Access to justice forum, pro bono awards on LSC agenda
The Legal Services Corporation Board of Governors is arriving in Indianapolis on Thursday for its quarterly meeting, marking the first time the board has met in the Circle City in years.
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
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Real estate attorney Barbara Wolenty dies at 62
Longtime Indianapolis real estate development attorney Barbara A. Wolenty is being remembered as a talented but tough dealmaker, spirited and gifted friend, well-regarded adviser and beloved mother and wife. Wolenty died Oct. 2 at age 62 after battling cancer.
Indiana law professors sign letters opposing Kavanaugh confirmation
Law professors from all four of Indiana’s law schools have signed letters asking the United States Senate to oppose the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. One letter argues Kavanaugh lacks the temperament to be seated on the nation’s highest court, while the other asserts he was not fully vetted and that his judgments would erode civil and individual rights.
Is it food poisoning? Expert litigator explains claim evaluation
“These cases are not just someone with a tummy ache,” said William Marler, the food safety expert and attorney who launched his fledgling career after successfully representing more than 100 other Jack in The Box food-poisoning victims. Since then, he has represented hundreds of victims in some of the most serious foodborne illness outbreaks in the country, winning more than $600 million in settlements.
Judge Wilkins returning home to give Birch Bayh lecture
Judge Robert Wilkins of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit will be returning to his home state of Indiana to deliver the 7th Annual Birch Bayh Lecture at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Leaner, faster ABA section ready for troubled law schools
The American Bar Association House of Delegates’ adoption of three resolutions is characterized as bringing the “most fundamental changes” to the accreditation process in several decades.
IU McKinney LL.M. 1 of 34 to pass exam for future Lebanese judges
To call the Lebanese judicial exam difficult would be an understatement. Many who qualify try for years, and this year, less than 4 percent of all takers pass the test to become a judge in the Middle Eastern nation. But a former IU McKinney master of laws wasn’t deterred by such odds, and she succeeded on her first attempt.
IU McKinney hosting service to honor late dean Mead
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law will host a celebration of life service Friday to honor former dean and professor Susanah Mead, who died in late 2017. Mead devoted her trailblazing career to legal education at her alma mater.
With applications rising, 1Ls bring strong credentials
The Law School Admissions Council is reporting an 8.1 percent increase in applications for the 2018-2019 academic year compared to the previous school year. Also, applicants with higher LSAT scores are returning, as evidenced by the 1L classes at Indiana’s law schools.
Elkhart wrongful conviction case latest in county’s justice system
An effort to exonerate a man with limited mental capacity who was convicted of murder 13 years ago is the latest in a string of criminal cases that have put a spotlight on the extraordinary number of wrongful convictions in Elkhart County.
Law schools introduce 1Ls to profession’s obligations, responsibilities
As another academic year begins at Indiana’s law schools, 1L students are brought on the campuses a few days before classes begin to learn the practical things they’ll need to know. But the schools also are offering early lessons on ethics and professionalism.
1L class brings strong credentials; 104 students return to Valpo
Freshly arriving law students are turning on their laptops, getting their student IDs, finalizing their schedules and preparing for the start of classes at Indiana’s law schools. The new law school year has started or will start in the next week at all four of Indiana’s law schools.
Elkhart man moves to withdraw wrongful conviction petition
A mentally disabled man challenging his conviction in a 2002 Elkhart murder has moved to withdraw his petition to vacate judgment in favor of filing a successive petition for post-conviction relief.
IU McKinney 3L charts rare path: Going solo after graduation
Many law school students graduate with the goal of joining a well-established firm and securing a steady income as soon as possible. But Erika Bryant is among those who would rather take a risk on themselves.
Report: Employment rate rises with J.D. class of 2017
Overall employment for class of 2017 law school graduates only increased by 1 percentage point, even though the number of jobs found by graduates fell again by more than 1,200 compared with 2016 numbers, according to a report released Thursday.
Quigley: Kavanaugh could be deciding vote on ACA
The successor to United States Supreme Court Justice Kennedy may determine the fate of the Affordable Care Act, according to Fran Quigley, Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Health and Human Rights Clinic Director.
It’s hard to remove Indiana officials, including attorney general
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill remains defiant despite growing bipartisan pressure for him to resign after three women, including a state lawmaker, went public with claims that he drunkenly groped them at an Indianapolis bar. Should the situation devolve further, there are several — albeit rarely used — ways the Legislature could oust Hill from office.
Dinner to honor Landis for service to state
The Indiana legal community will honor its top public defender, Larry Landis, this week for his contributions in the courtroom, the Statehouse and the classroom. A special dinner for Landis will be held beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Indiana Landmarks Center.
IU McKinney professor launches arbitration center for international businesses
Through SmartArb, professor Emmert hopes to provide a cheaper, more efficient method of dispute resolution for international businesses through arbitration rather than litigation. SmartArb responds to a need identified by the developing World Trade Center-Indianapolis.
Class of 2013 passes on lessons learned from entering bleak job market
Five years ago, 46,776 law students graduated in the Class of 2013, the largest number ever. The celebration was short-lived for many, because the new lawyers walked into a bleak job market that was not showing any signs of improvement from the nosedive that started during the Great Recession.