Indiana Senate Chief ff Staff, Legal Counsel Rejoins Barnes & Thornburg
Jeffrey L. Papa, former chief of staff and chief legal counsel for the Indiana Senate, has rejoined Barnes & Thornburg LLP as a partner in the firm’s Labor & Employment Law Department.
Papa, who was an attorney at the firm from 2001 to 2007, will focus his practice on immigration matters.
“We are excited to welcome back Jeff to the firm to assist our business clients with their immigration issues,” said Brian L. Burdick, managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg’s Indianapolis office. “Jeff’s experience and understanding of immigration laws will greatly benefit businesses that continue to deal with the changing immigration environment as they seek to attract and retain talent to meet their objectives.”
During his previous stint at Barnes & Thornburg, Papa counseled clients on a number of issues, including nonimmigrant status and visa issues, as well as permanent residency matters. His work also included government relations.
In addition to his work in the Indiana Senate, Papa previously served as mayor of the Town of Zionsville and as Zionsville Town Council President.
Papa is active in several different initiatives, including co-founder and strategic advisor of Zionsville’s co-working space, zWorks. Additionally, he serves on the U. S. Global Leadership Coalition Indiana Advisory Committee.
He also is deeply involved in the community. He founded the Youth Enhancement and Training Initiative (YETI), a local nonprofit organization that raises operating funds for a Nepali orphanage.
Papa earned his J.D. and a master’s degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. He earned a doctorate in education administration and leadership from Indiana State University and a graduate certificate in higher education and student affairs from Indiana University. He also holds a master’s degree in business economics from Ball State University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.