Lawmakers resume debate on issues impacting state courts
Both federal and state lawmakers seem to be letting the clock tick down to the final seconds.
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Government shutdown would have little impact on federal legal system
Even if the U.S. Congress fails to pass a short-term budget measure and prevent a government shutdown before midnight Friday, the various arms of the Indiana federal legal community will remain operating mostly as usual – at least for the time being.
IU Indy to host environment, energy event
The forum, “National Energy Security: Challenges and Opportunities for the Midwest” at Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis March 25 brings together state leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to discuss energy security. The event is open to the public and also offers CLE credit.
Cuts proposed to LSC budget would affect ILS
Among approximately 70 proposed budget cuts, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee has proposed cutting $75 million, or 17 percent of the budget for the Legal Services Corporation, which funds 136 civil legal aid programs around the country, the committee announced Wednesday.
Federal act preempts state law claims
The Indiana Court of Appeals held that the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Act preempts state law claims brought by a man’s first ex-wife seeking to keep her and her grandchildren as beneficiaries of the man’s life insurance policy.
Legal aid budgets remain steady
While the need for services for indigent Hoosiers during these tough economic times continues to increase, civil legal aid providers are reporting that budgets for 2011 will be similar to those of 2010, and the numbers of cases handled in 2010 are comparable to 2009.
COA panel divided on trial court involvement with subpoena
The Indiana Court of Appeals split today on whether an Indiana trial court had the authority to order a company to comply with a subpoena issued by arbitrators in New York.
Federal estate tax law takes effect
New tax changes went into effect Jan. 1 that include a 35 percent estate tax rate as well as a $5 million per person and $10 million per couple exemption.
Law firm evolution hints how Evan Bayh could follow in his father’s footsteps – again
It all began with three prominent attorneys 30 years ago.
Judge Mathias recognized for civics education
Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Paul D. Mathias received the Indiana Bar Foundation’s William G. Baker Award Dec. 12 for his work with civics education. Judge Mathias was cited for his work with the We the People program at the state level and in the 3rd Congressional District in Northeast Indiana.
Death and tax uncertainty
These days, it feels as though Uncle Sam is laughing at estate planning and wealth transfer attorneys.
Senate Judiciary delays nomination vote
The Senate Judiciary Committee has postponed voting on the nomination of U.S. Judge David F. Hamilton to the 7th Court of Appeals because some senators are concerned about the Indianapolis jurist's record on the bench.
New national act would address adult guardianship matters
New law changes are on the horizon in order to create more uniform guardianship laws throughout the country and reduce conflicts between states.
Grants to bring improvements to Protective Order Registry
Federal grants from the Department of Justice will allow for enhancements to Indiana’s Protective Order Registry, including alerting victims by e-mail or text when an order is about to expire.
Anti-piracy legislation tackles IP enforcement
The notion of pirates pillaging treasures and bartering it on the high seas isn’t that far fetched for Indianapolis intellectual property attorney Jonathan Polak.
Hogsett confirmed as U.S. Attorney
Indianapolis attorney Joe Hogsett has gotten approval from the full Senate to be the next U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
Senate hearing Wednesday for nominated lawyer
The U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works will hold a full hearing at 10 a.m. Wednesday on the nomination of Indianapolis attorney John R. Fernandez to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development in the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Senate panel OKs Indy attorney for U.S. Attorney
An Indianapolis attorney has gotten the approval of a key congressional judiciary panel to become the new U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
Senate panel to consider Indy lawyer for U.S. Attorney
A key Congressional judiciary panel is scheduled to decide this week whether the nomination of an Indianapolis attorney for U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana should proceed to the full Senate for a vote.
U.S. Senate debating Indiana judge’s nomination
Indiana is at the heart of a legislative discussion about the future of the federal judiciary, and debate about a judge's
controversial nomination is coming to a head this week.