Jill Bracken-Emerson — Indiana Family Law & Personal Injury Attorney
Partner at Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys. 30 years of trial experience. From a farm in Crawfordsville to courtrooms across Central Indiana — Jill fights for families and injury victims with compassion and tenacity.
Advocating for Indiana Families & Injury Victims for Over 30 Years
Jill Bracken-Emerson is a founding partner of Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys, where she represents clients in both family law and personal injury matters throughout Central Indiana. Whether you are going through a difficult divorce, fighting for custody of your children, or recovering from a serious accident, Jill brings the same level of dedication, compassion, and aggressive advocacy to every case.
She understands that these are not just legal matters — they are life-changing events that affect your family, your finances, and your future.
“I became a lawyer because I wanted to help people through the hardest chapters of their lives. Whether someone is ending a marriage or recovering from a car accident, they deserve an attorney who actually cares about their outcome and fights for them like family.”
From the Farm to the Courtroom
I grew up on a farm near Crawfordsville, Indiana, where I learned the value of hard work and doing the right thing. I was a ten-year member of 4-H — including Grand Champion Steer at the Montgomery County Fair in 1981 and 1983 — and I learned early that results come from preparation, discipline, and showing up every single day.
I was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority at Purdue University, where I earned my B.A. in Political Science in 1990. From there, I went on to the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, graduating cum laude in 1995. I was admitted to the Indiana Bar that same year.
Since then, I have never stopped learning. I completed the Indiana Trial Advocacy College in 2000, sharpening my skills as a trial lawyer. In 2019, I earned my family law mediation certification, adding another tool to help families resolve disputes without the emotional and financial toll of a full trial when that approach serves the client’s interests.
Trial Experience at Indiana’s Top Firms
Before founding Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys with my husband JR, I honed my trial skills at some of Indiana’s most respected firms, including Kightlinger & Gray, Barnes & Thornburg, Schultz & Pogue, and Cline Farrell Christie & Lee. At these firms, I developed my courtroom instincts across complex litigation — from medical malpractice defense to high-stakes commercial disputes.
That experience gave me something invaluable: the ability to see cases from both sides. I know how insurance companies think. I know how opposing counsel prepares. And I know how to build cases that hold up under pressure. Over the course of my career, I have tried seven medical malpractice cases to a jury verdict — an experience that very few attorneys in Indiana can match.
Why I Founded Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys
After years at larger firms, JR and I realized we could serve clients better by building something different — a boutique firm where every client works directly with a senior attorney, not a junior associate or a paralegal handling the real decisions behind the scenes. We founded Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys because we believe people facing the hardest moments of their lives deserve personal attention, honest communication, and lawyers who genuinely fight for them.
Over the past 30 years, I have built my practice around two principles: fight hard for your clients and treat them with compassion every step of the way. Those principles guide every case I take — from the first phone call to the final resolution.
Practice Areas
I handle cases across two core practice areas, giving me a breadth of experience that strengthens my work in both. Understanding how personal injury law intersects with family law — for example, when a spouse is injured during a marriage or when accident settlement proceeds become part of a divorce — gives my clients a strategic advantage.
Family Law
I guide families through some of the most emotionally charged legal matters they will ever face — always with a focus on protecting your rights, your children, and your financial future.
Divorce •
Child Custody •
Child Support •
Spousal Maintenance •
High-Asset Divorce •
Prenuptial Agreements •
Property Division •
Modifications & Enforcement •
Father’s Rights •
Paternity
Personal Injury
I fight to get accident victims the compensation they deserve from insurance companies that have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your payout.
Car Accidents •
Truck Accidents •
Motorcycle Accidents •
Medical Malpractice •
Wrongful Death •
Nursing Home Abuse •
Slip & Fall •
Serious Injuries
My Approach
Every case deserves a tailored strategy. I take the time to understand each client’s unique situation, goals, and concerns before developing a plan of action. Some cases call for aggressive litigation from day one. Others are better served by skilled negotiation or mediation. The key is knowing which approach serves the client — not the attorney — and having the experience to execute either one.
Family Law Approach
In divorce and custody matters, I help clients understand their options — whether that means mediation, negotiation, or litigation. I am skilled at untangling complex financial situations, protecting parental rights, and finding solutions that genuinely work for families. I am particularly passionate about father’s rights, helping dads understand that Indiana law treats parents equally — and I have the results to prove it.
Personal Injury Approach
For accident victims, I fight to get clients the compensation they deserve from insurance companies. I know that insurers have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize payouts — and I level the playing field. I handle everything from investigation through settlement or trial, keeping clients informed every step of the way. Personal injury consultations are free, and you pay no fee unless we win.
Why Clients Choose Jill
Direct Access to Your Attorney
You work directly with Jill — not a case manager, not a junior associate, not someone reading from a script. When you call, you talk to the lawyer who is actually handling your case.
Dual-Practice Advantage
With deep experience in both family law and personal injury, Jill sees connections other attorneys miss. Accident settlements during divorce, injury impacts on custody arrangements, insurance proceeds as marital assets — she handles the full picture.
Proven Trial Experience
Seven medical malpractice jury trials. Contested custody hearings. High-asset divorce litigation. Jill does not just threaten to go to trial — she has done it, repeatedly, and knows how to win when it matters most.
