SEPT. 1-14, 2021

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.

Kirsch preparing for COA retirement

September 1, 2021 | Jordan Morey

Indiana Court of Appeals Judge James Kirsch will soon have to put all of his accolades into boxes, as Kirsch is preparing to vacate his position on the appellate bench — a role he’s held for more than 25 years.

Molter joins COA after years of appellate practice

September 1, 2021 | Jordan Morey

While Derek Molter and his forebearers have accomplished much over the last century, he will now further his family’s legacy in law by joining the Indiana Court of Appeals as its newest judge.

Ramping up for reform: Hoosier juvenile justice system gets hard look from working groups, outside data

September 1, 2021 | Katie Stancombe

A report from the Council of State Governments Justice Center has identified six areas for reform in Indiana’s juvenile justice system as well as six recommendations for improving that system.

Law students, faculty say they are fatigued but happy to be back in person

September 1, 2021 | Marilyn Odendahl

Indiana University Maurer School of Law, IU McKinney and Notre Dame Law School have all started classes with the students, faculty and staff all in person and tentatively planning for a semester that resembles those prior to the pandemic.

Prosecutor hesitant but other agencies see benefit in relocating to new Marion County Community Justice Campus

September 1, 2021 | Marilyn Odendahl

Detailed plans that carefully choreograph the movement of each box and piece of furniture are being set into motion as the Marion County courts and jails begin the process of relocating from downtown Indianapolis to the new Community Justice Campus on the east side of the city. The move-in dates are now just months away for the $567 million justice campus campus that broke ground in 2018.

Merger of firms brings together former colleagues

September 1, 2021 | Marilyn Odendahl

A merger of two plaintiffs’ firms in Indianapolis is reuniting two trial lawyers, Joseph Williams and James Piatt, with their mentor, Ron Waicukauski.

Weissmann celebrates life’s ‘authors’ at robing ceremony

September 1, 2021 | Jordan Morey

Almost a year after being sworn into the judiciary, a robing ceremony was held for Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Leanna Weissmann on Aug. 26.

Web Exclusive: Women appellate judges widen the road for future judiciary

September 1, 2021 | Katie Stancombe

Indiana’s women appellate judges gathered for a celebration at an Indiana State Bar Association event last month to reflect on the history and significance of the 19th Amendment’s 100^th anniversary.

Indiana Court Decisions – Aug. 12-25, 2021

September 1, 2021 |

Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.

Greener pastures?

September 1, 2021 |

Spencer County has been selected to build the first direct coal-hydrogenation refinery in the U.S., and a request has been submitted in Posey County to build a natural gas pipeline under the Ohio River into Evansville. Despite promises of cleaner energy and increased commerce, both projects are being met with opposition from environmental organizations and county residents.

Coal to diesel project fuels evidentiary standard argument

September 1, 2021 | Marilyn Odendahl

A plan to build the country’s first direct coal-hydrogenation refinery in southern Indiana has spawned a crop of flimsy yard signs proclaiming either support for or opposition to the project and has caused a legal argument to flourish over how much ordinary Hoosiers need to do to get their day in court.

Concerns rise over natural gas turbines, underwater pipeline

September 1, 2021 | Katie Stancombe

CenterPoint Energy, formerly known as Vectren, has submitted a request to build two natural gas turbines in place of its coal-burning generators at the southern Indiana A.B. Brown Power Plant. But residents and environmental groups are opposing the project.

Pashos: Indiana’s 21st Century Energy Task Force continues its work

September 1, 2021 | Kay Pashos

Indiana’s second 21st Century Energy Task Force began its work last month at the state Capitol. The first task force was created by the General Assembly in 2019 to explore how fuel transitions and emerging technologies may affect the state’s electric system, with particular emphasis on reliability and affordability.

Dreyer: Great books for judges: Classics and beyond

September 1, 2021 | David J. Dreyer

Last year, the National Judicial College surveyed judges regarding their recommended books. Some were expected, but others were surprising.

DTCI: Please come to Boston … for DRI’s annual meeting

September 1, 2021 | James W. Hehner and From DTCI

Join me Oct. 13-16 for the Defense Research Institute Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Boston Hotel for four days of networking, building business, meeting new friends, reconnecting with old friends and benefiting from educational programs.

Hammerle on… “CODA,” “Respect” and the Kan-Kan Cinema

September 1, 2021 | Robert Hammerle

Indianapolis defense attorney Bob Hammerle gives his take on “CODA” and “Respect,” plus his review of a new Indianapolis theater.

IndyBar: Work/Life Burnout: Fill Your Calendar with Things that Make You Whole

September 1, 2021 | Jimmie McMillian and From IndyBar

The work/life balance dilemma is perhaps the toughest challenge faced by members of our legal profession. My answer to the question is typically an honest one: “I don’t manage my life; I live it and hope that I have done my very best to do the things that I was required to do during that day.”