Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans LLP
Lifetime of practicing law leads to impact on community, next generation of lawyers
While practicing law has propelled Larry Evans around the nation and world, his roots are here in the Region where he is a partner in Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans and an integral part of the community.
“Every day is different and often presents new and fascinating legal issues. My practice has taken me to Tasmania, Canada, Greece, London, New York City and most of the 50 states for trials and depositions.”
Evans joined the law firm after graduating from Lew Wallace High School, from Valparaiso University and from Valparaiso University School of Law. He focuses on commercial and employment litigation.
“After graduating from law school, I first served first as a Deputy Prosecutor and then was given the opportunity to join a highly ethical, very professional law firm, which now includes my name as a partner,” he said. “Together we have helped thousands of clients and always given back to the community through various worthwhile causes.”
Evans authored “The Ten Commandments for Lawyers,” which has been published in professional journals, been named among “The Best Lawyers in America,” served as an Adjunct Professor of Trial Advocacy at Valparaiso University School of Law, President of the Indiana Bar Foundation and a Diplomat of the Indiana Defense Trial Counsel.
“I think ‘The Ten Commandments for Lawyers’ has had a positive impact on other attorneys, who still have them posted on the walls of their offices around the area,” he said. “They remind lawyers to honor our obligation to help others. I established a scholarship at Valparaiso University to assist law and pre-law students with the cost of their education.”
Evans served 30 years on the Lakeshore Public Media board and hosted two local talk shows. Over his years of service, he helped guide Lakeshore by serving as board chair as well as in many other leadership positions. He was also crucial to the acquisition of the radio station that would become Lakeshore Public Radio.
He said he is proud of serving as the president of the Indiana Bar Foundation, which supports both pro bono legal services and civic educations programs for high school students, as well as hosting the TV shows and of course, running 15 marathons.
“I am also proud of helping build a great law firm. The satisfaction of helping clients and others make their lives a little bit better,” he said. “Also, teaching law students at Valparaiso University law school and watching them succeed in their careers as lawyers and judges.”
He has served as President of the Porter County Chapter of the American Inns of Court and as President of the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. He also wrote a novel, “Unauthorized Practices” about the practice of law in a fictional law firm.
“I contribute my success to always trying to put the client’s interests first and being conscientious,” he said. “Also, my wonderful parents, wife and family who have been very supportive as well as my great mentors from whom I have learned so much.”
Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans LLP
103 E. Lincolnway in Valparaiso
8585 Broadway Suite 790 in Merrillville