SEPT. 29-OCT. 12, 2021
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.
Top StoriesBack to Top
Vaccine mandates still contested issue inside law offices, courts as president prepares requirements
Whether by choice or force, COVID-19 vaccine mandates are changing operations in law offices and courtrooms across the country.
Read MoreDenied counsel of choice, CHINS asks Supreme Court for help
Upon being retained by D.S. as counsel in his CHINS proceedings, Indianapolis attorney Rachel Roman-Lagunas visited him regularly, spoke with his family, arranged an in-person visit between him and his mother and assisted in getting him therapy. However, in an unusual turn, her advocacy has been interrupted by the trial court blocking her participation in the case.
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Proposed redistricted maps have ‘extreme levels of partisan bias,’ but overturning them will be difficult
Indiana’s new legislative and congressional maps will likely be on their way to getting the governor’s signature by Oct. 1, and many may be wondering what comes next.
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‘I’ve lived up to my oath’: Justice Thomas reflects on role, perceptions of judiciary at Notre Dame
United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is known for keeping mum while on the bench. But at a public lecture this month at the University of Notre Dame, the court’s longest-serving justice opened up about his life’s history and his views on the current state of the judiciary.
Read MoreThrough pro se eyes: IU Maurer-led study looks at impact of virtual hearings on self-represented litigants
Indiana University Maurer School of Law professor is leading a study that takes a closer look at how the technology that made virtual hearings possible is helping — and hindering — pro se parties.
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Open House: Applegate & Dillman opens elder law mediation center
The Applegate & Dillman Elder Law Mediation Center officially opened Sept. 8 to provide an out-of-court option for families to resolve elder law disputes.
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Web Exclusive: Paralegals, legal assistants pursue higher ed while serving law firms
Whether three or 30 years have passed since the last time they’ve received a formal education, several paralegals and legal assistants across the state have returned to, or recently graduated from, college while also working full-time. These women have sacrificed much over the last few months and years, but all say they feel the investment they’re putting into themselves is well worth the effort.
Read MoreIndiana Court Decisions – Sept. 9-22, 2021
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Mediators play important role in AG’s Consumer Protection Division
Litigation isn’t the only means of resolving public complaints in the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. In fact, the office has a dedicated staff working every day to help consumers and businesses come to agreements outside of the court system.
Read MoreFrench: To skip or not to skip the opening statement in mediation
Taking a pass on opening statements in mediation is an easy out. However, does that make it a good idea? Should it be the rule, rather than the exception? Is forgoing the opening statement in the client’s best interests?
Read MoreWiningham: Mediation myths busted: What litigators need to know
If you’re a litigator, mediation is likely a large part of your practice. Nevertheless, there are still a variety of common myths that either prevent parties from mediating a case or prevent them from having a productive mediation.
Read MoreFulford and Trimble: Indiana mediators address mediation post-COVID
One of the big questions on the minds of lawyers, judges and mediators everywhere, not just in Indiana, is what mediation is going to look like “post-COVID.” We interviewed some of Indiana’s most prolific mediators regarding this issue.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
Op-ed: Mears: Federal law is an important step in improving hate crimes investigations
Crimes of violence leave victims and families devastated, confused and angry. When the crime is motivated by hate, the impact can be far greater, leaving entire communities in fear.
Read MoreDTCI: Random reflections from a walk
Frequently for my past columns for DTCI, ideas would rise to the surface of my consciousness during my walks through my neighborhood and along the country roads of Porter County. Not so much this year. But one or two thoughts did cross my mind that I think are worth sharing.
Read MoreSchrager: Calling it a career after all these years in practice
By any measure, 41 years is a long time. So, the fact that my career passed in a flash perhaps speaks to how engaging, compelling and consuming the practice of law is, at least to those of us who view it as more than a job.
Read MoreHammerle on… “The Card Counter,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and embracing ignorance
Indianapolis defense lawyer Bob Hammerle gives his views on “The Card Counter” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” as well as his views on trending political issues.
Read MoreBar AssociationsBack to Top
IndyBar: Don’t Let Your Ego and Desire to Win Make You a Loser in the End
The president of the IndyBar may be suspended from his kids’ youth recreational soccer league. Why? Well, it all boils down to two dangerous human traits: (1) ego and (2) a desire to win.
Read MoreIndyBar: Channeling Our Inner Mandela: 2021 Indianapolis Bar Foundation Day of Giving
As we approach the Indianapolis Bar Foundation Day of Giving this year, we can draw inspiration from Nelson Mandela and have absolute certainty that our gifts, entrusted to the IndyBar Foundation, will continue to hit the mark during these particularly volatile times.
Read MoreIndyBar: Duncan to Lead Indianapolis Bar Association in 2024
The Indianapolis Bar Association’s Nominating Committee has announced the selection of David J. Duncan as the 2024 president of the Indianapolis Bar Association. Duncan will serve as the association’s first vice president on the 2022 board of directors and as president-elect in 2023.
Read MoreIndyBar Sections and Divisions Need You: Apply to Serve on a Committee!
As 2021 ticks to a close, IndyBar sections and divisions are in the process of evaluating their committee rosters and determining vacancies for 2022. Now is the perfect time to indicate your interest in serving on a committee.
Read MoreIndyBar: Then and Now: Reflecting on 50 Years of Life in the Profession
Events of 50 years ago remain clear in the minds of our colleagues who’ve been fortunate enough to have practiced law since then. We had the chance to talk with a few of them to gain insight into just a few of the things that have changed and the advice they have for practitioners today.
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