INBOX: Keep Marion County Small Claims out of Superior Court
A reader believes the rational solution to issues in Marion County Small Claims Courts is to keep the system as it is and not move it to Marion Superior Court.
Opinion
Articles
Indiana Judges Association: Judges struggle with ‘rule of law’ questions daily
As judges, we struggle with “rule of law” questions every day. The gray areas between a fact and a supposition dog our paths. The tension between the letter of the law and the conscience of the community complicate our considerations. In some cases, the rule of law just seems to be unjust. But overall, the true meaning of “rule of law” should not be a barrier.
Technology Untangled: Document scanning in the palm of your hand
Today we will look at an application that allows your smartphone to function as a surprisingly capable portable document scanner, capturing images of higher quality and much greater utility than a typical .JPG photo capture.
Hammerle On… ‘Land Ho!’ ‘Sin City: A Dame to Kill For,’ ‘The Trip to Italy’
Bob Hammerle says the stars of “The Trip to Italy” have no shame when they get together.
Quick: Use the tools available to market today’s law firms
Lawyers are trying new and different ways to advertise with more focus on websites and digital media. But even today, problems remain.
Sidebars: Noblesville eatery’s Buffalo chicken sandwich is tasty surprise
We give Copper Still Kitchen & Bar 3 gavels!
Start Page: Microsoft Outlook distribution lists reduce email frustration
Have you ever used the “reply all” option on an email that has multiple recipients, only to get a return email notifying you that one (or more) of the email addresses was typed incorrectly by the original sender? Or, do you frequently email the same group of people by typing one email address at a time, only to realize that you forgot to include someone (usually right after you hit send)? The solution? Use distribution lists in Microsoft Outlook.
Thomas: When drafting a will, be as specific as possible
To ensure that your client’s property will go to the beneficiaries of his or her choosing, as opposed to the beneficiaries that the state chooses, it is imperative that the last will and testament be very specific and provide for as many contingencies as possible.
Alerding/Latterell: A 2014 view of portability
Gift and estate tax planning has gotten easier for married couples thanks in part to a relatively new concept: porting of the federal gift and estate tax exemption to a surviving spouse.
Dean’s Desk: Distance learning comes of age at NDLS
Thanks to distance-learning technology, professors as well as students have much more flexibility than previous generations did. Today a professor might teach in Chicago one week and in South Bend the next.
Deveau: RCRA threatens validity of brownfield redevelopment
During the past 12 months a troubling trend has developed in the area of brownfield redevelopment. In several routine property transactions, buyers, sellers and lawyers have had the unpleasant experience of having their deals scuttled by a questionable application of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
Inside the Criminal Case: Can your lyrics be used against you in court?
It is common knowledge that what you say can and will be used against you. But what about what you sing or intend to sing?
Federal Bar Update: Proposed rule changes, redacting documents
The Judicial Conference Advisory Committees on Civil Rules has published proposed amendments to several rules and is seeking public comment.
Editor’s Perspective: Another crack in the glass ceiling
I’d like to make a suggestion to Indiana lawmakers when they return for the 2015 legislative session. I am not telling you how to do your jobs, but this suggestion falls under the guise of editing, so I feel I’m within my bounds.
Hammerle On…’Guardians of the Galaxy,’ ‘Boyhood’
Bob Hammerle says there isn’t a mother who won’t shed a tear watching “Boyhood.”
Hammerle On … ‘Wish I Was Here,’ ‘Life Itself’
Bob Hammerle says “Wish I Was Here” is one of those overlooked films that answers the question, “Is there anything worth a damn playing in the theater?”
Remembering former Indiana Justice Dixon W. Prentice
A former law clerk of Justice Dixon Prentice reflects on his time working with the justice.
Book review: Divorce case allows glimpse into amusing law firm matters
It begins with a ten year old’s Happy New Year greeting to her grandpa, including the sentence, “Mommy and Daddy are cranky.” It ends with a brief reminder on a lawyer’s personal legal stationary. In between these handwritten notes, “The Divorce Papers” tells a story about a divorce through legal documents, emails, court filings, news articles, a psychiatric report, statutes, judicial opinions, billable hour reports, invitations, and, of course, offers and counter-offers.
Cox: Common mistakes of young lawyers
The practice of law takes practice. Experience is required to hone the skills necessary to be an effective advocate and to keep existing clients satisfied as well as attract new clients. There are, however, some common mistakes made by young lawyers that, with forethought and planning, can be avoided. Work to avoid these bad habits and your learning curve will be significantly shorter.
Making Rain: When a room full of strangers freaks you out
As most good rainmakers know, it is all about networking, and sometimes this means talking to people who are total strangers. It can be daunting to attend an event that your firm is sponsoring or a conference that your target market attends and be expected to “go out there and make new friends.”