Jim Bopp and Ken Falk on courts, rights, and the rule of law

About this episode

James Bopp Jr. and Ken Falk discuss the intersection of their legal careers, the importance of judicial independence, and the current political climate affecting the rule of law.

Two of Indiana's most consequential constitutional litigators, James Bopp Jr. and Ken Falk, find more common ground than their opposing ideologies might suggest. Recorded live at The Indiana Lawyer's 2026 Leadership in Law breakfast, this conversation covers decades of landmark litigation, the discipline required to pursue long-term legal strategies, and what both attorneys see as a growing threat to judicial independence.Bopp, principal attorney at The Bopp Law Firm PC, describes studying Thurgood Marshall's legal strategy as a model for how sustained litigation can shift constitutional law. Falk, legal director of the ACLU of Indiana, reflects on representing everyone from the KKK to Planned Parenthood and explains why defending clients on both sides of the political aisle is essential to protecting everyone's rights.Moderated by Lesley Weidenbener, editor and assistant publisher of The Indiana Lawyer, the conversation also includes both attorneys addressing the current political climate. Falk warns that public attacks on judges and open questions about compliance with court orders threaten the rule of law itself. Bopp agrees, calling civility and respect for the judicial…

People in this episode

Host: Lesley Weidenbener

Guests: James Bopp Jr., Ken Falk

Topics covered

• constitutional law
• judicial independence
• litigation strategies
• political climate
• civil rights

Keywords

• constitutional litigation
• judicial independence
• long-term legal strategies
• civil rights
• political ideologies

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Bopp Law Firm PC, ACLU of Indiana, The Indiana Lawyer

More episodes of The Indiana Lawyer Podcast with Maura Johnson

• Vicky Nunn on leading Ken Nunn Law Office's next chapter · June 10, 2026 · 30 min
• Taylor Swift's voice trademarks and what they mean for AI law · May 13, 2026 · 28 min
• Improv skills that make lawyers better in court and life · April 29, 2026 · 43 min
• Trump's AI legislative framework: What it means for business with Brian McGinnis of Barnes & Thornburg LLP · April 15, 2026 · 29 min
• Law student recruiting is changing fast. Barnes & Thornburg partner explains why. · April 1, 2026 · 30 min
• Indianapolis criminal defense attorney Jim Voyles Jr. on representing Mike Tyson, the Indianapolis 500 and his new book, “All Rise: My Life in Trials with the Famous, Infamous and the Misunderstood" · March 18, 2026 · 37 min