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Rule revision aims to broaden use of limited scope representation
The Indiana Supreme Court revised the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure to allow pro se litigants and other potential clients to use limited scope representation more often and without some of the restraint they’ve had in the past.
Indiana State Fair tragedy renews cap debate
Indiana attorneys and legislators are embarking on a broader discussion about the state’s current tort claim cap and whether that decades-old limit is adequate to address the scope of this situation.

Mobile devices lighten loads, boost productivity for attorneys
New Albany attorney Derrick Wilson is frequently in the courtroom, and when he needs to check on a fact quickly, he turns to his trusty smartphone.
COA reverses trial court’s ruling in favor of attorney
The Indiana Court of Appeals has reversed a trial court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of an attorney who failed to monitor an estate checking account while serving as the estate’s counsel.
Attorney general wants State Fair class action dismissed
The Office of the Indiana Attorney General filed a motion Monday in Marion Superior Court to dismiss a proposed class-action lawsuit filed as a result of the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair.

Protecting pets in perpetuity
The non-profit American Pet Products Association estimates that this year, Americans will spend $50.84 billion on their pets – not surprising, considering the ever-increasing variety of treats, toys, and services for animals. But what happens to these pampered pets after their owners die? Are they consigned to a life of off-brand food? Forced to take up residence in a cramped kennel?
Bar foundation receives pledge for civics education
A third law firm has signed on as a visionary sponsor for the Indiana Bar Foundation’s We the People civics education program. Evansville firm Bamberger Foreman Oswald & Hahn has pledged $10,000 in support of the program, the foundation announced Friday, joining Barnes & Thornburg and Taft Stettinius & Hollister as top-level sponsors.
Ice Miller to merge with Ohio firm
Indianapolis-based Ice Miller announced Friday that it is combining with a law firm out of Columbus, Ohio. The merger with Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co. will be effective at the first of the year and the newly created firm will retain the Ice Miller moniker.
Legislators to look at sex offenses, reporting laws in wake of Anthony trial
The Criminal Code Evaluation Commission is meeting Thursday morning to discuss sex crimes and sex offenders, and other issues, according to its revised meeting agenda. Later that day, the Criminal Law and Sentencing Policy Study Committee is going to take a look at Indiana’s laws regarding reporting a dead body or missing child.

Formalizing relationships between unmarried couples
As the number of domestic partnerships increases, more couples are seeking legal agreements.

Lawyer pays his ‘civic rent’ through donation
An Indianapolis attorney hopes he can help spread the word in the legal community about the need for potential blood and bone marrow donors.

Tie optional
Firms cite practicality and employee satisfaction in adopting relaxed dress codes.

Baker & Daniels in talks to merge with Minneapolis firm
Baker & Daniels LLP, one of Indianapolis' largest and oldest law firms, is in merger discussions with a Minneapolis law firm and expects to complete a deal in October.
South Bend attorney to investigate allegations of misconduct in Northern District
South Bend attorney Joseph D. Bradley has been appointed by Chief Judge Philip P. Simon to serve as special counsel to investigate allegations of attorney misconduct that are pending before the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Northern District of Indiana.
It is never too early to network
When Karen Murphy receives a resume, the first thing she does is ask around the office to see if anyone knows the applicant. Murphy, firm administrator for Drewry Simmons Vornehm, is one of many people who say that knowing the right people – and understanding how to talk to them – can offer new lawyers an advantage in a competitive job market.
Partner pay rises despite economic recession
Partners at Indianapolis’ largest law firms are enjoying healthy pay increases despite the tough economic times.

Registration goes online
Entering the 21st century is no longer optional for Indiana lawyers. When it comes to attorney registration, paper forms are history to make way for a new web portal.
Golf course manager suing DuPont over herbicide
An Indianapolis-based golf course manager is leading a national class-action lawsuit charging that a herbicide manufactured by DuPont is killing trees and other vegetation.

Students learn through Leaders in Firms Emerging
Five students from an Indianapolis high school held summer internships through Leaders in Firms Emerging, which included working at law firms.