Written by Brad Seehausen
Marketing and Communications Intern, Lacy School of Business ’26
For some, the path from student-athlete finance major to Juris Doctor to law firm partner may not seem obvious. But for Christina Fugate ’04, the connection between her education and legal career was always there. Now, a few decades into her career, she continues to give back to the Lacy School of Business while serving as partner at Ice Miller.
“I grew up in a small town in Wisconsin, and when I was being recruited for tennis, I knew I wanted to be in the city, and Indianapolis was the perfect fit for something bigger than where I grew up,” Christina says.
When she wasn’t rallying on the tennis courts, Christina was completing her undergraduate finance degree at the Lacy School of Business, subsequently interning at two separate law firms.
“What really was helpful is the hands-on experience education that you get at Lacy. It’s not just sitting in a lecture all day. You’re doing real life work in real life scenarios, which forces you out of your comfort zone,” Christina says.
After completing a role in which she assisted in preparing evidence for court cases, Christina knew she wanted to pursue a legal degree. She did just that, completing her Juris Doctor at the IU McKinney School of Law in 2007.
After graduating, Christina’s passion for law culminated into her starting position as a clerk for IceMiller. From this, Christina launched into franchise law, her area of expertise. Despite her practice, she acknowledges that her status at the firm means much more than just her title.
“I wear a lot of different hats at the firm. I lead our franchise and distribution practice at the firm, whether it’s helping companies become franchised or avoid being franchised. I also am involved with commercial litigation, representing our large clients,” Christina mentions.
Apart from her technical aspects of her position, Christina also wears the “mentor hat” for upcoming members in her firm. She understands the importance of having a pipeline of well-trained, young lawyers for the firm, and aims to foster growth among them.
Her contributions to young professionals do not stop at her firm. Outside of her practice, Christina can be found reinvesting her resources and knowledge back into the Lacy School of Business as the Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council. Here, she and other business professionals, in both the Lacy School of Business and the greater Indianapolis area, work to develop ideas that will elevate LSB’s offerings to enhance the current student experience.
“We are the eyes and the ears of the community, and it’s on us to help develop Lacy around such values.”
Her reasoning to give back? It has to do with the foundation that Lacy has made in Indianapolis.
“Butler is an important institution in the Indianapolis community. It’s been around for a really long time, and has helped shape the city. We’ve got a great alumni base in all different industries, and I think it’s important to continue to be involved,” she says.
Through her career, Christina has accumulated numerous titles, awards, and accolades, including IBJ’s 40 under 40, a certified Legal Eagle, and a Super Lawyer, among many others.
When asked what these awards were a result of, Christina’s insights surpassed superlatives.
“While these accolades are flattering, I have never really thought about them. I simply think about what I’m doing at the moment. I’ve always worked hard, for my family, for my clients, and it has all been enjoyable, just being in the moment.”
Christina’s advice to others who seek success? Be adaptable, be in the moment, have what she calls at her firm an “entrepreneurial spirit,” and most importantly, enjoy what you do.
“I think you’re off track in life when you wake up, unhappy with what you have to do for work, with your circumstances. It’s important to reflect on what makes you happy. Reflect on where you’ve been, and think about what your goals are and what you want to do in the future, and use your support system to help you get back to where you want to be,” she offers.
Outside of her practice, Christina maintains an active lifestyle, and is still an avid tennis player. She cites exercise as a key hobby in her day-to-day life, alongside being a self-descript “Uber Driver” for her two children. Christina’s love for driving doesn’t just stop at carpooling to school. Growing up, she fostered a love for motorsports and racing through her father and grandfather, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Road America, a motorsports circuit in Wisconsin, which hosts various races, including the locally based IndyCar series.
“We have a unique board, being that it has 3 women on it. It’s very unusual for the motorsports field, and it is something that I’m very proud of,” she mentions.
It’s clear that the Indy-Wisconsin connection is strong for Christina, showcasing her love for her origins as well as where she’s decided to plant her roots.
Beginning at and shaped by Lacy, through law school, and now as an established professional, Christina continues to prove that success is in store for those who work hard, regardless of how the path may look.