Anthony S. Benton

The extensive knowledge and experience of Partner Anthony S. Benton contributes to Stuart & Branigin's excellence in a broad range of environmental and education-related legal disciplines. He has practiced law for more than 33 years, and currently serves as legal counsel to The Trustees of Purdue University, the corporate body that owns and operates Purdue University, and oversees the firm's work for Purdue University, Purdue Research Foundation and other University-affiliated foundations.

Tony values hard work and uses a practical, common sense approach to resolving issues and problems. "Growing up in a farm community and later as a trade union apprentice, I learned to have pride in my work and to execute each task to the best of my ability regardless of its seeming importance," says Tony.

When interacting with or representing clients, it is always Tony's goal to add insight, value and occasional humor to the process. "If we can get through a matter with our ability to laugh still working it makes things less tense, and in my experience, our efforts are more productive."

Tony is fascinated with understanding why ever-evolving institutions and processes work the way they do, which keeps him intrigued and driven to meet his clients' needs. Sometimes solutions aren't black and white, and Tony thanks his legal training for helping him see that.

"I taught a course in Environmental Law to graduate students in the College of Engineering at Purdue. As problem solvers, engineers don't always ask 'why?' or 'at what cost?' I tried to teach them that in many instances there are a variety of competing 'good' or 'better' answers from which to choose, and I try to do the same with my clients."

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Tony takes an interest in attracting and retaining desirable jobs for the community through active participation in Lafayette-area business groups. He also has worked with community leaders to establish shelters for developmentally disabled individuals as well as treatment facilities and workshops for those with chemical dependencies.

Education

• University of Illinois, B.A. with honors, 1971; Indiana University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, 1976

Honors

• Phi Alpha Delta

Bar Admission

• Indiana and Illinois, 1976

Professional Associations

• Tippecanoe County Bar Association
• Indiana State Bar Association
• Indiana Young Lawyers Council
• Illinois State Bar Association
• American Bar Association
• American Judicature Society
• National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel
• National Association of College and University Attorneys
• Indiana Bar Foundation, fellow and board member
• American Bar Foundation, fellow

Civic / Charitable Activities

• Legal Counsel to The Trustees of Purdue University, 2000 - Present
• Lafayette-West Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, board of directors, chairman, 2000-2001
• Greater Lafayette Community Development Corporation, board of directors, executive committee, 2001-2007
• Greater Lafayette Commerce Corporation, Board of Directors, Secretary and General Counsel, 2006 - Present