Indianapolis, IN — Patrick Price, an accomplished attorney with deep roots in Indiana’s state government, has recently assumed the role of general counsel for Governor Mike Braun. Price, who has an extensive portfolio of public service within various state departments, brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal position.
Having worked in several key legal capacities across state agencies, Price’s career highlights his readiness for this significant appointment. From advising the Indiana Department of Revenue to handling major legal deliberations for the State Budget Agency, his background is diverse and densely packed with governmental legal work. Price’s professional journey notably includes serving these departments and others like the Indiana Office of Technology and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, ensuring a robust understanding of the legal landscapes critical to state governance.
A particularly standout moment in Price’s career was his involvement in a noteworthy legal confrontation between Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Legislature. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, legislative disagreements about the extent of the governor’s emergency powers prompted a historic legal dispute over the constitutionality of calling special legislative sessions. The Indiana Supreme Court ultimately upheld the governor’s executive powers, marking a significant judicial reaffirmation under which Price worked.
With the transition into Governor Braun’s administration, Price is not only tasked with safeguarding the legal interests of the governor but also plays a crucial role in advising on state and federal laws, overseeing litigation impacting Indiana, and essentially serving as the governor’s primary legal advocate. This role’s gravity is further amplified by his previous advisory position during Braun’s campaign, where he was instrumental in a myriad of state government topics due to his broad expertise.
Price’s appointment was enthusiastically supported by Josh Kelley, Braun’s chief of staff, who cited his extensive knowledge and acute legal acumen as key factors for his selection. His prior engagements in high-stakes legal environments and his clear, analytical approach to complex legal issues were seen as assets that would greatly benefit the Governor’s Office.
Support for Price’s capabilities extends beyond immediate administrative colleagues. Mark Ahearn, former general counsel to Governor Mike Pence and now special counsel for strategic initiatives at Purdue University, praised Price’s aptitude for handling complex and conflict-laden situations—a crucial trait for someone in such a high-stakes advisory position. Acknowledging the challenging nature of the role, Ahearn reflected on the necessity of resilience and constant readiness that the job demands.
Adding to the commendations, Indiana Supreme Court Justice Mark Massa, who once served as general counsel for Governor Mitch Daniels, also acknowledged Price’s comprehensive skill set. Massa underscored the importance of ethical governance and the role of general counsel in maintaining high standards, areas in which he believes Price will excel given his experience and ethical grounding.
In his own words, Price expressed enthusiasm about his role’s dynamic nature and the broad scope of responsibilities that prevent a deep specialization but allow for a wide-reaching impact. He noted the importance of continual learning and leveraging a network of expertise to effectively address diverse challenges.
As he steps into this role, Price is poised to influence a wide array of legal and policy issues facing Indiana, backed by a sound judgement and a track record of proven results in state governance.
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