John F. Wickes, Jr. - Law Firm Lewis & Kappes, P.C. Attorneys Indianapolis, Indiana

Practice Areas

It would be difficult to find another attorney in Indiana with the experience and respect that Jack has earned in the field of energy and utility law. For many years, Jack has represented large-volume industrial and commercial consumers of energy seeking relief before the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and state and federal courts. Jack regularly provides counsel to local, national and international corporations seeking guidance about energy-related concerns. His expertise has been recognized not only in Indiana, but nationally. He has participated on panels with other nationally known experts and has made presentations before many state and national organizations.

Jack has long been active in public affairs. He worked on Capitol Hill after graduating from law school and ran for the U.S. Senate in 1988. Since that time, he has assisted clients with legislative matters at the Indiana General Assembly.

Jack has been the Executive Director of the Indiana Industrial Energy Consumers, Inc. ("INDIEC") since 1990, an organization consisting of large-volume energy users from all over the State of Indiana. He provides excellent leadership for INDIEC, bringing focus and clarity on legal and regulatory energy issues that are abstract and difficult. INDIEC's success in becoming, as its mission statement says, "The Voice of Industrial Energy in Indiana", is attributable in great part to Jack's effective work. Indiana policymakers call upon Jack when they want to know what Indiana's large industrial energy consumers think about energy-related issues facing the state.

Jack also sits on the Board of the Indiana Rate Payer Trust, an organization that provides funding to cover reasonable expenses for individuals, groups or entities desiring to participate on behalf of ratepayers in proceedings involving the regulation of an Indiana utility or its affiliates.

Jack's wide range of contacts in the utility industry, depth of experience, legal expertise, professionalism and integrity combine to make him a respected leader in his field.

Education

Indiana University, B.A., 1969; Indiana University, J.D., cum laude, 1975

Bar Admissions

Indiana, 1975; District of Columbia, 1979

Experience

Democratic Nominee for U.S. Senate, 1988; Military Service, U.S. Army 1969-71, Vietnam Veteran, 101st Airborne Division, 1970-71; Counsel, U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs and Labor and Human Resources Committees, 1975-79

Affiliations

Executive Director, Indiana Industrial Energy Consumers, Inc., 1990-present; President, Indiana Chapter, Arthritis Foundation, 1981-83; Member, Board of Directors, USO, 1985-86; Member, Board of Directors, Family Service Association, 1980-86; Member, Congressional Commission to Assess Veterans' Education Policy 1987-89; Member, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association; Member, Indianapolis Bar Association; Member, Indiana State Bar Association; Member, American Bar Association

Publications and Presentations

Co-Author, "Effect of Austin Lakes Joint Venture v. Avon Utilities, Inc. on Dispute Resolution with Regulated Entities," Indiana State Bar Association Journal, November 1995

Honors and Awards

Indiana Super Lawyer (Energy, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)
Sagamore of the Wabash, 2004
Co-Recipient, Indiana Trial Lawyer of the Year Award, 1994