Compassion Without Weakness
Jill understands the emotional weight of legal matters. She is kind, she listens, and she never makes you feel like a number. But make no mistake — as one client put it, “She is a lion.” When the situation calls for a fight, Jill is ready.
Talk to Jill About Your Case
Free consultation. Honest answers. No pressure.
Education & Professional Credentials
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.), cum laude
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, 1995
Admitted to Indiana Bar, 1995
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Purdue University, 1990
Advanced Training
Indiana Trial Advocacy College, 2000
Family Law Mediation Certification, 2019
Awards & Recognition
AVVO Rating: 10.0 Superb
Super Lawyers Selection
Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member
National Trial Lawyers — Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Sagamore of the Wabash Inn of Court — Barrister
Bar Admissions & Memberships
Bar Admissions
Indiana State Bar
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana
Professional Memberships
Indiana State Bar Association
Hamilton County Bar Association
Indianapolis Bar Association
Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
Proven Results for Indiana Families & Injury Victims
These are actual results Jill has achieved for her clients. Every case is different, but these outcomes reflect the preparation, advocacy, and determination she brings to every matter.
Postnuptial Agreement Enforced — Wife Receives Over $20 Million
Jill represented a wife in a high-asset divorce. During the marriage, the parties had entered into a postnuptial agreement entitling the wife to 50% of the marital estate, including business interests. When the husband filed for divorce, he argued that the postnuptial agreement was unenforceable. Jill successfully defended the validity of the agreement and secured her client over $20 million in assets.
Primary Custody Awarded to Father — Multiple Modification Attempts Denied
Jill represented a professional father in a Hamilton County divorce where the mother had been the stay-at-home parent. Despite the mother’s role as primary caregiver during the marriage, following the divorce the children lived the majority of the time with the father. Since the divorce, the mother has filed multiple motions seeking 50/50 parenting time. Jill has successfully defended against each motion and the father continues to have primary physical custody.
Contempt Finding — Business Owner Ordered to Comply with Settlement
Jill represented a Marion County wife in a divorce involving the husband’s business interest valued at approximately $1.3 million. After the business was professionally valued, the parties reached a fair settlement agreement. The husband then stopped making his court-ordered payments. Jill filed for contempt, and the Court found the husband in violation of the order and directed him to resume payments immediately.
$1,500,000
Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death
Children of deceased mother received $1,500,000 after hospital’s medical malpractice killed their mother. We proved the hospital failed to properly monitor vitals and respond to clear warning signs.
Protective Order Reversed — Wife Protected in Fishers Divorce
Jill represented a Fishers wife in a contentious divorce. During the proceedings, the husband filed a protective order against the wife. Jill successfully defended against the husband’s petition and the protective order was dismissed. Jill then filed a protective order on behalf of the wife, which the Court granted.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique and results depend on specific facts and circumstances.
What Clients Say About Jill
★★★★★
“I was fortunate to find Emerson law to represent me and handle my case. The team representing me Jill, Tom and Katie are true professionals. Something not seen in todays environment. I always felt part of that team and was always informed and given 100% attention to my situation. When it came time to settle I again was impressed. Jill is an incredible attorney and tactful. She is a lion, and it was on display, along with Tom a former prosecutor and a para, Katie. I definitely would recommend the Emerson Firm. Honestly and Integrity and they will fight for you.”
Larry Hauglie
— Apr 28, 2021
★★★★★
“Jill is incredible to work with! And her assistants are extremely welcoming. But more importantly Jill treats you like a human being and she is so incredible at what she does, and she walks you through everything and breaks things down for you to understand how they work. HIGHLY recommend Jill!”
Kade Patton
— Jan 31, 2025
★★★★★
“This firm is amazing. Jill and Katie worked so closely with me. They helped me understand every part of the legal process they were helping me through. They were compassionate. They knew the case I brought to them was tough and they both worked so hard. They communicated with me regularly and were very quick to respond to any questions I had. Thank you for all your hard work.”
Shannon Poole
— Feb 8, 2024
★★★★★
“Jill is a very smart lady. I would use her again if i needed a family lawyer again. Very professional and knowledgeable, and fighter when needed.”
Tyler Height
— Aug 11, 2021
Outside the Office
When I am not in the courtroom or meeting with clients, I am spending time with my family here in the Indianapolis area. JR and I balance our legal practice with family life — and that perspective shapes how I approach every family law case. I understand the daily realities of co-parenting, managing schedules, and the thousand small decisions that make a family work.
My roots in Indiana run deep. Growing up in rural Montgomery County, showing cattle at the county fair, and working alongside my family taught me values I carry into the courtroom every day: accountability, preparation, and treating every person with respect regardless of where they come from or how complicated their situation might be.
I am active in the local community and believe in giving back to the neighborhoods my firm serves across Hamilton County, including Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Zionsville.
Office Locations
Meet with Jill at any of our three convenient Hamilton County locations.
Meet Our Team
Emerson Divorce and Accident Injury Attorneys is a husband-and-wife team dedicated to providing personalized legal representation. Together, JR and I bring over 45 years of combined experience and two distinct perspectives to every case we handle.
Services by Location
Jill represents clients in family law and personal injury matters across Central Indiana. Click any location to see our local practice area pages.