Jennifer Van Keppel

Profile:

     Jennifer obtained her Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering (BSChE) from Purdue University in 1990 and her Juris Doctorate (JD) from the Indiana University School of Law — Indianapolis in 1995.  Jennifer’s family has lived in Indianapolis for more than 60 years and she has strong ties to the community.  Although born in Connecticut, Jennifer moved to Indianapolis during her high school years and she attended Warren Central High School.

     Prior to joining Jensen & Associates in 2000, Jennifer was the Managing Attorney of a not-for-profit legal clinic in the inner city of Indianapolis.  In this capacity, Jennifer worked on a broad range of civil issues, particularly in the areas of family law, guardianships, adoptions, child support and custody, tax, and landlord/tenant.  Before working at the legal clinic, Jennifer worked for small firms in downtown Indianapolis.

     Before law school, Jennifer worked as an Environmental and Chemical Engineer for a Fortune 500 company in South Carolina where she specialized in water and wastewater.  She passed the EIT exam while attending Purdue.  After law school, Jennifer worked for an environmental engineering consulting firm in Indianapolis and Chicago, assisting clients with environmental compliance audits and participating in the environmental and safety analyses for an international merger project.

     As a step-parent of a child with special needs, Jennifer enjoys working with families who are similarly situated to plan the transition of their child to young adulthood.  In particular, she has obtained guardianships for families in five counties in Central Indiana.  She works with families to plan for receipt of Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. 

Education:

• B.S. in Chemical Engineering – Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 1990.
• J.D. – Indiana University Indianapolis School of Law , 1995

Admitted to Practice:

• Indiana State Bar, 1995
• U.S. District Court – Southern District of Indiana, 1995

Community Involvement:

• Second Reformed Presbyterian Church - Member
• Division II of the Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals - Member
• Board of the Federalist Society’s Indianapolis chapter - Former
• Board of Directors of Christian Legal Society’s local chapter - Former
• Precinct Committewoman and Ward Chairwoman for the Marion County Republican Party - Former
• Board of Directors of Respect Academy, a Christian pre-school sponsored by Light of the World Christian Church - Former
• Treasurer and Vice President of the Washington Township Republican Club - Former

Practice Areas: 

     Family law, including adoption, dissolution, legal separation, custody, and child support.  Estate planning, including preparation of wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents.  Estate and after-death administration.  Legal guardianships of minors, disabled young adults, and elderly people.