Obituary of Martin Solomon

Prominent Indianapolis criminal defense attorney Martin E. Solomon, died March 1, 2014 at St. Vincent Hospice following a long and courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his death. He was 59 years old. Martin Solomon was born and raised in Albany, New York. He was the son of Bender Solomon, a well-respected lawyer who in 1947 was appointed by President Truman to be a Federal Judge. Martin Solomon attended Albany public schools. He received his Bachelor's of Arts degree in Government from Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts, and then attended John Marshall Law School where he was a contributor to their Law Review. In 1984, Martin Solomon journeyed to Indianapolis to visit some friends, and he never left. He opened his solo-practice of Law and began representing clients on criminal defense and personal injury cases. His reputation as an excellent attorney circulated and his client list grew simply through referrals. Three years later in 1987, Martin's brother, Mitchell joined him in Indianapolis and the two formed a partnership which has continued for over 26 years. Martin Solomon early in his career served as a public defender having been appointed by Superior Court Judge Z. May Jimison, the first African American female Superior Court Judge in the State of Indiana. After 3 years he resigned his position to devote more time to his private practice. Mr. Solomon was a member of the Federal Criminal Justice Act panel and represented clients in many cases ranging from murder to Federal "Getto Boys" drug ring to the winner of $89.3 million in the Powerball lotto. Martin Solomon represented many professional athletes and won an acquittal of former NBA Minnesota Timberwolves player Michael Olowokandi who was arrested on assault charges prior to a game against the Pacers. Martin Solomon also served the Courts as a Judge Pro-Tem on many occasions throughout the years. Mr. Solomon was a faculty member in continuing legal education seminars and was frequently a consultant to the Indianapolis Sat Newspaper and local television station in assisting the news coverage of high profile legal cases in the community. He was a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys in addition to numerous other professional organizations. Martin Solomon was active in civic, community and religious affairs. He previously served on the Board of Directions of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck and Congregation B'nai Torah. He was active in the Jewish Community and a member of the Board of Directors of the Hasten Hebrew Academy of Indianapolis for many years. He was active for many years in Democrat politics and was a member of the Chairman's Club in 1985 when former U.S. Senator Evan Bayh was entering politics and a candidate for Indiana Secretary of State. Mr. Solomon was an avid golfer and member of Broadmoor Country Club for 29 years. Most importantly, Martin Solomon was a devoted and loving husband and father. Survivors include his loving wife Andrea and their three beautiful children; Sophie, Ben and Ethan; all of Indianapolis. Martin is also survived by his two brothers, Noal (Jayne) Solomon of Wayne, New Jersey and Mitchell Solomon of Indianapolis. Mr. Solomon has numerous cousins and other relatives. His beloved parents, Bender and Mildred Solomon of Albany, NY passed away in 1992. Services were held in Congregation B'nai Torah, 6510 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation.