In-Box: The Constitution, court vacancies
Letters to the editor reflect on the Constitution and supreme court vacancies.
Opinion
Articles
DeKoninck: A call to serve the hopeless in our communities
Through daily concerns over billable hours and client meetings, networking events and continuing education, it is easy for those in the legal field to forget our responsibility to serve those in need in the communities where we live and work.
DTCI: Rights of refusal and ‘cooling-off periods’
I find myself often representing companies that are subject to all sorts of tangential laws that they must know about and adhere to. Many times these laws require certain notice requirements to the clients with whom my clients do business.
Start Page: Why you should consider Microsoft Office 365
Migrating to Office 365 is a decision that should be made with careful planning and consideration of the risks and benefits of a cloud-based system. That said, the trend toward using other people’s computers to lower your own operating costs will only continue in the future.
Hammerle on … Hammerle’s Oscar picks for 2016
Once again, the Oscars are upon us, and this year the awards are filled with controversy. Diversity is the buzzword, and it is something that Hollywood needs to acknowledge and meaningfully consider.
Hammerle on … ‘The Hateful Eight,’ ‘The Revenant’
Bob Hammerle says Quentin Tarantino can bring to the screen a pictorial display of viciousness that leaves you gasping with a feeling of disgusted wonder.
BGBC: Who’s responsible for the IOLTA account? You are!
One of the most significant and important fiduciary duties that lawyers must perform is to safeguard all client and third-party property held in trust.
Indiana Judges Association: How are we going to replace Justice Brent Dickson?
There is now a great opportunity to pick our next Supreme Court justice. But our problem is that we have to replace the irreplaceable Justice Brent Dickson.
In-Box: Commercial courts
Colin Flora writes in response to the recent announcement of the creation of commercial courts in Indiana.
Cohen/Mattingly: Learn your ESI rules: It’s an ethical imperative (chomp)
It’s been nearly 10 years since the Supreme Court of the United States approved amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to add language addressing electronically stored information, or ESI. Recent FRCP amendments, effective December 2015, clarify ESI obligations. The rules re-introduce traditional concepts of flexibility and proportionality to ESI obligations.
Neutral Corner: Reaction to SCOTUS’ recent arbitration decision
Comments following the DirecTVdecision have been consistent: Unless Congress acts or the makeup of the court fundamentally changes, mandatory arbitration of consumer disputes and the corresponding limitations of some remedies (such as class actions) is here to stay.
Hammerle on …’The Big Short,’ ‘Carol’
Bob Hammerle says “The Big Short” is a reminder of the sometimes amoral nature of our free-enterprise system.
Inside the Criminal Case: Immunity and Bill Cosby’s motion to dismiss
On Dec. 30, 2015, comedian Bill Cosby was charged with sexual assault in Pennsylvania. These charges stemmed in part from various admissions Mr. Cosby made in a deposition in a civil suit. After learning this news, several thousand criminal defense lawyers scratched their balding heads as they Monday morning quarterbacked the decision to submit Cosby to a deposition.
DTCI: ‘Making a Murderer’ influences perception of judiciary
Producers of “Making a Murderer” and other true-crime stories have the ability to influence the public’s perception of an individual’s guilt or innocence, as well as the actions of the attorneys involved, well after a verdict is reached and regardless of the evidence presented in the courtroom.
Federal Bar Update: Early returns on amended Rules of Civil Procedure
Significant changes to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure took effect to civil cases filed on or after Dec. 1, or to cases already pending to the extent just and practicable. In the first two months of these new rules, it is apparent they are having an immediate impact on federal litigation.
Making Rain: Be more like a political candidate in 2016
There are striking comparisons between how a candidate works to get elected and how a law firm or lawyer can develop new business. So, if you get overly sensitized by all the campaigning, refocus your attention on the process and you might find a few good ideas to try for yourself.
Ryznar: Grandparent visitation 15 years after Troxel
Given continued high levels of divorce and out-of-wedlock births, the role of grandparents continues to be an important source of stability in some families. Thus, in 2015, grandparent visitation made several appearances on the Indiana court dockets.
Ringlespaugh: Custody issues for parents of special-needs children
When deciding child custody in a situation involving a child with special needs, it is important for the courts, parents and attorneys to consider how these situations differ from families that do not have children with disabilities.
Living Fit: How SMART are your goals for better health?
January is the month of resolutions and profound change, as we attempt to cut the cord from the apron strings of the Sugar Plum Fairy and pull ourselves out of the pit of gingerbread man hell.
Young: Federal re-entry programs continue to benefit community
One of the longest-standing initiatives in the Southern District is the voluntary Re-entry and Community Help program. Dating back to 2007, REACH gives high-risk clients an opportunity to participate in monthly informal hearings with a team composed of a federal judge, federal public defender, assistant U.S. attorney, and U.S. probation officer.