Professionalism Award and Silver Gavel Award Nominees SoughtThe IndyBar Professionalism Award (Lawyer) and Silver Gavel Award (Judge) will be presented to two individuals whose contributions have demonstrated the highest commitment to genuine professionalism and the highest standards of legal ethics. Entries are sought for those eligible who have demonstrated the good that can be accomplished through intellectual honesty, compassion, and practical skills in the practice of law.

The deadline to nominate a deserving colleague for the IBA Professionalism Award and Silver Gavel Award is Monday, August 15.

To nominate a deserving person, simply e-mail a letter noting why you believe the nominee is deserving of recognition to iba@indybar.org. The awards will be presented at IndyBar’s Mentors Who Matter Luncheon featuring Butler Basketball Head Coach Brad Stevens on Thursday, September 8 at The Conrad Hotel. The noon luncheon cost is $30 per person, and registration is now open at www.indybar.org.

Comment Sought on Reappointment of Mag. Judge Hussman

The current term of the office of United States Magistrate Judge William G. Hussmann, Jr., at Evansville, Indiana, is due to expire on April 3, 2012. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight-year term.

The duties of a magistrate judge position include the following: (1) conduct of most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; (2) trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases; (3) conduct of various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on delegation from the judges of the district court; and (4) trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the litigants.

Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the court and should be directed to Laura A. Briggs, Clerk, Attn: Reappointment Panel, United States District Court, 46 East Ohio Street, Room 105, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. Comments may also be submitted via email to: localrules@insd.uscourts.gov. Comments must be received by Friday, July 22, 2011.

Nominations for 2012 IndyBar Board of Directors Open

The nomination period has begun for the 2012 Board of Directors of the Indianapolis Bar Association, and Kevin McGoff of Bingham McHale has been appointed to chair the effort. Self-nominations for the board are encouraged, as are nominations of colleagues. The following vacancies exist for the coming year and must be filled by an attorney member:

1st Vice President (serves one-year term and will automatically assume the office of President-elect in 2014)

Treasurer (two-year term, 2012 and 2013)

ABA Delegate (two-year term, 2012 and 2013)

At-Large Member of Board of Managers (five positions, each two-year terms, 2012 and 2013)

Letters or the nomination form are posted in the indybar.org website and should be forwarded to the Bar office by July 8, 2011. The Nominating Committee will select a slate of nominees, which reflects our geographic, ethnic, minority, gender and practice area diversity while recognizing leadership and service to the Indianapolis Bar Association. IndyBar members wishing to seek election outside the nominating process may file a petition ballot which is now available at the bar office. To be valid the petition must be filed by July 8, 2011 and must contain the signatures of at least 50 attorney members of the Indianapolis Bar Association.

Summer Associates: Search the City with the IndyBar

Hosted by the Young Lawyers Division, the fifth annual Summer Associate Scavenger Hunt on Friday, July 8 is certainly one of the highlights of the summer, and an excellent way to show your summer associates what a great place Indianapolis is to live and work! Teams of four will scour the city to solve clues, gathering for a social event at the end of the day to tally scores and declare a winner. Cost is $25 per person. Contact Marissa Hile at mhile@indybar.org for details and to register.

Enjoy an Evening of Sinatra 

Join the IndyBar Women & the Law Division and the Sole Practitioner/Small Firm Practice Section for an evening at Symphony on the Prairie! Featuring the hits of Frank Sinatra, this July 16 event will be a great opportunity to socialize with bar members, friends and family. Special group rate tickets and a reserved area with complimentary refreshments will be offered to IndyBar members. Got to www.indybar.org to register.

Nominate an Outstanding Female Attorney for the Antoinette Dakin Leach Award!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to nominate an outstanding female attorney for the 2011 Antoinette Dakin Leach Award. The award, which recognizes the accomplishments of female attorneys in central Indiana, is presented by the IndyBar’s Women & the Law Division in honor of Antoinette Dakin Leach, the first woman admitted to the Indiana Bar. Additional information and the nomination form can be found at the indybar.org website. Nominations are due July 31, 2011.

Attorney Volunteers Needed for Ask a Lawyer 

Attorneys are needed to assist the public with legal guidance during the Fall 2011 Ask A Lawyer program on Tuesday, October 12. Volunteers are being sought for for one of two shifts-2 to 4 p.m. or 4 to 6 p.m.- at the program’s Brightwood, East Washington, Eagle and Southport library locations. To volunteer, contact Caren Chopp at cchopp@indybar.org.•