In This Issue of Indiana Lawyer

Report: Women now comprise majority of law associates

The National Association for Law Placement released its annual Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms in January, with the report showing women now constitute the majority of all law associates for the first time since NALP began gathering data in the early 1990s.

Expunging criminal record, regaining driver’s license often require assistance

Several counties across the state are working to help Hoosiers clear their records and reinstate their driver’s licenses, using expungement and driving restoration laws like those passed in many states to help residents get their lives back on track.

First female bankruptcy judge focused on opportunity, not adversity

The recently retired bankruptcy judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana was encouraged to pursue two traditional career paths for women when she entered college in the 1970s.

Law schools, firms increase training, classes in generative AI

According to the 2024 AI and Legal Education Survey, collected by the American Bar Association, 55% of the 200 surveyed law schools currently offer classes on artificial intelligence as part of their curriculum.

New voter law looks to boost security but critics fear it will be stumbling block

Voting rights advocates critical of a controversial new Indiana voter registration law expect legal challenges to the measure that supporters tout as another way to tighten up election security and deter voter fraud.

New Indiana porn site law faces legal challenge

The porn industry, which has battled age verification laws in several states, won a preliminary injunction Friday against a new Indiana statute that would require certain porn websites to prevent Hoosiers under 18 from accessing adult material.

James J. Bell: Things to know about time machines, avoiding unworthy clients

There are times in the practice of law when a lawyer wishes he or she had a time machine. Those times can occur when the lawyer realizes that he or she should have never taken the case he or she is working on.

Dean’s Desk: IU McKinney’s hybrid JD: Innovating to serve the state

For many IU McKinney students, a law degree is only possible if they can pursue that dream while working and supporting families. The fall 2023 launch of our hybrid J.D. was the innovative transformation of our foundational part-time evening program.

Bill Kaiser and Andrew Klump: Boosting efficiency, safety through AI in manufacturing

In today’s business world, data has become extremely important in the quest to stand out among competitors, quickly improve products and efficiency, and forge deeper connections with customers. Data tells us how fast a product can be made or how often a customer reorders a product.

Bradley R. Sugarman & Michael Chambers: New EPA regulations require robust PFAS reporting

Under the Biden Administration, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized numerous significant administrative rules and has signaled significant policy shifts important to virtually every sector of the economy. According to the “Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions” maintained by the Office of Management and Budget, EPA had 116 regulatory actions in […]

Hammerle on… “Inside Out 2,” “Hit Man”

Disney and Pixar restore movie magic to the big screen.

Indiana Court Decisions: May 30-June 12

Morgan Morales v. Martin J. O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security

23-2796

Civil. Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division. Magistrate Judge Kellie Barr. Affirms an administrative law judge’s determination that Morgan Morales is not disabled and therefore not entitled to Social Security disability benefits. Finds there was abundant evidence that supports that decision. Also finds the magistrate judge’s analysis addressed Morales’s primary challenges to the ALJ’s decision with clarity and efficiency.

IndyBar: Interested in Joining the Board of Directors? Let Us Know!

Submissions of interest are now being taken for the 2025 Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Bar Association. A variety of opportunities to lead are available with varying responsibilities and time commitments among the roles. The following vacancies exist for the coming year and must be filled by an attorney member: