Jay Meisenhelder

Employment and labor Attorney at Indianapolis, IN

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

Thank you for answering questions

Put my mind at ease

About Jay

Learn Jay’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Employment and labor

60%

Non-discrimination-related Plaintiffs' employment law (Minimum Wage/Overtime, and other wage payment issues; severence and non-compete agreements; employment contracts; unemployment compensation; wrongful termination).
... Read more
18 years
Civil rights

32%

Employment- and non-employment related discrimination/retaliation cases (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FMLA) and 42 USC 1983 civil rights cases against state government entities (police misconduct, free speech, religious freedom, due process).
... Read more
18 years
Sexual harassment

8%

Helping Hoosiers protect their personal rights in challenging situations.

I started Employment & Civil Rights Legal Services after serving as the Chief Trial Counsel for Indiana's (then)-largest employment law firm representing plaintiffs.

Although I did good work there, I noticed that, once the partner brought the case into the firm, the client had very little further contact with the partner. All the real work was done by the associates assigned to the case. As an associate, I couldn't always do what I thought was best for my client, if the partner in charge of the case disagreed.

That's why, when you come to Jay Meisenhelder Employment & Civil Rights Legal Services,P.C., you will deal primarily with only one attorney -- me -- throughout your case. While I may have other attorneys and staff assist me, I will always be your attorney. If that's the experience you want in dealing with your employment or civil rights issue, then call me.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 25 years

State IN

Status Active In Good Standing

Acquired 1997

Updated 01/04/2023

Contact Jay

Similar lawyers nearby

Christopher Lawrence Cassidy

5.0 6 reviews

Free consultation

6214 Carrollton Ave, Suite 200

Indianapolis, IN, 46220

(855) 606-6637 Message
Stephanie Jane Hahn

4.8 40 reviews

Accepting new clients!

3815 River Crossing Pkwy Ste 100

Indianapolis, IN, 46240-7766

(317) 983-5856 Website

Jay Meisenhelder Employment & Civil Rights Legal Services,PC

650 North Girls School Road, Suite B20

Indianapolis, IN, 46214

Message Get Directions

Reviews

Write A Review

4.3 / 5.0

12 customer reviews

5 Star

83%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

17%

Posted by Marie | June 10, 2021

Thank you for answering questions

I’m thankful for the wisdom and advice regarding to the people who are walking in the yard with the dog and not even care about to the neighbor’s lawn.

Response from Jay Meisenhelder June 11, 2021

I'm glad I could help.

Posted by Rachel Ray | May 14, 2018

Put my mind at ease

He was great with telling me positive legal terms and threw in own option great !

Posted by Cheryl | May 8, 2018

Cheryl

Very prompt reply, I found him to be very knowledgable. And would hire him, If he lived closer to my location. Thank you so much. Cheryl.

Posted by Nicole | March 28, 2018

Ensuring contract rights were upheld

He was committed and accessible. He returned calls and emails. He was compassionate.

Posted by Robin Johnson | December 7, 2017

Filing assault charges post death of victim vs civil wrongful death

I am truly grateful for Attorney Meisenhelder's straight forward response to my legal inquiry, not only did he clarify my legal question but he prevented me and my family additional heartache and emotional pain with his straightforwardness, which I find rare. Attorney Meisenhelder's legal response reassured me that I was on the right path towards seeking Justice on behalf of my deceased family, preventing me and my family from being taken advantage of legally and financially, especially in such a devastating time as this after the gruesome death of our loved one, having to wait ten long weeks before being able to finally lay my family member's remains to rest. Attorney Meisenhelder's reply reassured me that I was on the right path to seeking Justice on behalf of my loved one, prior to my receiving Mr. Meisenhelder's legal response, I reached out to my local DA's Office seeking aggravated assault charges against assailant post the death of my deceased family member. Thank you Attorney Meisenhelder for your straightforwardness, which I find very rare.

Read less

Posted by Mary | October 9, 2017

The best of the best.

I asked a question, and he answered me in such a diligent, professional, quick manner that I wish he was my personal attorney. Anyone should be so lucky to have him on their side. As for me, I am not lucky enough he lives too far away from me.

Posted by Anita Baglione Leary | April 10, 2016

Unemployment Issues

Mr. Meisenhelder was the only one who answered my question after at least 5 different attorneys couldn't. He also gave me another route to go, just in case. He protected my best interest with a Plan B. Smart man.

Posted by Matthew | January 28, 2016

great service

I hired Jay for my case against the state of Indiana on a wrongful termination. Jay knew the law and with the evidence provided he ran with it. I never had an issue contacting him or feeling like he was not on my side.

