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.
Opinion
Articles
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.
JLAP: Lawyer well-being movement is no laughing matter
When my colleagues first expressed a vision for healthier lawyers — not merely helping those already struggling with addiction and mental health diagnoses, but helping all lawyers to thrive — some laughed. Someone even suggested to me that the title for a presentation I was giving should be “Is Lawyer Well-Being an Oxymoron?”
Quick: Aim to be leader of the pack in marketing
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has said the main quality he looks for when considering an investment in a company is “an enduring competitive advantage.” There are a lot of elements that make up a competitive advantage. Very simply put, it’s your point of differentiation between your firm and your competitors.
Trimble: Rainmaking 101 — Building your social skills and network
The task of teaching a new lawyer to cultivate clients should not fall solely on the shoulders of the young lawyer. Firms need to provide financial support, mentoring and a strategy for the lawyers they hire. However, it is a two-way street. Young lawyers need to step forward and be strategic themselves.
Moore: Premortem validation could help avert will, estate contests
Premortem validation may be a useful tool for any testator or settlor who suspects her will or trust will be challenged after her death. By implementing the premortem validation procedures, the testator or settlor can ensure a contest action will be brought while she is alive to defend her capacity and likely deter a meritless challenge.
Noe Dudas: ADD diagnosis for a high-functioning lawyer adds up
Being diagnosed in middle age with a “childhood” affliction can set off a range of challenges. Jane Smith (who requested I not use her real name) is an attorney with attention deficit disorder.
Hammerle on … “Judy,” “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice” and “Hustlers”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle says Renee Zellweger gives an impressive performance in the depressing Judy Garland biopic “Judy,” but a documentary on iconic pop singer Linda Rondstadt left him singing a happier tune. Meantime, “Hustlers” features a diva of more recent generation — Jennifer Lopez — in a takedown of Wall Street avarice.