Leo T.
Blackwell
Partner
Practice Areas:
- Police & Fire Representation
- Administrative & Disciplinary Hearings
- Legislation & Lobbying
- Labor Law
Leo T. Blackwell is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis and attended Bishop Chatard High School. While working as an Indianapolis police officer, Leo completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, graduating in 1976. He was awarded his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University McKinney School of Law in 1984 and was admitted to the Bar in 1985.
While a member of the Indianapolis Police Department, Leo was assigned to the Operations Task Force and the Traffic and Investigative Divisions. He also served as a motorcycle officer and a member of the prestigious IPD Motorcycle Drill Team.
In 1986, Leo was elected president of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #86. He represented the 1,200 member union until his retirement from the Indianapolis Police Department in 1991. Following his retirement from the IPD, Leo joined the Ruckelshaus law firm becoming a partner in 1994. He has dedicated his legal career to the representation and protection of public safety officers in personal and professional matters including legal defense, legislative, and collective bargaining agreements.
In August, 2021 Leo was awarded the first ever National Fraternal Order of Police Attorney Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award was presented at the 2021 National FOP Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana which is attended by FOP leaders from across the United States. Leo was joined by his family and members of his law firm on stage in the surprise presentation. Leo’s dedication to the men and women of public safety has spanned decades. He has positively impacted the lives of law enforcement around the state of Indiana and the country through his zealous advocacy.
Education
- Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana
- J.D. - 1984
- Indiana University
- B.S. - 1976
Bar Admissions
- Indiana, 1985
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana, 1985
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana, 1985
- U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 1985
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Lifelong member of the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police
- President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 86 (4 years)
- Professional Police Officers Credit Union, Member, Board of Directors
- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team, Member, Board of Directors
- Indianapolis Bar Association
Classes & Seminars Taught
- 2020 The Legislative Process - How a Bill Becomes Law
- National Fraternal Order of Police Legal Counselor's Seminar, Presenter - Privacy Rights of Police Officers (2020), Beyond the Basics of a Controversial Police Action Shooting (2019), Garrity Rights and Related Topics: Cases and Strategies (2017), Department of Justice Investigations (2015), Police Encounters with the Medically or Mentally Ill (2014), The Duty to Defend and Indemnify (2012), Garcetti & Brady - Legal Implications (2010)
- Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police Conference, Presenter - Legal Survival - The Basics (2014), Top Ten Keys to Avoid Liability (2012), Internal Investigations and Critical Incident Response (2011), Police Liability (2009)
- Professional Firefighters Conference Seminar Presenter - 2013 Protecting your Rights in Civil and Criminal Investigations
- 2012 Public Employee Freedom of Speech
Representative Cases
- In Re: Fricke (PERF)
- In Re: Antonelli (PERF)
- FOP 86 v. City of Indianapolis