Start Page: Microsoft Word for the legal profession — format defaults
Can Microsoft Word help you maintain competence and avoid procrastination? Yes, if you take some time to make your software tools work for you.
Opinion
Articles
Eye on the Profession: Lawyer succession planning is easier said than done
It is fair to say that there may be no hotter topic in the legal world right now than succession planning.
Dean’s Desk: Guarding Legal Services Corp. from Trump budget cuts
While Legal Services Corp. has been demonized in various ways over the years as troublemakers or leftist political actors, studies tell us that providing access to basic services produces economic benefits for state and local governments.
Adolay: The consequences of improper employee classification
A dangerous yet continued way of thinking by some companies is that the company can enter into a contract with an individual and call it an independent contractor agreement, agree on how that agreement will be structured, and be protected from liability normally attributed to an employer. This misconception carries a potential for significant damages for the company and its decision-makers.
DTCI: Counsel, can you spare the time?
A famous saying which came to exemplify the Great Depression was, “Brother, can you spare a dime?” My question posed to Hoosier attorneys is, “Counsel, can you spare some time?”
Dunn: Indiana law, precedent lead to $2.6M settlement for sales rep
This article summarizes how a terminated commissioned sales representative achieved a settlement of over $2.6 million from an Indiana company.
Federal Bar Update: Motions to reconsider; 7th Circuit conference in Indy
Judge Robert L. Miller recently addressed a motion to reconsider a ruling denying in part a defense motion for summary judgment; the opinion provides good guidance on whether and when such motions are appropriate.
Plugged In: 5 features to help you Excel
When thinking of Excel, many think of numbers and formulas and begin to have nightmares about high school math. However, this program can be used for so much more than number crunching and complex data models.
Walker: EEOC investigative subpoena power to be tested
The Supreme Court of the United States is specifically addressing how appellate courts should review district courts’ decisions to quash or enforce an EEOC subpoena.
Hammerle on … ‘Logan,’ ‘Kong: Skull Island’
Bob Hammerle says “Logan” may end up being one of the better movies this year.
Inside the Criminal Case: Race, talking to jurors and impeachment
As is typical in these articles, nine years of hard work by attorneys is summarized in three paragraphs and some writer like me says, “eventually this case landed before the United States Supreme Court.”
Baker: What does treatment look like for lawyers, judges in need?
The careers and lives of judges, lawyers and law students can be jeopardized by mental health issues, chemical dependency and other debilitating conditions. These threats to legal professionals’ well-being come in many different forms. Fortunately, so do treatment options.
Hewedak: Clashes between immigration law and family law
As a Marion County public defender, I have come across cases involving foreign nationals who were deported and therefore unable to be available to care for their U.S.-born children in children in need of services and termination of parental rights cases.
In memory of Indiana Justice Roger Owen DeBruler
Following are excerpts from a eulogy delivered by retired Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan Jr. at the funeral of the late Indiana Justice Roger DeBruler.
Sugarman/Tuley: Hazardous waste rule changes may impact Indiana businesses
In November 2016, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management incorporated the EPA’s alterations to its Definition of Solid Waste (or DSW) Rule into the Indiana Administrative Code.
Waterhouse: Lessons from Flint: law, economics, equity and the environment
Behind the very technical laws we have in our state and across the country, there are broader goals and ends. When we lose sight of these, laws, like other tools, can become destructive forces that strip people of their dignity, well-being and their lives.
Hammerle on… ‘A United Kingdom,’ ‘Get Out’
Bob Hammerle says “Get Out” is a great horror movie.
Technology Untangled: Sideline app adds second line to your smartphone
I recently ran across an advertisement for an app that allows you to add a separate phone line to your existing smartphone. This idea seemed practical, especially in this age where virtually everyone carries a personal smartphone at all times.
Start Page: Microsoft Word for the legal profession: reformat documents
For 2017, the Start Page column will focus on Microsoft Word. Each article will help build skills you can use each day in your practice to be more efficient and effective for your clients.
DTCI: I’m prepared for life’s emergencies, but are you?
This article raises some simple questions about the way we function in our day-to-day lives and honestly assesses how “prepared” we really are.