STATEHOUSE (Oct. 29, 2024) – State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) recently presented a Sagamore of the Wabash to Anderson native Stephen Hofer before the Indiana University football game Saturday in Bloomington. An Anderson native and Los Angeles-based lawyer, Hofer is often called the "Aviation Attorney to the Stars" for his expertise in aviation law and representation of celebrity clients.
Pierce was a part of the award presentation honoring Hofer before IU's football game Saturday in Bloomington. After the ceremony, Pierce, Hofer and Hofer’s wife, actress and designer Tammy Barr, joined Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana University President Pamela Whitten at IU’s Memorial Stadium to watch the Hoosiers' 31-17 win over the University of Washington.
"Awarding Mr. Hofer the Sagamore of the Wabash recognizes his deep-rooted Hoosier values and commitment to service throughout his life," Pierce said. "I'm honored to recognize his career, which is built on tireless dedication and commitment to clients and his community."
Hofer is a 1968 graduate of Madison Heights High School and served as student body president and Indiana State Student Council president. An Indiana University graduate, he is founder and president of the Aerlex Law Group and has represented celebrities including Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie. Before becoming a lawyer, Hofer was a journalist and began his career at The Anderson Herald in 1969. He served as managing editor of the Bloomington Herald-Telephone in the 1970s and later worked for The Miami Herald before attending Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, where he won the 1980 Lowden-Wigmore Award for outstanding legal writing.
He began practicing law in Los Angeles with the internationally recognized law firm of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and then served as basketball venue press chief for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles before gravitating toward aviation law and founding Aerlex Law Group in 2005.
"I’m very honored to receive the Sagamore of the Wabash award and appreciate the traditions it represents,” Hofer said. “I’m very grateful for the various successes I’ve enjoyed throughout my career, and I have always felt that my Indiana upbringing, the values I learned growing up in Anderson and attending school in Bloomington played an important role in making me the person I am. Even though I live in Beverly Hills, Calif., today, my Indiana roots are still a big part of me and I’m very proud of my Hoosier heritage.”
Hofer has represented many of Hollywood’s most prominent actors, actresses, producers, directors and studio executives, as well as internationally known recording artists and professional athletes, in connection with the ownership and operation of aircraft. His clients also include several of Southern California’s largest air charter companies. Through Aerlex Law Group, Hofer also assisted New York City real estate magnate and reality television show star Donald Trump with the purchase of a Boeing 757 aircraft from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Several years later that airplane become known as “Trump Force One” when Trump campaigned successfully for president of the United States in 2016.
Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash award was created by former Gov. Ralph Gates. It is the highest honor the governor can bestow and is presented to distinguished Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state of Indiana.
More information about Hofer and his career is available on Aerlex's website at aerlex.com/attorneys/Stephen-hofer.
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State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) represents House District 36,
which includes a portion of Madison County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) (right) presents aviation attorney and Hoosier native Stephen Hofer (left) with the Sagamore of the Wabash Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at IU's football game in Bloomington.
