Summer Law Clerk Aspy Pivots to Law, Finds His Passion

Ethan Aspy was well on his way to a career in business to business sales as he studied in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. Then, he took a required law class taught by a legendary professor and his future changed.  “I was lucky enough to have Professor Arthur Lopez, and through his teaching discovered a new academic calling, discovering I was intrigued by the process of dissecting cases and forming legal opinions,” Aspy shares.

He did a quick pivot, applying to law school right before the deadline and recently finished his first year of law school at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Now serving as a law clerk at Janzen Schroeder Ag Law for the summer, Aspy is gaining firsthand perspective on the practice of law.

A native of Noblesville, Indiana, where he grew up on a small farm, Aspy is no stranger to agriculture. Working for the firm is allowing him to see the many intersections of agriculture and the legal system. “I am enjoying the fast pace of learning in this environment, there are many aspects of the legal system that I am being exposed to here,” he says. Aspy is working hand in hand with partners Todd Janzen and Brianna Schroeder, assisting with project work. “Actually being in the court room as well as at zoning hearings this summer will be tangible ways I can learn about how a firm operates.”

As he looks to future career options, his summer as a law clerk with the Janzen Schroder team is providing insight into what makes a successful firm. “I want to advocate for causes I believe in and I am seeing that in real life this summer,” he says. Aspy points out that so many areas of law impact agriculture, from environmental considerations to regulations from a variety of regulatory bodies. “Everything is interconnected and farming is such a crucial aspect of society that needs to be acknowledged for its importance,” Aspy says. “Things are constantly changing and a single decision can have big implications.”

As a distance runner, former 4-H member and Boy Scout, Aspy is accustomed to putting in the work to reach a goal. “I’m grateful for this summer law clerk opportunity to advance my knowledge and ultimately my career,” he concludes.