NOV. 29-DEC. 12, 2017
With a 138-year history, Valparaiso Law School is not the only legal education institution getting crushed by declining enrollment and falling revenue, but it is likely the oldest to publicly announce its future is uncertain. A newspaper's efforts to uproot corruption by putting the spotlight on those who speak in favor of convicted Sheriff John Buncich at his sentencing has drawn the opposition of the Lake County Bar Association. Lawmakers who support legalizing medical marijuana are opposed by Gov. Eric Holcomb, Attorney General Curtis Hill and the state's prosecutors.
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Valpo Law seeks new way forward amid ‘severe financial challenges’
With a 138-year history, Valparaiso Law School is not the only legal education institution getting crushed by declining enrollment and falling revenue, but it is likely the oldest to publicly announce its future is uncertain.
Read MoreFree speech, fair trials collide at ex-Lake County sheriff’s sentencing
With Lake County seemingly awash in political corruption, a local newspaper is trying to uproot the culture of kickbacks and payouts by putting the spotlight on those who speak in favor of the latest elected official to be convicted. The Lake County Bar Association formally opposes the action.
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Lawmakers, prosecutors square off in medical marijuana debate
Lawmakers such as Rep. Jim Lucas, a Republican, and Sen. Karen Tallian, a Democrat, vocally advocate for their colleagues in the statehouse to support legalizing medicial marijuana. Gov. Eric Holcomb, Attorney General Curtis Hill and the state’s prosecutors oppose such legislation.
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State employees now blow whistle at own risk
A ruling by the Indiana Supreme Court that held the state cannot be sued under the whistleblower act has left some attorneys concerned for taxpayers and inspired at least one elected official to seek to change the law. But the ruling has not discouraged the state employee who started the fight.
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ABA president launches initiative to study why women leave law
Women, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, leave the legal profession at a much higher rate than their male counterparts. ABA President Hilarie Bass has launched an initiative to explore the reasons and improve prospects for long-term careers for women in the law.
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In legal gray area, social media use may impact work life
For employment attorneys, an ever-growing part of the job may include workplace investigations involving the use of social media by employees, on or off the clock.
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Wagner Reese looks to the future
During a grand opening Nov. 9 celebrating the new Wagner Reese headquarters building at 11939 N. Meridian St., Carmel, it wasn’t hard to see how far the law firm had come in a relatively short time.
Read MoreIndiana Court Decisions
Read opinions from Indiana’s appellate courts for the most recent reporting period.
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DTCI: Thornburg leads defense bar with long-term outlook
Frost Brown Todd litigator Rob Thornburg knows a thing or two about coaching young talent, and those skills may translate well as he begins his year as president of Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana.
Read MoreDTCI: 2017 Amicus Activity — A look back at key cases
This year, the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana has participated as amicus in a variety of issues of significant interest to the defense bar. Here is a look at those cases in the Indiana Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
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Mental fitness: Danger of burnout syndrome is cause for future self-care
Burnout is something everyone can relate to and learn from, especially in the legal field. Speaking to Tippecanoe County attorneys recently, I shared information that applies to all legal practitioners, not just to lawyers and judges battling mental health issues. Specifically, I concentrated on the idea of neglecting one’s own needs.
Read MoreMaking Rain: Looking ahead to 2018, back into your plan
Basing plans upon what you would use to measure success can be helpful. In other words, start backwards and list the two or three things that you would say describe a successful firm or a successful lawyer.
Read MoreQuick: Ethical legal advertising and the Rules of Professional Conduct
Some experts believe the first advertising goes back some 70,000 years ago. There we find the earliest indications of human existence. Many of the etchings on caves could be construed as advertising messages. But law firm advertising still can be considered in its infancy.
Read MoreHammerle On… “Jane,” “Loving Vincent”
Bob Hammerle says films on Jane Goodall and Vincent Van Gogh are poignant and captivating.
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IndyBar: Nissa’s News — What you need to know about IndyBar
The last few weeks have been a flurry of activity at the IndyBar as we finish out an amazing year and turn our focus to 2018.
Read MoreIndyBar: Frontlines
IndyBar is now recruiting committee members for groups in need of additional volunteers and looking to honor female attorneys who have demonstrated a sincere commitment to mentoring other women in the legal professional.
Read MoreIndyBar: Looking Back Before We Look Ahead
The new year will mark the 140th in the history of the Indianapolis Bar Association. Before we move ahead into 2018, take a moment to look back on our roots.
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