Virtual admission ceremony emphasizes storied themes
In unprecedented times, the state’s newest lawyers made history by being admitted to the Indiana Bar Tuesday morning in the first-ever virtual Indiana Supreme Court Admission Ceremony.
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IU Maurer announces annual teaching awards
Five Indiana University Maurer School of Law faculty members were honored with annual teaching awards, the law school announced last week.
Law students can counter isolation through virtual JLAP group meetings
Hoosier law students shuttered indoors amidst calls to stay at home in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can still find comfort and support through weekly virtual meetings hosted by the Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program.
Valparaiso University lays off 200, cuts pay of others over virus
Valparaiso University has laid off 200 employees and has cut the salaries of others to save money during the coronavirus pandemic, the school announced. The northwestern Indiana institution previously announced that its law school will cease operations at the end of this semester after more than 140 years.
Coronavirus forces law schools online, leaves students to navigate new reality, learn timeless lessons
For students at law schools across the country, the global pandemic forced a breakneck shift from in-person classes and on-campus activities to distance learning as colleges and universities closed buildings and dorms to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Letter to the editor: A diverse view of implicit bias
Retired attorney Thomas Norbert Eckerle writes to provide critical comment on the March 18, 2020, Indiana Lawyer article, “The what, why and how of addressing workplace implicit bias.”
Restricted assembly: As churches move online, 1A experts say gathering bans likely constitutional
As leaders across the country continue to call for social distancing and implement restrictions on large gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19, some citizens have balked at the idea of interrupting their normal religious activities. But as long as restrictions on churches are non-discriminatory, experts say the restrictions are likely constitutional.
Essential or non-essential? Lawyers scrambling to provide COVID-19 guidance
Though they don’t have all the answers, legal professionals are being looked to for guidance as clients navigate their new realities.
Federal Circuit tweaks statute to overcome constitutionality concerns with administrative patent judges
On Halloween 2019, a constitutional argument against the process for challenging patents not only convinced a federal appellate court but also inspired the judges to offer their own fix to the statute.
Legal education confronts the pandemic
The coronavirus emergency is forcing many changes to legal education in Indiana. Law schools and the judiciary are changing procedures, canceling events and finding alternatives as the prohibitions on large gatherings appear likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
From engineering to law school: IU McKinney 1L forging new career as first IP Law Scholar
Laine Gonzalez has the distinction of being IU McKinney’s first IP Law Scholar, a program in partnership with Brinks Gilson & Lione designed to train the next generation of intellectual property lawyers.
Home again: Elkhart man released after 15 years in prison, but case likely isn’t over
Andrew Royer has been granted a new trial after a special judge determined his 2005 trial was tainted by false evidence and coercive investigative techniques that exploited his mental disability. But the possibility of a retrial remains.
Indiana Supreme Court allowing graduates to work as legal interns
Noting the uncertainty over whether the bar exam will be administered in July, the Indiana Supreme Court has issued an order that will allow the law school Class of 2020 to represent clients and do legal work on a limited basis.
Attorney suspended for failure to disclose in bar exam application
An attorney who failed to disclose in his bar exam application complaints made against him has been suspended from the practice of law effective immediately, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Tuesday.
Less than half pass February bar exam, early results show
The slump in passing rates for the Indiana bar exam is continuing with February’s preliminary results being the lowest recorded in Indiana in recent years. Just 46 percent of the 246 test takers passed, initial results show.
Legal education adjusting to uncertain times caused by coronavirus
As potential law students are wondering whether they will be able to take the LSAT as scheduled this spring, those preparing to graduate law school are likely to be graded in their final term on a pass/fail basis.
Coronavirus update: Indiana Supreme Court issues 5 orders giving flexibility
Cases handled by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office continue to be rescheduled or continued as the Indianapolis courts adjust operations in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
How are you dealing with ‘the new normal’? Let IL know in words, photos
As courts, law schools and law offices close around the country in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus, Indiana Lawyer wants to know how you’re handling “the new normal” of self-isolation, social distancing and working remotely. Please share your thoughts and photos showing how life has changed amid the COVID-19 pandemic with Indiana Lawyer reporter Katie Stancombe at [email protected].
Lewis’ legacy: Cake, applause and a challenge coin mark a special REACH graduation
Calling REACH “a beautiful program,” Kenny Lewis credited the federal court re-entry initiative with giving him the perseverance to stay at his job and teaching him to speak louder so others could hear what he had to say. Baker and the other members of the REACH team described Lewis as a model participant who not only exhibited tremendous character and did everything expected of him, but also encouraged and supported his fellow participants.
Indiana law schools decline in US News 2021 rankings
The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best law schools in the country brought disappointing results for Indiana as all three law schools still being ranked fell in their positions.