Recent diversity programs designed for change
The Indiana legal community has recently launched a variety of initiatives focused on improving and increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the profession.
IL Staff
Articles
ACLU sues Valpo schools over transgender restroom access
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana has filed a lawsuit against the Valparaiso Community School Corporation after the local high school allegedly denied a transgender high school student access to a restroom and locker room consistent with his gender identity.
Holcomb makes appointments to public defender, civic education commissions
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb recently appointed members of the Hoosier legal community to the state’s Public Defender Commission and a newly created Indiana Civic Education Commission.
Allen County Bar Foundation establishes diversity scholarships
Inspired by Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush’s call to action, the Allen County Bar Foundation has launched a pair of scholarships to support minority students interested in becoming lawyers.
IU McKinney 44th annual Women’s Caucus auction to benefit Boys & Girls Club
Students from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law are raising funds to benefit the children of Indianapolis as part of the Women’s Caucus’ 44th annual auction.
Northern District Bankruptcy Court seeking public comment on proposed rule changes
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the court’s local rules concerning Chapter 12 and 13 bankruptcies.
Interviews lined up for IN Supreme Court vacancy
Interviews have been scheduled for 19 Hoosier lawyers and judges that applied to become the next justice on the Indiana Supreme Court bench.
Governor taking applications for Johnson County judicial vacancy
Applications are now being accepted to fill the vacancy on the Johnson County Superior Court 3 bench that was created when Judge Lance Hamner recently resigned to run for prosecutor.
Free legal answers website hits record number of questions
In another sign of the overwhelming impact of the pandemic, data released from the American Bar Association shows the number of questions submitted by low-income individuals and families seeking help through the online program ABA Free Legal Answers has doubled since the outbreak of COVID-19.
Supreme Court to hear arguments in duty to defend, armed burglary cases
Indiana Supreme Court justices will hear two additional oral arguments this month, including cases regarding insurance coverage for a pair of Kokomo bars and the reversal of an armed burglary conviction.
IN Northern District courtroom to be named in Miller Jr.’s honor
In recognition of Judge Robert Lowell Miller Jr.’s more than 46 years of judicial service, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana is naming the courtroom where he presides in his honor.
Governor grants clemency to 3 incarcerated Hoosiers
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has granted clemency to three Indiana prisoners who have terminal health conditions.
19 apply for IN Supreme Court vacancy
A total of 19 Hoosier lawyers have applied for an upcoming vacancy on the Indiana Supreme Court, including two sitting appellate judges, nearly a dozen trial court judges and the Supreme Court’s chief administrative officer.
Bankruptcy filings fall again in 2021, holding off expected ‘wave’
Bankruptcy filings fell again in 2021, dropping 24% nationwide, according to newly released data from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Barnes & Thornburg partner Prather named IU VP, chief legal counsel
Barnes & Thornburg partner Anthony “Tony” Prather has been selected to serve as the newest chief legal officer of Indiana University.
Pro tem judge appointed in Johnson County, revoked in Marion Co. following judicial appointment
The Indiana Supreme Court has appointed a judge pro tempore for Johnson Superior Court 3 as the current judge steps down from the bench to run for prosecutor. Meanwhile, a judge pro tem just appointed in the Marion Superior Court has been relieved of her duties following an official judicial appointment.
Allen Co. courts extend jury trial pause to Feb. 28
The Allen Circuit and Superior Courts are extending their pause on jury trials due to continued COVID concerns.
Indy attorney already under CLE suspension now suspended for noncompliance
An Indianapolis attorney already under a suspension for CLE noncompliance is now facing an additional suspension for failing to cooperate with a disciplinary investigation action filed against him.
Court seeking comment on proposed rule amendments that could benefit bar foundation
The Indiana Supreme Court is requesting public comment on proposed rule amendments that, if approved, could provide additional legal aid funds to the Indiana Bar Foundation.
Justices grant transfer in computer trespassing case, split in denial of several others
Indiana Supreme Court justices have declined transfer to more than a dozen cases, splitting in their decisions for several of them. However, the high court agreed to hear one case involving computer trespassing.