Morris: IndyBar leadership something to celebrate
I’ve always been drawn to the law and have thoroughly enjoyed my interactions with those in the legal field. And this is definitely the case working with the folks at IndyBar.
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Hammerle On … “On the Basis of Sex,” “If Beale Street Could Talk”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle says a new film about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be required viewing, while “If Beale Street Could Talk” is Oscar-worthy, if heartbreaking.
Federal Bar Update: The 3-business-day provision for seeking extensions of time
Effective Dec. 1, the Southern District of Indiana adopted various Local Rules amendments, specifically to Local Rules 5-2, 5-3 and 5-7 (electronic filing); Local Rule 6-1 (extensions of time); Local Rule 81-2 (removed actions), and; Local Rule 83-5 (admission). The amendments to Local Rule 6-1(a) are significant in that they impact the process of seeking extensions of time for filing deadlines.
JLAP: Lawyer wellness push extends beyond law firms
The recent emphasis on lawyer well-being is not limited to private law firms. Corporate legal departments, the public sector and other legal employers are embracing some of the wellness initiatives being implemented at many law firms.
Thornburg & Wiser: On pre-emption of claims against freight brokers, shippers
The viability of theories of liability for shippers, freight brokers and other parties in the distribution chain in trucking accident litigation is now being tested across the country.
Feary & Cohen: Changes might affect transportation independent contractors
The “gig” economy has brought increased attention to the use and meaning of independent contractors in America. With increased focus comes a change in how states attempt to define the work status of independent contractors, and if paternal protections should be offered to such workers.
David & English: Is police body cam video admissible in transportation litigation?
Police body-worn camera footage is becoming more prevalent in transportation personal injury lawsuits, but there are some key considerations regarding admissibility.
Zoeller and Makris: Prenups, postnups and ‘no-nups’ increasingly common
In recent years, prenuptial, postnuptial and cohabitation agreements have become increasingly common in the United States. The increase in interest can be traced in part to the shifting of societal norms surrounding marriage, cohabitation, and divorce among the country’s different age demographics.
Reed: “Why do I need to have a premarital agreement?”
For those who are legal counselors to families, you have heard objections many times when the parents have told their adult daughter (or son) that they need to have a premarital agreement. The child is in love. She has found the person with whom she will spend the rest of her life. The person with whom she will raise a family. There is no possible way they would ever divorce, so why does she need a premarital agreement? The simple answer — she needs one!
Hammerle on… “Mary Poppins Returns” and “Vice”
Movie review Robert Hammerle finds very different kinds of Hollywood magic and Oscar-worthy performances in “Mary Poppins Returns” and “Vice.”
Hammerle on… “Mary, Queen of Scots,” “The Favourite”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle comes away with conflicting views about two period pieces focusing on royalty.
Technology Untangled: Videoconferencing made easier with Zoom
I was recently asked to facilitate an IP videoconferencing deposition with an ophthalmologist. He was located close to our office, so the plan was for him to come to us. However, his schedule was so tight that the plan changed. Could we do the videoconference from his office? With Zoom and a laptop, yes, we could. I packed up a camera, microphone and computer and went to his office to perform a test.
Eye on the Profession: Let’s take ‘good’ and make it even better in 2019
My pitch to you this week is simple. Let’s all break out of the daily routine in which we do things the same way every day. Instead, let’s be mindful of our niche in the law and resolve to practice law better. Let’s resolve to make our profession and our communities better.
Maley book review: Unique litigation treatise gets valuable updates
In reviewing the most recent edition of “Business and Commercial Litigation in Federal Courts,” John Maley writes that no other book gives such practical and integrated treatment to procedural and substantive law in areas frequently encountered by federal commercial litigators.
Stafford: Resolve to honor attorneys who honor the law
In this season of reflection, I hope you’ll think about friends and colleagues who live up to and exceed the legal profession’s loftiest ideals. Think of those who embody the very best of what it means to be a great lawyer. Those are the people we seek to honor in Indiana Lawyer’s 2019 Leadership in Law Awards.
Hammerle on… “Creed II,” “Green Book”
Movie reviewer Bob Hammerle recommends the knockout performances in “Creed II” and the powerful “Green Book.”
Hopper: Who’s responsible for law practice succession planning?
How does the legal community at large continue to provide and expand high-quality legal services to all Indiana communities? What role should law practice succession planning play in ensuring that people, businesses, governmental and nonprofit organizations’ legal needs are competently addressed?
Brown: Is a taco a sandwich? This IP question isn’t patently absurd
I was reminded recently of a client who came to see me with drawings of a chair he had designed, and he wanted to protect it. As we looked at the design and mulled over the possible ways others might find value in it, it became clear that the chair might fit into multiple IP buckets — or perhaps none at all.
Lechleiter, Dodge and Griffin: Alice in Wonderland — the uncertain state of patent eligibility
The law surrounding a key patent statute, 35 U.S.C. § 101, is “a real problem” that is “almost impossible to apply consistently and coherently” and “needs clarification by higher authority.” When federal appellate judges make statements like these, the issue is worth further exploration.
Hart: Trade secret protection requires customized measures
Because there is “no one size fits all” analysis to determine whether something qualifies as a trade secret — including whether its owner took reasonable measures to protect it — a lawyer tasked with protecting a client’s trade secrets must be intimately familiar with the client’s protectable interests.