About Valerie C.

Valerie C. Horvath practices law in Indianapolis, Indiana, focusing on criminal law while also handling family law, estate planning, immigration law, traffic tickets, domestic violence, and white-collar crime. She joined the Indiana State Bar in 1998 and has built a diverse practice over the years. The firm, Gilbert Legal Services, provides a range of legal services to clients across Marion County and beyond. She earned her J.D. from the Indiana University Robert H.

McKinney School of Law in 1998, following her B.A. from Indiana University in 1991. Her legal career began as a Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer in 2004, where she developed her skills in criminal prosecution. In 2008, she served as a Master Commissioner, gaining experience in judicial processes and court operations. Most of her current caseload involves criminal defense, but she also addresses family law matters and immigration issues. Cases typically progress from initial consultations through hearings and negotiations, often requiring extensive legal research and client advocacy.

Valerie is skilled at navigating complex legal scenarios, especially in domestic violence and white-collar crime cases. Before her current role at Gilbert Legal Services, Valerie held various positions, including Deputy General Counsel and Chief of Staff. She became a partner in 2018 and has served as Of Counsel and Family Law Chair since 2020. Her experience allows her to provide comprehensive legal support to her clients, to protect their rights throughout the legal process. Valerie is an active member of several legal associations, including the Indianapolis Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. She also participates in the St.

Thomas More Society, where she contributes to discussions on ethics and legal practice. Her commitment to the legal community is evident through her involvement on the Government Practices Section Board of the Indianapolis Bar Association. In addition to her legal practice, Valerie holds certifications in CPR and lifesaving, reflecting her commitment to community service and safety. She is known for her dedication to her clients and her ability to handle complex legal issues with professionalism and care. Valerie continues to advocate for justice in her community, making a significant impact in the lives of those she serves.

Education

Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law

J.D. (1998)

1995

Indiana University

B.A. (1991)

1991

Languages

French (Spoken, Written) Spanish (Spoken, Written)

Experience

Associate

Gilbert Legal Services
2021

Of Counsel - Family Law Chair

McNeelyLaw LLP
2020

Partner

Harshman Ponist Smith & Rayl, LLC
2018

Owner

Horvath Law Office
2017

Chief of Staff

Indiana Department of Revenue
2017

Deputy General Counsel

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
2015

Master Commissioner

Marion Superior Court
2008

Deputy Prosecuting Lawyer

Marion County Prosecutor s Office
2004

Accepted Jurisdictions

Indiana
U.S. Immigration Court
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana U.S. District Court
U.S. Immigration Court

Types of Cases Handled

Criminal Law Family Law Estate Planning Immigration Law Traffic Tickets Domestic Violence White Collar Crime

Legal Services Scope

Initial consultations Hearings Negotiations Legal research Client advocacy

Certifications & Awards

CPR & Lifesaving

American Red Cross

Professional Associations

Indiana State Bar

has membership Current

Indianapolis Bar Association

has membership and Gov t Practices Section Board has membership Current

St. Thomas More Society

has membership & Board has membership Current

American Immigration Lawyers Association

has membership Current

American Bar Association

has membership Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 7271 N. Shadeland Ave. Indianapolis IN 46250