A divided Indiana Supreme Court recently passed judgment on a case in which only two of the five justices could find reason instead of a callous abstraction of the law. The callous abstraction prevailed, as increasingly seems to be the style of our times.
One of the saddest parts of my job is when a victim of an unscrupulous lawyer calls, asking in exasperation, “Is there anything that can be done about this?” The very saddest part is the realization that, deep down, the caller already knows the answer is no, or next to no. The legal profession has no contingency when one of its own who swore an oath goes rogue and steals from vulnerable clients. This must change.
There’s a new pro bono organization in town, and it’s bringing a relatively large change to Indiana’s pro bono system. Pro Bono Indiana was established at the beginning of this year to consolidate the administration of Indiana’s pro bono districts while still preserving the autonomy of the local nonprofit programs that have been serving the pro bono districts for years.
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle wonders why more people are not flocking to “Birds of Prey,” while “Just Mercy” is an emotionally moving film that hits close to home.
While reflecting on our time writing this column, it became clear that we have not addressed an important aspect of our lives and future legal careers: We are women in the law. Obviously, the legal field has historically been dominated by men, and usually those who are well-off. In our time in law school we have seen a growing movement of greater diversity in the field, paving the way for different groups of people to make their mark in the profession and on the legal landscape.
You never know who you’ll meet, where they’ll end up or what role they might play in your future. And you never know who they may know. Relationships matter.
Many lawyers are already familiar with Outlook on their desktop computer and have it set up to help them manage their emails. The problem is that emails come in at all times of the day (and night), and having a device that is connected outside of the office means you are constantly connected to email. There are times when that is a good and necessary thing, but there are other times when it interferes with what you are trying to get done. So, what do you do to keep email under control? Change your perspective by using a different version of Outlook.
I have always wanted to be a basketball referee. Throughout my sports fan life, I have often seen refs that were good, and some that were not so good. As a new lawyer many years ago, and through 16 years of pre-bench practice, I also saw judges who were good and some who were not so good. I always made mental notes about the essential qualities of both kinds of judges for my future reference.
Find out who movie reviewer Robert Hammerle believes will walk away with Academy Awards on Sunday.
In order to continue to best serve you, the Indiana Lawyer website, theindianalawyer.com, can no longer remain wholly free of charge. Beginning soon, we will follow the example of most print and digital media outlets that have instituted metering on their websites.
If Hill had handled this matter in the early stages, he may have been able to finish his term as attorney general. Or resigned honorably and gotten a job at a large law firm or as a lobbyist. Those doors have now closed behind him.
At the recent federal civil practice seminar sponsored by Indiana Lawyer, multiple Indiana federal judges commented on procedural developments.
The Indiana Disciplinary Commission’s recommended professional sanctions against Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill attests to ongoing racial disparities within the state’s legal and criminal justice system.
Despite the changing legal landscape, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This tension between state and federal law has led to confusion and challenges in many industries, but for the trucking industry, little has changed.
Hiring diverse attorneys is a good start; however, giving diverse attorneys a seat at the table will ultimately determine whether a firm’s diversity and inclusion efforts have been effective.
In his 20-plus years of serving the legal community of Indiana, Frank Kimbrough has perfected the most vital aspect of any helping venture: the connection.
Movie review Robert Hammerle says the awards and accolades for the World War I epic “1917” are deserved, while “A Hidden Life” simply runs too long.
One of the most troubling events that can arise in a family law matter is when children of the parties are placed in the middle of the parents’ adversarial proceeding. Legislative reform is needed.
Movie review Robert Hammerle finds much to applaud in two very different films showcasing strong performances by leading women — the Fox News dramatization “Bombshell” and a new classic adaption of “Little Women.”
Indiana Lawyer readers, have you nominated a deserving attorney for our annual Leadership in Law awards? We know it’s the start of the year, and it’s an especially busy time (when isn’t it?), but time is running out — nominations must be made by noon Jan. 31.