Tina Bell is a Partner at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, an Indianapolis law firm representing people with personal injury, wrongful death, and medical negligence claims. With over 25 years in the field, Tina has accumulated vast experience in medical malpractice law from both sides of the courtroom. As a former defense attorney who transitioned to advocating for victims of medical negligence, she leverages her insider knowledge to serve Indiana citizens. 

A dedicated mother, committed missionary, and well-respected leader in the legal community, Tina shapes an inspiring example in the courtroom and global community. Her recognition as one of the Top 25 female lawyers in Indiana and as a Super Lawyer honoree every year since 2012 underlines her prolific legal expertise. 

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

• [00:14] How Tina Bell uses her experience as a former defense attorney to represent medical malpractice victims
• [01:10] Tina’s approach to handling high-stakes depositions and mediations
• [05:25] How Tina’s passion for marine biology transitioned into a law career
• [07:40] The influence of familial support and determination in Tina’s early legal achievements
• [15:04] How case outcomes differ in medical malpractice defense and plaintiff representation
• [21:20] Medical malpractice law’s demanding yet rewarding nature 
• [24:18] The significant role of personal connections and camaraderie in trial law
• [28:15] How Tina balances a demanding career with motherhood
• [36:00] Tina’s passion for mission work and its impact on her family life

In this episode…

Have you ever been fascinated by the intricacies of medical malpractice law or wondered what it takes to switch sides in the courtroom? Could the experience of working a job you are passionate about fundamentally change your approach to life’s challenges? 

Tina Bell, a seasoned medical malpractice lawyer, delves into how dedication, knowledge, and empathy shaped her stellar career in a male-dominated field. With remarkable expertise in both defending and prosecuting medical malpractice cases, Tina details the complexities of medical malpractice litigation in Indiana, shedding light on limiting laws and the emotional toll they can take on victims. She discusses the difference in dynamics when representing plaintiffs, illustrating the significant hurdles faced in these cases and the importance of rigorous case selection. Providing a beacon for young lawyers navigating the field, Tina reveals her surprising origin story, how she found her calling in law against all odds, and the impact of mentors on her career. 

Tune in to this episode of the Circle City Conversations as Alex Limontes interviews Tina Bell, Partner at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, about her journey from defense attorney to plaintiff powerhouse. Tina provides an insider’s perspective on Indiana’s medical malpractice law, revealing her approach to handling high-stakes depositions and mediations. She also highlights the value of camaraderie in trial law and the impact of giving back through mission work. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Alex Limontes: LinkedIn | Bio | Facebook 
• Hurst Limontes LLC
• Tina Bell: LinkedIn | Bio 
• Christie Farrell Lee & Bell
• Kathy Lee on LinkedIn
• Julie Davis on LinkedIn
• Mission Uprising
• The Well
• Michele Jackson on LinkedIn
• Global Orphan Foundation
• Youth With a Mission 
• Ed Murphy Jr. 

Quotable Moments:

• “When you walk into a courtroom with a doctor on your arm, it’s much harder on this side [as a plaintiff’s lawyer] to get a verdict.”
• “It’s a blessing and a curse to love your job that much because then it’s hard to not keep pushing the ball.”
• “I can’t believe this is the job God’s gonna let me do every day.” 
• “It’s not a question for me of ‘will we get a plaintiff verdict?’ It’s ‘how much will they value this case?’”
• “The safest place to be is in God’s will.”

Action Steps:

1. Develop a deep understanding of both defense and prosecution strategies in your area of law: This will give you a competitive edge by anticipating opponent tactics based on firsthand experience.
2. Seek mentors in the legal field who can guide you through the nuances of your practice: A seasoned mentor offers crucial industry insights and wisdom for making strategic career moves.
3. Engage in community service or mission work to build empathy and a broader world perspective: Humanitarian work enriches personal growth and strengthens the ability to connect with clients on a deeper level.
4. Balance your dedication to your work with personal and family time to create a fulfilling life: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance enhances overall well-being and prevents burnout, making you a more effective professional.
5. Foster camaraderie and seek collaborative feedback within your legal community: Building a network of supportive colleagues allows for shared learning and enhances your legal practice.

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.