Protecting the Law Since 1966…
In 1966, two of the pre-eminent attorneys in Elkhart joined forces to engage in an associative practice that permitted each to benefit from the unique abilities and experience of the other.
The Practice Continues to Grow…
As the practice continued to grow, the partners sought another attorney, and were fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to hire Michael A. Pianowski when he returned to Elkhart after graduating from Valparaiso Law School. Mike had worked as a banker for several years in Elkhart and had many friends and business contacts in the area, which enhanced the firm’s client base and contributed strongly to its continuing success
Shortly after Mike joined the firm, the offices were moved to the fourth floor of the Communicana Building, at 421 South Second Street. It soon became evident that the available legal business exceeded the capacity of the attorneys, and James L. Todd, a Naval Academy and Valparaiso Law School graduate, joined the firm as a lateral hire from his previous position at a major firm in Columbus, Ohio. Other associates soon followed, and the firm quickly realized that it would need more space to accommodate its growing practice.
In 1987, the firm built a new office building at the corner of 4th and High Streets in Elkhart. With the new building came a new name for the firm: Daniels, Sanders & Pianowski, but the attorneys and practice remained the same. The firm enjoyed a long and steady progression of success throughout the 1980s and 1990s, acquiring special expertise in areas of estate planning and merger and acquisition, while continuing a very active litigation and employment practice. During that time, Matthew A. Yeakey, current partner, and Jason G. Ward, former partner, were hired after graduation from law school, and David G. Thomas joined the firm as an experienced lateral hire. In 1995, our good friend and mentor Bob Daniels passed away.
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Why Choose Us
Honest, Expert Lawyers…
Professional service to our clients is our first and compelling priority.
A Commitment to Excellence…
Legal representation is the hallmark of our business practice. We have the ability, experience and resources to successfully counsel clients in an extensive variety of transactional and situational legal matters. Attorneys in the firm have negotiated complex transactions with national and even international implications. While the core of our practice is small and medium sized firms, we also have a long and accomplished history of service to companies with locations throughout North America. The firm is small enough to be responsive on a personal basis, but big enough to handle any business needs.
Community Involvement
Attorneys at the firm are strongly committed to the support of our community and have taken leadership roles in a multitude of local organizations dedicated to the betterment of life. Our attorneys have volunteered to serve on boards and committees for a wide variety of civic and charitable nonprofits, including Children and Parent Services (CAPS) of Elkhart; Oaklawn Foundation; Elkhart County Community Foundation; Elkhart Noon Kiwanis; ETHOS (Encouraging Technology and Hands On Science); Downtown Elkhart, Inc.; Junior Achievement of Elkhart County; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County, Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition, Loveway, and many others…
Our Philosophy
At Sanders • Pianowski, LLP, our emphasis is on finding creative solutions to legal problems. Our reputation lies in our ability to bring parties together to resolve disputes without unnecessary legal intervention. This is achieved through a proactive approach to our clients’ needs by seeking to protect them from potential exposure by thoughtful strategic planning.