Articles

Bad business: Disciplinary Commission warns of ‘license rentals’

The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission addressed such questionable relationships in an advisory opinion that cautions Hoosier attorneys against “license rental” partnerships with out-of-state law firms or non-lawyer service groups. Through these partnerships, Hoosier attorneys lend their services to the out-of-state firm or non-lawyer group in exchange for a fee paid for limited client representation in Indiana.

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IBF honors civic education, access to justice volunteers

The Indiana Bar Foundation's 2018 Awards Dinner honored Indiana attorneys, bar associations and teachers for their contributions to the foundation, the We the People program and the cause of justice across the state. The dinner, held Sunday night, also recognized this year's Bar Foundation Fellows and featured an announcement about the creation of a new endowment. 

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Report: Law firms fail at collecting client satisfaction feedback

According to a new report, only 4 percent of nearly 2,000 lawyers surveyed regularly collect formal client feedback in the form of surveys, interviews, etc., to measure client satisfaction. The dearth of law firm client satisfaction data complicates business development and referral prospects.

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Indy firm leads team winning $25M Missouri telecom settlement

A seven-year court battle between Missouri landowners and a telecom company that strung fiber-optic cable across 796 miles of private property without permission or compensation has concluded with a $25 million settlement negotiated by a legal team led by an Indianapolis law firm.

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Web Exclusive: Sex abuse survivor trains lawyers, others to avoid revictimizing

After overcoming addiction, abuse and sexual harm, Sarah Hurley sought to aid women dealing with the same struggles she faced as a child. She created the White Stone Project, an organization devoted to providing survivor-led, professional training and coaching to people and organizations engaging trauma survivors. Its goal: to equip people to more effectively communicate, understand and avoid revictimizing those they work with.

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Summary judgment for law firm in legal malpractice case reversed

The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed and remanded summary judgment for an Indianapolis law firm in a legal malpractice case after finding a question of fact as to whether an auto company had a reasonable belief that its attorney was acting as an agent for the law firm.

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Law firm concerns factor in Bono’s USA Gymnastics departure

When former California Congresswoman Mary Bono took over as the interim president for USA Gymnastics last week, she pointed to the opportunity to "reconnect" with a sport she loved growing up. But Bono stepped down on Tuesday, with some criticizing her employment with Faegre Baker Daniels, the firm that had represented USAG during a period when gymnasts were accusing former Dr. Larry Nassar of sexual misconduct.

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Multi-jurisdictional estate planning requires research, collaboration

Every year like clockwork, when the leaves change and the temperature drops, thousands of Indiana residents flee the bitter Hoosier winter in favor of a warmer southern climate. Most often, these snowbirds find themselves wintering in Florida, and many decide to permanently relocate to the Sunshine State. While this decision to relocate is beneficial to […]

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Diversity, mental health CLEs divide ISBA House of Delegates

The 2018 Indiana State Bar Association annual meeting began last week with an intense debate in the House of Delegates over a proposal designed to make a statement about the bar’s position on hot-button topics: should attorneys be required to attend CLE programs about diversity and mental health issues?

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Real estate attorney Barbara Wolenty dies at 62

Longtime Indianapolis real estate development attorney Barbara A. Wolenty is being remembered as a talented but tough dealmaker, spirited and gifted friend, well-regarded adviser and beloved mother and wife. Wolenty died Oct. 2 at age 62 after battling cancer.

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Not lost in translation: Mediation with non-English speakers

When parties arrive for mediation and extend their hands in greeting, James Browne understands the cultural differences that can be conveyed in the handshake. Browne, partner at Goodin Abernathy LLP in Indianapolis, has been a registered mediator since 2010 and offers bilingual mediation services.

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Is it food poisoning? Expert litigator explains claim evaluation

“These cases are not just someone with a tummy ache,” said William Marler, the food safety expert and attorney who launched his fledgling career after successfully representing more than 100 other Jack in The Box food-poisoning victims. Since then, he has represented hundreds of victims in some of the most serious foodborne illness outbreaks in the country, winning more than $600 million in settlements.

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