Courtney Benson-Kooy

Courtney Benson-Kooy is a dedicated and passionate criminal defense attorney based in Indianapolis, Indiana. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, she graduated from Ben Davis High School in 2003. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University-Indianapolis in 2008 and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2012.

Courtney has devoted her career to criminal defense, trying over 100 jury trials, primarily major felonies. She is known for her fierce advocacy, skilled negotiation, and unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution. Her compassion and empathy make her a trusted ally for her clients.

She spent 12 years as a public defender, serving as a supervisor in the Major Felony Division at the Marion County Public Defender’s Agency. In this role, she managed a focused caseload of major crimes and mentored new attorneys transitioning to major felony casework. Her extensive experience includes working closely with the Major Case Unit and representing numerous clients charged with serious offenses.

In addition to her practice, Courtney is an adjunct professor at the Criminal Defense Clinic at IU McKinney School of Law. She trains interns and new attorneys in trial skills through the MCPDA Trial Skills Training and the Indiana Public Defender Council’s Trial Practice Institute. Committed to ongoing education, Courtney regularly attends death penalty training and continuing legal education classes on various trial skills and criminal defense topics. She is also on the Indiana Capital Attorney Roster, qualifying her as co-counsel on death penalty cases.

Courtney’s dedication to excellence in criminal defense was recognized in 2020 when she received the Gideon Award from the Indiana Public Defender Council.