Public comment invited on proposed pretrial services rules
A series of proposed rules concerning pretrial services is up for public review and comment, the Indiana Judicial Conference Board of Directors has announced.
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Asian Pacific American Bar honors Takei, others at regional conference
“Star Trek” and Spam were two topics that drew laughter and invoked inspiration during the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Indiana’s third annual regional conference this weekend. The group presented “Star Trek” original cast member and social activist George Takei with its Trailblazer Award.
Web Exclusive: ILS files labor-trafficking suit for migrant workers
A recently filed complaint on behalf of several foreign nationals who have traveled to the United States for work has Indiana Legal Services Migrant Farmworker Law Center attorney Kristin Hoffman excited.
IOLTA revenue to serve indigent rises
The conversation about civil legal aid in Indiana is still focused on money, but for the first time in nearly a decade, the talk is of dollars increasing rather than dwindling.
ABA matching volunteer lawyers, immigrant children facing deportation
Hoosier attorneys seeking to offer their services to immigrant children facing deportation now have an avenue to do so, the American Bar Association announced.
Hundreds find relief, hope through Marion County expungement event
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday evening hosted its first Second Chance Workshop, a free event dedicated to assisting community members in expunging criminal records and restoring suspended driver’s licenses.
Web Exclusive: ‘Low bono’ clinic seeks to fill access-to-justice gap
Growing up in a five-person home, Bloomington attorney Jamie Sutton’s family had an on-again, off-again relationship with welfare and social assistance programs. His firm, Justice Unlocked, offers “low-bono” services — representation on a sliding fee scale that low- to middle-income individuals who earn too much to qualify for pro bono services can afford.
House boosts LSC funding without key Hoosier’s vote
The appropriations bill that included a significant boost in funding to the Legal Service Corp. passed through the U.S. House of Representatives without the vote of a key advocate of civil legal aid who said the measure contained too many “poison pills” and was impossible to support.
Free legal advice to be offered through IndyBar Legal Line
Members of the public will have an opportunity to ask for legal help Tuesday without worrying about how to pay for it during the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Legal Line program.
Web Exclusive: Free expungement service coming to Bloomington
A new partnership has formed between Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Indiana Legal Services and New Leaf New Life to launch an Expungement Help Desk in Bloomington this fall.
U.S. House committee approves $135 million boost to legal aid funding
The Legal Services Corporation got a fast start in the federal budget process Wednesday after the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved a large financial boost of $550 million to the civil legal aid organization.
Amended rule broadens judges’ discretion with pro se litigants
The Indiana Supreme Court has amended Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.2 dealing with the impartiality and fairness of Indiana judges.
Report: Lawyers’ pro bono activity increases in Indiana
Pro bono activity is increasing among Indiana attorneys, with more than half of all non-exempt lawyers licensed in the state contributing time, money or both, according to a report released Friday by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Staying home: Legal aid efforts help people maintain stable housing
Brenda Davis and Franci Gartin know a home can be a place to rest from the struggles of daily living. The two Indianapolis women were settled into their houses, arranged and as welcoming as they each wanted. But then the struggles of the outside world invaded, and they found themselves in danger of losing their own domiciles.
Trump again proposes elimination of Legal Services Corp.
Proponents of providing Americans equal access to justice through civil legal aid have once again found themselves defending that cause against the Trump administration, which proposes for the third time eliminating federal funding for civil legal aid.
Rush again urges $1 million boost to civil legal aid
The Indiana Supreme Court made its case to the Legislature again this week for an additional $1 million in the state’s next biennial budget to support Hoosier civil legal aid.
Rent-to-buy contract argued before Indiana Supreme Court
A dispute that could have a far-reaching impact on the sizable rent-to-own housing market in the Hoosier state was presented to the Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday morning with attorneys arguing over the nature of the rent-to-own contract.
Legal aid initiative enables those with disabilities
Tangram, a nonprofit in Indianapolis that provides support for individuals with disabilities, joined forces in 2016 with Indiana Legal Services to launch the Providing Legal Assistance to Individuals with Disabilities initiative. PLAID assistance has since improved the lives of hundreds of clients statewide.
Legislation aims to tame ‘Wild West’ nature of land contracts
A bill that passed through the Indiana House 82-14 and is now in the Senate would protect families from predatory land contracts. Provisions would require buyers be told the value of the property and how much they will ultimately pay for it if they complete the terms of the agreement, among other protections.
Lapse in government funding worsens immigration backlog
The recent partial government shutdown — the longest in United States History — left federal lawyers scrambling as the government agencies they work with were shuttered, leaving cases unresolved, hearings missed and clients uncertain.