Biography
Honoring the Legacy of G. Terrence "Terry" Coriden
G. Terrence "Terry" Coriden was the founding partner of Coriden & Coriden, LLC and devoted his entire legal career to the practice of Indiana workers' compensation law. Throughout more than four decades of public service and private practice, Terry was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Indiana workers' compensation law. His unwavering commitment to justice, public service, and the fair administration of the Indiana Workers' Compensation Act established a legacy that continues to shape both the profession and the firm he founded.
Terry's distinguished career began in private practice before Governor Otis Bowen appointed him as a Hearing Judge for the Indiana Worker's Compensation Board in 1974. Over the next three decades, he served under six Indiana governors, including twelve years as Chairman of the Indiana Worker's Compensation Board from 1992 through 2004. His thoughtful leadership, integrity, and deep understanding of the law earned him the respect of attorneys, judges, employers, and injured workers throughout Indiana.
In recognition of his extraordinary service to the State of Indiana, Terry was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, Indiana's highest civilian honor, by two Republican governors and two Democratic governors alike—a rare distinction reflecting the universal respect he earned throughout his decades of public service.
Following his service on the Worker's Compensation Board, Terry returned to private practice, where he continued to dedicate himself exclusively to workers' compensation law. Drawing upon his decades of judicial experience, he became one of Indiana's most respected workers' compensation mediators, helping parties resolve complex disputes with fairness, efficiency, and compassion. He believed mediation often provided the best opportunity for injured workers and employers alike to reach timely and equitable resolutions while avoiding years of costly litigation.
Terry's experience and professionalism earned him recognition among his peers nationwide. He was elected as a Fellow of the College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers, one of the profession's highest honors, and was selected for membership in the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, recognizing his exceptional work as a mediator.
Beyond his legal practice, Terry devoted his life to public service and strengthening his community. In 1971, he founded Legal Services of Bartholomew, Brown, and Jackson Counties, providing legal assistance to low-income individuals and families. He also served as City Attorney for Columbus, Indiana, from 1996 through 2004 and as Utility Attorney for the City of Columbus from 1996 through 2008.
Throughout his career, Terry served in leadership roles with numerous professional, civic, and charitable organizations. He was a Past President of the Bartholomew County Bar Association and generously gave his time to organizations including the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum (ICLEF), Kid's Chance of Indiana, the Columbus Human Rights Commission, Family Services of Bartholomew County, St. Bartholomew Parish Council, Bartholomew Area Legal Aid, and the Bartholomew County Fair Board.
Terry believed that the personality of a community often dictated the needs of its people. That philosophy guided both his practice of law and his commitment to public service throughout his life, as he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the individuals and families he served.
A native of Hammond, Indiana, Terry earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier University in 1968 before graduating from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1971, where he met his wife, the Honorable Kathleen "Kitty" Coriden (Ret.). Together they built a family dedicated to the law and public service. They are the parents of attorney Timothy P. Coriden, Partner at Coriden & Coriden, LLC, and Erin Kendall, and proud grandparents.
Terry's influence extends far beyond the cases he handled or the positions he held. Through his decades of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to justice, he helped shape Indiana workers' compensation law and inspired generations of attorneys to serve injured workers with integrity, compassion, and excellence. His legacy remains the foundation upon which Coriden & Coriden continues to serve its clients today.