Our Team
Get to know the dedicated individuals who are the driving force behind our pre-law community. Our leadership team is here to guide and support you on your journey to a legal career.
Erick Murillo - President
Meet our President, Erick Murillo! Currently a Junior at Indiana University, Erick is pursuing a degree in Political Science/Philosophy with minors in Criminal Justice and Spanish!
Hailing from Los Angeles and coming from a big family, Erick has aspirations of going into immigration and family law with the goal of helping people in need and being a positive force for his community while bringing justice to those who are often overlooked. He believes that there should be equal opportunity for all and is prepared to secure that equality for many people.
Erick’s journey at Indiana University has been marked by academic excellence consistently appearing on the Executive Dean’s list for the College of Arts and Sciences. He plans on going straight to law school after graduating and working as a lawyer before eventually obtaining a judgeship.
Erick is fiercely dedicated to the betterment of the Pre-Law Association and extending all that we provide to every pre-law student at Indiana University. Previously working as our secretary, his strong work ethic and unwavering focus make him a strong individual for this position. We are beyond excited to have Erick as our president, ensuring an amazing year coming ahead!
Macey Montgomery - Vice President
Meet Macey Montgomery (she/her), our bubbly and beloved Vice President! Macey is a Junior at Indiana University, studying International Law and Institutions with a minor in Law and Public Policy. With passions for law, leadership, and personal connections, Macey is proudly dedicated to growing our organization in unprecedented ways through personal outreach efforts, strategic initiatives, and cultivating a supportive community atmosphere for our members.
Macey dreams of utilizing her passions and the law to create positive change at an international and individual level. She is excited to continue learning about the law school application process and career options within the legal sphere in hopes of attending law school after undergrad. One of her biggest interests is immigration law - in hopes of helping refugees and immigrants navigate the major difficulties found in the legal immigration processes.
With a tenacious and dedicated work ethic, Macey can be found anywhere and everywhere in Bloomington! She thrives as a Research Assistant for the Observing Civic Engagement Project, the Events Chair of Students Demand Action (gun-violence advocacy org), and as an intern at United Way of South Central Indiana. You can also find her working at Plato’s Closet Bloomington on the weekends — stop in, say hi, and shop till you drop! Macey looks forward to connecting with anyone interested in or considering joining our organization. She guarantees that you’ll love every minute, create friendships to last a lifetime, and grow both personally and professionally.
Henry Kramer - Secretary
Henry is a junior at Indiana University, pursuing a Law and Public Policy degree through the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. As the owner of an entertainment business, Henry has developed a strong understanding of operations and logistics, which has inspired his interest in the corporate legal field. He aims to merge his business experience with his passion for law and policy as he works toward a career in corporate law after attending law school.
Henry hopes to use his personable nature and strong communication skills to guide tricky business situations and create agreements between parties. He aims to address differing interests and resolve challenges by drafting mutually beneficial solutions that allow successful partnerships. He desires to develop these strengths further and apply them in a professional setting where justice and collaboration are key.
As a recent member of the Pre-Law Association, Henry is excited to meet all the new faces and individuals thinking of joining the organization. He looks forward to meeting fellow students with similar ambitions and learning together during PLA events.
Outside of being the secretary of the Pre-Law Association, Henry works as a bartender at Kilroy’s Bar and DJs for their events, balancing his professional ambitions with his passion for music and social engagement.
Shivank Tiwari - Treasurer
Shivank Tiwari is a freshman at Indiana University and is pursuing a double major in Business Management at the Kelley School of Business and Political Science at the College of Arts and Sciences. He also serves as the treasurer for the Pre-Law society.
He is deeply interested in exploring the confluence of economics and political institutions in the United States, particularly the policies and initiatives that can foster a robust economy while prioritizing the welfare of a nation’s citizens. To further this passion, he has participated in leadership roles within campus organizations. As the Outreach Director of the Passive Income Development Club, he has progressed his understanding of diverse revenue streams and their potential to drive meaningful outcomes. Additionally, as the Sustainability Director of the American Conservation Coalition, he contributes to initiatives focused on combating environmental degradation through actionable solutions.
Looking ahead, he aspires to complete his undergraduate studies at Indiana University and pursue either a law degree or an MBA, with the goal of building a career at the intersection of business, law, and policy. He is eager to use my skills to create lasting, positive change in both the private and public sectors.
Leo Cavinder - Director of Academics
Leo W. Cavinder is a sophomore studying Political Science, Education Policy (Individualized Major), and a Certificate in Education Law. He currently serves as a research assistant at the School of Education and works with the Center for Education Policy and Evaluation housed in the School of Education. In addition, Cavinder has been on the Executive Dean’s List twice.
Cavinder focuses on the policy, politics, and law of K-12 education in the United States. His recent research about the role of motivation theory in high schools is under consideration for publication in Teachers College Record, a prominent academic journal published by Columbia University. His passion for scholarly research in policy and the law’s role makes him set to excel in his role as Director of Academics.
