Employability begins long before graduation day
To get a job as a lawyer, applicants need legal skills, such as analytical thinking, but employers today are also looking for new hires who have the so-called “soft skills.”
Economy
Articles
Quarles & Brady latest large firm to expand to Indianapolis
Larger firms see enough promise to set up shop in Indianapolis – not through merger or acquisition – but by expanding with the launch of a branded office. And then expanding some more.
PERF benefit to decline amid fund shortfall
Effective Oct. 1, the Indiana Public Retirement System will reduce the guaranteed interest rate for workers who choose to annuitize investments in their annuity savings accounts.
ABA task force advises review of law school costs
In its year and a half examination of how lawyers are educated, the American Bar Association Task Force on the Future of Legal Education concluded the financial system law schools have developed to provide that education must be re-engineered.
Survey says a majority of chief legal officers are happy with their jobs
A survey released Wednesday by the Association of Corporate Counsel found that 85 percent of chief legal officers are satisfied with their current role and level of responsibility within their companies, a four percent increase as compared to last year.
Correctional services consolidation bill drawing fire
Community corrections advocates are worried that a proposal to consolidate the Marion County probation and community corrections departments would take local decision-making away from community members and give more control to judges.
As money for justice declines, many don’t see potential cost
Persistent warnings about funding shortages for state and federal courts don’t appear to be registering with the public, a new poll concludes.
Lawmaker targets burdensome pre-settlement funding by proposing cap on interest rates
Funding companies woo plaintiffs in need with promises of quick cash for their pending settlements without oversight in Indiana. That soon could change.
Fewer LSATs show reduced undergrad interest in law
The continued drop in the number of people taking the LSAT has brought more worries about the future of law schools; however, many would-be applicants may just be waiting for the economy to improve before they try for admission.
Legal service nonprofits look to private dollars as public funds shrink
The alteration the Indianapolis Legal Aid Society made this season to its letters soliciting donations reflects a strategic decision by the nonprofit to go after higher contributions and underscores the need for service organizations of any kind to be aggressive.
Survey: Midlevel associate satisfaction hits new high
Associates in their third, fourth and fifth years at large law firms report the highest overall level of job satisfaction seen in the 10-year history of a survey on the topic.
More 2012 law grads find jobs, but overall employment rate dips
The overall employment rate for 2012 law school graduates is at the lowest its been in nearly 20 years, according to data released by NALP Thursday.
Ice Miller, Bingham Greenebaum Doll reduce downtown office space
A couple of Indianapolis’ largest law firms are giving up space in two downtown office towers, exemplifying how the legal profession is shifting the way in which it conducts business.
Changing times change mergers and acquisitions practice
In the manufacturing hub of Elkhart, attorney Mike Pianowski has noticed the mergers and acquisitions market rebounding.
Pro bono efforts reflect culture of southwestern Indiana attorneys
A reflection of the southwestern Indiana legal community’s commitment comes during Evansville’s Law Day celebration. The day begins with the local attorneys reciting the Indiana Oath of Attorneys. The last clause of that oath speaks to not forsaking the poor and to the attorneys’ obligation to not turn away people from justice.
Chief Justice Roberts says cuts to judiciary budget becoming too deep
Describing the immediate impact changes in judicial budgets have on court staff, Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts used part of his address to the 7th Circuit Bar to highlight the fiscal constraints judges and courts are facing today.
New lawyers find bloom still not on hiring rose
With headlines still screaming about the glut of lawyers and recent law school graduates struggling to find jobs that will enable them to repay their student loans, Andrea Kochert admits she is probably not the typical law school student.
Law school applications drop over last 2 years
Applications to three of the four Indiana law schools are in free fall as prospective students think twice about taking on mountains of debt at a time when job prospects are dim.
Many efforts arise to address abandoned property, few go forward
State Sen. Jim Merritt wanted to help an eastside Indianapolis church gain possession of some long-abandoned, derelict houses, tear them down and establish a neighborhood park. But it turned out there wasn’t much the law allowed the church to do.
Tax clinic brings relief to homeowners fighting high assessments
At Faegre Baker Daniels LLP, the attorneys suspected there was a gap in pro bono tax help for owners of homes valued at $150,000 or less. They were looking for a volunteer opportunity so they organized the first ever Homeowner Property Tax Clinic.