Wade D. Fulford

Wade is a seasoned litigator who possesses a wide range of legal experience who draws upon his knowledge and expertise to provide strategic solutions for clients. He leverages his experience working with governmental entities and corporate practice and large law firms—taking a client-focused perspective in solving complex legal problems.

Wade provides clients with a diligent, dedicated partner in navigating litigation matters across diverse areas of law, including medical malpractice, governmental defense, insurance regulalatory compliance, healthcare, and medical licensening. He is a general partner at Kightlinger & Gray often utilizes his litigation, risk management and medical malpractice law experience to serve clients as a registered civil mediator.

Wade is a graduate of the Indiana University McKinney School of Law and the Kelley School of Business. He joined the firm in 2026 after serving as Deputy General Counsel and Director of the Indiana Patients Compensation Fund at the Indiana Department of Insurance, managing 1,300+ claims in excess of $850 million in compensation.

Wade has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and by Best Lawyers in America for the past three years and devotes his time to serving the community. In 2026 he was named a Top Lawyer by Indianapolis Monthly. He is currently a member of the Boone County REMC Advisory Committee, as well as a frequent speaker at Riley Children’s Hospital fundraising events, after his daughter had lifesaving surgery at Riley.

Education

• Indiana University McKinney School of Law, Indianapolis, J.D., 1996
• Indiana University Kelley School of Business, B.S., 1991

Admissions

• Indiana 1996
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Indiana
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana
• Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
• U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin

Distinctions

• The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2026
• Super Lawyer, 2022
• Indianapolis Monthly Top Lawyer, 2026

Articles

• “Tips for Productive Virtual Mediations,” The Indiana Lawyer, April 29, 2020.
•  “Reflections on ICLEF training from a newly minted mediator,” The Indiana Lawyer, October 3, 2018.

Presentations

• * ITLA Advanced Civil Mediation Seminar, April 2025.
• “You’ve Been Sued, Now What: A Step-by-Step Guide on Medical Malpractice,” IndyBar, November 2022.
• “Planning Your First Injury Case,” ICLEF, August 2017.
• “Advanced Civil Mediation Seminar – The Best In The Business,” ITLA, April 2017.
• “Legislative Update and Emerging Trends in Healthcare Litigation,” DTCI Seminar, November 2016.
• “Indiana Medical Malpractice: How It Works & How It Is Changing,” Indiana Department of Insurance Seminar, September 2015.

Representative Cases

• Community Health Network, Inc. v. McKensie, 185 N.E.3d 368 (Ind. 2022)
• Cutchin v. Beard, 171 N.E.3d 991 (Ind. 2021)
• GF. v. St. Catherine Hospital, Inc. 124 N.E.3d 76 (Ind. Ct. App. 2019)
• Charles McKeen, M.D. v. Turner (Ind. 2017)
• SCI Propane, LLC v. Frederick (Ind. 2015)
• Common Wealth Land Title Insurance Company v. Robertson (Ind. Ct. App. 2014)
• Robertson v. Ticor Title Insurance Company of Florida (Ind. Ct. App. 2012)

Organizational Involvement

• Client counseling Team Board Member 1995-96
• Defense Research Institute
• Sagamore Inns of Court, Member, 2018-2026
• Indianapolis Bar Association – Doctor/Lawyer Collaborative Committee, 2022-2023

Clerkships

• IDEM-Extern
• Southern District Federal Court Judge McKinney-Extern

Certifications

• Certified Mediator

Civic and Charitable Work

• Riley Hospital, Riley Family Fundraiser Speaker
• Boone County REMC, Advisory Committee, 2018-2026
•  Indianapolis Parks Foundation – Board Member, 2004-2007
• Indianapolis Zoo Zoobilation Restaurant Committee – Chair, 2002-2009
•  Zoobilation Exit Committee – Chair, 2010-2012
•  Zoobilation Judges and Barstock Committee, 2012-2018
• Riley Children’s Hospital Fundraiser – Speaker, 2007-Present