Jessica L. Merkel

Jessica has a heart for helping people of all ages with their family law, estate planning, and probate needs. Whether it be a young family planning for a new baby or an older person planning their legacy, Jessica is dedicated to helping them fulfill their goals and putting their minds at ease as to how their affairs will be handled after they are gone. As a partner with Bunger & Robertson, she practices in estate planning, trust and probate administration, estate, trust and fiduciary litigation, collaborative law, guardianship administration, and family law.  Jessica belongs to several professional estate and planning organizations, including the Hoosier Hills Estate Planning Council and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). She is also a member of the Bloomington Association of Collaborative Professionals and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.  Jessica was selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2009, and 2017-2019 in the areas of Estate Planning and Probate.  She is also a registered Domestic Relations and Civil Mediator.

Jessica earned her undergraduate degree, cum laude, from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and went on to pursue her J.D. at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Jessica received her degree in 2006 and went on to practice at another Bloomington law firm before joining B&R in 2008.

Jessica, a Bloomington native, stays involved in her community by supporting a number of nonprofit organizations including Monroe County United Ministries, and the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County’s Thrive by Five Initiative. And just as Jessica helps her clients in planning for and supporting their families, she has grown and nurtured her own. She and her husband, Clint, are busy and proud parents of three young children.

Memberships

Monroe County Bar Association

Indiana State Bar Association

Indiana Bar Probate Trust, Real Property Section Member and District Council Representative

American Bar Association

National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)

Bloomington Association of Collaborative Professionals

Education

Gettysburg College, B.A. 2003

IU Maurer School of Law, J.D. 2006

Bar Admissions

Indiana, 2006

District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, 2006

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, 2006