About William
William Hodes is a Professor Emeritus of Law at the Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University in 1966, followed by a Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in 1969. Hodes joined the Indiana State Bar in 1999 and the Florida Bar in 2011, expanding his legal credentials. He is also admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, showcasing his expertise in various legal matters. From 1979 to 1999, Hodes taught Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Professional Responsibility at the Indiana University School of Law.
His commitment to legal education is evident in his long tenure at the institution. In 1996, he took a sabbatical to serve as a law clerk for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the U.S. Supreme Court, an experience that further enriched his understanding of constitutional law and judicial processes. This opportunity allowed him to engage directly with some of the most significant legal issues of the time. In 2000, Hodes established The William Hodes Law Firm, focusing on counseling and representing lawyers and law firms in matters of legal ethics and legal malpractice. His firm has become a trusted resource for legal professionals seeking guidance in navigating complex ethical dilemmas.
Hodes's expertise in this area is underscored by his co-authorship of "The Law of Lawyering," a leading treatise on legal ethics first published in 1985, which continues to be a vital resource for legal practitioners. In addition to his practice and teaching, Hodes has contributed to international legal education. In 1987, he directed the Indiana University School of Law's China Summer Program in Shanghai, fostering cross-cultural legal understanding. Earlier in his career, he served as a Bigelow Teaching Fellow and Lecturer in Law at the University of Chicago Law School from 1978 to 1979. His diverse experiences also include working as a staff attorney at the Education Law Center in Newark, New Jersey, from 1973 to 1978. As designated counsel for the Office of the Public Defender of New Jersey's Appellate Section from 1971 to 1978.
Hodes has been an elected member of the American Law Institute since 1997, reflecting his standing in the legal community. In 2010, he testified as an expert witness on behalf of United Financial Systems Corporation regarding the legitimacy of its business model in a case before the Indiana Supreme Court. Residing in Indianapolis, Indiana, he remains active in legal circles and can be contacted at (317) 578-0258 for inquiries related to legal ethics and professional responsibility.
