IBA Frontlines

Baldwin Elected to Ogletree Deakins Board of Directors

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. has announced that Chuck Baldwin, the Managing Shareholder of the firm’s Indianapolis office, was elected to the firm’s Board of Directors. The election took place during the firm’s Annual Shareholders Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on January 29. Baldwin’s legal career spans nearly 30 years and he has continued to progress in leadership roles since joining Ogletree Deakins in 2000.

Baldwin devotes his practice to representing employers in lawsuits and administrative proceedings involving EEO claims, ERISA claims, labor arbitrations, NLRB proceedings, wage and hour disputes, union avoidance, employment contracts, non-competition/trade secret disputes, and class and collective action litigation.

Gonzalez Joins Baker & Daniels

Baker & Daniels LLP has strengthened its environmental law team with the hiring of Cheryl A. Gonzalez. She will practice as an associate attorney in the Indianapolis office.

Before joining Baker & Daniels, Gonzalez served as legal counsel for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. She provided legal guidance to the Office of Air Quality’s permitting, compliance and monitoring branches. Gonzalez also assisted in representing IDEM before Indiana’s Office of Environmental Adjudication, including appearing before OEA and in settlement meetings, drafting and reviewing briefs.

Legal Line Volunteers Make a Difference

A number of lawyers provided free legal advice to the public through the Bar’s Legal Line program in January. Dispensing wisdom and offering direction to callers were IndyBar attorney members Timothy Button, John Cento, Stephanie Chaudhary, Christine Douglas, Anthony Jost, Sarah MacGill, Jessica Moland, Phillip Olsson, and Donald Smith.

Reappointment for Hon. Anthony J. Metz

According to a press release from the court, United States Bankruptcy Judge Anthony J. Metz of the Southern District of Indiana has applied to be reappointed by the United States Court of Appeals to a new 14 year term when his current term expires on November 14, 2011. Comments are invited from the public and the bar as to whether Judge Metz should be reappointed. Those comments should be in writing and sent by March 1, 2011 to: Collins T. Fitzpatrick, Circuit Executive, 219 S. Dearborn St., Room 2780, Chicago, IL 60604

Bill Watch Provides Detail on Legislation of Interest

Bill Watch is a service of the IndyBar Legislative Committee. During each week of the legislative session, the IndyBar will distribute an updated report to its members that indicates the progress and recent actions taken on the bills being monitored by the association. The full report is posted online at Bill Watch on the Bar’s website, www.indybar.org

Voyles to be Honored with Buchanan Award

2009 Indianapolis Bar Association President James H. Voyles Jr. will be awarded with the IndyBar’s prestigious Hon. Paul H. Buchanan Jr. Award of Excellence at a luncheon in his honor on February 17, 2011 at the Hilton Indianapolis. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor an integral member of the Indianapolis legal community.

What’s Up at the Statehouse?

Hear an update on pending legislation and get to know Indiana legislators at the IndyBar’s fifth annual seminar, “The Importance of Lawyer-Legislators in the Indiana General Assembly,” which is hosted by the bar’s Senior Counsel Division. Attorneys who are state senators and representatives will lead a lively discussion during the luncheon on Tuesday, March 8, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency, 1 S. Capitol Ave. This event is being offered for 1.5 hours CLE credit. For more information and to register online at www.indybar.org

Interested in Racing Law?

Mark your calendar…The Racing Attorney Conference (TRAC), a joint effort between the IndyBar and the North Carolina Bar Association, is returning to Indy on April 13 and 14, 2011. TRAC 2011, which will be held at the Conrad Indianapolis, will include topics on celebrity representation, non-profits and foundations, state and local governments and an in-depth focus on SAG/AFTRA, as well as multiple opportunities for socializing and networking. Visit www.racingattorneys.com for more information and registration details.

Bar Offering Prep for MPRE

Then don’t miss the IndyBar’s MPRE Review Course, coming up on Friday, February 18 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the IndyBar Education Center. Go to the Bar’s website for additional details and online registration. Can’t attend? Then select our convenient Home Study Option, which will provide you with all written materials as well as access to the live presentation in a virtual, online environment.•