JUNE 8-21, 2022
How can we prevent this from happening again? That's the question many are asking after the recent mass shootings in Texas and New York last month. Indiana Lawyer Managing Editor Jordan Morey dug into national and statewide data and spoke with local officials to get a glimpse into what, if any, changes could be coming regarding local gun laws. Also in this issue, IL Senior Reporter Marilyn Odendahl detailed the monumental Indiana Supreme Court ruling that handed Gov. Eric Holcomb a win over the Legislature and the strong words the justices had for Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita. In another front-page story, Odendahl got insight into the Biden administration's nomination of U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana Magistrate Judge Doris Pryor to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. This week's Focus is the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, where we spoke with new ITLA President Dan Pfeifer. Be sure to read these stories and much more in the June 8-21, 2022 edition of Indiana Lawyer.
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Addressing gun violence: Debates over firearms restrictions reignite with recent mass shootings in Texas, New York
Recent mass shootings have reignited debate over gun control laws across the country, including in Indiana, which is set to have a permitless handgun law go into effect July 1 despite public condemnation by law enforcement leaders and public safety groups.
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Indiana justices tell Legislature to follow the constitution
In what is being called “the right decision,” the Indiana Supreme Court has overturned the law that allowed the Legislature to call itself into a special session. However, the debate over whether the governor should have the exclusive power to convene the General Assembly when the legislators are out of session might not be settled.
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Nomination to federal appellate court puts Pryor on brink of history
On May 25, Southern District of Indiana Magistrate Judge Doris Pryor was tapped by the Biden administration to fill the upcoming vacancy on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. If confirmed, Pryor would be the first Hoosier of color to serve on the federal appeals bench.
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Law students jumpstart legal experience by filing amicus briefs
Filing amicus briefs is a growing trend among law school offerings nationwide, according to law professors, and two Indiana law schools have picked up speed on the opportunity in recent years.
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Civic pride: Fishers High School team makes history
The Fishers High School team made history by finishing second among 47 teams from across the country who competed in the 2022 National We the People Finals in April. This is the highest any Indiana high school team has ever placed.
Read MoreLawsuit challenges state’s handling of mentally ill
With allegations that individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial are being left to languish in Indiana’s county jails, a federal lawsuit filed in May by Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services is bringing renewed attention to the treatment of mentally ill inmates in the state’s criminal justice system.
Read More‘Spectacular repudiation’ of Rokita’s attempt to block governor’s lawsuit
In its 31-page opinion on House Enrolled Act 1123, the Indiana Supreme Court devoted 10 pages to rejecting all of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s arguments that the governor should not have been permitted to even file his lawsuit.
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Web exclusive: SCOTUS decision ‘shuts door’ on ineffective counsel claims brought in federal court
In the winter of 2021, two death row prisoners raised claims in habeas corpus proceedings that their trial attorneys were constitutionally ineffective. But the nation’s highest court split in a decision last month ruling that they could not introduce evidence outside of the state court record due to restrictions imposed by a federal law.
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Hoosier roots: McCarter & English lures veteran attorneys to open new office in Indianapolis market
Co-managing partners of the Indiana office Katherine Althoff and Amy Fisher, and partner Kimberly Castellino Metzger, have strong connections to the Hoosier legal community, having built their careers at Ice Miller in Indianapolis. So, the launch of McCarter’s Indianapolis office, the most western location for the East Coast firm, is based on strong Indiana roots.
Read MoreIndiana Court Decisions: May 19-June 1, 2022
7th Circuit Court of Appeals Published May 18, posted to theindianalawyer.com on May 19 Danielle Albert v. Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security 21-2592 7th Circuit affirms denial of disability benefits, urges petitioner to ‘give work a shot’ A northern Indiana woman who applied for Social Security disability benefits shortly after graduating from high […]
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Expanding the reach: New ITLA President Pfeifer wants to enhance geographic diversity
Meet Dan Pfeifer, the newest president of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association.
Read MoreITLA memberships promote community, growth
Members of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association find numerous benefits in getting involved with the organization.
Read MoreFeighner, Christie honored at 34th annual ITLA awards
Attorneys from Fort Wayne and Indianapolis were recently recognized with the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association’s 2022 Lifetime Achievement and Young Lawyer awards at the associations’ 34th Annual Lifetime Achievement Event.
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Maley: Proceeding under a pseudonym
The local federal courts regularly address procedural issues that recur from time to time. Most such decisions get little attention beyond the parties but are often informative for many federal practitioners. Whether and how to proceed under a pseudonym is one such example. Two informative opinions from the Southern District of Indiana provide excellent roadmaps.
Read MoreMarquez: Spoofing and impersonation: identifying and addressing the issues
What’s the difference between spoofing and impersonation? These terms are often used interchangeably, but they really are not quite the same.
Read MoreHammerle on… ‘Everything Everywhere All At Once;’ gun violence
Robert Hammerle on “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and gun violence.
Read MoreLetter to the editor: Defending Hoosier girls’ rights to fair competition in athletics
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita offers his support to legislators regarding the new law concerning transgender athletes.
Read MoreBar AssociationsBack to Top
DTCI: The importance of client service and relationships
Keith Mundrick, a DTCI director, say calls the practice of law “perhaps the pinnacle of the service industry.”
Read MoreIndyBar: Friends of the IndyBar Foundation Kicked Off Summer at the Block Party on May 26
Friends of the IndyBar Foundation Kicked Off Summer at the Block Party on May 26
Read MoreIndyBar: Guest column: Pixel, Sonny and Tucked-in Shirts
IndyBar’s James Bell shares a story about teaching his soon responsibility.
Read MoreIndyBar: Trust the Process: Systemization Is What Separates Modern Law Firms
If you’re looking to build a modern law firm, you need to stop flying by the seat of your pants and invest in systems for the long haul.
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