Women rising: Firm leader ranks increase in past decade
Female lawyers say they’ve seen a concerted push over the last decade to develop women law firm leaders, and those efforts seem to be bearing fruit.
Olivia Covington
Articles
Defunct Charlestown zoo owner arrested in New York
After more than three weeks at large, the owner of a former Charlestown zoo has been arrested in upstate New York. He faces extradition to Indiana to face criminal and civil proceedings.
Protester who lost eye due to tear gas sues Fort Wayne, police for excessive force
A Fort Wayne man who lost his eye during a Black Lives Matter protest after the death of George Floyd is now suing the city and local police department for excessive force and violation of his First Amendment rights.
Justices split over transfer denial in horse injury case
The Indiana Supreme Court has split over the denial of transfer in a case involving a horseback riding injury, with Justice Steven David publishing a dissent expressing concern that the “pendulum has swung too far” in sports injury cases.
Counties again requesting additional judicial officers
The Indiana General Assembly is once again being asked to add to Indiana’s court roster, with six counties presenting requests for new judicial officers. Most significantly, Hamilton County is asking the Legislature to add a new court.
Charlestown zoo owner still at large as state moves for default judgment, dissolution
As the search for animals missing from an embattled Charlestown zoo continues, the state of Indiana is seeking default judgment and judicial dissolution that would formally end Wildlife in Need’s operations. Meanwhile, zoo owner Tim Stark remains at large following an arrest warrant issued in Marion County, as well as an additional warrant in Clark County.
Bankruptcy lawyers foresee flood of COVID-related filings
If you thought the COVID-induced recession would cause a spike in bankruptcy filings, you’d be wrong. In fact, according to one Indianapolis practitioner, “bankruptcies are in the toilet.” But that doesn’t mean bankruptcy practitioners are sitting idle, as existing clients still need their service. More than that, a wave of new clients is likely coming.
Compelled contract? Indiana Supreme Court considers arbitration agreement in nursing home lawsuit
After hearing oral argument on petition to transfer Sept. 24, the court must now decide if it will rule in a dispute filed by an elderly woman and her representative against the Carmel assisted living facility where the woman once lived and an independent contractor hired by the facility who is accused of raping her.
New firms juggle business challenges, pandemic pressures
Hanging a shingle is always risky. Add a pandemic to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for stress. Most lawyers across Indiana felt the pinch of the COVID-19-induced economic downturn in some fashion. But those who made career moves in the months before the pandemic say the recession has put their business acumen to the test.
Former Indiana lawmakers, casino exec indicted in federal campaign finance scheme
Two former state lawmakers have been charged in federal court in Indianapolis with violations of campaign finance laws, the Indiana Southern District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
ISBA section calls for nonviolent sentencing reforms
More than six years after sweeping criminal code reforms were enacted in Indiana, a section of the Indiana State Bar Association is calling for additional sentencing reforms to establish parity with those who received longer sentences before the reforms were enacted.
Charlestown zoo owner at large after contempt arrest warrant
The embattled owner of a Charlestown zoo who has made headlines for defying court orders to turn over animals remained at large Thursday afternoon, a day after an Indianapolis judge issued a warrant for his arrest.
Man convicted of killing IU student loses 7th Circuit rehearing bid but wins remand
The man convicted in the 2000 murder of Indiana University student Jill Behrman will not get a second hearing on habeas relief before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. However, the federal appellate court is allowing John Myers to pursue allegations of withheld evidence on remand.
Coming full circle: Weissmann joins COA after years of appellate practice
At 10 a.m. Monday, Leanna Weissmann transitioned from practitioner to judge. “What a star,” Chief Justice Loretta Rush said of Weissmann when her appointment was announced. “I will miss you standing before me arguing cases. … I always knew it would be a whale of an argument.”
Tightrope act: Judges balance social issues, impartiality
Scenes from protests have dominated television screens for months. People of all ages, sizes, races, genders and backgrounds have participated in events calling for an end to racial inequality. But how do judges fit into the mix?
ISBA offering in-person, virtual hybrid for annual meeting
The Indiana State Bar Assocation annual meeting will be a hybrid model allowing bar members to meet either virtually or in-person. Speakers will still offer CLE, sponsors will still share products and the House of Delegates will still meet. Perhaps most importantly, Hoosier lawyers will get the chance to reconnect after months of social distancing.
State: Zoo owner illegally removes animals, incites violence in racist post
The feud between the state of Indiana and the owner of a rogue Charlestown zoo is heating up, with the state now seeking default judgment and the court ordering the owner to reveal the locations of animals illegally removed from the Charlestown property. The state says the zoo owner responded with social media posts inciting violence and using racist slurs.
Charlestown zoo owner facing contempt after blocking court-ordered animal removal
As the process of removing animals from an Indiana zoo featured on Netflix’s hit series “Tiger King” begins, the owner of the zoo is already facing a contempt motion for allegedly interfering with the court-ordered removal.
AG Hill appeals ruling striking ‘abortion complications’ reporting statute
A district court ruling that struck down a Hoosier abortion law requiring the reporting of “abortion complications” has been appealed to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill announced.
Indiana Republican official endorses Democrat Weinzapfel for AG
The Republican leader of Indiana’s Education Department is backing Democrat Jonathan Weinzapfel in his bid for attorney general, calling on other members of the GOP to follow suit.