Jimmie L. McMillian is the Senior Corporate Counsel and Chief Diversity Officer for Penske Entertainment and its related entities, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With a robust background in trial and appellate law spanning state and federal jurisdictions, Jimmie specializes in resolving intricate commercial, product, regulatory, and investigative litigation matters. An award-winning lawyer, he previously clerked for Justice Frank Sullivan and is a former partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Beyond his legal career, Jimmie is a dedicated advocate for community engagement and mentorship, having served as a past president of the Indianapolis Bar Association. Currently, he leads as president of the 317 Riders Motorcycle Club, showcasing his commitment to fostering camaraderie and leadership.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• [0:13] Jimmie L. McMillian discusses the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500
• [3:16] Jimmie’s background growing up on the South Side of Chicago and his career trajectory
• [03:25] The importance of exposure and networking for personal and professional development
• [09:10] Jimmie’s passion for his current role at Penske
• [13:18] The value of understanding the business before jumping into litigation
• [16:42] Why do diversity efforts often fall short, and why is commitment essential?
• [20:31] Jimmie explains the barriers to diversity in motorsports and how to overcome them
• [21:16] Transitioning from litigation to in-house work, with a focus on contract drafting and client alignment

In this episode…

Imagine attending an event so thrilling that it becomes the world’s most significant single-day sporting occasion. Picture the roaring engines, the pulsing crowds, and the adrenaline-charged races. But what happens when tradition races forward to meet diversity and inclusion on the racetrack?

Jimmie L. McMillian, a sports and entertainment law attorney, provides an insider’s look at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the evolving world of motorsports. Reflecting on his journey from the South Side of Chicago to becoming an integral part of a global racing brand, Jimmie emphasizes the transformative impact of diversity initiatives, particularly within motorsports. For Jimmie, law practice goes beyond contracts and legalities; it represents an opportunity to mentor people from diverse backgrounds and drive change within the industry. To foster a more inclusive and equitable environment, he advocates for a collective dedication to empowering future generations and cultivating meaningful connections within the community.

In this episode of the Circle City Conversations, Alex Limontes chats with Jimmie L. McMillian, Senior Corporate Counsel and Chief Diversity Officer of Penske Entertainment. They explore diversity in the legal industry and the global impact of the Indy 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Drawing from his personal experiences of overcoming obstacles in pursuit of education and career success, Jimmie highlights the power of resilience, inclusion, and mentorship.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Alex Limontes: LinkedIn | Bio | Facebook
• Hurst Limontes LLC
• Jimmie L. McMillian on LinkedIn
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• IndyCar
• Penske Entertainment Corp.

Quotable Moments:

• “Every day that I’m here at Penske, I’m reminded that I’m not just working a job — I’m living a passion.”
• “When people tell you what you can’t do, if you’ve done your best, try anyway.”
• “We can bring everybody to the table of success, or we can turn the table over — the choice is ours.”
• “Opportunity should not be denied simply based on the color of my skin or my gender.”
• “To understand America, you have to look both at the atrocities and those who helped people overcome and get better.”

Action Steps:

1. Seek exposure and networking opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.
2. Networking and exposure bridge cultural gaps and open doors that may not initially seem accessible.
3. Embrace career opportunities that align with your personality and strengths.
4. Recognize the importance of mentorship and community activism.
5. Being a role model and a mentor can significantly impact the professional growth of others, promoting a culture of support.
6. Commit to the long-term journey of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Hurst Limontes LLC — a personal injury law firm based in Indiana.

Founded in 1981, Hurst Limontes LLC is one of the few firms whose practice focuses exclusively on victims of negligence and their families.

With more than 116 years of combined experience among our attorneys, you can trust us to handle your cases with valuable and extensive expertise. We have the knowledge to handle any case — from automobile accidents to construction site accidents, firearm discharge accidents, slips and falls, and more.

No matter how complex the case or how significant the injury is, we aim to make the process as stress-free as possible for clients.

Our attorneys have represented thousands of injured clients and obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts.

Have you or a family member been a personal injury victim in Indiana? Contact our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers at hurstlimontes.com or email alimontes@hurstlimontes.com.