Latest News - The Indiana Lawyer

User-friendly data: Lawyer-technologists launch new software to address e-discovery problems

October 28, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

A developer of software that comprehensively tracks e-discovery progress in real time describes his team’s inspiration this way: “What we tried to do was take away some of the barriers because people go to law school to be lawyers not to learn software or how to put together Excel spreadsheets … We wanted to create something that was the path of least resistance for people. They just log in and get all the critical information they need.”

IU McKinney opening certified IP law clinic

October 28, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

A long-held dream, a handful of alumni and a student whose summer externship was scuttled all came together to create and launch the first intellectual property law clinic at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.

New and soon-to-be lawyers chart a different course in uncertain times

October 28, 2020 | Marilyn Odendahl

The uncertainty of the times is heightening the worry and stress among law students and new lawyers, but career counselors say the people just entering the legal profession are doing more to confront the issues of the day. They are discussing ways to solve injustices and inequities, pursuing jobs in the public sector and carefully evaluating law firms to determine if they share the same values.

Web Exclusive: Jury social media cautions revamped

October 28, 2020 | Katie Stancombe

Twenty years ago, most people learned about major court cases and trials from newspapers or local television stations. But with myriad online distribution channels and social media available at virtually everyone’s fingertips, staying up to date with the latest news has become and more accessible than ever.

Making the distinction: Labor Department proposes new test for defining independent contractors

October 28, 2020 | Olivia Covington

To aid in the distinction between employees and contractors, the Department of Labor has proposed a new “economic realities” test. Already there’s a test in place, but the new proposal reduces the factors to be considered and assigns weight to those factors.

Decisions change double jeopardy analysis, create questions

October 28, 2020 | Olivia Covington

Recent Indiana Supreme Court decisions changed the tests to prove claims of double jeopardy. Lawyers say it will take time to know the true impact of these rulings, which the Court of Appeals has already applied in multiple decisions, and there’s a likelihood the Legislature could get involved in response to the decisions.

Stafford: Institutional racism and judicial merit selection in Indiana

October 28, 2020

I’m by no means the first to suggest that merit selection systems may produce biased results, and people far smarter than me make compelling arguments both ways. But as applied in Indiana, it’s hard to argue this is not a biased system, especially in Marion County.

Letter to the editor: Courteous and professional? We can do better

October 28, 2020

I generally cannot go but a few weeks without having a phone call with opposing counsel littered with interruptions. I can tell you several names of opposing counsel who have simply hung up on me (most of the time, they are the ones who called in the first place). … Candidly, this is all purely anecdotal. However, I can tell you that, unfortunately, every instance involved behavior conducted by a male attorney.

337 new lawyers admitted to practice in Indiana

October 28, 2020 | IL Staff

The following new lawyers were admitted to practice last month. Many of those listed below participated in virtual admission ceremonies Sept. 21. Here are Indiana’s newest lawyers.

Sylvia & Townsend: Real estate environmental due diligence: What’s the risk?

October 28, 2020

Buying commercial real estate requires special attention to potential environmental problems and the laws that regulate them. A lawyer advising a buyer of commercial real estate must identify and resolve existing or potential environmental problems or risk an unhappy client.

IndyBar: Mayor Hogsett Declares Oct. 23 ‘Paralegal Appreciation Day’

October 28, 2020 | From IndyBar

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett recognized the work and dedication of IndyBar paralegals last week as he declared Oct. 23, 2020, Paralegal Appreciation Day in the city of Indianapolis.

IndyBar: Nominations Now Accepted for the 2020 IndyBar Pro Bono Awards

October 28, 2020 | From IndyBar

The IndyBar Pro Bono Awards honor IndyBar members who are practicing lawyers, retired lawyers, in-house and corporate counsel, and law students as well as local law firms who have made outstanding contributions toward delivering volunteer legal services to the poor and disadvantaged.

Crabtree: A healthy dose of humility never hurt anyone

October 28, 2020

The last thing Indiana Lawyer readers need is a new attorney giving them tips, best practices and pitfalls to avoid. So as a new attorney, I will instead tell a story about humility — something that any person can (and should) experience at any time in their life. I received a large dose of it after I was sworn in as an attorney.

Hammerle on… “The Trial of the Chicago 7”

October 28, 2020 | Robert Hammerle

“The Trial of the Chicago 7” serves as a reminder of the turbulent 1960s that has relevance to social upheaval in our times, movie reviewer Robert Hammerle observes.

IndyBar: Start Gifting with IndyBar’s Giving!

October 28, 2020 | From IndyBar

For 2020 (and likely 2021,) in lieu of the annual gala, the IndyBar Foundation will host an online holiday auction: IndyBar’s Giving. This special event will take place during the week of Thanksgiving in an effort to kick-start holiday shopping and get members into the holiday spirit.

Collins: New associates: Step one — develop your skills

October 28, 2020

Many of you recently passed the state bar exam and were sworn in to practice law within the last couple of months. I was in your shoes one year ago and will now impart some of the “knowledge” I have learned in my first year as a lawyer. It is up to you to decide if what I have learned is helpful to you or if I am full of it.

Schilling: Legal workplace strategy in the era of COVID-19

October 28, 2020

After COVID-19, law firms must rethink what the office environment can deliver better than the experience of working remotely. What can the future law firm office do better? How can tomorrow’s law firm office improve connection and interaction, encourage collaboration, and provide modern, convenient services?

Indiana Court Decisions – Oct. 7-Oct. 21, 2020

October 28, 2020

Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.

IndyBar: To Refuse or Not to Refuse: That is the Question

October 28, 2020 | From IndyBar

Police usually don’t ask how much a driver has had to drink during a routine stop for speeding in the middle of the day without reason to suspect alcohol consumption. Regardless of your answer, the officer will likely tell you to step out of the car.

DTCI: Looking forward to simple pleasures whenever we return to normal

October 28, 2020 | From DTCI

As I write this article, my thoughts are focusing on the future and what I anticipate doing again when we return to normal — whatever that normal may be. Some who know me — and especially my wife — know that I am more of a “half-empty glass” than a “half-full glass” person. However, with an optimistic eye, I will look forward to what the future may be when we return to normal.

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