Survey: 3 out of 4 legal officers expect recession; many cut spending
A wide majority of chief legal officers expect a recession and therefore have taken steps to curb spending on in-house and outside counsel, a new survey reports.
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Lawyers use knights and kings to promote civics
Despite a rain-soaked afternoon, just over 30 chess enthusiasts gathered at the City Market in downtown Indianapolis Oct. 26 to test their skills at the centuries-old game and help support the young, by comparison, American democracy. The We the People White Knight Chess Tournament, sponsored by Cohen & Malad LLP and Barnes and Thornburg LLP, raised money for the Indiana We the People program.
Frost Brown Todd motors into Michigan, opens Ann Arbor office
Frost Brown Todd has expanded its midwestern footprint by opening an office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, its first in the state.
Faegre team’s gerrymandering win vacated by U.S. Supreme Court
The fight over Michigan’s redistricting, litigated in part by a team from the Indianapolis office of Faegre Baker Daniels, ended Monday with an order from the U.S. Supreme Court vacating a lower court’s ruling that gerrymandering based on political affiliation violates the Constitution.
Henderzahs takes oath as ISBA president
Church Church Hittle & Antrim partner Leslie Henderzahs was inducted as president of the Indiana State Bar Association on Thursday during the final day of the ISBA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.
Quick: Aim to be leader of the pack in marketing
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has said the main quality he looks for when considering an investment in a company is “an enduring competitive advantage.” There are a lot of elements that make up a competitive advantage. Very simply put, it’s your point of differentiation between your firm and your competitors.
Trimble: Rainmaking 101 — Building your social skills and network
The task of teaching a new lawyer to cultivate clients should not fall solely on the shoulders of the young lawyer. Firms need to provide financial support, mentoring and a strategy for the lawyers they hire. However, it is a two-way street. Young lawyers need to step forward and be strategic themselves.
Bingham goes big: Combination with Dentons part of ‘national law firm’ launch
The first steps that led to the combination of Bingham Greenebaum Doll with international giant Dentons were taken in the late spring of 2018, when Bingham leaders W. Tobin McClamroch and Keith Bice fielded a proposal from a friend. In the conference room of Bingham’s Indianapolis office, Joe Andrew, Dentons global chairman and former partner at Bingham Summers Welsh & Spilman, told the partners about the need he saw for a national law firm with offices across the country. No firm currently has an office in the top 20 markets even though, he said, clients are everywhere.
Softball league seeking attorney, law student recruits
For nearly 40 years, Donald Smith of Riley Bennett Egloff LLP has played on an Indianapolis lawyers’ softball league. Smith hopes to bring together other young law students for the 2020 season to keep the softball league’s longevity alive.
Bingham joining Dentons, bringing biggest global firm to Indiana
In a move that will transform the Indiana legal landscape, Bingham Greenebaum Doll has announced it will be combining with Dentons, the largest international law firm in the world.
From space sharing to firm sharing
A few years ago, two Indianapolis law firms agreed to share office space. A few weeks ago, they joined forces in a merger that has them optimistic for what the future holds.
New SCOTUS word limits sharpen focus on writing
In a change effective July 1, the U.S. Supreme Court reduced the number of words litigants and friends can use in their submissions. The word limit for briefs on the merits of the case was slashed by 2,000 to 13,000. Also, amicus briefs were slimmed down to 8,000 from 9,000, although briefs from some entities such as federal agencies and state attorneys general were exempted from the reduction.
Web Exclusive: Trailblazers reflect on progress of women in law
As Barnes & Thornburg recognized trailblazing professional women with its annual Shirley’s Legacy Award recently, past recipients shared their views of how women are faring in the legal profession and the challenges that persist.
Taft merger leads explosive Q3 law firm combinations
The third quarter of 2019 posted a record-setting pace in the law firm mergers and acquisitions market with the combination of Indianapolis-based Taft Stettinius & Hollister and Minneapolis-based Briggs and Morgan leading the pack.
State health commissioner, Barnes partner honored as trailblazing women
Barnes & Thornburg LLP hosted its fifth Shirley’s Legacy ceremony Thursday, surrounded by those celebrating the pioneer spirit of former Barnes partner Shirley Shideler. The 2019 Shirley’s Legacy awards were presented to honorees Kristina Box, Indiana state health commissioner, and Connie Lahn, Barnes’ Minneapolis office managing partner, for their contributions to bolstering the success of women.
Blickman testifies in his discipline hearing linked to Park Tudor scandal
The attorney disciplinary hearing against prominent employment lawyer Michael Blickman continued Wednesday, with the defense beginning its presentation with testimony from Blickman himself.
New Taft Center unveiled on heels of Minneapolis merger
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP on Thursday announced the completion and grand opening of its Indianapolis Taft Center, a 5,000 square foot conference and event center. The state-of-the-art space installed in the Regions Tower first floor lobby now makes Taft the largest tenant in that building.
Hopper: Transitions for lawyers, firms could use some encouragement
Who is responsible for law practice succession planning? I suggest that all of us in the Indiana bar have roles to play, especially those of us closer to the end of our legal careers. So far this year, I have met with several senior attorneys who want to develop and implement succession plans for their law practices.
Hometown roots, statewide respect: John Whiteleather named 2019 Legendary Lawyer
“I’ve had a great career,” said longtime Whitley County attorney and prosecutor John Whiteleather, “and I hope I have contributed back to the community for what it provided to me.” Whiteleather’s colleagues on the bench and bar assure him that he did, recognizing him as the Indiana Bar Foundation’s 2019 Legendary Lawyer.
Growing for success: Law firms still looking for merger opportunities, but fewer partners available
With its impending entrance into the Minneapolis market, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP is set to expand its footprint to 12 cities, grow its roster of attorneys to more than 600 and take a step closer to its goal of becoming a regionally dominant law firm. While law firm merger activity in the Hoosier State is increasing, the recently announced Taft deal is among the largest in recent years.