Dreyer: ‘The future ain’t what it used to be’
When Yogi said “the future ain’t what it used to be,” he was talking about uncertain times to come. So what is the future of the legal system?
Opinion
Articles
Lindman: Trademarks in the Supreme Court: 2019-2020
One could assume that significant issues in federal trademark law were decided long ago; yet, the Supreme Court issued two trademark decisions in 2019 that fundamentally impact trademark protection and has granted certiorari in three trademark cases for the 2019-2020 term.
Banta: I bought the law (and the law won?): Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, Inc.
The primary reason for the cost of access to legal texts is the ability of the text owners to prohibit unlicensed copying of those works through copyright enforcement. It is one thing when the owner is a private entity, but how do you feel about this prohibition when the owner is a state government?
Start Page: 20/20 vision: Find technology that actually makes your life better
Legal professionals often turn to technology for help. The key is to use tech wisely and avoid it becoming like the new toy given at Christmas that is fun for a while, but quickly loses its appeal.
Hammerle on… “Ford v. Ferrari,” “The Irishman,” “Knives Out” and “Dark Waters”
Movie reviewer Bob Hammerle has high praise for Ford v. Ferrari and Knives Out, but he says The Irishman is unsurprising. And for trial lawyers, Hammerle says Dark Waters is a must-see.
Uhl and Bose: Domino’s effect: SCOTUS skips clarifying ADA web access
Businesses are increasingly facing lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding whether their websites are accessible to persons with disabilities. Recently, the United States Supreme Court declined an opportunity to address the law applicable to such claims, leaving businesses with little clarity as to what potential exposure they face.
Marquez: 2019 gift finder for legal professionals
Finding gifts for the legal professional on your list who has everything is always a challenge. Here are some budget-friendly gifts that serve practical needs but still have some “cool” factor.
Hammerle on … “Parasite,” “Midway” and “Terminator: Dark Fate”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle says “Parasite” is a frontrunner for best foreign film, “Midway” lacks the luster of its predecessors, and “Terminator: Dark Fate” is an entertaining thriller too few people are seeing.
Bont: 7th Circuit expands criminal fraud liability
There is no published data I’m aware of to support this, but it generally seems that prosecutors decline to charge a white-collar case when an aggrieved company has the resources to pursue a civil action against the fraudster to recover its losses.
Murtaugh: I endured the pain of depression then stole my joy back
On a Sunday, two days before the submission deadline for this article, I went to a coffee shop to start my writing process. I was really struggling with my depression. Because I was suffering, I had a need to use that time to journal. I needed to write down what I was feeling to try to get some relief. So, that is what I have to share with you this time.
Maley: Southern District local rule changes take effect Dec. 1
Effective Dec. 1, several local rule changes will take effect in the Southern District of Indiana. All the amendments are practical, common-sense changes reflecting current practice or otherwise simplifying procedure.
Coleman and Kile-Maxwell: Pro bono benefits community, young lawyers professionally
We all know that, as Indiana attorneys, we are required to report our pro bono service each year during our annual registration. Aside from giving you something to report each year, we want to share reasons why we think pro bono service is an integral part of every lawyer’s career, particularly for young lawyers, such as the more than 275 who were just sworn in and joined the Indiana bar this month.
Doell and Sen: Remote online notarizations facilitate e-closings
Among the changes that seek to bring real estate closings into the technological era is a push toward electronic and remote online notarization. Where adopted, RON laws will allow a remote notary, legally commissioned by the applicable state, to conduct notarizations over the internet via digital tools and a live audio/video call.
Law Student Outlook: Thoughts on mediation, negotiation and other forms of ADR
Despite our continued interest in litigation, we are here to report that we certainly like what we have found in and are open to future possibilities in alternative dispute resolution. We have also come to recognize that just because our interests lean toward litigation does not mean that we will not encounter and utilize skills such as negotiating that maybe are not seen as being traditionally within a litigator’s area of expertise.
Lamey: 4 tips for young lawyers from 1 with 4 weeks’ experience
I have had a law license for one month. Admittedly, it is somewhat paradoxical for an inexperienced lawyer to offer advice about the practice of law. Nonetheless, here’s my perspective as a fellow brand new lawyer as we begin our legal journey.
English: Overcoming fear of failure and other advice to new attorneys
No one expects you to know all of the answers as soon as you are sworn in. It’s called the practice of law for a reason. When it comes to making mistakes, the question isn’t if — it’s when. Most of the tasks you will receive, you have never done before. Do your best work, but also accept that you’re going to mess up at some point.
Blair and Olsen: On economic downturns, construction problems and taxation
Most of us can relate to the feeling of starting a home project, only to complete half of it (likely not very well) and leave the project as-is for months on end. We certainly can, as much as we might not like to admit it. While our spouses might disagree, partially completed home projects are not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things. But what about partially completed commercial buildings? That’s a different story, especially for tax assessment purposes.
Hammerle on… “The Addams Family,” “Joker”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle has a soft spot for the animated film “The Addams Family,” but had to resist the urge to walk out of “Joker.”
Osborne: Landlords may be liable for tenant-on-tenant harassment
Some attorneys may be familiar with and can competently advise their clients regarding the federal and state causes of action for hostile work environment. However, there is a similar, lesser-known cause of action for discrimination in the housing context known as “hostile housing environment” that warrants attention in light of a fairly recent opinion by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals clarifying its scope.
DTCI: How can employers minimize the risk of workplace violence?
In assessing workplace violence situations, there are clearly certain occupations where the risk of aggression is higher. Even though the risk of workplace violence exists in many different vocations, there are some proactive approaches that employers can and should use to minimize the risk.