DTCI: Thoughts after a law office move
“My name is Rick and I am a pack rat.” Those are the words I will use at my first Pack Rats Anonymous meeting, which I will be attending after having recently prepared for our law firm office move.
Opinion
Articles
Hammerle on…“No Time to Die” and “The Last Duel”
I found this film to be an emotionally touching way to say farewell to Daniel Craig. Though some felt the story moved too slowly at times, I thought it gave you a chance to honor Craig’s performance as he walked into the sunset. It reminded me of Burt Lancaster as he walked into the cornfield in the classic “Field of Dreams” (1989).
Vershay: 11 tips: Things I learned rising through the law firm ranks
It wasn’t that long ago that I found myself asking around for tips and pointers to develop skills and maximize my opportunities as a young associate. As a new class of lawyers begins settling into their legal careers this autumn, I wanted to share some of the tips I’ve received and helpful things I’ve learned over the past 13 years (some the hard way!):
Editor’s Perspective: Leadership in Law 2021: Come be inspired
Have you ever met someone who inspires, challenges you, motivates you and maybe makes you feel just a little bit lazy? Have you ever met 37 such someones all at once?
Spickelmier: 7th Circuit’s decision impacts tenants who purchase real estate
A significant decision came out of the 7th Circuit this September in the world of environmental practitioners and professionals, but many real estate tenants, developers, owners, investors and attorneys who do not specialize in environmental law may not appreciate the impact of this decision on due diligence, timing and costs for preserving a property owner’s defense against Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) liability
IndyBar: Where Are You in This Changing World?
The world is changing faster than ever post COVID-19. A changing world has always brought opportunity for lawyers. With change, comes a flurry of new legal issues to be argued, negotiated and decided.
Rosio and Schnelker: How to prepare your estate plan for potential tax changes
With so much going on in tax law, it’s a critical time to understand what your current estate plan is, identify how different rule changes might affect your plan if they become law and map out potential strategies that can be implemented if the laws change.
Hammerle on… “Titane,” “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” and infrastructure
Indianapolis defense lawyer Bob Hammerle reviews “Titane” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” then shares his frustrations with infrastructure policies at the local and national levels.
Retzner and Nichols: Indiana’s new advance health care directive
On July 1, Indiana significantly broadened the options for an individual to make health care wishes known through an “Advance Directive for Health Care Decisions.”
JLAP: Supporting members of the practice: JLAP taking DEI action
Since the summer of 2020, the Indiana Supreme Court’s Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program has had many deep discussions about the issues that are affecting people of color and what the program can do to support law students, attorneys and judges of color, as well as others who care about these issues and want to be meaningful and proactive allies.
Start Page: This year’s Apple iPhone and iPad updates
Apple recently released its newest mobile hardware (iPhones and iPads) and software (iOS 15 and iPadOS). iPhones are at version 13 in both base and Pro models. The “new” iPads include a new base model and mini model. There’s also a new Apple Watch.
Dible: New, flexible methods available for signing Indiana wills
House Enrolled Act 1255 (P.L. 185-2021) added new signing methods for wills, effective April 29, with no “sunset” date and no dependence on any current or future public health emergency.
Schrager: Calling it a career after all these years in practice
By any measure, 41 years is a long time. So, the fact that my career passed in a flash perhaps speaks to how engaging, compelling and consuming the practice of law is, at least to those of us who view it as more than a job.
Hammerle on… “The Card Counter,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and embracing ignorance
Indianapolis defense lawyer Bob Hammerle gives his views on “The Card Counter” and “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” as well as his views on trending political issues.
DTCI: Random reflections from a walk
Frequently for my past columns for DTCI, ideas would rise to the surface of my consciousness during my walks through my neighborhood and along the country roads of Porter County. Not so much this year. But one or two thoughts did cross my mind that I think are worth sharing.
Winingham: Mediation myths busted: What litigators need to know
If you’re a litigator, mediation is likely a large part of your practice. Nevertheless, there are still a variety of common myths that either prevent parties from mediating a case or prevent them from having a productive mediation.
French: To skip or not to skip the opening statement in mediation
Taking a pass on opening statements in mediation is an easy out. However, does that make it a good idea? Should it be the rule, rather than the exception? Is forgoing the opening statement in the client’s best interests?
Opinions Sept. 16, 2021
Indiana Court of Appeals
Sean Douglas Neal v. State of Indiana
21A-CR-730
Criminal. Affirms Sean Neal’s Level 4 felony child molesting conviction and adjudication as a habitual offender. Finds the Green Circuit Court erred in admitting opinion testimony by Greene County Sheriff’s Department Detective Shawn Cullison, pursuant to Evidence Rule 704(b), but that it didn’t rise to the level of fundamental error.
Opinions Sept. 15, 2021
The following 7th Circuit Court of Appeals opinion was posted after IL deadline Tuesday:
Ann Robbins v. MED-1 Solutions, LLC
20-1343
Appeal from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, Indianapolis Division. Magistrate Judge Tim A. Baker.
Civil. Affirms the entry of judgment for MED-1 Solutions LLC in Ann Robbins’ federal action seeking damages under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Finds a related state-court dismissal order does not have preclusive effect. Also finds Robbins’ contract with the hospital system required her to pay all collection costs, including attorney fees MED-1 did not violate the FDCPA by attempted to collect fees-on-fees in the state-court proceedings.
Maley: Third-party subpoenas: Advance service compliance
Federal practitioners regularly issue and respond to third-party subpoenas for documents. Expansive revisions to Rule 45 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure were made in 2013, but many subpoenas are still issued that do not comply. One of the most common issues is failing to serve parties with the third-party subpoena prior to (or even after) service on the third party.