As artificial intelligence continues to develop at a rapid pace, law firms across the United States and here in Indiana are implementing different models into their legal practice. Reporter Maura Johnson explains how local firms are using programs like AI and Microsoft Copilot to augment their work. Plus, reporter Cameron Shaw tried to find out what guidance the attorney general and Indiana Department of Correction have given to local law enforcement officials enforcing immigration rules, as required by a law passed earlier this year. But no one involved would share the training materials. He details the requirements and the effort to get the into the hands of those who need the guidance.

As artificial intelligence continues to develop at a rapid pace, law firms across the United States and here in Indiana are implementing different models into their legal practice. Maura Johnson provides examples. Also in this week's issue, Cameron Shaw looks into the confusion that accompanied passage of a state bill earlier this year that called for ICE-related training for local law enforcement officers.

July 1 marks the day many new laws take effect. So reporter Cameron Shaw outlines four measures — addressing homelessness, violent crime, court records and immigration — that attorneys need to know about. Plus reporter Maura Johnson examines a lawsuit involving an attorney who worked at a well-known Kentucky-based firm and is accusing his former employer of anticompetitive practices. The lawsuit raises questions about the ethics of noncompete agreements in law and who owns

Despite public scrutiny and complaints from inmates and their attorneys, the Indiana Department of Correction has renewed its contract with its third-party health services provider for up to another year. However, as Cameron Shaw reports, records show that the state also is making moves to consider other options. Also in this week’s issue, Maura Johnson speaks with Vicky Nunn about her transition to leading the Ken Nunn Law Office after the death of her father last year.

Family has been the foundation of Vicky Nunn’s life and career for as long as she can remember. As one of two children to renowned personal injury attorney Ken Nunn, it was practically inevitable that she’d find her way from Texas back to Bloomington to join the family business — which is exactly what she's now done. Reporter Maura Johnson talked with Nunn about the transition to leading the firm founded by her late father, including what led up to her decision to join and where she hopes to take the company next. Also, reporter Cameron Shaw explains the steps state officials are taking to consider its options for providing health care to prison inmates.

A local entrepreneur is using his own experiences in family court to develop artificial-intelligence- driven technology that makes divorce and child custody proceedings easier for attorneys, clients and the court system. Mike Estridge, CEO and founder of Parency LLC, is on the cusp of introducing two software applications dedicated to streamlining the documentation and communication processes in family law matters. Reporter Maura Johnson tells the story. Also, reporter Cameron Shaw explains why “predictability” is the one word attorneys and business leaders use most often to describe Indiana’s commercial court system.

Some relief may be on the way for employers worried about a wave of federal lawsuits over tobacco surcharges they add for people covered by their health plans. Writer Tom Murphy reports that about 50 lawsuits have popped up around the country in recent years contesting these surcharges, including one case filed in May against Elkhart’s Patrick Industries Inc. Also, reporter Maura Johnson talks with Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law professor Lloyd T. Wilson Jr., better known as Tom Wilson, who has served McKinney students since 1999 and is retiring.

If Thomas Estabrook gets his law license, he will be the only practicing attorney in the town of Bicknell, which has a population of more than 3,000 people. Not coincidentally, Estabrook also is the town's mayor. Cameron Shaw has more on the story. Also in this week's issue, Maura Johnson reports on the state's efforts to assess how judicial officers can address issues of behavioral health directly in and through their courtrooms.

A South Bend woman wants the city to pay for the damage done to her home with the police raided it looking for a man she didn't know and wasn't there. The city has refused. And so Amy Hadley is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in. Reporter Cameron Shaw explores the arguments. Plus, reporter Maura Johnson talks with a Pulaski County judge about the award she received for the Veterans Treatment Court she helped establish in 2018.

Taft has been on an acquisition spree for several years, catapulting the company to No. 61 on the Am Law 200 list. But it's latest expansion into New York City isn't due to a combination. Taft has hired a team and set up shop in Manhattan. Reporter Maura Johnson talks with Taft Managing Partner Bob Hicks about the moves. Plus, reporter Cameron Shaw writes about a new initiative that aims to boost pro bono work in Indiana.