SEPT. 13-26, 2023
Leading off this week's issue, Indiana Lawyer senior reporter Tyler Fenwick delves into the various issues plaguing the Indiana Department of Child Services, from lawsuits to stakeholder concerns. What are they saying, and how is DCS responding? On a lighter note, IL managing editor Daniel Carson reports on the construction of a new conference table for the Indiana Supreme Court — by inmates at the Pendleton Correctional Facility. And in the Indiana State Bar Association Focus, IL Editor Olivia Covington sits down with the incoming ISBA president, Senior Judge Thomas Felts, who has the unique position of being the first known judge to lead the statewide bar. Read those stories and more in the Sept. 13-26, 2023, issue of Indiana Lawyer.
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‘Find a way to fix it’: DCS continues facing mounting criticism
From concerns about staffing to accusations that it’s failing in its mission to keep children safe, the Indiana Department of Child Services continues to face pressure from child welfare advocates, attorneys and those who have been part of the system.
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Law library proposals get differing reactions: Law librarians concerned about possible revisions, but others see opportunity
Proposed changes to law school library accreditation standards are raising concerns for Indiana law librarians, but advocates for online-only law schools say they see the issue differently.
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A piece of history: DOC inmates craft new Supreme Court table spotlighting justices past, present
When Vince Stanley and a group of inmates started a project to build a new table for the Indiana Supreme Court’s conference room, they had to figure out how to make it functional for the court’s five justices while adding unique details.
Read MoreMandatory judicial retirement? Judiciary taking closer look at age, cognitive issues
The idea of age-out requirements has become a bigger topic of discussion recently across all levels of government, including the judiciary.
Read MoreIN Northern District, 7th Circuit still waiting for vacancies to be filled: Magnus-Stinson announcement means IN Southern District will also soon have an opening
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson has announced she will be assuming senior status in July 2024. That means the Biden administration will need to fill another federal judicial vacancy in Indiana.
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Web Exclusive: Prosecutors look to local budgets for solutions to staffing issues
For prosecutors in the state, when budget season comes around, it means looking at caseloads and determining if they need to make requests for more funding. Usually, the answer is yes.
Read MoreIndiana Court Decisions: Aug. 24-Sept. 6, 2023
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
‘A big tent’: Incoming ISBA President Felts focusing on A2J, engaging young lawyers
Senior Judge Thomas J. Felts recently sat down with IL for a wide-ranging conversation about his career and his plans for his year as Indiana State Bar Association president.
Read More‘An inevitable reality’: ISBA gears up for yearlong series on AI
The Indiana State Bar Association has big plans for how to prepare for an expected revolution in how the legal community operates thanks to artificial intelligence, and it’ll start later this month at the bar association’s annual summit.
Read MoreISBA sees change, results from strategic plan: Bar association looks to deliver more value to members
When the Indiana State Bar Association unveiled its new strategic plan in 2021, the group had four major areas of focus as it looked to deliver more value to its members. That plan will technically “end” in 2023, but its principles will have a lasting effect.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
Bell: 3 things to know about ethics and ‘getting paid’
The Disciplinary Commission must think about money (at least every now and then) or they would not have drafted their latest advisory opinion entitled, “Ethical Considerations about Getting Paid.”
Read MoreDreyer: Trending: The future of state court access
The year 2023 marks the 36th time the National Center for State Courts has published its annual “Trends in State Courts” report.
Read MoreWilson: Digital, analog note-taking tactics: Finding your fit
Too often, we overlook the tools that are right in front of us. Instead, we search for the tool that will do things bigger, better and faster.
Read MoreSchrager: Perhaps this is why it’s called the ‘practice of law’
Two years into retirement has given me time to reflect on my 41 years as a lawyer as I attempt to put specific memories into perspective within a meaningful context.
Read MoreHammerle On… “Haunted Mansion” and “Talk to Me”
Indianapolis criminal defense attorney Robert Hammerle gives us his take on “Haunted Mansion” and “Talk to Me.”
Read MoreBar AssociationsBack to Top
IndyBar: Family Law Mediation Day Success
On Aug. 11, the Marion Superior Court Family Division, with the support of the IndyBar Family Law and ADR Sections, volunteer mediators, the Marion Superior Court Executive Committee, court administration and support staff hosted Mediation Day.
Read MoreIndyBar: Evolution of the Marion Superior Family Division
Marion Superior Court Family Division is growing!
Read MoreIndyBar: Strengthening Our Legal Community
As part of the effort to support a greater pipeline of Hispanic citizens into the practice of law and to strengthen the bench, IndyBar’s Hispanic Lawyers Division is hosting, “Strengthening the Bench: Equity, Inclusivity, and the Path to Judicial Selection.”
Read MoreIndyBar: Annual Appellate Roundtable: A Valuable Resource for New and Seasoned Lawyers Alike
I have no doubt that this year’s Appellate Roundtable, which will take place on at 4 p.m. Oct. 5 at IndyBarHQ, will be enlightening.
Read MoreIndyBar: Practice Toolkit: Starting Blocks: Common Mistakes in Startup Law Firms
It ain’t easy launching a practice if you’re coming from another law firm, where all that ancillary business management stuff was taken care of for you.
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