His dedication to research and academics and his passion for advocating for a more just system make him an exceptional person in our organization. He works to ensure that pre-law students can pursue successful careers in the diverse field of law.
RJ Lyon - Director of Professional Development
RJ is a sophomore studying Business Management as well as Law, Ethics, and Decision-making at the Kelley School of Business. He is a big Hoosier fan and loves all things, sports. He’s also a big movie person with some of his favorite movies being Dead Poets Society and How to Train Your Dragon.
As the Director of Professional Development, his goal is to help you ace your law school applications and connect with internships and other opportunities in the legal field. While only a sophomore, he has extensive internship application knowledge and experience, having already secured a government internship himself, and can help other students secure the internships they want.
RJ also has a passion for IU Dance Marathon, where he is a returning member of the Fundraising committee. Down the line, he wants to open up his own firm and help the children and their families who need it at Riley Children’s Hospital and other hospitals like it.
Emma Grim - Director of Social Media
Meet Emma Grim, our dynamic and indispensable . Emma is a junior at Indiana University, where she is pursuing a double major in Political Science and History, as well as a French minor and PACE certificate. Her dedication and leadership are instrumental to our organization's thriving success.
Emma's involvement on campus goes beyond her role in PLA, as you can find her anywhere— from the Musical Arts Center as a Singing Hoosier to the Admissions Center as a Student Ambassador! She also serves as the Co-President of Women in Government, empowering and supporting fellow women interested in political careers and being an active civic member. Emma loves IU and wants the best for her peers; her active participation in Indiana University's Student Government as Chair of the Committee on Equity & Justice showcases her commitment to improving the campus community.
As Director of Social Media, Emma assists our Presidents connect with as many students as possible. Her dedication, leadership, passion for law, and connection within the community are assets that drive our mission forward. Emma's academic excellence combined with her commitment to empowering others and making a difference on campus, makes her an invaluable member of our team. We are honored to have her as our director of social media, and her efforts are central to our mission of promoting the legal field and creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
Caroline Staley - Director of Recruitment
As the Director of Recruitment for the Pre-Law Association, she’s committed to growing the community and creating opportunities for students interested in law. Her goal is to make PLA an inclusive and supportive space where members can connect, learn, and prepare for their legal careers.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Law and Public Policy at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, with minors in Psychology and French. With her background in leadership, mental health advocacy, and legal research, she is excited to help students find their place in PLA and take the next steps toward law school.
Paul Helmke- IU Faculty Advisor
We are delighted to introduce our distinguished faculty advisor, Paul Helmke, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Pre-Law Association. With a remarkable background as a three-term Mayor of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Paul Helmke is a seasoned legal professional and a dedicated advocate for justice. His commitment to public service, community development, and effective governance is an inspiration to all of us.
In addition to his extensive practical experience, Mr. Helmke's academic contributions and teaching roles have shaped the next generation of legal professionals. As our faculty advisor, he plays a pivotal role in guiding and supporting our aspiring pre-law students. His mentorship provides invaluable insights, helping our members make informed decisions about their legal careers.
Paul Helmke's passion for the law, governance, and community service makes him an exceptional advisor for the Pre-Law Association. He has demonstrated his commitment to undergraduate students through the amount of work he has done for the Civic Leaders Center and through our organization. These contributions gave him the nomination for our “Most Impactful on the Pre-Law Community Award” in 2023.
We are privileged to have him on our team and look forward to benefiting from his wisdom and expertise as we pursue our pre-law aspirations. His unique blend of theory and practice is a source of inspiration and guidance for all of us.
Michael Leppert - IU Faculty Advisor
We are honored to introduce our unwavering faculty advisor, Michael Leppert, a multi-faceted professional with an extraordinary background in law, communication, and advocacy. While not a practicing attorney, Professor Leppert's expertise and insights provide invaluable guidance, particularly for individuals intrigued by legal careers but who may not follow the traditional path to law school.
As an esteemed professor and accomplished author of "Flipping the Circle," Michael Leppert has left an indelible mark on the field of law and communication. His academic and literary contributions offer unique perspectives and deep understanding to our Pre-Law Association members.
With a distinguished career as a former lobbyist, Professor Leppert possesses extensive knowledge of advocacy and its intricate ties to law and policy. He imparts real-world insights, helping our members grasp the complexities of legal advocacy and its profound impact on shaping policies.
One of Mr. Leppert's standout attributes is his expertise in communication. He is a staunch advocate for effective communication strategies, a skill vital for aspiring legal professionals. As our advisor, he offers unwavering support and mentorship to our leadership team, ensuring our members develop strong advocacy and negotiation skills.
Michael Leppert's diverse background and non-traditional path to the legal realm make him an exceptional advisor for the Pre-Law Association. He is truly our organization's biggest advocate, providing guidance and support to those interested in pursuing a legal career, regardless of their academic journeys.