OCT. 3-16, 2018
Kenneth Todd planned to serve one term in the Bloomington Courthouse. Now he's preparing to retire after more than 40 years as Monroe Circuit Court judge. Around the state, a network of lawyers is growing to help domestic violence victims meet their civil court needs. Feeling a little off after your last meal? A expert litigator explains how to tell if it might be food poisoning.
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Monroe County Judge Ken Todd retiring after more than 40 years
As he reflects on his career before his Oct. 15 retirement, Monroe Circuit Judge Kenneth Todd says his interactions with litigants and courtroom colleagues has been the best part of his 40-year stint on the bench. “I intended to do it for one term, but I found that it was a good fit for me,” he said of his judicial career.
Read MoreDomestic violence coalition grows network of lawyers to help survivors
The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s Satellite Attorney Program offers free civil legal services to low-income victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. The program has a network of just over 100 attorneys across Indiana and, since January 2016, has provided legal advice or counsel, including direct representation, in roughly 350 cases.
Read MoreIs it food poisoning? Expert litigator explains claim evaluation
“These cases are not just someone with a tummy ache,” said William Marler, the food safety expert and attorney who launched his fledgling career after successfully representing more than 100 other Jack in The Box food-poisoning victims. Since then, he has represented hundreds of victims in some of the most serious foodborne illness outbreaks in the country, winning more than $600 million in settlements.
Read MoreLegal aid groups cast wider net to diversify funding
The Indiana Supreme Court is preparing to ask for an increase in civil legal aid funding when the Indiana General Assembly convenes for the 2019 session. The request will come as legal aid nonprofits try to diversify their donor base while looking for new ways to help the steady flow of people in need.
Read MoreCounties ask study committee for more judicial help, courts
Rising caseloads and crowded jails are prompting five Indiana counties, to date, to request more magistrates and courts.
Read MoreIndiana Court Decisions — Sept. 13-26, 2018
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
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Not lost in translation: Mediation with non-English speakers
When parties arrive for mediation and extend their hands in greeting, James Browne understands the cultural differences that can be conveyed in the handshake. Browne, partner at Goodin Abernathy LLP in Indianapolis, has been a registered mediator since 2010 and offers bilingual mediation services.
Read MoreFulford: Reflections on ICLEF training from a newly minted mediator
Prior to mediation training, my expectations were that it was an opportunity to learn some new information about mediation techniques. After the opening, it became apparent that this was not a seminar where I could sit back, relax, multi-task and drink my morning coffee.
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Courter & Williams: Tax charges effective in combatting modern-day crime
As a result of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation, financial charges such as tax evasion, filing false tax returns, failing to disclose offshore bank accounts and bank fraud have gained renewed prominence in recent months.
Read MoreMental Fitness: How peer support helped me bounce back, give back
People who have recently been diagnosed with a mental illness or who are in the beginning stages of recovery also have an opportunity to help others. You do not have to wait until you feel better to reach out to others.
Read MoreIndiana Judges Association: Judges like people – sort of
What do people think about judges? And what do judges think about them? In the nonstop information age, whatever the public thinks about the courts, it may not matter if nobody, including judges, can actually notice and think about it for any meaningful length of time.
Read MoreSuccession Planning: Methods for determining the value of a law practice
A wide variety of methodologies is used in valuing such enterprises. But even more important for law firms, there are several key questions that must be answered before rendering an opinion on value.
Read MoreStart Page: A deeper dive into using tech tools to turn talk into text
If you have ever tried talking to your computer, it feels a little strange (and may get you a few strange looks from colleagues).
Read MoreHammerle on… “White Boy Rick,” “Operation Finale”
For movie reviewer and criminal defense attorney Robert Hammerle, “White Boy Rick&rdquo hits close to home, while “Operation Finale” stirs troubling echoes of the not-so-distant past.
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IndyBar: Tricks for the Trade of Growing Your Legal Practice
Thinking back to when I was forming my own practice, it would have been a lot easier if I had tools and resources like the IndyBar’s Practice Builder and Business Builder at my disposal.
Read MoreIndyBar: Looking Back to the 1982 Indianapolis Bar Foundation Charter Fellows
For me, looking back on the list of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation’s Charter Fellows is a fascinating reminder of the lawyers who cared enough about this city and legal community to want to make it better.
Read MoreIndyBar: Give Back, for Two Hours Only: Attorney and Paralegal Volunteers Needed for Ask A Lawyer on October 9
Don’t have much time, but want to lend a hand? Ask A Lawyer, a two-hour legal advice program, may be right for you.
Read MoreIndyBar: Sections and Divisions Need You!
As 2018 ticks to a close, IndyBar sections and divisions are in the process of evaluating their committee rosters and determining vacancies for 2019. Now is the perfect time to indicate your interest in serving on a committee.
Read MoreIndyBar: Students, Apply to Serve on the Law Student Division Executive Board!
The fall 2018 nomination period for the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Law Student Division Executive Board has begun and we want you to be our next board member!
Read MoreDTCI: Pro trip — head up north to avoid vacation deficit disorder
This year, the annual DTCI conference in South Bend will include a presentation on stress management. Those who find themselves with spare time in the northern part of Indiana should cross the state line into Michigan. I have heard numerous people say that the instant they enter Michigan on the Red Arrow Highway, they feel like they are on vacation.
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