Law Firms - The Indiana Lawyer

User-friendly data: Lawyer-technologists launch new software to address e-discovery problems

October 28, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

A developer of software that comprehensively tracks e-discovery progress in real time describes his team’s inspiration this way: “What we tried to do was take away some of the barriers because people go to law school to be lawyers not to learn software or how to put together Excel spreadsheets … We wanted to create something that was the path of least resistance for people. They just log in and get all the critical information they need.”

Schilling: Legal workplace strategy in the era of COVID-19

October 28, 2020

After COVID-19, law firms must rethink what the office environment can deliver better than the experience of working remotely. What can the future law firm office do better? How can tomorrow’s law firm office improve connection and interaction, encourage collaboration, and provide modern, convenient services?

Indiana Lawyer 2021 Corporate Counsel Guide seeks submissions

October 26, 2020 | IL Staff

Corporate counsel, general counsel and attorneys representing entities of all kinds have less than a week to submit their information for the 2021 Corporate Counsel Guide, Indiana Lawyer’s exclusive annual directory of attorneys representing corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and other organizations.

Legal assistant whose hours were reduced rightly entitled to unemployment, COA holds

October 23, 2020 | Dave Stafford

A legal assistant who was told after more than five years of employment that she may need to seek another job because her hours would be cut by half was rightly awarded unemployment benefits, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Friday.

Women rising: Firm leader ranks increase in past decade

October 14, 2020 | Olivia Covington

Female lawyers say they’ve seen a concerted push over the last decade to develop women law firm leaders, and those efforts seem to be bearing fruit.

Law firm combinations tick upward in third quarter, still trail 2019 numbers

October 12, 2020 | IL Staff

Merger activity among law firms increased in the third quarter, according to a report by Altman Weil, but with just 44 deals announced so far this year, 2020 is mirroring the Great Recession rather than the explosive growth experienced in recent years.

Hearing officer recommends dismissal of Mackey discipline case

October 2, 2020 | Dave Stafford

The attorney discipline case accusing high-profile Barnes & Thornburg partner Larry Mackey of an improper relationship with the ex-wife of a former Fishers money manager client who was convicted of securities fraud should be dismissed, the hearing officer in his case has recommended.

Bankruptcy lawyers foresee flood of COVID-related filings

September 30, 2020 | Olivia Covington

If you thought the COVID-induced recession would cause a spike in bankruptcy filings, you’d be wrong. In fact, according to one Indianapolis practitioner, “bankruptcies are in the toilet.” But that doesn’t mean bankruptcy practitioners are sitting idle, as existing clients still need their service. More than that, a wave of new clients is likely coming.

New firms juggle business challenges, pandemic pressures

September 30, 2020 | Olivia Covington

Hanging a shingle is always risky. Add a pandemic to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for stress. Most lawyers across Indiana felt the pinch of the COVID-19-induced economic downturn in some fashion. But those who made career moves in the months before the pandemic say the recession has put their business acumen to the test.

Attorneys wrap up annual lawyer’s softball league

September 23, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

Beneath a bright orange sunset, dozens of Indiana lawyers scattered across the field as Lee Christie, a partner at Cline Farrell Christie & Lee, stepped up to bat.

Web Exclusive: Young lawyers say hefty student loans limit life after graduation

September 2, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

A recent survey of nearly 1,100 young lawyers found that many new attorneys are making major financial, personal and career sacrifices as a result of their student loans. That includes decisions ranging from marriage and children to making big purchases or taking vacations. The survey hits home for many young Indiana lawyers.

Stretched to serve in ‘legal deserts’

September 2, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

Although there are more than 1.3 million attorneys in the United States, “legal deserts” can be found across vast expanses of the country and all over Indiana, according to a recent report from the American Bar Association.

Former IU athletic director Glass joining Taft law firm

August 25, 2020 | Mickey Shuey, Indianapolis Business Journal

Former Indiana University Director of Athletics Fred Glass plans to resume his law career in October, joining the Indianapolis office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP as a partner.

Young: John Lewis’ legacy shows path forward

August 19, 2020 | Ahmed Young

A collective approach to evaluate, critique, plan and deconstruct inequities within the legal system is the only way we can improve a legal construct created more than 240 years ago. How do we, in the state of Indiana, synthesize our efforts into a coordinated plan of action that addresses statewide and local issues of inequity?

Changing needs: Pandemic shifting client priorities now, in the future

August 19, 2020 | Olivia Covington

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the legal profession has been a mixed bag. In some ways, the law, like many other industries, has suffered. Corporate clients are pulling purse strings tighter, while practice areas such as personal injury have seen a slowdown in cases. But in other ways, the pandemic has been a boon for lawyers.

DTCI: Blaiklock and Lee on Developing New Practice Areas within a Firm

August 19, 2020 | From DTCI

How do you grow a commercial law practice within a traditional defense firm? That’s the question I posed Rich Blaiklock and Jason Lee of Lewis Wagner, LLP.

Frost Brown Todd opens Houston office

August 12, 2020

The law firm of Frost Brown Todd, which has had a presence in Indianapolis for more than a decade, has added a 14th location to its roster, announcing this week the opening of its newest office in Houston. The Houston office is the firm’s second location in Texas, alongside Dallas.

Dentons US Region prepares to enter Utah market

August 11, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

Dentons has announced a future combination with Salt Lake City-based Durham Jones & Pinegar, which is being billed as the largest law firm combination announced since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The global legal giant announced the combination Tuesday as part of its strategy that also included its combination finalized earlier this year with the former Bingham Greenebaum Doll.

James Dimos remembered as a friend and champion of lawyers

August 6, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

Indiana attorney Jim Dimos, who left private practice to help lead the American Bar Association after leading both his local and state bars, is being remembered as someone who was “quietly effective” and a friend to the legal profession. He died Wednesday of a heart attack at age 59.

Nimble leader: New Indy office managing partner steers Dentons Bingham Greenebaum

August 5, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

It is easy to understand why Meg Christensen’s favorite word these days is “nimble.” The 38-year-old attorney became the managing partner of Dentons Bingham Greenebaum’s Indianapolis office during unprecedented challenges and about six months after the merger with global giant Dentons launched a new law firm business model.

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