SEPT. 18-OCT. 1, 2019

The Taft Stettinius & Hollister merger with a big Minneapolis firm is the latest and largest in a flurry of deals involving Hoosier law firms. A Clark Circuit judge will serve no jail time and receive no probation for his misdemeanor plea in a confrontation in which he and a colleague were shot, but the Commission on Judicial Qualifications continues to investigate the shooting. And a harassment guilty plea in a case involving a Facebook post was affirmed by the Court of Appeals, but a dissenting judge wrote that the harassment statute itself should be thrown out.

Growing for success: Law firms still looking for merger opportunities, but fewer partners available

September 18, 2019 | Marilyn Odendahl

With its impending entrance into the Minneapolis market, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP is set to expand its footprint to 12 cities, grow its roster of attorneys to more than 600 and take a step closer to its goal of becoming a regionally dominant law firm. While law firm merger activity in the Hoosier State is increasing, the recently announced Taft deal is among the largest in recent years.

After judge’s plea, JQC investigating shooting

September 18, 2019 | Olivia Covington

Though he’s past the legal ramifications of an early-morning shooting in May, Clark Circuit Judge Andrew Adams must still face a judicial discipline action investigating the matter. His plea and the highly publicized nature of the shooting led the Indiana Judicial Qualifications Commission to take the rare step of publicly confirming its investigation of the incident.

Facebook case dissent challenges harassment statute

September 18, 2019 | Katie Stancombe

When an Indiana Court of Appeals judge recently veered away from his colleagues’ conclusion that a grieving mother’s statements in a social media post could be constitutionally restricted and prosecuted, he went even further, calling Indiana’s harassment statute unconstitutionally overbroad. Many First Amendment attorneys agree.

Hometown roots, statewide respect: John Whiteleather named 2019 Legendary Lawyer

September 18, 2019 | Marilyn Odendahl

“I’ve had a great career,” said longtime Whitley County attorney and prosecutor John Whiteleather, “and I hope I have contributed back to the community for what it provided to me.” Whiteleather’s colleagues on the bench and bar assure him that he did, recognizing him as the Indiana Bar Foundation’s 2019 Legendary Lawyer.

Lawyers vulnerable to economic downturn some see coming

September 18, 2019 | Marilyn Odendahl

Some economists are again talking about a recession as certain market indicators point to a coming slowdown. Even if the economy stays strong, experts say the changes within the legal industry will still create winner and losers.

Indiana courts among busiest for employment filings

September 18, 2019 | Olivia Covington

In the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, busy dockets are common across all case types. Recent data confirmed that trend specifically with respect to employment law, finding the Indianapolis-based courts are among the busiest in employment litigation for all of the Midwest.

Indiana Court Decisions – Aug. 28-Sept. 11, 2019

September 18, 2019 |

Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.

Raising the bar: Incoming ISBA President Henderzahs stresses partnerships, professionalism

September 18, 2019 | Dave Stafford

Leslie Henderzahs says Indiana State Bar Association members often realize the value of the association when they least expect it. The incoming ISBA president cited as an example a recent proposal that Indiana lawyers provide their cellphone numbers with their Roll of Attorneys registrations. Few proposals have prompted such an outcry from attorneys, and Henderzahs said the state bar acted promptly.

ISBA reaches out to law students, adopts programming focused on ‘living life as a lawyer’

September 18, 2019 | Dave Stafford

Recognizing a need to increase its engagement with younger attorneys, the Indiana State Bar Association last year launched two initiatives that the bar and participants say are showing promising results — a law school outreach effort and an emphasis on programming on a “living life as a lawyer” track.

Hopper: Transitions for lawyers, firms could use some encouragement

September 18, 2019 | Don Hopper

Who is responsible for law practice succession planning? I suggest that all of us in the Indiana bar have roles to play, especially those of us closer to the end of our legal careers. So far this year, I have met with several senior attorneys who want to develop and implement succession plans for their law practices.

JLAP: Bar associations tackle lawyer wellness issues

September 18, 2019 |

Lawyers are fixers. We fix things other people have messed up. So, obviously, we like to project a persona that is not in need of fixing. We hold ourselves to a high standard to get new clients, bill more hours, finish an opinion, bring that next charge, defend the next client … always perfectly. And that’s the crux. Because, of course, we are not perfect. But that desire to be so affects our wellness and can lead to substance use disorder, anxiety, depression and grief.

Maley: Residual hearsay rule change will take effect Dec. 1

September 18, 2019 | John Maley

Effective Dec. 1, a package of federal rule changes is scheduled to go into effect. Per federal statute, the amendments apply to cases filed on or after Dec. 1, and otherwise to existing cases to the extent just and practicable.

Inbox: Letter to the editor — Medical expenses in personal injury litigation

September 18, 2019 |

When a client in a personal injury case decides to not claim the cost of medical care, you should file a motion in limine to exclude the cost.

Hammerle on… “IT Chapter Two,” “One Child Nation”

September 18, 2019 | Robert Hammerle

Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle says a sequel to a 2017 blockbuster may be the biggest bummer of the summer, while a startling documentary examining China’s former one-child policy is an emotional powerhouse.

Disciplinary Actions

September 18, 2019 |

Read which Indiana Lawyers have been subject to Indiana Supreme Court discipline orders in the most recent reporting period.

IndyBar: Barnard: The Beauty and Brilliance of Our World

September 18, 2019 | Thomas A. Barnard and From IndyBar

For the past 30 years, I have always looked forward to my haircut because of the man who cuts my hair. Working on the ground floor of our downtown office building for more than 30 years, Winston is a man who possesses a passion and skill for identifying the positive meaning to be extracted from the bumps and bruises we all experience.