May 26 – ANDERSON – Andrew Hanna, the deputy chief of the Madison County District Attorney’s office, received the “Up and Coming Lawyer” award.
The award is given by Indiana Lawyer magazine. Hanna was nominated for this honor by Madison Circuit Court Division 6 Judge Mark Dudley.
Letters of support were submitted by Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Margret Robb, Madison 1 Circuit Court Judge Angela Warner Sims, District Attorney Rodney Cummings, Chief Public Defender Bryan Williams, Anderson Police Chief Mike Lee and Betsy Baxter, director of victim services in the district attorney’s office.
“I’m honored and grateful, but the support of people I look up to and respect certainly means more to me than any award,” Hanna said.
He is a graduate of Indiana University School of Law, served as court clerk for Robb for two years, served as an assistant district attorney in Madison County for two years, and is currently the Chief Deputy of the Office of the prosecutor.
“The honor was well deserved,” Cummings said. “Andrew performs at a high level and is respected by state attorneys. People pay attention to what he does.”
Cummings said Hanna was instrumental in the technological advancements made within the district attorney’s office.
“Smart, talented people fill the legal field,” Dudley wrote in his letter of appointment. “Andrew Hanna shines in this crowded field of smart, talented people.”
Justice Sims wrote that Hanna’s work ethic is second to none and her desire to improve the criminal justice system is tireless.
“Andrew is one of the most driven and visionary lawyers I have ever known,” she wrote. “When most leave the courthouse at the end of the workday, you can always count on Andrew’s car still in the parking lot.”
Sims said Hanna restructured the district attorney’s office, creating specialties such as the high-tech crime unit, sex crimes assistants and complex litigation assistants.
Judge Robb wrote that during the interview process to become his paralegal, Hanna was confident, eager to learn, and showed her commitment to becoming a great lawyer.
“I also watched with almost a parent’s pride as he took on new challenges and met them like I knew he would,” she wrote. “He is personally competitive because he wants to do his best.”
Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.