JULY 16-29, 2014
The increased amount in registration fees attorneys will pay starting Aug. 1 will cover shortfalls in the Disciplinary Commission, the Commission on Continuing Legal Education and the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program. A portion of the increased fees will also provide revenue for the state’s pro bono districts. A report issued by a task force commissioned at the request of the Indiana Supreme Court recommends reported attorney pro bono hours only be public in an aggregate manner. A recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals decision may expedite the demise of Marion County township courts.
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New Indiana criminal code being implemented in courtrooms
Prosecutors, public defenders and judges around the state have been attending special seminars, updating computer programs and reading through the new criminal code in preparation for the switch. Many say they will need about six months before they feel comfortable with the new code, and they expect they will be juggling cases charged under the old code for at least another 12 to 18 months.
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Ruling may expedite demise of Marion County township venues
Marion County’s unique township small claims courts may be on the verge of extinction, hastened by a game-changing ruling this month by the full 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Read MorePersonal, practical reasons guide adult adoptions
Children become consenting adults when they turn 18, but that’s also the age at which a few will seek to legally become someone’s son or daughter. Adult adoptions are fairly rare, but they’re sought for a host of reasons from the sentimental to the sensible, family law attorneys say.
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Lawyer registration fee increase to cover program shortfalls, aid pro bono districts
Attorney registration fees set to increase nearly 25 percent will cover shortfalls in the judiciary programs they fund and give a temporary emergency boost to the state’s pro bono districts.
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Ice cold beer? Not here
The challenge to Indiana cold beer regulation continues in state court and 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.
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IU Maurer’s dean builds relationships beyond the law school
Austen Parrish was happy at Southwestern Law School where he taught and served as an administrator for 11 years. He liked the school and his work so much that he was never tempted to apply for the dean vacancies that open every year – until he learned Indiana University Maurer School of Law was looking.
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Task force: Keep pro bono hours anonymous
A task force at the recommendation of the Indiana Supreme Court recently looked at five areas concerning pro bono work and the reporting of hours, including whether attorneys' reported pro bono hours should be disclosed publicly.
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Advocates: Suit over unpaid subsidies emblematic of DCS’ shortcomings
Adoptive families who’ve sued the state and likened the Department of Child Services to deadbeat parents for failing to pay promised subsidies to people who adopt foster children aren’t alone in feeling slighted, child and adoption advocates say.
Read MoreReed: ‘Gray divorce revolution’ alters traditional estate planning
Estate planning for “gray divorcees” presents unique challenges for their legal and financial planning professionals.
Read MoreAndrews: Can you protect the stepparent bond after a divorce?
A subsequent divorce between a biological parent and stepparent can have a devastating impact on the stepparent/stepchild relationship that often rivals that of a biological parent and child. This relationship is so significant that nine of our states recognize stepparents as having a right to seek visitation of a child.
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Janzen: 4 tips for starting a law blog and finding your voice
Blogging is a great communication tool for lawyers. For other attorneys who are considering launching their career into the blogosphere, here are four tips.
Read MoreSidebars: Bloomington eatery’s Cajun food leaves diners satisfied
We give Uptown Café 4 gavels!
Read MoreLiving Fit: Tips for those who are or will be in the 50 and Over Club
Congratulations! You made it to the Fifty and Over Club – or hope to someday. After all, not making it means you’re a member of the Six Feet Under Club, a dirty place to be. As a bonafide member of the elite 50 and over team, you know the joys of waking up with more creaks than your wood floors.
Read MoreTechnology Untangled: Regain some Internet privacy and anonymity
While no one should operate under the illusion that total Internet privacy is obtainable, there are at least a few things you can do to keep from being a complete open book when using the Internet.
Read MoreZoeller: State’s lawyer has duty to represent state in marriage suit
Not since my office had to represent the state in lawsuits arising from the State Fair disaster has a dispute been so seemingly impossible to address in a way that the public would accept as being fair to all concerned.
Read MoreHammerle On… ‘Obvious Child,’ ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2’
Bob Hammerle says “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is a sequel with meaning and is an animated film that you should hunt down.
Read MoreIndiana Judges Association: Officiating same-sex marriages leaves judge optimistic
On June 25, 2014, and the next day, I officiated over 50 same-sex marriages. For reasons I did not expect, it may have changed my life.
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IU Maurer to begin offering scholarships to Wabash College grads
Indiana University Maurer School of Law and Wabash College have entered into an agreement establishing a scholarship and mentorship program for Wabash students interested in going to law school.
