DEC. 2-15, 2015
In this issue of Indiana Lawyer, we take a closer look the results of our September 2015 survey of the legal community. Indiana University Maurer School of Law professor William Henderson, who analyzed the results, found the survey reveals signs of fundamental change in the legal profession. The survey shows attorneys are encouraged to promote themselves through social media. Lawyers like their careers, but wouldn't recommend someone else go into the profession, according to the survey.
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Henderson: Survey reveals signs of fundamental change in the legal profession
The traditional career path for Indiana attorneys – graduate from law school, become an associate in a law firm, work long hours and eventually become a partner – appears to be broken, or at least cracked.
Read MoreSurvey: Succession planning a top concern for organizations
Thirty-eighty percent of the respondents to the Indiana Lawyer’s 2015 Practicing Law in Indiana survey listed transition or succession planning as the greatest challenge to their organization’s viability. Only the issue of managing costs while protecting quality of service topped this concern, which 42 percent found to be the greatest challenge.
Read MoreSurvey results reveal range in hours of pro bono work performed annually
The pro bono community still believes having attorneys donate their time and professional skills remains a viable method for providing services to low-income individuals and families. But Indiana attorneys overwhelmingly indicate they neither want to be told to volunteer nor be obligated to report their volunteer hours.
Read MoreSurvey: Attorney social media use largely governed by personal responsibility
By a more than 2-to-1 margin, attorneys who responded to the IL survey said their organization encourages them to promote themselves and their firm or organization, compared to those who said their organization discourages social media.
Read MoreFocus for law firms: Clients, clients, clients
Law firms large and small face similar challenges – keeping costs down and quality high while also finding ways to sustain and grow the business.
Read MoreSurvey finds widespread professional satisfaction, little encouragement to pursue career in law
Life’s not bad being a lawyer. Work is satisfying, there’s time for life outside work, and the pay is good. But I wouldn’t recommend it. Those contradictions in lawyers’ prevailing attitudes were revealed in Indiana Lawyer's Practicing Law in Indiana survey.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
New DTCI president to continue diversity push
James Hehner brings 30-plus years of professional experience to the leadership post for the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana.
Read More2015 DTCI amicus report
In 2015, the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana’s Amicus Committee participated in a number of interesting appeals, two of which are set for oral argument in the near future. The cases DTCI became involved in this year, as in past years, pertain to a variety of issues which are of significant interest to the defense bar.
Read MoreDTCI elects new board and officers at annual conference
The Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana named its 2016 officers and directors at its 22nd Conference and Annual Meeting Nov. 19-20. The officers and directors will take office Jan. 1, 2016.
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Lucas: And the ‘Practicing Law in Indiana’ survey says …
Welcome to the Indiana Lawyer’s “survey issue”! I hope that you find the data revealed in the pages of this publication interesting and that it spurs conversation and serves as a catalyst for positive change in the legal community.
Read MoreInside the Criminal Case: Gluten, grandpas and reasonable suspicion to stop a vehicle
“Back in our day,” reasonable suspicion for a traffic stop was based upon objective evidence that the suspect had committed a traffic violation.
Read MoreHammerle on … ‘Trumbo,’ ‘Spotlight’
Bob Hammerle says “Trumbo” is a study in American history that should not be forgotten.
Read MoreQuality of Life: Make sure to protect yourself from any type of ‘fall’
At some point in life, you may have an experience that helps you to redefine your priorities. I had such an experience about three weeks ago, when I took a tumble, head first, down a long and steep staircase in my home.
Read MoreProtecting Your Practice: Avoid problematic fee agreements
It is crucial to have a clear, written agreement with your client explaining not just the scope of your services, but how you will be paid for those services. Be careful that you don’t run afoul of your professional obligations in that fee agreement or in your billing.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Vacancy opens up on St. Joseph County bench
St. Joseph Superior Judge Jerome Frese is retiring early next year, opening up a spot on the bench. The St. Joseph County Judicial Nominating Commission will hold interviews with candidates in late December.
Read MoreFogle sentenced to 15 years for pornography, sex crimes
A judge on Thursday sentenced former Subway pitchman Jared Fogle to 15 years and eight months in federal prison — even more than requested by prosecutors — for trading in child pornography and having sex with underage prostitutes.
Read MoreObama lawyers ask Supreme Court to revive immigration plan
President Barack Obama’s administration moved quickly to seek a U.S. Supreme Court hearing on his plan to shield as many as 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation, setting up the prospect of a politically charged court battle next year.
Read MoreAnnual dollar campaign taking ‘more scientific’ approach
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society is kicking off its annual holiday fundraiser this week, hoping to raise $175,000 to $200,000.
Read MoreLongest-serving attorney Alexis ‘Alex’ Cholis dies
Indiana’s longest-practicing attorney passed away recently. Alexis “Alex” P. Cholis, of South Bend, died Nov. 8 at 99. He formally retired in 2013, more than 71 years after he was admitted to the Indiana bar.
Read MoreIndiana governor faces lawsuit for blocking Syrian refugees
A lawsuit challenging the Indiana governor's decision to stop state agencies from helping resettle Syrian refugees alleges that the action wrongly targets the refugees based on their nationality and violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
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Indiana Court Decisions – Nov. 12 to 23, 2015
Read recent decisions from Indiana appellate courts.
Read MoreBar AssociationsBack to Top
Trimble: Please … Tell Me Why Not?
Within the past two weeks I have had the pleasure of being a part of the 2016 planning retreats for the sections, committees and board of the Indianapolis Bar Association and the board of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation.
Read MoreIndyBar: Share Savings with Your Employees at No Cost to You
Here’s a holiday gift for your whole firm: Indianapolis Bar Association members can now offer firm members and employees—both legal and non-legal—discounts through NPP.
Read MoreIndyBar: Overview of the Major Changes to the Indiana Child Support Guidelines
On Nov. 5, 2015, the Indiana Supreme Court issued an Order Amending the Indiana Child Support Guidelines (“Guidelines”).
Read MoreIndyBar:Legal Help Brings Light to Life’s Darkest Moments
When fear, worry and pain make life dark, you can be the light. Local hospice patients facing end-of-life legal matters get free assistance from the IndyBar Hospice Program–and we need you to help!
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