58 new lawyers admitted to practice in Indiana
The following new lawyers were admitted to practice law in Indiana after passing the February 2021 bar exam.
IL Staff
Articles
Southern District to lift mask, social distancing mandates for fully vaccinated individuals
Individuals who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required to wear a mask inside public spaces at Indiana’s Southern District courthouses beginning next month, Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt announced in a Tuesday order.
High court to hear arguments in LWOP case for teen convicted of killing brother
A man convicted as a teen of killing his 10-year-old brother is headed back to the Indiana Supreme Court, this time on the state’s appeal of an order for a new sentencing hearing in the life-without-parole case.
Former Elkhart mayor dies after COVID-19 illness
Former Elkhart Mayor Dave Miller died Sunday at age 62.
Southern Indiana District taking comments on proposed rules changes
Proposed changes to rules regarding social security appeals and sealed cases have been released for public comment by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
Justices to hear arguments on LWOP appeal in toddler’s death
A Madison County man sentenced to life for murdering his girlfriend’s toddler will take his appeal of his sentence to the Indiana Supreme Court this week.
Indy attorney on probation after court finds ‘neglect’ in cases
An Indianapolis attorney who neglected several of his criminal and termination-of-parental-rights cases has begun a three-year probationary period for his misconduct.
Justices suspend Indianapolis attorney for felony drug possession conviction
Grant Helms, who has no prior disciplinary actions, was found guilty of possession of methamphetamine.
Commission announces second round of interviews for Kirsch vacancy
The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission will reconvene next month for a full day of interviews with the 12 candidates vying to succeed Judge James Kirsch on the Indiana Court of Appeals.
Allen Co. magistrate Morgan appointed to Superior Court bench, succeeding Pratt
Allen County Magistrate Lori Morgan has been named a judge of the Allen Superior Court, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Tuesday.
Providers file legal challenge to Indiana ‘abortion reversal’ disclosure requirement
The suit challenges House Enrolled Act 1577, which the Indiana General Assembly passed this year requiring doctors to inform patients about medication-abortion reversals.
General counsel of state insurance department promoted to top job
Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed Amy Beard to succeed Stephen Robertson, who’d been insurance commissioner since 2010.
Ex-nursing home CEO taking fight against Barnes & Thornburg to 7th Circuit
James Burkhart, who led American Senior Communities, had argued Barnes & Thornburg failed to disclose a “profound conflict of interest” that compromised its representation of him.
12 selected as Court of Appeals semifinalists
The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission will conduct a second round of interviews with the 12. It ultimately will narrow the pool to three finalists and submit those names to Gov. Eric Holcomb for final selection.
AG Rokita expands Big Tech probe to include minority organizations
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is pressuring the leaders of minority organizations for information that he claims might help his “investigation of censorship practices” by Big Tech companies.
Opinions May 12, 2021
Indiana Court of Appeals
Br.S. v. J.N.S.
20A-AD-1790
Adoption. Reverses the Delaware Circuit Court’s ruling that although mother J.N.S. did not communicate with her children when she was able to do so, her lack of communication was justified. Finds J.N.S. did not have justifiable cause for not communicating with the children, so her consent to their adoption by their stepmother is unnecessary. Remands for the trial court to determine whether adoption is in the best interests of the children.
Southern District offering virtual Teacher Institute next month
The event provides an opportunity for government and social studies teachers in Indiana middle and high schools to learn about the operations of Indiana’s federal courts.
Justices to hear premises-liability arguments against Menards
The case stems from an injury a man sustained after a sink fell on him at an Elkhart County Menards store.
Legislative Council sets topics for 2021 interim committees
Ten interim study committees were assigned topics by the Legislative Council. The committees will meet during the summer and fall months in preparation for the 2022 session of the Indiana General Assembly.
Indianapolis man, woman get 45 years for child sexual abuse, exploitation
Bennie W. Schuck II, 46, and Amber Talley, 36, were sentenced for sexually exploiting a child, including producing child pornography with the minor victim.