Read MoreThomas to resign as Indiana’s inspector general
The only person to serve as Indiana's top ethics watchdog since the position of inspector general was created in 2005 is planning to leave.
Read MoreDirector of northeast Indiana pro bono organization died July 3
Terry McCaffrey, the executive director of the Volunteer Lawyer Program of Northeast Indiana, died July 3. He was 55.
Read MoreJudges, prosecutor at odds over 12-hour rule for Indy arrestees
Marion Superior judges Friday delayed enacting a policy opposed by Prosecutor Terry Curry that would ensure major felony suspects a probable cause determination within 12 hours of arrest.
Read MoreJustices to answer whether fund can pursue claim against an insurer
The Indiana Supreme Court has accepted a certified question from a federal court in northern Indiana in a case filed by the Indiana Patient Compensation Fund against a professional liability insurance provider involving claims against former doctor Mark Weinberger.
Read MoreEx-prosecutor to check Ball State investment fraud
A former federal prosecutor is being hired by Ball State University to review the handling of fraudulent investments that cost the school $13.1 million.
Read MoreNew chief justice to be selected Aug. 6
The next chief justice of the Indiana Supreme Court will be chosen by the Judicial Nominating Commission Aug. 6, the court announced Friday.
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Indiana Court Decisions – March 16-29, 2016
7th Circuit Court of Appeals June 25 Civil – Religious Display on Public Land Chris Cabral and Nancy Tarsitano v. City of Evansville, Ind.; Appeal of: West Side Christian Church 13-2914 An Evansville church that sought to display multiple six-foot-tall crosses along the city’s public Riverfront cannot appeal the court order that prevents the city […]
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DTCI: Independent contractors under the Worker’s Compensation Act
Independent contractors are usually excluded from coverage under the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Act. Accordingly, an individual’s status as an independent contractor may serve as a defense to an otherwise compensable claim. While this general principle – that independent contractors are not covered by the Act – seems simple enough, the provisions of the Act addressing independent contractors can give rise to some complex legal and factual issues.
Read MoreDTCI: Awards nominations invited
The Defense Trial Counsel’s Annual Meeting will be held Nov. 20-21 at French Lick Resort. One of the highlights of the meeting is the presentation of the Defense Lawyer of the Year, the Diplomat of the Indiana Defense Trial Counsel, and the Outstanding Young Lawyer awards.
Read MoreAbrams: SUMMERTIME – Fun in the Sun and With the IndyBar
Summertime is a wonderful time of the year. Not only are there so many things to do outside (when it finally stops raining), but there are also lots of great events with the IndyBar and Indianapolis Bar Foundation.
Read MoreIndyBar: Moberly Appointed Chief Bankruptcy Judge
The Hon. Robyn L. Moberly of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana will replace Judge James K. Coachys as the chief judge of the court Aug. 1.
Read MoreIndyBar: Together We are Making a Difference
It is a good time of the year to highlight the significant impact that your financial contributions to the Indianapolis Bar Foundation (IBF) are having on the community.
Read MoreIndyBar: Jodie L. Bergeron Named IndyBar Paralegal of the Year
The Indianapolis Bar Association is proud to recognize Jodie L. Bergeron of Cohen & Malad LLP as the association’s Paralegal of the Year for 2014.
Read MoreIndyBar: Honor the Best of the Best
The IndyBar Professionalism Committee is soliciting nominations for the 2014 IndyBar Professionalism Award (Attorney) and IndyBar Silver Gavel Award (Judge).
Read MoreIndyBar: Indy Legal Community to ‘Stock the Schools’ for Teachers’ Treasures
With over half of the children in Marion County unable to afford school lunch, it shouldn’t be a surprise that there are little funds available for these students to purchase the supplies they need to succeed in the classroom. That’s why the Indianapolis legal community is once again “Stocking the Schools” before the school buses roll out for a new year.
Read MoreIndyBar: Attorney Volunteers Needed for IndyBar Homeless Shelter Project
Want to make an impact? The IndyBar Homeless Shelter Project is looking for attorney volunteers. Through this project, IndyBar volunteers visit four local homeless shelters each month, giving legal advice and occasionally offering limited representation.
Read MoreIndyBar: Green by Example – Going Green Starts at the Top
Going green isn’t something that happens overnight – but Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor David Stippler says it doesn’t take much longer than a night to see the changes adding up.
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