Dear ITLA Members,
I am proud to announce that Steven L. Langer will be the recipient of the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award.
For more than 45 years, Steve has dedicated his career to advocating for the citizens of Indiana with integrity, skill, and unwavering professionalism. A partner at Langer and Langer in Valparaiso, Steve has built a distinguished practice in medical malpractice and personal injury, earning statewide and national respect for both his trial work and his principled approach to the law.
Steve’s service to ITLA and the broader legal community is exceptional. He is a past President of ITLA and a past President of the College of Fellows, and he has shared his knowledge generously as a frequent CLE speaker and longtime leader on the Amicus Committee. As both Chair and a prolific brief writer, Steve has played a critical role in shaping Indiana law. His appellate advocacy includes significant victories such as Bojko v. Anonymous, and his leadership during In re: Stephens helped preserve longstanding medical malpractice fee practices affirmed by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Steve has also been a tireless advocate at the Statehouse. He was instrumental in the 2016 legislative efforts that resulted in an increase to Indiana’s medical malpractice cap on damages and successfully lobbied for the statute creating a cause of action for the wrongful death of a viable fetus.
Throughout his career, Steve has been a mentor, leader, and trusted colleague, sharing his commitment to justice with generations of trial lawyers—and with his own family, including his children Rob and Sara, who are also members of ITLA. His professionalism and contributions have been recognized by organizations such as the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Law Institute.
Steve was nominated for this honor by ITLA Past Presidents Emily Guenin-Hodson, Dan Ladendorf, Mark Ladendorf, Dan Pfeifer, Jerry Garau, and Betsy Greene. The full nomination is attached.
Please mark your calendars for the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Seminar, which will take place on Wednesday, May 13, and Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center.
Congratulations, Steve, on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to celebrating your lifetime of achievement with you this coming May.
Sincerely,
Bob Johnson
President, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
