IBA: Simplifying the Practice with Forms and Resources

The sharing of information and resources is one of the greatest benefits of an association. During the course of its more than 125 year history the IndyBar has developed a number of resources to assist in the practice online, on disk, or in hard copy. Here’s the line-up:

Legal Forms are Online: The IndyBar’s website, www.indybar.org, contains a Document Library of over 100 legal forms for use by members. These online forms are “fill in the blank” and print as ready to use documents. There are forms for a wide-range of needs: estate planning, mortgage transactions, liens, and more. The forms are for use by licensed attorneys and are accessible online to members of the Indianapolis Bar Association only.

Attorney Directory Online, includes paralegals and law students: The database of attorney, paralegal, and student contact information is available online at www.indybar.org. The directory provides a photo (if available), phone, fax, email, mailing address, and practice area information. The directory lists both IndyBar members and non-members with designation for both.

Real Estate Forms 2d: A handy, informative CD-ROM containing nearly 100 real estate forms tailored for Indiana practice that is a must-have. The CD-ROM was released in October 2010, and is available to IBA Members for $90.

Proceedings Supplemental: A compilation of 11 forms regarding proceedings supplemental and wage garnishment available on CD-ROM. This disk was updated in December 2007 and is available for $50.

Planning Ahead: A Plan for Protecting Your Clients in the Event of Your Disability or Death: This is one of our most popular offerings, created in 2004, and is available for free. As difficult as it can be to conceive, events could render any attorney unable to continue the practice of law without warning. If they happen, a client’s interest must be protected. For this reason, a lawyer’s duty of competent representation includes arranging to safeguard the client’s interest in the event of the lawyer’s death, disability, impairment or incapacity.

This publication addresses the planning process, and is created to help prepare for the unexpected. Created with the assistance of the Oregon State Bar Association and IndyBar Members Raymond Good, Paula J. Schaefer, Debra G. Richards, Gerald W. Mayer, Judge Robyn Moberly, and Edward B. Hopper.

Commonly Asked Questions About Indiana Law: A Guide for Pro Bono Service: This manual, sometimes called the IndyBar Pro Bono Guide, is a comprehensive guide to providing answers to basic legal questions. If you are an attorney or paralegal who has volunteered for Legal Line or Ask A Lawyer, then you have seen this book. Its purpose is to assist, for example, the family law attorney who gets a landlord/tenant question.

It is provided free to volunteers participating in designated IndyBar-sponsored pro bono events. It was first released in January 2003, and is updated annually. The Commonly Asked Questions About Indiana Law can also be purchased for $149.95 by IndyBar Members.•