Leo T. Blackwell - an Indianapolis, United States Police & Fire Representation Lawyer

Indianapolis Police & Fire Representation Lawyer

Updated: 03/13/2026

Areas of Practice

Police & Fire Representation
Administrative & Disciplinary Hearings
Legislation & Lobbying
Labor Law

Attorney Information

Overview

Leo T. Blackwell is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis and attended Bishop Chatard High School. While working as an Indianapolis police officer, Leo completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, graduating in 1976. He was awarded his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University McKinney School of Law in 1984 and was admitted to the Bar in 1985.

While a member of the Indianapolis Police Department, Leo was assigned to the Operations Task Force and the Traffic and Investigative Divisions. He also served as a motorcycle officer and a member of the prestigious IPD Motorcycle Drill Team.

In 1986, Leo was elected president of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #86. He represented the 1,200 member union until his retirement from the Indianapolis Police Department in 1991. Following his retirement from the IPD, Leo joined the Ruckelshaus Kautzman Blackwell Bemis Duncan & Merchant, LLP becoming a partner in 1994. He has dedicated his legal career to the representation and protection of public safety officers in personal and professional matters including legal defense, legislative, and collective bargaining agreements.

In August, 2021 Leo was awarded the first ever National Fraternal Order of Police Attorney Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award was presented at the 2021 National FOP Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana which is attended by FOP leaders from across the United States. Leo was joined by his family and members of his law firm on stage in the surprise presentation. Leo's dedication to the men and women of public safety has spanned decades. He has positively impacted the lives of law enforcement around the state of Indiana and the country through his zealous advocacy.

Education

Legal Education
- Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1984
  J.D.
Non Legal Education
- Indiana University, 1976
  B.S.

Current Employment Position(s)

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Partner
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Classes and Seminars

2020 The Legislative Process - How a Bill Becomes Law
Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police Conference, Presenter - Legal Survival - The Basics (2014), Top Ten Keys to Avoid Liability (2012), Internal Investigations and Critical Incident Response (2011), Police Liability (2009)
Professional Firefighters Conference Seminar Presenter - 2013 Protecting your Rights in Civil and Criminal Investigations
2012 Public Employee Freedom of Speech

Representative Cases

In Re: Fricke (PERF)
In Re: Antonelli (PERF)
FOP 86 v. City of Indianapolis

Published Works

Articles

Critical Incident Response
Police Use of Force
The Rights of Law Enforcement Officers
Mandatory Polygraph Examinations
1977 Police and Fire Pension and Disability System
Family Medical Leave Act
Body Worn Cameras: Concerns for Police Officers
Legislation affecting Public Safety Officers

Bar Admissions

Indiana, 1985
U.S. District Court Southern District of Indiana, 1985
U.S. District Court Northern District of Indiana, 1985
U.S. Court of Appeals 7th Circuit, 1985

Other Affiliations

Lifelong member of the Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police
President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 86 (4 years)
Professional Police Officers Credit Union, Member, Board of Directors
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team, Member, Board of Directors
Indianapolis Bar Association

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Contact

Indianapolis, IN

135 N. Pennsylvania Street
Suite 1600
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Directions

Phone: 317-455-8682

Fax: 317-634-8635

Email: Send a message

Website: https://www.rkblegalgroup.com

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 5:00pm, Saturday-Sunday: Closed

Credit Cards Accepted

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Leo T. Blackwell - Indianapolis, IN