourages young lawyers to take the simple step of walking up and starting a conversation. In this episode of Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes speaks with Sarah and Bianca about litigation, networking, professional relationships, and finding community within the legal profession. Their experiences highlight an important lesson for lawyers at every stage of their careers: success isn't built solely in the courtroom, it is also built through the people you meet, the relationships you maintain, and your willingness to become part of the community around you.