JUNE 5 – JUNE 18
COVID relief has faded and consumers are stuggling with credit card debt and more, bankruptcy lawyers say. That's leading to an increase in bankruptcy filings in Indiana and across the nation, reports Managing Editor Daniel Carson. An increasing lawyer shortage has prompted the Indiana Supreme Court to appoint a new commission to find potential solutions. Reporter Maura Johnson reports that an expanded role for paralegals is among the options being considered. In Focus, reporter Alexa Shrake introduces readers to Jerry Garau, the new president of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. Garau says his focus for the next year will be protecting access to the civil justice system.
Top StoriesBack to Top
Bankruptcy filings rise as consumers struggle with credit card debt and more
In the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana, April numbers for all bankruptcy cases—including Chapters 7, 11 and 13—were up 19.9% compared to the same time last year.
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State panel begins work to find lawyer shortage solutions
Expanded roles for paralegals are among the options being considered by the 23-member Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future, which was appointed by the Indiana Supreme Court.
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Attorneys advise clients to wait and see on FTC noncompete ban
The Federal Trade Commission’s near-total ban on noncompete agreements is scheduled to take effect in September, but two federal lawsuits challenging the ban’s validity threaten to put the agency’s new rules in legal limbo.
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Recruiting and retaining: Legal aid groups look for ways to keep pace with private firms
For legal aid organizations like Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic, their inability to offer salaries comparable to those in the private sector means they have to get creative with incentives and place an emphasis on the services provided to often lower-income clients.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
New state trial lawyer president focused on citizen rights
Jerry Garau said protecting access to the civil justice system will be a significant focus for his year as president of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association.
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Ladendorf, Barth honored at 2024 ITLA Awards ceremony
Mark Ladendorf of Ladendorf, Fregiato & Bigler is the recipient of ITLA’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award, while the association honored James Barth of Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak with its Max Goodwin Young Lawyer of the Year Award.
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OpinionBack to Top
John Maley: Southern District rule change imposes new page limits
A new rule regarding page limits on briefing reduces opening and response briefs from 35 to 30 pages, with reply briefs reduced from 20 to 15 pages.
Read MoreKyle Montrose: Tips to help you navigate your path to partnership
The road to partnership is paved with long hours and hard work, victories and defeats, confusion and clarity, insecurities and promotions
Read MoreConner Dickerson: Indiana AI laws: A cautious step into a changing landscape
While some states aim to be at the forefront of shaping national conversations around AI law, Indiana has taken a more measured approach, focusing on building a framework for responsible AI use within its own government and specific campaign practices.
Read MoreDavid Beach: A closer look at the judicial view of medical review panels
A closer look at as Indiana Supreme Court decision that held that neither the trial courts nor the chairpersons of the medical review panel have the authority to exclude certain material.
Read MoreCory Voight: Why the attorney general’s office issues advisory opinions
It has long been the practice of state attorneys general offices across our nation to issue advisory opinions. The Indiana Attorney General’s Office advises and at times does so in a very public way.
Read MoreJenifer Brown: Leaping into sustainable success after law firm’s launch
If your new firm is not where you expected it to be, time is now for an honest assessment. The strategy of waiting for things to get better works as well in startups as it does in relationships. As in, not at all. Early course corrections are easier and smaller than if you wait.
Read MoreBar AssociationsBack to Top
IndyBar: Mediation Unplugged: A Real-Life Look at Using Mediation to Expedite Resolutions
Whether you are a mediator or a lawyer looking to sharpen your negotiation skills, biases can be a hidden hurdle in achieving the best possible outcomes.
Read MoreIndyBar: Nominations for Antionette Dakin Leach Award Open Through June 26
To recognize the accomplishments of trailblazing female attorneys in central Indiana, the IndyBar’s Women and the Law Division presents the Antoinette Dakin Leach Award.
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