Jerry A. Garau

Jerry A. Garau, Contracts Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana

Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Contracts, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

MemberatGarau Germano, P.C.

Indianapolis, IN

Practicing contracts in Indianapolis since 1986.

40+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
3 client reviews
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Jerry A. Garau is a member based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Contracts, General, and Litigation. Jerry has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Garau Germano, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in
Indianapolis, IN
Experience
over 40 years
Known for
Contracts · General · Litigation
  • Handles Contracts, General, and Litigation matters from Indianapolis, IN.
  • Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Jerry A. Garau: Jerry A. Garau is a member based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Contracts, General, and Litigation. Jerry has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Garau Germano, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Jerry takes on

Jerry concentrates on contracts, general, litigation, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jerry handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Contracts cases in Indianapolis, Indiana

Jerry takes contracts matters in Indianapolis, 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 Jerry agrees to represent you.

General cases in Indianapolis, Indiana

Jerry takes general matters in Indianapolis, 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 Jerry agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Indianapolis, Indiana

Jerry takes litigation matters in Indianapolis, 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 Jerry agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Indianapolis, Indiana

Jerry takes medical malpractice matters in Indianapolis, 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 Jerry agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Indianapolis, Indiana

Jerry takes personal injury matters in Indianapolis, 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 Jerry agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Jerry A. Garau — contracts lawyer in Indianapolis

Jerry A. Garau is a member based in Indianapolis, IN. The practice focuses on Contracts, General, and Litigation. Jerry has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Garau Germano, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Jerry Garau represents individuals in medical malpractice and serious personal injury claims. He was named Indiana Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association in 2019 after securing a $15 million verdict in a medical malpractice action and having that verdict affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Webster v. CDI Ind., LLC, 917 F3d 574 (7th Cir. 2019). He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only fellowship of exemplary trial lawyers from the U.S. and Canada. Membership in ACTL is limited to 1% of the total lawyer population in the U.S. and Canada. He is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, and has been named an Indiana Super Lawyer every year since 2012.

Jerry began his career in 1986 after graduating with honors from the Indiana University School of Law at Indianapolis. He has secured verdicts for individuals throughout the state of Indiana, and has argued before the Indiana Court of Appeals, the Indiana Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He has served on the executive committee of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and is currently secretary of the organization.

In 1997, Jerry and four other attorneys started a firm focused on representing victims of medical malpractice. That firm, now known as Garau Germano, P.C., has its offices in Indianapolis and represents individuals throughout the state. In addition to the firm's work in medical malpractice, the firm also represents individuals in claims involving serious personal injury, sexual abuse, and nursing home negligence.

Current Employment Position

Attorney

Professional Associations

Indianapolis Bar Association

Indiana State Bar Association, Member, 1986

American Association for Justice

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, Executive Committee

American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow

American Board of Trial Advocates

Indiana Bar Foundation, Fellow

Past Positions

Hon. Patrick D. Sullivan, Indiana Court of Appeals, Law Clerk, 1986 to 1987

Honors

Indiana Super Lawyers, 2012-2024

Top 50 Indiana Super Lawyers, 2021-2024

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association Trial Lawyer of the Year, 2019

Indiana State Bar Association Civility Award, 2011

Classes & Seminars

Speaker, Masters of Med-Mal Advocacy, ITLA Seminar, 2020

Speaker, Legal Ethics: Attorney Fees and Client Funds, NBI Seminar, 2017

Speaker, Illustrated Ethics: Case Studies to Avoid Legal Malpractice, NBI Seminar, 2013

Litigating to Win Through Advanced Trial Advocacy, NBI Seminar, 2010

Evaluating and Settling Personal Injury and Death Claims, PESI Seminar, 2006

Representative Cases

Anonymous Hosp. v. Spencer, 158 N.E.3d 380 (Ind. Ct. App. 2020) (Amicus counsel)

Webster v. CDI, Ind., LLC, 917 F.3d 574 (7th Cir. 2019)

McKeen v. Turner, 71 N.E.3d 833 (Ind. 2017) (Amicus counsel)

Oaks v. Chamberlain, 76 N.E.3d 941 (Ind. Ct. App. 2017) (Amicus counsel)

Collip v. Ratts, 49 N.E.3d 607 (Ind. Ct. App. 2015)

Sharpsville Cmty. Ambulance, Inc. v. Gilbert, 47 N.E.3d 1265 (Ind. Ct. App. 2015)

Helms v. Rudicel, 986 N.E.2d 302 (Ind. Ct. App. 2013)

Morse v. Davis, 965 N.E.2d 148, (Ind. Ct. App. 2012)

Lasley v. Moss, 500 F.3d 586, (7th Cir. 2007)

Ellenwine v. Fairley, 818 N.E.2d 961, Ind (Ind. 2006).

In re Estate of Wade, 768 N.E.2d 957, (Ind. Ct. App. 2002)

Clemans v. Wishard Memorial Hospital, 727 N.E.2d 1084, (Ind. Ct. App. 2000).

Published Works

Should Juries Know Whether the Medical Expert Practices What He Preaches, ITLA Verdict, Vol. 30, No. 1, 2008

The Effect of NCAA v. Board of Regents on the NCAA's Power, 18 Indiana Law Review 937, 1987

How Jerry handles contracts matters

Jerry Garau represents individuals in medical malpractice and serious personal injury claims. He was named Indiana Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association in 2019 after securing a $15 million verdict in a medical malpractice action and having that verdict affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Webster v. CDI Ind., LLC, 917 F3d 574 (7th…

Who Jerry represents

Jerry reviews new inquiries case-by-case for contracts, general, and litigation matters in Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Indiana University

    J.D. · 1986

  • Franklin College

    B.A. · 1983

Jurisdictions

Jerry's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1987 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1987 · ACTIVE

  • Indiana

    1986 · ACTIVE

Jerry studied at J.D. in Indiana University and B.A. in Franklin College.

Law school and academic background

Jerry completed J.D. in Indiana University and B.A. in Franklin College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jerry runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Jerry has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Jerry's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Indianapolis and Indiana State Bar Associations American Association for Justice Indiana Trial Lawyers Association (Board of Directors) American Board of Trial Advocates

    membership

  • Indiana Bar Foundation

    bar_fellowship

Locations

Jerry A. Garau's office in Indianapolis

Jerry's primary office is at 3710 Washington Blvd, Indianapolis, IN, 46205. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Garau Germano, P.C.

3710 Washington Blvd

Indianapolis, IN 46205

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Jerry A. Garau — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Jerry. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing contracts attorneys in Indianapolis.

5.0

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jerry A. Garau claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Jerry A. Garau — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new contracts attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jerry usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Jerry charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jerry'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; Jerry will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a contracts attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana

A short list to run through before you commit: How many contracts 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 Jerry

Jerry discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in contracts practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every contracts 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. Jerry confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Jerry's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many contracts practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jerry A. Garau

  • How much does it cost to hire Jerry for a contracts case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jerry walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Jerry offer a free consultation?

    Jerry charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jerry's office. Some contracts attorneys offer free consults — check Jerry's current terms during booking.

  • How long do contracts cases in Indiana typically take?

    Simple contracts 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. Jerry gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Jerry take my case if I'm outside Indianapolis?

    Jerry 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 — Jerry 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 Jerry?

    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. Jerry will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Jerry accepting new contracts clients right now?

    Jerry's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Contracts attorneys serving Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Carmel in Indiana

Jerry handles contracts matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified contracts attorneys in that community.

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If Jerry's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these contracts attorneys in Indianapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.