Despite serious travails during our history, presidential inaugurations seem to allow for a pause and some national confidence. Noting this recently, it is perhaps well that we set briefly aside our current concerns and allow some reflection to lighten us up and to observe the critical importance of the judicial branch.
Donations of coats and warm clothes were dropped off to the Marion County Jail on Tuesday, Feb. 9. Your donations came at a good time, as the jail was running low on these supplies. We appreciate the generosity of our members every day, but especially during these tough times!
If you haven’t heard of Brene Brown, you should look up her documentary “Brene Brown: The Call to Courage” for some laughs and solid advice about how to grow into a better version of ourselves by embracing vulnerability.
It’s been a little over a year since I first heard the term “COVID-19.” Back then, like many others, I thought Indiana would see a large number of suits attempting to force insurers to cover the myriad losses that resulted from the pandemic and its associated shutdowns. While there were some significant matters filed last year, to date, no Indiana state or federal case regarding COVID-19 insurance coverage has reached a decision on the merits.
When restaurants forced to close due to COVID-19 turned to their insurers to offset their losses because they were unable to use their property as intended, many of us thought the prospects for coverage were good, especially under policies that did not have virus exclusions. But the insurance industry response was fierce.
The Indianapolis Bar Association is proud to make “Widening Your View: Understanding Implicit Bias, Microaggressions and Your Professional Responsibility” available at no charge for IndyBar members.
Thee debate in legal writing circles rages: Are contractions acceptable?
Over the next few articles, I will share some thoughts on setting your devices up for a “palm practice” (practicing law from the palm of your hand). Most lawyers now have smartphones or devices with us every day. But, with great power comes great responsibility. While these tools are helpful, they can also increase the sense that we should always be working on something.
For lawyers, COVID has forced us out of courtrooms, mediations, conferences and client visits. Videoconferencing software, usually Zoom, has stepped in to fill the void. Zoom is an imperfect substitute with plenty of drawbacks. However, after nearly a year litigating cases via Zoom, it has become an ingrained part of the practice of law. Even after COVID, Zoom is likely here to stay.
I am extremely proud to inform you that your Indianapolis Bar Association leadership is diligently engaged in the task of carefully evaluating proposed bills and making the thoughtful determination regarding whether to take action to support, oppose or suggest amendments. It has been absolutely inspiring to watch our IndyBar section leadership wholeheartedly embrace this daunting task on behalf of our members and our clients.
A new docuseries on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution that debuts Wednesday on Netflix features Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Professor Gerard Magliocca, who has researched and written about the drafter of the amendment.
Indiana legislators advanced two measures Monday that join Republican-led drives across the country to tighten abortion laws and loosen gun restrictions.
Summary judgment has been upheld for an insurer who denied coverage on the basis of an invalid lease, even though the insurer had partially granted coverage when the claim was originally filed.
An Indianapolis man has pleaded guilty to federal hate crime and weapons charges after threatening a Black neighbor.
Legislation that aims to protect businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits is heading to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk.
A man who broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home and shot the woman and her daughter will have his aggravated battery conviction and related sentence vacated on double jeopardy grounds. Like others before it, the case raised questions about the application of the Indiana Supreme Court’s new substantive double jeopardy analyses.
The former employee of a medical device manufacturer has once again prevailed in a years-long employment case, with the Indiana Court of Appeals ordering an increase in the amount of attorney fees the employer must pay its former employee.
Despite being based in Indiana tax law, a motion to compel Marion County taxing officials to rule on refund requests by two homeowners associations must continue in trial court until a final determination on the refunds is reached.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is closing all federal courthouses Feb. 16 because of the winter storm dumping heavy snow throughout much of Indiana. Likewise, many state courts also closed, including Marion Superior and Circuit Courts.
The Legal Services Corporation, which supports legal aid agencies across the country including Indiana Legal Services, is asking the federal government for hundreds of millions in supplemental funding, saying low-income Americans are being hit especially hard by the economic devastation from the pandemic.