Hammerle on… “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” “Official Secrets”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle finds big rewards in two lesser-known films — “Brittany Runs a Marathon” and “Official Secrets.”
Opinion
Articles
French: Predicting mediator’s agenda key to success
Mediation results in a settlement more than 85% of the time. However, getting to “yes” is hard work — especially for the mediator. While we lawyers do a great job of advocating in mediation, we could do more to make the process more productive, and perhaps improve the likelihood of settlement, by focusing on developing the mediator’s agenda in advance of mediation.
Hays & Clark: Mediators as evaluators — Weighing risks in resolutions
Mediators must always remain independent in resolving disputes between widely disparate views and interests. However, mediators evaluate cases to some degree when facilitating settlement discussions between parties. The mediator must tread lightly when the issue of his or her evaluation is broached by one of the parties.
Hopper: Transitions for lawyers, firms could use some encouragement
Who is responsible for law practice succession planning? I suggest that all of us in the Indiana bar have roles to play, especially those of us closer to the end of our legal careers. So far this year, I have met with several senior attorneys who want to develop and implement succession plans for their law practices.
JLAP: Bar associations tackle lawyer wellness issues
Lawyers are fixers. We fix things other people have messed up. So, obviously, we like to project a persona that is not in need of fixing. We hold ourselves to a high standard to get new clients, bill more hours, finish an opinion, bring that next charge, defend the next client … always perfectly. And that’s the crux. Because, of course, we are not perfect. But that desire to be so affects our wellness and can lead to substance use disorder, anxiety, depression and grief.
Maley: Residual hearsay rule change will take effect Dec. 1
Effective Dec. 1, a package of federal rule changes is scheduled to go into effect. Per federal statute, the amendments apply to cases filed on or after Dec. 1, and otherwise to existing cases to the extent just and practicable.
Inbox: Letter to the editor — Medical expenses in personal injury litigation
When a client in a personal injury case decides to not claim the cost of medical care, you should file a motion in limine to exclude the cost.
Hammerle on… “IT Chapter Two,” “One Child Nation”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle says a sequel to a 2017 blockbuster may be the biggest bummer of the summer, while a startling documentary examining China’s former one-child policy is an emotional powerhouse.
Marquez: 10 Windows 10 tricks you’ll fall in love with
As we officially say goodbye to Windows 7 in January 2020, the conversion to Windows 10 may cause a bit of uneasiness to many. Just as when the local supermarket rearranges the aisles, users may feel like they can’t find anything. To combat this apprehension, we have captured 10 of the top features to help ease your transition.
Dreyer: Questions and answers with Chief Justice Loretta Rush
The Judicial Nominating Commission in August reappointed Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush for another term. It was hardly a surprise. Chief Justice Rush is a special kind of judge. Recently, she took time to reflect on her work and remarkable career.
Harrell & Dodane: Final ACE rule trumps CPP, lets states set standards
On June 19, United States Environmental Protection Agency administrator Andrew Wheeler signed the final version of the Affordable Clean Energy rule that was initially proposed on Aug. 21, 2018. The ACE final rule repeals and replaces the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, which attempted to impose first-ever carbon dioxide emission standards on existing fossil fuel power plants.
Stafford: In small towns, justice is personal, professional
Just ahead of the Labor Day holiday, Indiana Lawyer staff members took to the roads less traveled, visiting some of the Hoosier state’s smallest counties. We each spent a day finding out just a bit about how the law works in places like Liberty. And Portland. And Shoals. And Williamsport.
Hammerle on… “Blinded by the Light,” “The Peanut Butter Falcon”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle has praise for two very different films that each tug on the heartstrings.
Fox & Williams Next goal for U.S. Women’s Soccer Team: Scoring equal pay
The U.S. Women’s National Team did not lose a match in route to their fourth World Cup title. When they returned home, the nation celebrated the team’s victory with numerous national TV appearances and a ticker tape parade. However, while the team reveled in victory, one battle stood ahead — not on the field, but in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Hammerle on… “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” “Sword of Trust”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle isn’t afraid to praise “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,” and say trust him — “Sword of Trust” is worth seeking out at the theater.
Mosby & Loeffler: Examining impacts of Indiana minimum wage law changes
On April 3, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed Senate Enrolled Act 231, excluding a direct seller from the definition of “employee” under the state’s minimum wage law (Indiana Code § 22-2-2 et. seq.) and from the definition of “employment” under the state’s unemployment compensation system (I.C. 22-4 et. seq.), except under certain conditions. The law took effect July 1.
Bowling: Takin’ care of business … and gettin’ overtime
We all know the general rule about overtime: the Fair Labor Standards Act requires employees must be paid 150 percent of their standard rate of pay, or “time and a half,” for working more than 40 hours per week, but certain employees, especially executive or managerial employees, are exempt. In practice, the line between exempt and non-exempt employees is sometimes unclear, especially with respect to restaurant and retail employees.
Law Student Outlook: Thoughts and expectations entering a final law school year
It might be hard to believe, but this month brings the start of our third and final year of law school at Indiana University Maurer School of Law. The readers of this column have loyally been with us since the spring semester of our 1L year, and we have grown so much through writing on a variety of topics that we explored and encountered during our time as students of the law. In this column, we will reflect on our time in law school and set goals for our year to come. We plan to make it the best one yet.
Moorhead: Managing workplaces as marijuana, CBD, vaping tolerance grows
The landscape of the modern workplace is changing. Surrounding states have legalized marijuana. CBD oil has entered the Indiana market. And vaping is growing at an unprecedented rate. As these changes materialize in the workforce, employers are left asking, What what are these substances? Are they legal? And how can employers prepare themselves before these problems appear at their places of business?
Katz Sapper & Miller: AICPA announces new forensic accounting standards
As a financial damages expert, one of the most common questions I get when testifying at a deposition or trial is, “Did you follow any standards in forming your opinion?” Until just recently, and depending on my assignment, the answer to this question was not always as easy as one might think.