Overview
As a fourth-generation Indiana native, Steve Hardin is a deal-maker. For more than 25 years, he has helped clients develop real estate assets that have enhanced many Indiana communities. Steve has been developer’s counsel to many of the premier residential, commercial and mixed-use developments throughout Indiana. In between business school and law school, Steve spent several years working in the real estate development industry. This experience provides clients with a trusted legal partner who is committed to providing both practical legal advice and pragmatic business solutions.
Steve's real estate practice focuses on sophisticated commercial transactions. He has broad-based experience in commercial real estate, with particular emphases on land acquisition, land development, economic incentives, financing and joint ventures. Steve is accomplished in land use approvals involving annexations, re-zonings, subdivisions, variances and right-of-way vacations.
Steve represents owners, developers, landlords and tenants in the following industries:
- Office
- Retail
- Industrial
- Multi-family
- Residential
- Mixed-use properties
- Master-planned communities
Faculty Positions
- Indiana University Bloomington — Guest Lecturer, Economic Development, 2017-present
- Indiana University Bloomington — Guest Lecturer, Real Estate Development, 2016-present
Related Services
Related Policy, Advocacy & Consulting Services
Credentials
Bar Admissions
Indiana
Court Admissions
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Education
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
J.D. summa cum laude (1992)
Indiana University, Bloomington
B.S. in Business (1989)
Insights & Events
Latest
Insights
News
Other Perspectives
- Current Strategies for Redevelopment Projects: Zoning, Incentives & Infrastructure Issues
ICLEF, 2015 - Indiana Law Update — Real Estate Case Law
ICLEF, 2013
Leadership & Community
Professional Associations
- Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis, 2001-present — Government Affairs Committee (Chairman, 2007-08; Hamilton County Liaison, 2003-08); Hamilton County Council (Director, 2004-09)
- International Council of Shopping Centers — Government Affairs Committee, 2009-12
- Indiana State Bar Association — Land Use Section (Chair, 2008-10; Chair-Elect, 2006-08; Secretary-Treasurer, 2001-05); Nominating Committee, 2006; Multijurisdictional Practice Task Force, 2001-02; Long-Range Planning Committee, Vice Chair, 2001; Board of Governors, 1999-2000; Young Lawyers Section (Chair, 1999-2000; Chair Elect, 1998-99; Secretary-Treasurer, 1997-98)
- Indiana Bar Foundation, 2000-present
- American Inns of Court, 1993-2002
Civic Activities
- City of Fishers Comprehensive Plan 2040 Committee — Land Use Task Force, Co-Chair, 2015-16
- Indiana University Center for Real Estate Studies — Advisory Board Member, 2013-present
- Indiana University Stanley E. Hunt Real Estate Development Case Competition — Judge and Sponsor, 2006-present
- Habitat for Humanity of Hamilton County — Pro Bono Legal Counsel, 2009-present
- Janus Development Services, Inc. — Board of Directors, 2010-present
- Paul I. Cripe Charitable Foundation — Board of Directors, 2001-present
- ITOWN Church
- Geist Christian Church — Board of Elders, 2010-present
- Indianapolis Great Banquet
- Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation — Board Member, 2007-11
Honors
- Chambers USA — Indiana, Real Estate, 2005-13, 2015, 2018-23
- Best Lawyers® — Land Use & Zoning Law, 2013-24 (Lawyer of the Year, 2021)
- Indiana Super Lawyers — Land Use and Zoning, 2010-13
- Lexology Legal Writing — Real Estate USA Author of the Year, 2010
- Hamilton County Builders' Council — Associate Member of the Year, 2007
- Indiana State Bar Association — President's Citation, 2001
- Indiana Bar Foundation — Fellow, 2001-present
- Indianapolis Business Journal — Forty Under 40 Award, 2001
- United Way of Central Indiana — Bradford B. Boyd Award, 2001
- Indiana University School of Law — Order of the Coif; Order of the Barristers; Chicago Bar Association Moot Court Competition, Overall Team Champions and Best Brief Award, 1991
- Hamilton County Leadership Academy, 2002-03
- Ardath Burkhart Board Leadership Series, 1998-99
- Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2015, 2017
Awards Methodology
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.