Survey reveals managing partners’ economic mood is muted
Managing partners at the end of 2014 expressed renewed economic confidence. The mood seems less rosy now, according to the latest survey by the Law Firm Group at Citi Private Bank.
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Pensions vex as ranks of retired partners grow
The funding of pension plans remains problematic for many employers, and on June 17 the federal government named well-known attorney and mediation maven Kenneth Feinberg to supervise a new program that allows some pension funds to cut retiree benefits.
The first 2 law schools to drop the LSAT could be just the beginning
Two law schools said this month that they would begin accepting applicants who have not taken the Law School Admissions Test, a move that may help curb weak interest and plunging enrollments in law schools across the country.
‘No relief’ for law school enrollment slump
After three down years for law school enrollment, Austen Parrish expected a rebound of applications and enrollment this year at Indiana University Maurer School of Law. But it isn’t happening.
Rising cost of legal education sparked creation of ABA task force
At public law schools, the average tuition and fees across the country for in-state residents skyrocketed 123 percent between 2003 and 2013. Private law schools were marginally better, logging an increase of 64 percent, according to a 2014 analysis by Robert Kuehn, professor at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis.
Funding short for Indianapolis-area jail literacy program
A program that provides literacy instruction to inmates in Indianapolis-area jails is having funding problems and organizers of the nonprofit Indy Reads have said its future is uncertain.
Indiana bills to increase minimum wage go unheard
More than half of states in the U.S. have enacted laws increasing their minimum wages above the federal standard of $7.25 an hour, but the Indiana Legislature won’t even discuss it.
Law firms see overhead costs shift during past 25 years
All the modern devices and technology used by law firms these days come at a high cost and are often among the top firm expenses, according to managing partners.
Once controversial, IOLTA is now professional standard in Indiana
Indiana Supreme Court posed an obstacle in 1990 to getting the program launched to fund pro bono efforts.
NDLS loan repayment program growing in dollars and applications
Notre Dame Law School’s program to assist its graduates who pursue careers in the public service sector has reached the $1 million milestone.
Indiana cuts some public audits over shortages
The State Board of Accounts no longer is auditing the financial records of Indiana libraries, conservancy districts, some public school accounts, and small towns and townships, its leader says.
Maximizing paralegal roles to get money’s worth
An Indiana State Bar Association panel examines ways firms can delegate work to paralegals to increase efficiency and profitability.
Millions more sought for representation of juveniles
The money is needed for guardians ad litem and court appointed special advocates, and to pay for the new rule requiring defenders in delinquency cases.
Closure of Indiana juvenile boot camp put on hold
State officials are delaying the closure of a paramilitary-style boot camp for juvenile offenders in northwestern Indiana.
Legal aid benefits from settlement
A financial boost for legal aid is expected to come from one of the banks that contributed to the 2008 economic collapse. The money will bring much-needed funding to the state’s pro bono districts which have been crippled by dwindling revenues and growing client lists. While the money will help, some say it should have come sooner.
IP lawyer among first to accept Bitcoin for services
Intellectual property attorney Paul Overhauser’s clients are often on the cutting edge of Internet technology, so he decided that in addition to dollars, he’ll take digital dough.
Beer distributor Monarch stepping up booze push
In a campaign to enter the hard liquor business, Monarch Beverage Co. is pursuing a new tactic that takes aim at state regulators.
Lawyer registration fee increase to cover program shortfalls, aid pro bono districts
Attorney registration fees set to increase nearly 25 percent will cover shortfalls in the judiciary programs they fund and give a temporary emergency boost to the state’s pro bono districts.
Indiana to raise attorney registration fees
Annual registration fees for Indiana attorneys will increase nearly 25 percent, the Indiana Supreme Court announced in an order issued Monday.
Financial picture worsens for Marion County courts
In Marion County, the funding shortfall is projected to be $4.6 million for 2015. Courts are routinely dealing with persistent shortfalls to support guardians ad litem appointed to represent juveniles in child in need of services cases.