Indiana’s bar examiner: Skolnik remembers the stress but sees the value in licensure test
Bradley Skolnik has stepped into a national role as chair of the Council of Bar Admission Administrators
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Clay County considering expanding jail to house more ICE detainees
The Clay County Jail is considering adding on to its facility to house more ICE detainees.
Construction defects, though common, rarely rise to personal harm for end users
Although it’s a common occurrence for construction workers to be injured on the job, how often do contractors fail to follow safety regulations that result in potential personal harm to the end user?
Web Exclusive: Indiana Legal Services wellness program finding success, gaining attention
What started as a short-term solution for improving employee mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has now turned into a full-fledged initiative at Indiana Legal Services.
License plate readers expose tension between public safety, privacy
Monroe County is installing six cameras at select intersections to take photos of the license plates of every vehicle that travels through. Several Indiana communities have announced they will be installing automatic license plate reading cameras, which has raised debates over public safety and privacy issues.
Indiana Southern District criminal chief recognized for legal achievements, proven character
Indiana Southern District U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division chief Cindy Cho is committed to the Department of Justice’s mission to do justice through the law — so much so that her desire to become a federal prosecutor dates back as far as her memory serves.
Web Exclusive: Hispanic legal professionals advocate for greater representation in law
The issues the Hispanic community faces within Indiana’s legal system need to become a greater priority — and not just discussed during a 30-day time frame each year — according to Hispanic attorneys and judges from across the state.
Longtime 7th Circuit executive Fitzpatrick retires after 50 years
Collins Fitzpatrick, who initially served as a law clerk at the 7th Circuit in 1971, would later become the federal judiciary’s longest-serving circuit executive to date. After serving in that position for 45 years, Fitzpatrick retired Sept. 28 — leaving behind a legacy that both judges and attorneys alike argue will be hard to replicate.
Guardianship abuse could be common but sparse data leave questions
Court-determined arrangements have made recent headlines as pop star Britney Spears publicly fought to be removed from what she called a “toxic” conservatorship. Her case of conservatorship, similar to Indiana man Nicholas Clouse’s guardianship, illuminates potential problems and abuse of power in such arrangements.
Indy woman tries to aid incarcerated son filing pro se lawsuits against prison guards
A pair of complaints filed in 2021 by Pendleton Correctional Facility inmate Danny Johnson is showing the lawsuits can add to the frustration and sadness felt by the families who have relatives behind bars.
Web Exclusive: Paralegals, legal assistants pursue higher ed while serving law firms
Whether three or 30 years have passed since the last time they’ve received a formal education, several paralegals and legal assistants across the state have returned to, or recently graduated from, college while also working full-time. These women have sacrificed much over the last few months and years, but all say they feel the investment they’re putting into themselves is well worth the effort.
Vaccine mandates still contested issue inside law offices, courts as president prepares requirements
Whether by choice or force, COVID-19 vaccine mandates are changing operations in law offices and courtrooms across the country.
Mediators play important role in AG’s Consumer Protection Division
Litigation isn’t the only means of resolving public complaints in the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. In fact, the office has a dedicated staff working every day to help consumers and businesses come to agreements outside of the court system.
Proposed redistricted maps have ‘extreme levels of partisan bias,’ but overturning them will be difficult
Indiana’s new legislative and congressional maps will likely be on their way to getting the governor’s signature by Oct. 1, and many may be wondering what comes next.
Miller to lead ISBA through implementation of new strategic plan, continued COVID concerns
Indianapolis lawyer Clayton Miller will be tasked with helping to implement the Indiana State Bar Association’s new strategic plan as president of the state bar, a position he’ll assume Oct. 15. Miller will also lead the bar through the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he wants to address other big-picture issues impacting Hoosier legal professionals.
Sip and savor: Hoosier attorneys learn history of alcohol, logistics of opening a winery
Attorneys on Sept. 2 gathered at the Mass Ave. tasting room of Peace Water Winery to learn more about the complexities of entering the alcohol business and the logistics of opening a winery in Indiana.
Web Exclusive: Study committee tackling juvenile justice, appointed counsel, human trafficking
With the 2022 Indiana legislative session approaching, members of the Indiana General Assembly are taking a deeper dive into issues facing the justice system.
Long road ahead: Immigration lawyers prepare to help Afghan evacuees
Thousands of Afghan evacuees will live on the same Hoosier military base over the next several weeks, but soon their journeys to permanent resettlement will move on a case-by-case basis.
Web Exclusive: Women appellate judges widen the road for future judiciary
Indiana’s women appellate judges gathered for a celebration at an Indiana State Bar Association event last month to reflect on the history and significance of the 19th Amendment’s 100th anniversary.
Greener pastures?
Spencer County has been selected to build the first direct coal-hydrogenation refinery in the U.S., and a request has been submitted in Posey County to build a natural gas pipeline under the Ohio River into Evansville. Despite promises of cleaner energy and increased commerce, both projects are being met with opposition from environmental organizations and county residents.