Matthew L. Hinkle, Civil Rights Attorney in Carmel, Indiana
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Employment, and General · 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatCoots, Henke & Wheeler Attorneys at Law, P.C.
Carmel, IN
Practicing civil rights in Carmel since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 1 client review
Are you Matthew L. Hinkle?
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Quick answer
Matthew L. Hinkle is a member based in Carmel, IN. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Matthew has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Coots, Henke & Wheeler Attorneys at Law, P.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Carmel, IN
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Employment · General
- Handles Civil Rights, Employment, and General matters from Carmel, IN.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Matthew L. Hinkle: Matthew L. Hinkle is a member based in Carmel, IN. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Matthew has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Coots, Henke & Wheeler Attorneys at Law, P.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Matthew's practice areas in Carmel
Matthew concentrates on civil rights, employment, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Employment
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Zoning
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Civil Rights cases in Carmel, Indiana
Matthew takes civil rights matters in Carmel, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Carmel, Indiana
Matthew takes employment matters in Carmel, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
General cases in Carmel, Indiana
Matthew takes general matters in Carmel, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Carmel, Indiana
Matthew takes insurance matters in Carmel, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Carmel, Indiana
Matthew takes litigation matters in Carmel, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
Matthew L. Hinkle, civil rights attorney serving Carmel
Matthew L. Hinkle is a member based in Carmel, IN. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Employment, and General. Matthew has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Coots, Henke & Wheeler Attorneys at Law, P.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 1 client review. Matthew works from Carmel, Indiana and takes on civil rights matters across the region.
Matthew L. Hinkle was admitted to the Bar in 1996 and is a partner with Coots Henke & Wheeler. He is licensed to practice in the Indiana and U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University (summa cum laude).
Mr. Hinkle is a member of the Indianapolis, Hamilton County, Indiana State and American Bar Associations. He is a member of the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, the Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association, and the Defense Research Institute.
Mr. Hinkle concentrates his practice in litigation in both federal and state courts. His litigation practice involves diverse areas of law including civil rights, employment disputes, general tort liability, governmental defense, police liability, premises liability, trucking accidents, real estate and zoning disputes.
Mr. Hinkle has experience handling employment matters including complex Title VII claims. The subject matter of these proceedings has included diverse issues like sexual harassment, race discrimination, wrongful discharge, retaliation claims, wage and hour violations, covenants not to compete, and trade secrets. He has defended numerous governmental entities, police departments and police officers in cases involving false arrest and excessive force claims, police action shootings, police pursuits, and jail condition claims.
Mr. Hinkle represents cities, towns, townships and counties throughout the State of Indiana and works closely with local municipal and government officials to defend their interests. He has counseled and provided seminar presentations to public officials, government employees and their insurers to educate them about State and Federal laws and specific legal issues that they may encounter in an effort to prevent disputes from arising.
In addition to his litigation practice, Mr. Hinkle represents small businesses. He also represents individuals with estate planning, real estate and contract matters. Mr. Hinkle is committed to the representation of clients, not only in the trial courts, but also through the appellate process. He has argued cases before the United States Court of Appeals and the Indiana Supreme Court.
While the concentration of Mr. Hinkle's practice is defense oriented, Mr. Hinkle recognizes the rights and needs of injured parties. Mr. Hinkle finds it rewarding to help individuals who have been injured in auto accidents, work related accidents and other personal injury accidents. Mr. Hinkle believes that his experience handling a variety of cases from a defense perspective provides him with a broad perspective that is beneficial when handling personal injury claims.
Litigation Percentage: 90% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Representative Cases:
Kincade v. MAC Corporation, Et. Al., 773 N.E.2d 909 (Ind. Ct. App. 2002)
City of Crown Point v. Misty Woods Properties, LLC, 864 N.E.2d 1069 (Ind. Ct. App. 2007)
Marion v. City of Corydon, 559 F.3d 700 (7th Cir. 2009)
Kroger Co. v. Plonski, 930 N.E.2d 1 (Ind. 2010)
Kolozsvari v. Hook Super X, N.E.2d 2011 WL 461626 (2011)
Honors and Awards:
F. Emerson Boyd Trial Advocate Award
Indiana Super Lawyer, 2010
Indiana Super Lawyer, 2011
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Indianapolis Bar Association
Member
Hamilton County Bar Association
Member
Lake County Bar Association
Former Member
Indiana State Bar Association
Member
American Bar Association
Member
Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana
Member
Defense Research Institute
Member
Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association
Pro Bono Activities:
Member, Sertoma Club
Member, Knights of Columbus
How Matthew handles civil rights matters
Matthew L. Hinkle was admitted to the Bar in 1996 and is a partner with Coots Henke & Wheeler. He is licensed to practice in the Indiana and U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana…
Who Matthew represents
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, employment, and general matters in Carmel and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices
Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana
J.D. · 1996
Indiana University
B.A. · 1993
Matthew studied at J.D. in Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana and B.A. in Indiana University.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana and B.A. in Indiana University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Matthew's legal honors and published work
Matthew has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Matthew L. Hinkle's office in Carmel
Matthew's primary office is at 255 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN, 46032. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Coots, Henke & Wheeler Attorneys at Law, P.C.
255 East Carmel Drive
Carmel, IN 46032
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Matthew L. Hinkle — 4.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Carmel.
4.3
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew L. Hinkle claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Matthew L. Hinkle — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Carmel, Indiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew L. Hinkle
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Carmel?
Matthew is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Carmel, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne in Indiana
Matthew handles civil rights matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Indiana
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Carmel handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.