From space sharing to firm sharing
A few years ago, two Indianapolis law firms agreed to share office space. A few weeks ago, they joined forces in a merger that has them optimistic for what the future holds.
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New SCOTUS word limits sharpen focus on writing
In a change effective July 1, the U.S. Supreme Court reduced the number of words litigants and friends can use in their submissions. The word limit for briefs on the merits of the case was slashed by 2,000 to 13,000. Also, amicus briefs were slimmed down to 8,000 from 9,000, although briefs from some entities such as federal agencies and state attorneys general were exempted from the reduction.
Web Exclusive: Trailblazers reflect on progress of women in law
As Barnes & Thornburg recognized trailblazing professional women with its annual Shirley’s Legacy Award recently, past recipients shared their views of how women are faring in the legal profession and the challenges that persist.
Taft merger leads explosive Q3 law firm combinations
The third quarter of 2019 posted a record-setting pace in the law firm mergers and acquisitions market with the combination of Indianapolis-based Taft Stettinius & Hollister and Minneapolis-based Briggs and Morgan leading the pack.
State health commissioner, Barnes partner honored as trailblazing women
Barnes & Thornburg LLP hosted its fifth Shirley’s Legacy ceremony Thursday, surrounded by those celebrating the pioneer spirit of former Barnes partner Shirley Shideler. The 2019 Shirley’s Legacy awards were presented to honorees Kristina Box, Indiana state health commissioner, and Connie Lahn, Barnes’ Minneapolis office managing partner, for their contributions to bolstering the success of women.
Blickman testifies in his discipline hearing linked to Park Tudor scandal
The attorney disciplinary hearing against prominent employment lawyer Michael Blickman continued Wednesday, with the defense beginning its presentation with testimony from Blickman himself.
New Taft Center unveiled on heels of Minneapolis merger
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP on Thursday announced the completion and grand opening of its Indianapolis Taft Center, a 5,000 square foot conference and event center. The state-of-the-art space installed in the Regions Tower first floor lobby now makes Taft the largest tenant in that building.
Hopper: Transitions for lawyers, firms could use some encouragement
Who is responsible for law practice succession planning? I suggest that all of us in the Indiana bar have roles to play, especially those of us closer to the end of our legal careers. So far this year, I have met with several senior attorneys who want to develop and implement succession plans for their law practices.
Hometown roots, statewide respect: John Whiteleather named 2019 Legendary Lawyer
“I’ve had a great career,” said longtime Whitley County attorney and prosecutor John Whiteleather, “and I hope I have contributed back to the community for what it provided to me.” Whiteleather’s colleagues on the bench and bar assure him that he did, recognizing him as the Indiana Bar Foundation’s 2019 Legendary Lawyer.
Growing for success: Law firms still looking for merger opportunities, but fewer partners available
With its impending entrance into the Minneapolis market, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP is set to expand its footprint to 12 cities, grow its roster of attorneys to more than 600 and take a step closer to its goal of becoming a regionally dominant law firm. While law firm merger activity in the Hoosier State is increasing, the recently announced Taft deal is among the largest in recent years.
Raising the bar: Incoming ISBA President Henderzahs stresses partnerships, professionalism
Leslie Henderzahs says Indiana State Bar Association members often realize the value of the association when they least expect it. The incoming ISBA president cited as an example a recent proposal that Indiana lawyers provide their cellphone numbers with their Roll of Attorneys registrations. Few proposals have prompted such an outcry from attorneys, and Henderzahs said the state bar acted promptly.
Lawyers vulnerable to economic downturn some see coming
Some economists are again talking about a recession as certain market indicators point to a coming slowdown. Even if the economy stays strong, experts say the changes within the legal industry will still create winner and losers.
Bopp Law Office loses attorney fees lawsuit
A former Illinois Congressman who redecorated his Capitol Hill office in an extravagant “Downton Abbey” style and then was indicted in 2016 for federal campaign finance violations has won a dispute over attorney fees against his former counsel, the Bopp Law Firm in Terre Haute.
Indy attorney named American College of Transportation Attorneys chair
An Indianapolis transportation attorney has been named chairman of the American College of Transportation Attorneys. ACTA, a nonprofit association consisting of a select nationwide group of experienced transportation defense lawyers, announced its election of Scopelitis, Gavin, Light, Hanson & Feary partner Michael B. Langford as chairman effective Aug. 16.
Web Exclusive: Lawyers with disabilities speak out against small numbers, stigma
The number of lawyers in the United States who report having some form of a disability is minuscule. But as small as the figures may be, a shift is taking place in the legal industry that has caused the numbers to double in the past decade.
Macey Swanson expanding after closure of Fillenwarth Dennerline
After more than half a century of representing labor unions, working Hoosiers and public interest organizations, the Indianapolis law firm of Fillenwarth Dennerline Groth & Towe closed Sept. 1. However, two attorneys from the firm will be joining and helping transform Macey Swanson into Macey Swanson Hicks Sauer & Vlink LLP.
Taft announces merger, expansion into Minneapolis market
Taft Stettinius & Hollister has announced it will be expanding its footprint through a merger with the 135-attorney Minnesota law firm of Briggs and Morgan. Once the combination is completed Jan. 1, Taft will grow to more than 600 lawyers spread across 12 offices located primarily in the Midwest.
Survey: Most law school grads say job hunt taking longer than expected
Recent law school graduates have been surprised to discover that finding work actually takes work, according to results of a survey released Monday. However, other recent surveys have found employment increasing overall for newly minted lawyers.
Indianapolis SmithAmundsen managing partner Stitle named COO
Stephen Stitle, managing partner of the Indianapolis office of SmithAmundsen LLC, has been named chief operating officer over the entire Midwest regional law firm.
Collaboration creates appellate pro bono effort for domestic violence survivors
When Faegre Baker Daniels attorney Blayre Marley heard about the pro bono work her colleague Matt Albaugh and Kerry Hyatt Bennett of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence were doing for survivors at the appellate level, she jumped at the opportunity to join them.