Supreme Court terminates Fort Wayne attorney’s suspension
A Fort Wayne attorney with a history of disciplinary actions had his most recent suspension lifted by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Indiana Supreme Court
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Special judge accepts jurisdiction in challenge to AG Hill’s eligibility to remain in office
A special judge has accepted jurisdiction over a civil lawsuit challenging Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill’s ability to remain in office after his law license was suspended. The case is now beginning to move forward, with a status conference set for this week.
Former judge accused of defrauding estates resigns from bar
A one-time northern Indiana trial court judge who is accused in lawsuits of taking money from two estates in cases he represented has resigned from the Indiana bar rather than face disciplinary proceedings related to his misconduct.
Justices accept Indianapolis attorney’s resignation
An Indianapolis attorney is now prevented from practicing law in the Hoosier state after Indiana Supreme Court justices accepted her resignation from the Indiana bar.
Rush on race, equity: ‘We can and must do better’
Citing failures of courts and justice systems to address racial inequities, Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush on Friday issued a statement promising change as protests over the death of George Floyd continued in streets in the Hoosier state and across the nation.
Interviews to succeed COA Judge Baker moved online
After two previous schedule changes, interviews of candidates to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Indiana Court of Appeals will be held remotely next week, a move the courts say will allow the process to move forward while respecting continuing social distancing guidelines.
New judge for suit seeking to remove AG Hill might come from justices
The Marion County clerk — or maybe the Indiana Supreme Court — will have to appoint a new judge to hear a case challenging Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill’s eligibility to continue to serve in office as he serves his suspension from the practice of law related to accusations of groping and sexual misconduct.
Supreme Court expands trial court tolling amid COVID-19 backlog
The Indiana Supreme Court is taking steps to help trial courts handle the coming backlog of cases, extending certain emergency operations due to the COVID-19 public health emergency through as late as January 2021.
Justices strip award of attorney fees in Utica billboard dispute
The Indiana Supreme Court on Friday threw out an award of more than $237,000 in attorney fees in a lawsuit over seven billboards outside Utica, Indiana. Justices found the Clark Circuit Court lacked a basis for awarding fees to the parties who sued a regional development entity that sought to restrict billboards along State Road 265 just north of Louisville.
Suspect who claims self-defense in judges’ shooting jailed without bond on minor violation
The man accused of shooting two judges during an Indianapolis altercation more than a year ago — and whose attorneys unsuccessfully pressed for the release of surveillance video of the incident they say backs up his self-defense claim — is back behind bars, held without bond after a minor pretrial release violation. The arrest on a warrant appears to conflict with an Indiana Supreme Court order for trial courts to issue arrest warrants only in emergency cases due to concern about the spread of COVID-19 behind bars.
External webcams, quiet rooms among details for first-ever remote bar exam in July
The nearly 500 applicants who have registered to take the Indiana Bar Exam in July will need to have external webcams, quiet rooms and be prepared to write extensively for the test that will be given remotely for the first time because of the coronavirus pandemic.
New attorneys get help navigating COVID-19 in ISBA program
An Indiana State Bar Association online program geared toward newly admitted attorneys is hoping to prepare and equip new lawyers on how to begin their legal careers in the midst of uncertain times posed by COVID-19.
Seized vehicle that sparked SCOTUS civil forfeiture ruling returned to owner
The Marion man at the center of an Indiana civil forfeiture case that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court reached a milestone in his case this week when his vehicle was returned to him. However, the court battle is not over.
Indiana Supreme Court providing certainty in uncertain times
The July bar exam is one example of the Supreme Court’s nimbleness as it moves in a new direction to help recent law school graduates and new lawyers overcome the stress and hardship created by the pandemic. Within the span of roughly two months, the justices moved the May admission ceremony online so those who passed the February bar could begin their legal careers as soon as possible and established the graduate legal intern program to give 2020 graduates the option of getting a limited license.
113 pass Indiana Bar Exam in February
Indiana Lawyer congratulates the following 113 applicants who passed the February 2020 Indiana Bar Exam, many of whom took their oath as new attorneys during a virtual admission ceremony May 5.
Stafford: Hill touts his record, so let’s look at his convictions
Say what you will about Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill, he is a man of convictions. But for purposes of this earned polemic, let’s set aside the wrongful convictions that are still being overturned from Hill’s years as Elkhart County prosecutor. Instead, let’s focus on his time as AG and explore Hill’s personal and political convictions.
Indiana Court Decisions – May 7-19, 2020
Read Indiana appellate court decisions from the most recent reporting period.
Life and death decisions: Pandemic increases focus on estate planning, health care advance directives
The coronavirus pandemic seems to be the push many people needed. Most clients, estate planning lawyers say, tend to put off preparing their documents, usually believing that they still have time. But with the continuance of the COVID-19 pandemic and the daily coverage of case counts and death tolls, attitudes have changed.
Hill’s fight to stay AG continues
Suspended Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill will be reinstated to the practice of law June 17, and he’s said he’s using the time in the interim to “reflect on lessons learned.” His chief deputy, Aaron Negangard, is overseeing the office while Hill serves his suspension, but a lawsuit filed May 21 challenges Hill’s authority to make that appointment.
Zooming in: Lawyers describe pros and cons in remote oral arguments
Though there have been some technical hiccups, lawyers report generally positive experiences with remote appellate oral arguments. Even so, some advocates say the most impactful arguments are made in person.