FEB. 3-16, 2020
After 39 years, G. Michael Witte, executive director of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, is calling it a career — sort of. A new yearlong legal-focused series, Open Conversations, hopes to draw on the power of frank discussion to illuminate issues of race and justice. And with the powerful lobbying interests of two boys from LaPorte, Indiana lawmakers are taking a stand for lemonade.
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Calling it a career: Lawyer ethics director Witte retiring
After 39 years, G. Michael Witte, executive director of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, is calling it a career — sort of.
Read MoreConversations on race draw on power of candid talks
To capitalize on the talks that started during 2020, attorney Angka Hinshaw is joining Indiana Justice Steven David to lead a yearlong discussion about racial issues and cultural differences. The goal of the program, Open Conversations, is to foster honest, perhaps uncomfortable, dialogue where the participants can gain new insight and understanding.
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Taking a stand for lemonade
A bill in the 2021 Indiana General Assembly would make clear that lemonade stands are legal in the Hoosier state, thanks to two LaPorte boys who wanted to tackle an issue near to their hearts.
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Indiana Black Legislative Caucus leaders optimistic about agenda
The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus is offering a comprehensive and aggressive agenda for the 2021 session of the Indiana General Assembly. The bills promote police reform, institute changes to juvenile justice, and address inequities in the health care system, among other things.
Read MoreSenate bill addresses post-release mental health treatment
A Senate bill requested by the Indiana Department of Correction would provide a way to ensure mental health treatment for inmates upon their release.
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The next step: Civil forfeiture reform efforts continue in Indiana
Civil forfeiture is back before the judicial and the legislative branches of Indiana government. A Senate bill would implement forfeiture reforms that practitioners say have long been necessary, while a case scheduled to go before the Indiana Supreme Court this month for the third time could further refine how trial courts consider whether a forfeiture is lawful.
Read MoreIndiana Court Decisions – Jan. 14-27, 2021
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
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Gearing up: Automated driving technology experts offer advice, anticipation for future
As new vehicle models are released each year, automated driving technologies become increasingly available to consumers. Experts say attorneys will need to familiarize themselves with the evolving technology to be equipped for future cases and how it may fundamentally change their practices.
Read MoreRemote advantage: Business attorneys have discovered some unexpected benefits to virtual hearings
While the jury is still out on how increased use of remote technology will impact litigation in the future, business lawyers have seen a decrease in expenses and an increase in efficiency that is likely to benefit clients and productivity.
Read MoreMizzell: You can’t ignore texts and chat messages in e-discovery
Texts and chat messages are informal and fragmented forms of communication that can be hard to address in both written discovery and the technical collection of documents. So here are a few suggestions to help attorneys who are just starting to grapple with this developing area of electronic discovery.
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Stafford: It’s an honor — Your bigger, better Leadership in Law awards
Someday not too long from now, we at Indiana Lawyer will say hello to you in person, and I have to say, I can’t wait for that day. Until then, we have some exciting news to share about our annual Leadership in Law awards.
Read MoreYoung: Looking for greater equity in America’s caste system
I’ve been wrestling with the idea of a more just Indiana and what that really means and looks like for the millions of Hoosiers impacted by COVID-19, unemployment, racism and in some instances bad luck. COVID has wreaked havoc on customary ways of conducting business, all the while intensifying political divides in an already divided country. Is that disruption of “normalcy” a bad thing?
Read MoreMaley: Senior status for Springmann, Flaum creates vacancies
Rules governing divisional jurisdiction vary in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, as illustrated by some recent rulings.
Read MoreHammerle on… “Promising Young Woman,” “Pieces of a Woman” and “News of the World”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle is intrigued by Oscar-worthy performances in “Promising Young Woman,” “Pieces of a Woman” and “News of the World.”
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IndyBar: Tea and Pivoting with the IndyBar & IBF
While the IndyBar and Indianapolis Bar Foundation’s successes are due in large part to the generosity and dedication of our community, the leadership, boards, and staff pirouetted through the minefields of 2020 like a barefoot parent dodging Legos on a hardwood floor.
Read MoreIndyBar: Make a Connection: Participate in the Women and the Law Division Mentoring Program!
Female mentorship in the workplace is important now more than ever, and the IndyBar Women and the Law Division (WLD) is looking to help you find your perfect match!
Read MoreIndyBar: I’ve Got Your (Feed)Back: Giving and Getting Feedback in Mediation
Recently, I participated in a mediation. The case did not settle. Later that evening, I received an email from the mediator, giving me some feedback as to the what the mediator thought were the stumbling blocks in the case that day and some ideas as to what resolutions may still be salvageable. I rarely receive post-mediation emails from a mediator. But I really appreciated the feedback. It was challenging yet motivating.
Read MoreIndyBar: Pretty Paper: Modern Lawyers Can Still Use Pen and Paper
If going full electric makes you uncomfortable, there is a middle ground. Apps like Livescribe allow you to use smart pens and smart paper to capture traditional and nontraditional electronic notes via the traditional mechanism you still love. Yes, it’s a real ink pen. Yes, it’s real paper. Sorry, fountain pens are unavailable.
Read MoreIndyBar: Donations Needed for the Criminal Justice Section Clothing Drive
The Criminal Justice Section is kicking off the year by helping those in need! Please consider donating to our clothing drive: any coats, gloves, sweatshirts, sweatpants, socks (or any clothing!) can be dropped off in our donation box inside the front vestibule at IndyBarHQ (140 N. Illinois St.) by Feb. 4.
Read MoreIndyBar: Employer and Sponsor Registration Now Open for 2021 Diversity Job Fair!
Looking to find your next great law clerk or show your support for diversity in our community? Employer and sponsor registration is now open for the 2021 Diversity Job Fair!
Read MoreIndyBar: Weekly Bill Watch Reports Keep up with Legislation that Matters to You
With the help of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, the IndyBar Legislative Committee (chaired by Mindy Westrick of the Indiana Energy Association) provides weekly Bill Watch reports throughout the session, which highlight progress and recent actions taken on bills being monitored by the association.
Read MoreIndyBar: Save the Date for the 2021 IndyBar Bench Bar Conference!
Plan to join us this year for the return of the beloved IndyBar Bench Bar Conference! After a hiatus in 2020, Bench Bar is returning to Louisville this summer from June 17-19 and it’ll be your chance to relax and get away for the wee
Read MoreDTCI: Constitutional Law and Private Health Care Providers
When the typical claim in health care against a private health care provider alleges medical malpractice, why would the provider be concerned about the constitutional rights of the patient and the patient’s family? Section 1983 claims provide a Constitution-based vehicle for patients and/or their families to bring claims alleging violations of constitutional rights.
Read MoreDTCI: 2020 DTCI Award Recipients
See who was named DTCI Defense Lawyer of the Year, Outstanding Young Lawyer and Diplomat of the Indiana Defense Trial Counsel for 2020.
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