Articles

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Habegger’s general counsel outsource firm builds on 11 years in house

Ben Habegger is combining his knowledge of business with his entrepreneurial mindset. He has launched a solo practice, Outsourced General Counsel, LLC, offering his services as an in-house lawyer to small businesses that do not have a legal department, and to larger companies that may need short-term legal help with a project or to cover a leave of absence.

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Messaglia named managing partner at Krieg DeVault

Michael Messaglia has been tapped to be the managing partner of Krieg DeVault LLP, where he began his legal career as an associate in 1993. He succeeds Deborah Daniels, who will remain with the firm as a partner. Daniels had served as managing partner since 2015.

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Taft moves to single-class partnership structure

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP announced Wednesday the firm has adopted a new one-class partnership structure. This move eliminates the two-tier system — equity and non-equity — that had been in place at the firm for more than a quarter-century.

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COA affirms dismissal of malpractice suit against Barnes

A South Bend-based staffing company has failed to state a claim for relief in its legal malpractice complaint against Barnes & Thornburg LLP, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled in a Tuesday opinion upholding the dismissal of the complaint against the law firm.

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Pass-through tax break passes over attorneys

The sweeping changes that came with the overhaul of the federal tax system included a deduction for pass-through businesses, but attorneys and other professional service providers were brushed aside and likely will not be able to reap that tax break.

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Suit by female Ogletree shareholder alleges gender discrimination

Employment defense firm Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart P.C., which has a significant presence in Indianapolis, is accused of discriminating against female shareholders in a federal lawsuit seeking $300 million in damages on behalf of 100 non-equity women shareholders at the firm.

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Study: Many law firms unprepared for future challenges

Are law firms simply fighting the last war? Are they preparing for the future, or are they stuck in the past? Those questions are at the center of a report released Thursday that focues on stagnating demand growth, declines in productivity and a rise in expenses.

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Indiana eighth to offer state employees parental leave

Gov. Eric Holcomb last month signed an executive order establishing paid parental leave for state employees, effective Jan. 1. Labor and employment attorneys say many private organizations, including law firms, also are offering paid leave to new parents.

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Law firm outlook for 2018 focuses on strengths, retaining talent

Major Lindsey & Africa, a recruitment and consulting firm for the legal industry, has released its 2018 Industry Outlook report outlining what law firms can expect in the new year. In short, law firms will remain under increasing pressure to keep costs low and productivity high, so firms are expected to focus on core strengths and retaining key personnel.

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Indiana law schools post decline in enrollment

Although nationally the number of 1L students starting law school in the 2017 fall semester increased, the 2017 first-year class enrolled Indiana’s four law schools declined by nearly 100 students compared to the class that began in 2016.

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