APRIL 9 – APRIL 22, 2025
A Paoli woman once convicted for the murder of her ex-husband says she was always certain she acted in self-defense. In a re-trial, a jury finally saw it her way and set her free. Read Managing Editor Daniel Carson's riveting interviews with Sabrina Dunn and her attorneys about an acquittal that is being hailed as a victory by advocates for victims of domestic violence. This edition of The Indiana Lawyer also has an interview with one of the most powerful attorneys in state government: Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray. Reporter Alexa Shrake talked to him about his somewhat surprising views on decriminalizing marijuana and how his experience as an attorney has helped him in the Legislature. Also, you may have seen the new Hulu documentary on Westfield serial killer Herb Baumeister, but reporter Maura Johnson has more details on new methods being used to identify victims from the 10,000 bone fragments found at Baumeister's former Fox Hollow Farm.
Top StoriesBack to Top
Domestic violence victim tries to start new life after murder conviction is overturned
Sabrina Dunn said she will always firmly believe she acted in self-defense and used reasonable force when she shot and killed her ex-husband, William “Bill” Dunn.
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Q&A with Rodric Bray: Indiana Senate’s top leader talks legal experience, decriminalizing marijuana
Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, an attorney, said he doesn’t see himself as dictatorial, but as a consensus builder.
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Investigators deploy new methods to identify Westfield serial killer’s victims
By the late 1990s, several men had been identified as likely victims of Herb Baumeister at his Fox Hollow Farm. Now a new team of investigators is trying to finish the task for as many as 25 victims.
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High school debate teams seen as path to recruit new lawyers
The natural connection between debate, speech and litigation seems to create some pretty obvious opportunities for recruitment to the profession, some lawyers say.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
State considers incentives to lure attorneys to ‘legal deserts’
The Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future made dozens of suggestions for addressing rural Indiana’s attorney shortage, including start-up grants, loan repayment and allowing paralegals to take on certain tasks.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
Edward Schrager: Remembering Jessie Cook, a respected and beloved attorney
The legal community has lost a fierce advocate, a trusted colleague and a devoted friend with the passing of Jessie Cook.
Read MoreKeith Bice: Laterals look for long-term success at new firms
Talented lawyers are adapting to the changing economy and are increasingly looking around corners, seeking a firm that will help them better serve their current clients.
Read MoreRoy Graham: Listen to your clients; they know more than you think
When is this learned? When you realize you failed to. Then, sadly, it’s too late.
Read MoreKevin Roberts & Will Amberger: Uncertain times for employers amid federal policy changes
President Donald Trump has acted swiftly and made significant changes at all levels of the federal government—with many affecting employers.
Read MoreJohn Maley: Here is how you can navigate third-party discovery
Third-party discovery rules at the state and federal level are similar but have significant differences.
Read MoreAngela M. Rinehart: This is how experience can wallop imposter syndrome
Less than two percent of cases go to trial, so trial experiences are hard to come by.
Read MoreJohn R. Van Winkle: How to arbitrate disputes over cryptocurrency and more
A look at how to address disputes arising at the intersection of smart contracts, blockchains and cryptocurrencies.
Read MoreBar AssociationsBack to Top
IndyBar: President’s Update
We are proceeding with the Rule of Law Initiative discussed in the President’s Message on Feb. 14, 2025.
Read MoreIndyBar: Mastering Oral Argument at the Seventh Circuit
Preparing to deliver an effective argument is a lot of work. And the entire exercise can be stressful.
Read MoreIndyBar: IndyBar’s Bill Watch Report – Informing Members on Vital Legislative Developments
The Public Advocacy Committee, made up of lawyer-lobbyists, reviewed every bill and resolution, tagging relevant bills to specific practice groups’ tracking lists.
Read MoreIndyBar: Proving A Claim Under Indiana’s Environmental Legal Action Statute
The mere ownership of a property or business is not enough to establish liability under Indiana’s Environmental Legal Action Statute.
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