Jacqueline A. Simmons, JD'79
Jackie Simmons' expertise began at Indiana Law. Now her storied career finds her an expert
on environmental, construction, and real property law, a source on the global marketplace,
and an involved, distinguished alumna.
Early in her career with Ice Miller Donadio & Ryan in Indianapolis, Simmons earned a reputation as one of the state's top environmental lawyers. Soon she made her mark in Washington, D.C., litigating for Kirkland & Ellis and serving as assistant general counsel for the Chemical Manufacturer's Association. In 1987, she was delegate to the Soviet Union and Poland for the American Center for International Leadership Conference on International Environmental Issues. These esteemed accomplishments encompass only a portion of Simmons' worldwide experience in environmental matters from varying perspectives, including legal and private industries.
"Indiana University School of Law did more than prepare me for my first job, it prepared me for a lifetime of successful and rewarding career opportunities," she said. "While that may seem like a cliché to some, it is what allowed me to transition from being a partner in a major law firm to in-house general counsel to head of a several-hundred-million dollar chemical business."
Prior to her current position as the Baker & Daniels Environmental Law Practice Group, Simmons served as vice president and general manager at Reilly Industries Inc., where she managed all aspects of the pyridine chemicals business, including manufacturing, sales, and commercial matters. As the company's China project manager, she negotiated a joint venture agreement and received government approvals for a $30 million plant in Nantong, China, which finished ahead of schedule and under budget. Her 11 years at Reilly began as general counsel.
"In each of my positions, I called on analytical skills, the ability to weigh risks and predict outcomes based on complicated fact scenarios, and clear communication skills to affect change and manage relationships in the legal and business worlds. Now, practicing law again, I am always grateful for my Indiana education and the mentoring I continue to receive from the Law School faculty."
Last year, Simmons's portrait was added to Indiana Law's Academy of Alumni Fellows. She resides on the Indiana Law Board of Visitors and the Indiana University Executive Council, and she served for some time as an adjunct assistant professor of environmental litigation and regulatory compliance. She recently presented during the School's "Globalization of the Legal Profession" conference on the role of transnational lawyers in shaping emerging markets.