It's the last issue of 2021, which means it's time for our annual Year in Review! This year's YIR issue includes a look at the Top 10 stories of 2021, as voted on by the Indiana Lawyer staff, plus an additional five "honorable mentions." We've also got a rundown on which stories you read most often on our website. Once you've finished reading that, head over to the Web Exclusive, which includes a review of the interesting people, sad passings and notable discipline cases we've covered in 2021. And that's just for Year in Review — we also have three original news stories brought to you by our team of writers! All that and more in the Dec. 22, 2021, issue of Indiana Lawyer.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it a wave of requests for compassionate release from federal inmates claiming to be at a higher risk from the virus. But now that authorized vaccines are on the scene, their chances of success are getting slimmer. IL reporter Katie Stancombe has that story. On a lighter note, IL senior reporter Marilyn Odendahl has the story of two attorneys who chose to leave the law in favor of of a faith-based vocation. And in the world of pro bono, IL managing editor Jordan Morey gives us an update on the newish pro bono publico licensing status designed to increase pro bono resources in the Hoosier State. All of that and more in the Dec. 8, 2021, issue of Indiana Lawyer.

The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council is working with local prosecuting offices to establish 10 high-tech crime units that will be able to process and analyze digital evidence collected by law enforcement starting in 2022. IL Senior Reporter Marilyn Odendahl spoke with both prosecutors and public defenders to get their thoughts on the developments.  Also in this week's issue, Marilyn wrote about how it has been 20 years since the Trafficking Victims Protection Act was enacted by Congress, and how prosecutions and convictions of individuals charged with human trafficking has increased. In other news, the Indiana Supreme Court announced last week that members of the news media will be permitted to broadcast certain in-person proceedings in five Indiana trial courts through a new pilot project starting Dec. 1. IL Reporter Katie Stancombe has the story. This week's Focus section is on the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, so IL Editor Olivia Covington sat down with new DTCI President Elliott Pinkie for a Q&A.This week's Web Exclusive introduces a new IL feature. Switzerland Circuit Judge Gregory Coy is the first Indiana trial court judge to be featured in a new spotlight series focused on the state’s judicial officers in more rural communities. All that and more in the Nov. 24, 2021 issue of the Indiana Lawyer

Some major leadership changes are happening at some well-known Indianapolis law firms. Starting Jan. 1, Gregg Wallander will become the president and CEO of Hall Render Killian Heath & Lyman, while Michael Millikan and Rebecca Seamands will take over as chief managing partner and deputy managing partner, respectively, for Ice Miller. Senior reporter Marilyn Odendahl spoke with the three to gain some insight on what these changes mean. Marilyn also caught up with Bradley Skolnik, executive director of the Indiana Office of Admissions and Continuing Education, who has recently taken on a national leadership role.  This week's focus section is on immigration. Managing editor Jordan Morey has the scoop on a potential expansion of the Clay County Jail, which could soon become the only ICE detention facility between Kentucky and Wisconsin. For this issue's web exclusive, reporter Katie Stancombe sat down with the leadership of The Mediation Group, which is celebrating 20 years in 2021. Also in this week's issue is the annual Leadership in Law awards, so be sure to check out all of this year's winners. All that and more in the Nov. 10, 2021 issue of the Indiana Lawyer

While her colleagues already knew she was among the best in her field, Indiana Southern District U.S. Attorney's Office Criminal Division chief Cindy Cho is now nationally known for her work. Cho is one of five attorneys to receive the Federal Bar Association's 2021 Younger Federal Lawyer Award, which recognizes outstanding government and military attorneys across the United States. IL reporter Katie Stancombe spoke with Cho and her colleagues about the recent honor. This week's Focus section features two topics: real estate/construction law and new lawyers. IL senior reporter Marilyn Odendahl has a story on Indiana's lawyer shortage and Katie explored construction defects and how they rarely rise to personal harm for end users. In other news, IL managing editor Jordan Morey gives his report from the Indiana State Bar Association Annual Summit and writes about how Indiana Legal Services has created a wellness program to address the mental health of its employees. All that in more in the Oct. 27, 2021, issue of Indiana Lawyer.

After 50 years as a critical figure at the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, circuit executive Collins Fitzpatrick has retired. IL reporter Katie Stancombe speaks with Hoosier lawyers about the legacy Fitzpatrick is leaving. Meanwhile, IL senior reporter Marilyn Odendahl has the story of an Indianapolis woman who is devoting her life to helping her incarcerated son, who is suing Indiana correctional officers. And in this issue's Web Exclusive, IL managing editor Jordan Morey checks in with Hispanic lawyers during Hispanic Heritage Month to get their perspectives on Hispanic/Latino representation in the Indiana legal profession. All that and more in the Oct. 13, 2021, issue of Indiana Lawyer.

How are law firms and federal courts responding to President Joe Biden's new vaccine requirements? Some with mandates of their own, and some without. IL managing editor Jordan Morey and reporter Stancombe report. Meanwhile, redistricting continues at the Indiana Statehouse, with many Hoosiers accusing the Indiana GOP of drawing this year's maps in their party's favor. IL senior reporter Marilyn Odendahl has more. And in the Mediation/ADR Focus, Jordan brings you an inside look into a lesser-known division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General. All of that and more inside the Sept. 29, 2021, issue of Indiana Lawyer.

With the influx of Afghan evacuees into the Hoosier State via Camp Atterbury, immigration lawyers are preparing to help — IL managing editor Jordan Morey has more. On a lighter note, a group of Hoosier attorneys recently had the chance to sip wine at a CLE all about alcohol law — reporter Katie Stancombe has the story. And in this issue's Focus, read editor Olivia Covington's Q&A with Clayton Miller, incoming president of the Indiana State Bar Association. All that and more inside the Sept. 15, 2021, issue of Indiana Lawyer.

Change is coming to the Indiana Court of Appeals. In our Sept. 1 issue, IL managing editor Jordan Morey chats with retiring COA Judge James Kirsch and introduces us to Kirsch's successor, Derek Molter. Meanwhile, IL senior reporter Marilyn Odendahl and reporter Katie Stancombe get the inside scoop on two southern Indiana energy projects that are rattling local residents. And in this issue's Web Exclusive, Stancombe takes us inside a recent celebration of the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote. All that and more inside the Sept. 1 issue of The Indiana Lawyer.

Redistricting is the hot topic in the legislative world right now, and Hoosiers are making sure they stay plugged in. IL senior reporter Marilyn Odendahl reports. Meanwhile, new data indicates younger lawyers are feeling the pinch of the last 18 months. Learn more from IL reporter Katie Stancombe. Katie also dives into the nationwide staffing shorting in the Employment Law Focus — read her story here. All this and more is in the Aug. 18, 2021, issue of The Indiana Lawyer.