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.
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Podcast on U.S. Supreme Court launches just as upheaval begins
Originally wanting to create a podcast about the Supreme Court of the United States, Indiana University Maurer School of Law professor Ian Samuel inadvertently proved, again, that timing is everything.
Valpo transfer plans nixed by Tennessee Higher Ed Commission
In an 8-5 vote Monday, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission rejected the proposal to transfer Valparaiso Law School to Middle Tennessee State University. The commission’s denial ends the work the two schools started in November 2017 to move the northwest Indiana law school to Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Valpo Law reaches agreement to transfer to Tennessee
Valparaiso University Law School is one step closer to leaving Indiana. The governing boards for Middle Tennessee State University and Valparaiso University have both endorsed the transfer of the 139-year-old law school from northwest Indiana to the Murfreesboro campus.
Indiana bar passage rate improves to 65 percent after appeals process
The final passage rates for the July 2018 Indiana bar exam show 65 percent of all takers successfully completed the test, a result that is closely aligned with recent years. Final results for the July 2018 exam were released Friday by the Indiana Board of Law Examiners.
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.
New COA judge Tavitas honored as ‘true public servant’ at robing ceremony
There are many adjectives friends and colleagues used to describe Elizabeth Tavitas, the newest Indiana Court of Appeals judge, when they gathered to celebrate her ceremonial robing on Monday. But as each speaker described their unique experiences with Tavitas, there was a common theme running through each set of remarks: service.
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.
Survey: Public service key for students considering law school
A landmark study of undergraduate students considering law school finds public service factors are key motivators, far ahead of the ability to qualify for a high-paying job or the prestige of the profession.
Law librarians bristle as written ABA reports no longer required
Usually, when someone’s workload is reduced, that person is happy. But law school librarians are upset that they will no longer be required to submit a written summary each year detailing the activities of their libraries.
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.
Juvenile waived to adult court in Indy doctor’s slaying
A juvenile has been waived to adult court to face charges in the fatal shooting of an Indiana University doctor and educator last year.
Volunteers sought to judge mock trial competition at McKinney
Volunteers are needed to judge the upcoming inaugural Indy Mock Hundred mock trial invitational at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Noted attorney to speak at McKinney on ‘foodborne litigation’
An attorney who has represented thousands of people sickened by contaminated food products dating back to the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak will speak at Indiana University McKinney School of Law Thursday.
Preliminary bar passage rate slips again for July 2018 exam
The overall pass rate for the Indiana Bar Exam continued its decline, with the July results showing 62 percent of all the takers successfully completing the test. First-time takers in July 2018 passed at a rate of 72 percent, while only 32 percent of repeat takers passed this year.
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.
After a decade, Notre Dame Law dean Newton prepares to step down
The law school dean who has written scholarly articles that have been cited in U.S. Supreme Court decisions and who claims “My Cousin Vinny” is her favorite legal movie will be returning to the classroom next summer.