Title: Attorney and Director of Contract Compliance
Company: Family and Social Services Administration
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Michael L. Carter, attorney and director of contract compliance at the Family and Social Services Administration, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in contract litigation.
Across the 25 years of his professional life, Mr. Carter has built his experience and reputation in a number of roles — most notably, attorney, copywriter, deputy attorney general, chief counsel and trial lawyer. He currently serves as the director of contract compliance for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s (FSSA) division of family resources. Mr. Carter’s daily responsibilities include reviewing proposals, negotiating and revising contracts, assuring compliance with legal requirements, and helping determine who is awarded contracts.
Mr. Carter’s work with the state of Indiana began in 2009, when he became the deputy attorney general. In addition to the primary tasks of guiding the attorney general’s office and defending suits, he played a crucial role in transitioning the state through a challenging time when it faced a major lawsuit and federal fines. With aid from Mr. Carter’s leadership, the attorney general’s office was able to weather these difficulties and recover to a much stronger standing. Prior to joining the state, he established himself as a trial lawyer with a focus on medical malpractice defense.
Alongside his work in the law, Mr. Carter has become a prolific writer. While he regularly takes on freelance copywriting work informed by his meticulous eye for detail, his true passion lies in fiction. Mr. Carter released his first novel, “In the Belly of the Bell-Shaped Curve,” in 2020. This satirical drama examines the theme of toxic work culture through a humorous plot where an office worker invents a plan to replace menial laborers with chimpanzees. Mr. Carter’s writing has received praise, including being featured by Reader Views and a positive write-up from Kirkus Reviews. He is currently working on his second novel, tentatively titled “Unborn Soul.”
Whether in the courtroom or at the typewriter, Mr. Carter’s skill is bolstered by a solid academic foundation. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English from Indiana University. Subsequently, Mr. Carter earned a Juris Doctor from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law, located at the same institution. He is a past member of the Indianapolis Bar Association and is currently active with the American Writers & Artists Institute. Mr. Carter is also well-regarded for contributing to his wider community, including being part of a social equity work group, a community engagement team, and his church’s social justice committee.
Noted for his contributions to the field, Mr. Carter has been the recipient of many accolades. The FSSA awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation for Dedicated Service in Extraordinary Circumstances, while the office of the Indiana attorney general presented him with a Certificate of Excellence in Public Service. In 2020, Mr. Carter was featured in The Indiana Lawyer, a leading publication covering legal matters in the state.
Beyond his career, Mr. Carter is a dedicated father to three and grandfather to one. When he’s not practicing law or writing, he enjoys playing blues and rock and roll on guitar. Looking to the future, Mr. Carter plans to retire from his legal work within the next 10 years to focus entirely on his creative endeavors. In addition to his second novel, which is currently in the works, he is developing ideas for more books. Mr. Carter has also been approached about writing a screenplay based on his first novel. He hopes to see at least one of his books adapted into a film.
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