Lawyers look to Internet, social media for clues
Surveying social media is becoming more common in trial preparation.
Jenny Montgomery
Articles
Law school unveiling joint JD/MD degree
Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis and the IU School of Medicine have partnered to create the first joint JD/MD degree program in the state. Educators are fine-tuning the details of the program and plan to begin promoting it soon.
Indianapolis attorney creates rescue mission for displaced children
Tim Rowe enjoys practicing law but also wants to help others around the world.
COA sides with pro se defendant in murder case
The Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled that a trial court erred when it accepted a man’s guilty plea to murder, because the defendant had at the same time claimed his innocence.
COA to hold oral argument in Allen County
The Indiana Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in Carrie Chapman v. Howard L. Chapman and Elizabeth W. Chapman, Trustees of The Stephen L. Chapman Irrevocable Trust Agreement, No. 02A03-1012-TR-624, at 10:30 a.m. July 12 at the Allen County Courthouse in Ft. Wayne.
COA sides with man accused of stealing hotdogs
The Indiana Court of Appeals says a man who was fired for snatching two hotdogs from the company refrigerator is entitled to unemployment benefits.
Supreme Court suspends Gary attorney
The Indiana Supreme Court has suspended a Gary attorney who has been the subject of suspension or reprimand three times since 1992.
The law of art
Katie Zarich, deputy director of public affairs for the Indianapolis Museum of Art, had worked for the IMA for a year when she decided to go to law school. She applied only to Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis, knowing that she wanted to continue working for the museum as she attended class at night.
The merits of medical patents
In April, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit heard arguments in a case that raises fundamental questions about the patentability of human genes. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take on a patent case in which the central issue is the patentability of a medical process. Both cases could have far-reaching effects – in medicine, in law, and in academia.
I-9 audits present legal concerns for businesses
Indiana’s chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business issued a press release June 23, urging Indiana businesses to prepare for I-9 audits. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has stepped up its audits of businesses nationwide in an effort to crack down on the employment of unauthorized immigrant workers.
What are lawyers’ pet peeves when it comes to legal writing?
In April, a Missouri attorney filed an eight-page motion seeking clarification of the opposing counsel’s pleading. Attorney Richard D. Crites criticized his opponent’s grammar, use of apostrophes, and lack of detail, writing in his motion that the pleading “is the worst example of pleading that Defendant’s attorney has ever witnessed or read.”
Appeals court reverses District Court on overtime pay
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed a District Court’s finding that a tow truck driver was not entitled to overtime pay.
COA turns to dictionary in contract dispute
Citing Black’s Law Dictionary’s definitions of “solicit” and “induce,” the Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed a trial court’s finding that a software company did not violate terms of its contract with another business.
Supreme Court aligns with trial court in dog-attack case
The Indiana Supreme Court has affirmed a trial court judge’s finding that the city of Evansville and its animal control division are not liable in a dog attack that seriously injured a boy.
Indiana Legal Services weathers budget cuts
The ILS board has taken cost-cutting steps, which include not renewing staff contracts.
Annual solo and small firms conference reaches out to law students
This year, nearly 30 students from Indiana law schools attended the Indiana State Bar Association’s 10th Solo & Small Firm Conference.
New lawyers face tough job market
In June, the National Association for Law Placement released key findings stating 2010 was the worst job market for law school graduates since the mid-1990s. For graduates whose employment was known, only 68.4 percent obtained jobs that required bar passage – the lowest number in that category since NALP began collecting data on law graduates in the early 1980s.
JLAP offers depression support for lawyers
Dedication to clients, competitiveness, and a strong work ethic are qualities that many successful lawyers share. Those same traits may put attorneys at greater risk for major depression if they end up demanding more from themselves than they’re able to give.
Cook Group board chair to speak at bar foundation dinner
The Fellows of the Indiana Bar Foundation will host their annual meeting and dinner July 15 in French Lick. New Fellows will be inducted, the Legendary Lawyer honoree will be announced, and Stephen L. Ferguson will address the audience.
Stephen Ferguson to speak at bar foundation dinner
The Fellows of the Indiana Bar Foundation will host their annual meeting and dinner July 15 in French Lick. New Fellows will be inducted, the Legendary Lawyer honoree will be announced, and Stephen L. Ferguson will address the audience.