With the support of Senators Todd Young and Joe Donnelly, James Patrick Hanlon was nominated by President Trump in April 2018 to serve as United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana.  On October 11, 2018, the Senate confirmed Judge Hanlon’s nomination by a voice vote. 

Judge Hanlon began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Robert L. Miller, Jr., District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana, and as a law firm associate in Chicago.  From 2001-2006, he served as an assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Indiana, first in the Civil Division and then in the Criminal Division.  In 2006, Judge Hanlon joined Faegre Baker Daniels LLP as a partner and co-chair of the Firm’s White-Collar Defense and Investigations practice.  During his 12 years with Faegre, Judge Hanlon led numerous corporate internal investigations; conducted corporate compliance reviews; and represented individuals and entities in government investigations and enforcement proceedings, as well as in civil litigation.  During his years of private practice, Judge Hanlon provided pro bono representation to refugees seeking asylum in the United States, victims of domestic violence seeking civil protection orders, and defendants charged in criminal proceedings.  

Judge Hanlon is a published author in the fields of white-collar crime and federal criminal practice and has taught classes on these topics at the IU McKinney School of Law.  He is a frequent speaker and panel moderator at CLE events on various topics.

Judge Hanlon is a graduate of New Trier High School, DePauw University, and Valparaiso University School of Law.