JULY 19-AUG. 1, 2023
In two of the biggest rulings of the year, the U.S. Supreme Court last month struck down affirmative action and rejected the Biden administration's plan for widespread student loan debt forgiveness. In our lead story package, managing editor Daniel Carson and reporter Alexa Shrake get reactions to those rulings from law schools and law students. Meanwhile in the state courts, senior reporter Tyler Fenwick introduces us to Judge Paul Felix, the newest judge of the Court of Appeals of Indiana. And in the Family Law Focus, Alexa tells us about the growing use of family recovery courts across Indiana. Read those stories and more in the July 19-Aug. 1, 2023, issue of Indiana Lawyer.
Top StoriesBack to Top
Law schools rethinking how race will factor in admissions
It’s only been a few weeks since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, forcing universities and law schools to rethink how they can recruit and maintain diverse student bodies.
Read MoreAlternate paths to student loan forgiveness possible, Biden says
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Joe Biden’s proposed $400 billion student loan debt relief plan last month, citing the need for Congress to be on board for a federal initiative with such a significant price tag.
Read MoreNear-total abortion ban reinstated: Legislative, court action likely to continue challenges to state law
The Indiana Supreme Court waited until the last day of June to deliver one of its most highly anticipated opinions in recent years, vacating a preliminary injunction against the state’s near-total abortion ban and reinstating the law.
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‘A real judicial leader’: Judge Felix goes to COA with high praise, lofty goals
There was a moment during Judge Paul Felix’s remarks, after he was announced as the next Court of Appeals of Indiana judge, where he took a break from talking about the legal profession and thanking the various colleagues who’d helped him.
Read MoreAttorneys hard to find for prosecutor, public defender openings: Shortage of public attorneys leaves offices scrambling to manage caseloads
At the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office, full workforce capacity would consist of a staff of 29 deputy prosecutors, a chief deputy prosecutor and Vicki Becker, the county’s prosecuting attorney. Becker said her office currently has 18 attorneys.
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Web Exclusive: Governments, politicians face 1st Amendment suits over social media use
Kingsford Heights, Indiana, has something in common with a growing number of smaller communities: Its town council is facing a lawsuit for allegedly violating the First Amendment rights of its residents — not at the ballot box or in a church, but on Facebook.
Read MoreIndiana Court Decisions: June 28-July 12, 2023
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
A different way to help families: Family recovery courts gaining traction across state
For many across the state, being given a chance to connect with people in similar situations and to work with a supportive team is life changing. It certainly was for Breanna Shope. Shope had that experience when she participated in family recovery court.
Read MoreCosts often vary for divorce cases: Some file pro se, others seek legal aid or private attorneys
There’s an emotional cost that comes with a divorce, but the process also involves dollars and cents.
Read MoreMcAtee: Financial considerations in a military divorce
There are several aspects to a military divorce that are distinguishable from an everyday divorce matter.
Read MoreSoshnick: Income approach in divorce valuations: Look back or leap forward?
Valuing businesses and professional practices in divorce cases is more an art than a science. Yet developments over the past three decades bring more conformity to the process.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
INBOX: Supreme Court Talevski decision a major victory for civil liberties
Last month, by a 7-2 decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of civil rights. The result of the suit is a win for nursing home residents and their families, as well as a win for civil rights.
Read MoreHart: Building resilience when life throws you a curveball
Life isn’t always a sunny day at the ballpark with a cool breeze, a hot dog and tickets to the show in home run territory.
Read MoreTrimble: Solo, small firm management: Ideas to become more profitable
I recently sat down with Cory and Mitch Sprunger to learn more about the business model they have created in SprungerPEO.
Read MoreHammerle on… “Asteroid City” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”
Indianapolis criminal defense attorney Robert Hammerle gives us his take on “Asteroid City” and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
Read MoreBar AssociationsBack to Top
IndyBar: Family Division Mediation Day, August 11
On Aug. 11, the Marion Superior Court, Family Division, with the support of the IndyBar Family Law and ADR Sections, volunteer mediators, the Marion Superior Court Executive Committee, court administration and support staff will be hosting Mediation Day.
Read MoreIndyBar: Effectively Utilizing a Paralegal
To hear more about how attorneys can effectively utilize paralegals, I welcome you to attend IndyBar’s CLE titled “How to Maximize Your Paralegal in Research, e-Discovery, and Trial,” at 4 p.m. on Aug. 10 (link found on IndyBar website).
Read MoreIndyBar: Practice Toolkit: Pick Up Line: Managing Reception in a Modern Law Firm
If you want to get your phone picked up every time (which you should want to have happen), there’s a combination of services available that could cover you 24/7.
Read MoreIndyBar: Level Up Your Legal Knowledge: The History of GenCon and IP
Calling all dragon slayers, dungeon explorers, heroes, villains and, of course, intellectual property lawyers! IndyBar will open its gates at 4 p.m. on Aug. 3 for a fantastical event titled “Level Up Your Legal Knowledge: The History of GenCon and IP.”
Read MoreIndyBar: Intellectual Property Leaders Take the Stage: A Sneak Peek into 7th annual IP Roundtable with the Business Law Section
All are welcome to this unique opportunity to hear directly from intellectual property corporate counsel at a business law event taking place from 12-1 p.m. on July 26 at IndyBar HQ, 140 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis, 46204.
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