Uniform Bar Exam adoption not unanimous
Of Indiana’s four neighboring states, one has adopted the Uniform Bar Exam, one is preparing to adopt, one is expected to adopt and one is not even considering adoption.
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Many see advantages in Uniform Bar Exam
Working at a Fort Wayne law firm before enrolling in law school, Julia Kosnik saw the benefit of being able to help clients across state lines from a partner who was licensed in both Indiana and Michigan. “It would be so much easier if I could take the (Uniform Bar Exam) and practice in both states,” Kosnik said. “I’m hoping they move in that direction.”
2020 ICLEO applications available
Applications are now available for the 2020 Indiana Conference for Legal Education Opportunity program may now do so, the Indiana Supreme Court announced Friday.
Indiana law schools buck first-year enrollment dip
First-year enrollment in J.D. programs in Indiana law schools rose 3.2% in 2019 over 2018 while the overall J.D. enrollment across the U.S. slipped 0.27%, according data released by the American Bar Association.
Year in Review: Baer death penalty reversal most-read IL story of 2019
A federal appeals court’s reversal of Madison County killer Fredrick Baer’s death sentence was the most-read story on the Indiana Lawyer’s digital edition, www.theindianalawyer.com. Indiana Lawyer readers clicked on stories on our website more than 2.6 million times between Jan. 1 and Dec. 10, 2019, according to Google Analytics. Here are the 50 most-viewed story headlines during that time.
Panel recommends adopting Uniform Bar Exam to enhance fairness, reliability
With Indiana already incorporating two components from the Uniform Bar Examination into its own attorney admittance test, a study commission formed to review and recommend changes to state’s bar exam is advocating Indiana pick up the remaining component and transition completely to the UBE. But three commission members cautioned against the move, saying the state would be relinquishing control of its own test.
Study commission advises Indiana adopt Uniform Bar Exam
Finding the Indiana Bar Exam places a “cognitive overload” on examinees, the special commission convened a year ago to study and recommend changes to the test is suggesting the Indiana Supreme Court reduce the number of subjects tested either by cutting the topics on the Indiana Essay Examination or by switching to the Uniform Bar Examination.
Memorial service announced for Valpo law professor
A celebration of life for attorney and Valparaiso Law School professor David Welter, who died unexpectedly Monday, has been scheduled for Friday. Welter, a graduate and longtime faculty member of the northern Indiana law school, was 59.
Indiana legal scholars sign letter endorsing impeachment
Six faculty members from Indiana universities — including four law school professors — are among the more than 775 academics who have submitted a letter to Congress, adding their voices in support of the impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump.
Notre Dame offers new Dublin internship program for 2Ls
The Notre Dame Law School has announced an international paid internship opportunity for select 2L students beginning in the summer of 2020.
McKinney, NAACP forum to focus on model lead legislation
Indiana lawmakers and environmental law and policy experts will gather Thursday at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law to discuss model legislation designed to address lead poisoning among Indiana children after tests of drinking water found “alarming levels” in Indianapolis schools.
Parrish: Students find clerkships in smaller counties rewarding
This summer’s Rural Justice Initiativesought to expose students who are committed to public service to different facets of rural and smaller-city practice while helping trial court judges with their heavy workloads in counties where that help is needed most. The goal was to underscore to students the benefits of clerking after graduation, to help improve access to courts and expand legal services, and to inspire some students to consider pursuing careers in rural Indiana.
Good growth? Lawyer population grows, but supply may outpace demand
According to the ABA’s National Lawyer Population Survey, the number of active lawyers nationwide grew by 14.5% in the last decade, up from 1,180,386 in 2009 to 1,352,027 in 2019. The number of Indiana lawyers likewise grew 10.2%, increasing from 14,379 to 15,845.
Through the eyes of an immigrant
Mohamed Arafa has called Indianapolis his home since 2009, when he moved here to pursue a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Now an adjunct professor at IU McKinney, Arafa still sees America through the eyes of an immigrant.
Former bar exam leader offers tips as Indiana considers changes
As the Indiana legal profession re-evaluates its bar exam in light of slumping pass rates, a leader in bar examinations and bar admissions offered some insight into testing and provided some advice, as well as some warnings, about making changes.
New lawyers take oath in admission ceremony
More than 275 people passed the Indiana Bar Exam in July and were eligible to be admitted to practice law in Indiana. Many took their oaths at the Indiana Supreme Court Admission Ceremony on Oct. 2. Here are Indiana’s newest lawyers.
New lawyers get by with a little help from family, friends
The support of family and friends for students in law school is not only common for most law students, but also necessary. Law professors and counselors say students need a supportive network to rely on inside and outside of law school to help them master the material, tamp down any discouragement or despair and ultimately become successful attorneys with good mental health.
McKinney alumnae forge friendships spanning 40 years
A group of women law student trailblazers who entered the profession in the late 1970s never let their bond of friendship fade. At a recent 40th annual reunion,one asked her former IU McKinney classmates, “Can anyone here imagine being where you are today without the others?” They responded in unison, “no.”
Merrillville Town Court judge appointed to Lake Superior bench
Merrillville Town Court Judge Gina L. Jones has been appointed to the Lake Superior Court, succeeding retiring Judge John Pera, who retired in June, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Tuesday.
New lawyers reminded of their responsibilities and duties
Indiana’s newest attorneys were congratulated on their admission to the bar and welcomed to the practice of law Wednesday with soaring rhetoric and practical advice from their colleagues in the bar and on the bench.