DTCI: Young Lawyer Spotlight
Get to know a new lawyer through this occasional feature from Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana.
Bar Associations/Foundations
Articles
IndyBar: In the Age of COVID-19, the Force Majeure Clause Takes Center Stage
Recently, in the case of In re Hitz Restaurant Group (2020 Bankr. LEXIS 1470 (N.D. Ill. June 2, 2020)), the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois-Eastern Division held that a force majeure clause in a lease excused a restaurant tenant from its obligation to pay a portion of post-petition rent.
James Dimos remembered as a friend and champion of lawyers
Indiana attorney Jim Dimos, who left private practice to help lead the American Bar Association after leading both his local and state bars, is being remembered as someone who was “quietly effective” and a friend to the legal profession. He died Wednesday of a heart attack at age 59.
DTCI: A few estate planning strategies for peace of mind
Most people don’t want to think of their own mortality or the possibility that they may become incapacitated and incapable of expressing their health care wishes. Having an estate plan as well as a plan in place for end-of-life decisions will provide peace of mind for you and your family.
IndyBar President’s Column: Braving the Elements at the Indianapolis Bar Foundation Golf Outing
Last week, the Indianapolis Bar Foundation (IBF) Lawyer Links Classic Golf Outing was held in the most 2020 way possible — in the pouring rain. Despite Mother Nature’s bad humor, there was a great turnout.
IndyBar: The Parents are Not Alright — Adding E-Learning to a Full Plate
2020. Who would have thought that one year could change so many things? Things we thought were certain, nonnegotiable, and established norms as lawyers were cast aside along with vacation plans, professional sports and pants with buttons. This fall will bring even more uncertainty into our lives as we send our children back to school.
IndyBar: Issues in Presenting a Land Use Case via Virtual Hearing
If you are preparing for a WebEx presentation in Indianapolis for a rezoning or variance case, especially one which is contested by Department of Metropolitan Development staff, by significant remonstrance, or both, consider these tips and clarifications.
IndyBar’s Commission on Racial Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is Ready to Lead
In his June 2020 guest column, Indianapolis Bar Association President-Elect Jimmie McMillian encouraged each of us to use our “power and position as an attorney to work in conjunction with the IndyBar on issues of racial injustice.” The obvious question is “how?” The short answer from the IndyBar is to engage with the newly created Commission on Racial Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
IndyBar: Free CLE Programs Available Online for IndyBar Members
2020 has been tough, to say the least. The IndyBar is committed to making your life easier, so we’ve made free CLE through the IndyBar more accessible than ever! IndyBar members can now access all of this year’s Free CLE video replays online at NO additional cost! (That’s a potential savings of over $400!)
IndyBar: Rayann Knepley Named IndyBar Paralegal of the Year
The Indianapolis Bar Association is proud to recognize Rayann Knepley of Kids’ Voice of Indiana as the association’s Paralegal of the Year for 2020. We invite you to join the IndyBar in congratulating and celebrating Rayann for her unmatched contributions to the Indianapolis legal community!
DTCI: Spotlight on New Defense Lawyers
The DTCI resumes its popular feature, “Young Lawyer Spotlight,” introducing a few of its new members to the Indiana legal community at large. DTCI members are encouraged to submit the names of their new associates for inclusion in future Spotlight features.
Evansville bench, bar backing words on racial injustice with actions
The Evansville Bar Association has put forward a detailed plan to address the problems of racial inequality and injustice by not only educating local legal professionals but also fostering a conversation within the larger community.
IndyBar: Rent Our Facilities and Host Your Next Meeting at IndyBarHQ
The brand new IndyBarHQ facility, opened in 2020, boasts meeting spaces now available for reservation! Our flexible meeting rooms feature state-of-the art technology, reliable wi-fi connectivity and easy access via private street-level entrances.
DTCI: Finding gratitude for the practice of law in difficult times
Practicing law occupies your mind. Being a lawyer has been described as a thinking job and not just a doing job. Lately the news around us has been horrible, and the decisions we face about tasks as simple as buying groceries have been daunting. In these times, I have found my law practice to be a welcome respite from the world around me.
IndyBar: Celebrate History — Nominate for the Antoinette Dakin Leach Award by August 7
Now more than ever, it’s important to remember what makes us unique and support one another. Each year, the Indianapolis Bar Association Women and the Law Division is proud to celebrate Antoinette Dakin Leach, who was the first woman admitted to the Indiana State Bar Association in 1909, by presenting an honor in her name to a trailblazing female attorney.
IndyBar: USPTO News: Expedited Review of Qualifying Pandemic-Related Trademark Applications
As of June 16, 2020, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has implemented a new examination program to expedite trademark applications related to COVID-19 in light of the current economic circumstances caused by the global pandemic.
IndyBar: Indiana Recording Law Change Effective July 1
As of July 1, 2020, all instruments which are to be recorded in the State of Indiana (deeds, mortgages, etc.) will need to comply with a modification to Indiana Code 32-21-2-3(a). Specifically, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 340 during its 2020 session, which included a provision changing an “or” to an “and” in Indiana Code 32-21-2-3(a). The change invoked a requirement of common law “proof”, which is the requirement of a disinterested party to the transaction serving as a witness to the execution of an instrument.
IndyBar: Practical Tips to Bolster Your Legal Hold Notice
The IndyBar E-Discovery, Cybersecurity and Information Governance Section leaders Jennifer Tudor Wright and Katrina Gossett Kelly recently presented another successful and informative CLE entitled “Practical Tips to Bolster your Legal Hold Notice.” Jennifer and Katrina drew on their e-discovery experience and reviewed key elements of a legal hold notice, case law updates, confidentiality/privilege issues and additional considerations for attorneys and their clients.
IndyBar: Season 2 of ‘Off the Record with James Bell’ Highlights Innovation and Growth Within Indy’s Legal Community and Beyond
From Indy legal legends to nationally renowned writers and field experts, “Off the Record” host (and past IndyBar president) James Bell goes beyond the courtroom and delves into the minds of his esteemed guests. The podcast features stories and insight on topics like gender diversity in the profession, President Donald Trump’s impeachment, what it’s like to argue at the U.S Supreme Court, the fight for racial equality and so much more.
IndyBar Review Prep Course Lives On Amidst Pandemic
During the current health crisis, the Indianapolis Bar Association remains committed to its responsibility to support and equip law students with practical skills and knowledge to thrive as a young lawyer in Indianapolis. It is for that reason we’ve modified and adapted our IndyBar Review prep course, the most comprehensive bar prep course in the region, keeping in mind the same goal to prepare students for the July 2020 Indiana Bar Examination.