Jay Meisenhelder
About Jay
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
20%-35%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Indiana for 28 years
State: Indiana
Acquired: 1997
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2020
Location
Jay Meisenhelder Employment & Civil Rights Legal Services,PC
650 North Girls School Road, Suite B20, Indianapolis, IN, 46214
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Jay Meisenhelder's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
15 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2023
Straightforward without "legalese"
Simple question, and he gave me a simple answer without a bunch of hard-to-interpret terms, even saying it might not be an inexpensive thing to pursue.
Jay Meisenhelder
Replied last October 20, 2023Glad I was able to help.
Posted by Jennifer | October 10, 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 exp...
Jay Meisenhelder
Replied last October 10, 2018I 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.
Posted by Robin Johnson | December 07, 2017 | Wrongful Death
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 re...
Posted by Mary | October 09, 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.
Jay Meisenhelder's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Meisenhelder is a very knowledgeable attorney and his wit and manner of expression is insightful and he notices what others miss. His observations are spot on."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
"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."
"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+++"
"I endorse this lawyer. He has shown great insight to the legal process and gives great advice."
Employment and labor lawyer
Employment and labor lawyer
Slip and fall accident lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2020.
Public Reprimand issued in IN, 2020
updated on 03/19/2021A 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 12/09/2015A 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.
“This incident, which occurred in 2005, involved an inappropriate personal relationship, and did not involve my practice of law.”
Honors
1997
Order of Barristers, Indiana University Mauer School of Law
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Attorney, Jay Meisenhelder Employment & Civil Rights Legal Services, P.C.
2005 - 2010
Chief Trial Counsel, Haskin Lauter LaRue, LLP
2003 - 2005
Adjunct Professor, Indiana University
1997 - 2005
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Marion County Prosecutor's Office
Associations
2010 - Present
Indiana State Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Indianapolis Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law SectionMember
Education
1997
JD - Juris Doctor
1984
MBA - Master of Business Administration
1974
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Do I need to bring a lawyer to my 17 yr olds sons informal interview with juvenile probation dept?
10 Apr 2026
How do i properly respond to a letter if im Being sued?
10 Apr 2026
Can I use child support money to pay my legal fees in child custody/family law court case.
10 Apr 2026