Bloom Gates & Whiteleather

The firm of Bloom Gates Shipman & Whiteleather, LLP is distinguished by a unique history, defined by a commitment to excellence and characterized by rich tradition. Comprised of three distinct branches, each branch brings a different experience and each makes a substantial contribution. Our firm is a clear validation of the axiom that the whole can be greater than the sum of its parts.

The firm traces its beginnings to 1894, when David V. Whiteleather began the practice of law in Columbia City. Shortly thereafter, in 1908, Benton J. Bloom followed suit. Well-known in northeastern Indiana as skilled trial attorneys and active participants in politics and civic affairs, the two established the law firm of Whiteleather & Bloom in 1922. Their initial partnership was made on the second floor of the Central Building on the north side of the Whitley County Courthouse Square.

In 1937, however, the firm dissolved when Whiteleather's son, John, and Bloom's son, Benton W., graduated from law school and returned to Columbia City to practice law with their respective fathers. After the dissolution, William Bloom also came back to the family practice, joining his father and brother. It was then that the separate partnerships of Whiteleather & Whiteleather and Bloom & Bloom, were established.

The Bloom law office would continue as a successful family affair for the next six decades. William's son, John S. Bloom, joined the firm in 1973 and remained with the firm until relocating his practice to Fort Wayne in 2003. Benton's son, Timothy J. Bloom, joined the law practice in 1978. Benton Bloom, following a long and distinguished career, passed away in September of 1990. William Bloom, a distinguished member of the Indiana Bar for more than 50 years, which included serving as a two-term county prosecutor, passed away in January of 2004.

John Whiteleather, Sr. was joined by his son in 1965 and in 1970, the junior Whiteleather was elected to the first of eight terms as Whitley County prosecutor, a position he held until 2002. John Whiteleather, Sr., a community stalwart and highly respected member of the Bar, died in 1984 at the age of 80. The firm then continued under the name of the Whiteleather Law Firm.

On January 1, 1993, John Whiteleather, Jr. and Timothy Bloom, along with others, created a new law firm, much like the one their grandfathers had forged eighty years before in the shadow of the Whitley County courthouse. It was a homecoming, of sorts, for the men whose fathers had practiced together early in the 20th century.

Another noted Whitley County attorney, Richard Gates, joined the firm in 1984. Sadly, Dick passed away in 1997, leaving behind a wonderful family and numerous friends. Despite spending just a few short years with the firm, his unique contribution will never be forgotten. Dick continues to be an important and valued part of our history.

In 2009, Matthew Shipman became a partner at Bloom Gates and Whiteleather, LLP. Matt has practiced for over ten years and brings a wide range of legal knowledge to the firm.

In the summer of 2012, Bloom Gates & Whiteleather, LLP hired a new associate, Elizabeth Deckard. Prior to joining the firm, Liz was a prosecutor in Monroe County, Indiana for several years. As a result of her years as a prosecutor, Liz brings a great deal of trial experience to the firm.

Recently, at the start of 2017, Matthew Shipman became Managing Attorney and the firm's name changed to Bloom Gates Shipman and Whiteleather, LLP.


In June of 2017, C. Kay Landwher joined the team at BGSW as Associate Attorney. Kay brings a great deal of legal knowledge in business, corporate, contracts, marketing and promotions, estate planning and administration, as well as employment & labor law.