Indiana law schools post changing fortunes in first-time bar passage rates
Newly released data from the American Bar Association shows the bar passage rate for first-time takers is improving at IU Maurer and Notre Dame but slipping at IU McKinney.
University of Notre Dame Law School
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Back to the border: Notre Dame law legal aid team sees increased hardship for asylum seekers
Instead of spending his holiday season surrounded by all things merry and bright, immigration attorney Rudy Monterrosa spent days at what he described as an ominous place akin to a concentration camp. For the second year in a row, Monterrosa took a team to the Texas-Mexico border to offer free legal services to women and children seeking asylum in the United States. His experience this time, however, was quite different.
Law schools, firms watch coronavirus outbreak
Law firms with offices and law schools with programs in China have been proactive in response to the deadly coronavirus outbreak. For example, Dentons has temporarily closed its office in Wuhan and Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP told Indiana Lawyer it has closed some offices in China. Law schools in the state have suspended all staff and faculty travel to China.
Indiana law schools not seeing much of a ‘Trump bump’
While the political climate is being credited with boosting applications to law schools nationally, Indiana’s legal institutions might be immune to the hubbub since they have posted fluctuations but no discernable upward trend in the number of individuals applying for enrollment.
Notre Dame Law hosting ABA exhibit celebrating women’s right to vote
A traveling exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of women’s constitutional right to vote is being this month hosted by Notre Dame Law School in partnership with the American Bar Association. The ABA joined with the Library of Congress and its Law Library to present the exhibit as part of the ABA Standing Committee on the Law Library of Congress’ “100 Years After the 19th Amendment: Their Legacy, and Our Future”.
Indiana law schools buck first-year enrollment dip
First-year enrollment in J.D. programs in Indiana law schools rose 3.2% in 2019 over 2018 while the overall J.D. enrollment across the U.S. slipped 0.27%, according data released by the American Bar Association.
Patent U.: Universities’ investment in patentable research reaps more revenue, litigation
As universities investment more resources in the development of patentable technology, they also run an increased risk of litigation.
Indiana legal scholars sign letter endorsing impeachment
Six faculty members from Indiana universities — including four law school professors — are among the more than 775 academics who have submitted a letter to Congress, adding their voices in support of the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.
Notre Dame offers new Dublin internship program for 2Ls
The Notre Dame Law School has announced an international paid internship opportunity for select 2L students beginning in the summer of 2020.
Lawyers exiting Indiana’s congressional delegation
Rep. Pete Visclosky’s decision to retire from the U.S. Congress after 35 years will create the possibility that Indiana’s delegation in the House of Representatives will not include an attorney.
New lawyers get by with a little help from family, friends
The support of family and friends for students in law school is not only common for most law students, but also necessary. Law professors and counselors say students need a supportive network to rely on inside and outside of law school to help them master the material, tamp down any discouragement or despair and ultimately become successful attorneys with good mental health.
New lawyers reminded of their responsibilities and duties
Indiana’s newest attorneys were congratulated on their admission to the bar and welcomed to the practice of law Wednesday with soaring rhetoric and practical advice from their colleagues in the bar and on the bench.
ISBA reaches out to law students, adopts programming focused on ‘living life as a lawyer’
Recognizing a need to increase its engagement with younger attorneys, the Indiana State Bar Association last year launched two initiatives that the bar and participants say are showing promising results — a law school outreach effort and an emphasis on programming on a “living life as a lawyer” track.
Law schools tweaking, innovating admissions process as numbers rise
Ever since the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law began accepting GRE scores in lieu of the LSAT in 2016, the list of law schools that consider applicants who submit only Graduate Record Exam results is growing. So are the other innovative ways law schools in Indiana and elsewhere are measuring the likely success of potential students.
Incoming classes strong at Indiana law schools
As classes begin for the 2018-2019 academic year, all Indiana law schools are marking historical milestones.
Small Class of 2018 posts higher employment outcomes
Even while the total number of entry-level law firm jobs is still below the pre-recession peak, the employment stats for the 2018 law school graduates improved, primarily because the smaller size of last year’s class meant fewer new lawyers were looking for work.
Veteran Marion Superior Judge Dreyer to step down after 2020
Longtime Marion Superior Judge David Dreyer will step down after 23 years on the bench when his term expires at the end of 2020, he announced Tuesday. Dreyer, 63, a 23-year judge who has presided in civil and criminal cases on the state trial court bench in Indianapolis, said in a news release that he intends to seek senior judge status and continue hearing cases.
Elkhart man revives efforts for new trial in 2002 murder
A mentally disabled man serving a 55-year prison sentence for an Elkhart murder 17 years ago that he maintains he did not commit is reviving his efforts for post-conviction relief, presenting new evidence in a petition he claims exonerates him.
Wood: Papers chased — law students’ plight and how JLAP can help
During my initial campus visits to Indiana law schools, I encountered several students who manifested the stressors of their academic environment in a number of ways. Some had turned to alcohol and other drugs, sometimes resulting in serious consequences such as DUI arrests and academic probation. Others demonstrated noticeable signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.
Notre Dame Law dean Newton leaves legacy of academic rigor, sustained support
The folks who “keep the trains running on time” at the Notre Dame Law School have a special affinity for Dean Nell Jessup Newton. The staff hosted an informal afternoon reception on the last Wednesday in May to recognize and thank her for her leadership as she prepares to step down as dean at the end of June.