DTCI: Defending parallel class actions
When tasked with defending parallel class actions in state and federal courts, it will likely be defense counsel’s instinct to concentrate efforts on resolving the nationwide class action.
Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana
Articles
‘Candid talk’ on women in law
Attorneys Bernadette Catalana and Kelly Odorisi faced jaw-dropping experiences on their paths to success, like being called “cupcake” by a judge, or being told to “act more like a man” when clearly treated differently because of their gender.
DTCI: Stanley v. Walker revisited: Admissibility of discounted Medicare/Medicaid payments as evidence of reasonable value
The monumental 2009 Indiana Supreme Court decision in Stanley v. Walker fundamentally changed the way medical expenses are addressed in personal injury litigation. In the years since Stanley, confusion and disagreement have emerged at the intersection of discounted payments and government-paid health benefits.
DTCI: Still learning after all these years in practice
The practice of law is still exciting and challenging for me, even as I approach my 34th year of practice.
DTCI: Author! Author!
Volume XII of the DTCI Indiana Civil Litigation Review is now in planning stages.
DTCI: Remembering my time with popcorn and lost traditions
What will your kids remember about their childhood – high scores on "Call of Duty" or "iFunny"; or you and time with popcorn?
Meet the 2015 DTCI board of directors
At the November annual meeting of the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana, the following officers and directors were elected. They assumed office Jan. 1, 2015.
DTCI Annual Meeting 2014
Members gathered in French Lick to honor attorneys, attend educational sessions and socialize.
2014 DTCI Amicus Report
In 2014, the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana’s Amicus Committee participated in a number of interesting appeals, several of which have not yet been decided. The cases DTCI became involved in this year addressed a variety of evidentiary and other issues that are of interest to the defense bar.
Thomas Hays will lead DTCI as it embarks on new long-range plan
For nearly 37 years, Hays, a partner at Lewis Wagner LLP, has continued to enter courtrooms, building a solid reputation as a personal injury defense attorney. Now Hays is preparing to take on a new challenge. He is the incoming president of the Defense Trial Counsel of Indiana and will take office in January just as the organization is beginning to implement a new long-range plan.
DTCI: Is technology killing the work-life balance?
I will admit that when I first started practicing law, there were no BlackBerry phones, iPhones or tablets allowing one to access email at any time of the day, anywhere in the world. I also could not access the system in our office while at home or some other remote location. Now that all of these options are available to us, I can’t help but wonder is technology killing the ability to balance work with life?
DTCI: Take time to invest in yourself
Where I work, it is the usual practice of the partnership to send attorneys with my level of experience (five to six years) to a seminar in order to prepare us for the eventual responsibility of trying a case on our own.
DTCI: 15 years of court interpretation on presumption and products liability
In the 15 years since the presumption became a part of the IPLA, it has been invoked in a number of actions involving the design, manufacture, labeling and packaging of numerous products. This article explores Indiana court decisions that have transformed the breadth and impact of the presumption both in its application and the requirements necessary to overcome it.
DTCI: Proceed with caution and civility during depositions
As a young lawyer, I have quickly learned that this friction between our duties to our clients and our duty to behave civilly becomes overly apparent at depositions. Without a doubt, depositions are an extremely effective and widely used discovery tool. They present great opportunity to gain valuable facts that can be used against an opponent. That being said, they also present great opportunity for incivility, especially because depositions are generally held outside a judge’s supervision.
DTCI: Bad faith when there was no coverage?
An insurer denies a claim and the court agrees there is no coverage under the policy. Case closed. Or is it?
DTCI: Sign up now for the 21st Annual Conference and Meeting
Join us on Nov. 20 & 21 at the French Lick Resort for a jam-packed schedule.
DTCI: North Central Region Trial Workshop Academy
View a photo from the recent North Central Region Trial Academy Workshop Academy.
DTCI: Deciphering the new Administrative Rule 9(G)
On Sept. 8, the Indiana Supreme Court issued an order amending the Administrative Rules, wherein it adopted most of the proposed changes and added some requirements to Rule 9(G). These amendments take effect Jan. 1, 2015.