Longtime Statehouse Professional Joins Baker & Daniels

Diane Masariu Carter, former principal clerk of the Indiana House of Representatives and policy director for the Indiana House Democrat Caucus, has joined Baker & Daniels LLP as a consultant on the firm's government affairs team.

A member of the Statehouse staff since 1975, Carter has been recognized for her considerable knowledge and insight into the legislative process. During her tenure, Carter worked in a variety of capacities, including principal clerk of the House of Representatives during the 2003 and 2004 legislative sessions. Since 2004, Carter has served as policy director for the Indiana House Democrat Caucus. She also served as executive assistant to two former Democrat Speakers of the House: John R. Gregg (D-Sandborn), and Michael K. Phillips (D-Boonville).

"Diane is one of the most well-known and highly respected people at the Indiana Statehouse," said Brian Burke, CEO and chairman of Baker & Daniels. "With strong relationships on both sides of the aisle and a deep understanding of the legislative process, Diane will be a particularly effective advocate for our clients on legislative issues important to them."

At Baker & Daniels, Carter will work with the other members of the firm's government affairs team as a lobbyist representing clients on legislative matters. Those team members include several former legislators with whom Carter has worked, including Phil Bainbridge, who originally hired her in 1975 to work for the General Assembly when Bainbridge was Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Carter was a member of Gov. Frank O'Bannon's Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Alliance, and served on the Town of Speedway Parks Board. She and her husband, Larry, live in Speedway, where she is a member of the St. Christopher Catholic Parish and remains active in a variety of volunteer organizations.