Posted by Curtrina Holloway | January 28, 2016

Review

He is reasonable, serious and really tries to understand your issue. I liked him because he went the extra mile fighting my case. Absolutely an excellent attorney!

Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2015

EEOC and Discrimination

Mr. Meisenhelder recently represented me in an EEOC and Sexual Discrimination suit. He was an excellent representative for my issues with a past employer. We won the suit and I am grateful for his expertise in the areas of EEOC and Sexual Discrimination in the workplace.

Posted by Jennifer | October 9, 2018

Rude

I asked I formation about a valid topic that was troubling members in my community (polygraphs), and the attorney was very abrasive and aggressive. Maybe he was having a bad day. He basically said, it's your fault, deal with it (even though he himself has been in trouble). Is this what we can expect from our legal representation? Such a shame.

Read less

Response from Jay Meisenhelder October 10, 2018

I provided the reviewer with an answer to her question. Unfortunately, she didn't like the answer I provided, and continued to propound what she believed to be the correct answer. The essence of the discussion was whether a probationer who is required to take a polygraph as a condition of probation can be said to take the polygraph "voluntarily." My answer was that the probationer had a voluntary choice to refuse to take the polygraph, and then to be taken off of probation and spend the time incarcerated. The reviewer's position was that giving someone a choice between a polygraph and prison is NOT a voluntary choice. I do apologize if the reviewer felt I was rude, but in fact, I was merely being blunt.

Read less

Posted by Anthony | November 28, 2017

Consultation

Called this firm and they were very skeptical and rude would not recommend them at all a lawyer should believe his clients when they come to him in good faith

Response from Jay Meisenhelder November 29, 2017

The question is not whether I believe my clients. I certainly do. However, sometimes a client is convinced that the facts he provides automatically mean he has a legitimate case, and unfortunately, that's not always the case. My job is to advise the potential client whether they actually have a legitimate case. If they don't, it's my job to explain that to them. Unfortunately, clients don't always like to hear that information.

Read less

View all reviews

View less reviews

Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 4.9 (Concern)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2020.

Public Reprimand issued in IN, 2020
updated on 03/19/2021

A reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Public Reprimand issued in IN, 2008
updated on 12/09/2015

Jay's comment: “This incident, which occurred in 2005, involved an inappropriate personal relationship, and did not involve my practice of law.”

Work Experience

Attorney
Jay Meisenhelder Employment & Civil Rights Legal Services, P.C.
2010 - Present

Chief Trial Counsel
Haskin Lauter LaRue, LLP
2005 - 2010

Adjunct Professor
Indiana University
2003 - 2005

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney
Marion County Prosecutor's Office
1997 - 2005

View all work experience

Education

Indiana University Mauer School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1997

University of Maryland, College Park
MBA - Master of Business Administration
1984

Indiana University-Bloomington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1974

Associations

Indiana State Bar Association
Member
2010 - Present

Indianapolis Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section
Member
2006 - Present

Honors and Awards

Order of Barristers
Indiana University Mauer School of Law
1997

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)

Given (3)

Endorse Jay

Michael Doland

Employment and labor Attorney | Jun 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"To have answered so many questions on Avvo over the years demonstrates a commitment to the highest level of professionalism that an attorney can offer to his community. The answers of Mr. Meisenhelder are consistently accurate, full of analysis, and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."

Judy Sternberg

Employment and labor Attorney | May 05
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Derek Jacques

Civil rights Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Meisenhelder is an excellent advocate for his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to a client in need. He is also an asset to the Avvo Community, providing invaluable resources to those seeking help."

H. Aalsberg

Civil rights Attorney | Dec 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Loved by his clients with a passion for helping the oppressed Jay Meisenhelder is the attorney to choose should you need legal help. Don't wait call him today your problems won't just go away. I endorse him!"

Ralph Powell

Employment and labor Attorney | Mar 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I gladly endorse Attorney Jay Meisenhelder. He sincerely cares about helping others as shown by the large amount of time he spends answering questions. He has helped over 5,500 individuals by taking the time to give them free written legal information and advice on AVVO. He is extremely knowledgeable. His answers are concise and to the point. He makes very appropriate recommendations that clients can understand."

Rahul Aggarwal

Unknown Attorney | Mar 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."

Channika Desilva

Employment and labor Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Meisenhelder is undoubtedly a top notch attorney who has skillfully mastered his primary area of practice over the course of his professional experience. His sharp critical thinking and flawless work ethic are perhaps the key qualities which ensured the success of a remarkable number of his cases. I endorse this lawyer and encourage anyone who needs superior legal representation to opt for his services."

Jeffrey Shaw

Employment and labor Attorney | Mar 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Jay. He gives sound legal advice on a continuous basis, which shares great caring for his clients and their well-being. His answers are thoughtful and intelligent. A+++"