Hammerle on… “Creed II,” “Green Book”
Movie reviewer Bob Hammerle recommends the knockout performances in “Creed II” and the powerful “Green Book.”
Opinion
Articles
Hopper: Who’s responsible for law practice succession planning?
How does the legal community at large continue to provide and expand high-quality legal services to all Indiana communities? What role should law practice succession planning play in ensuring that people, businesses, governmental and nonprofit organizations’ legal needs are competently addressed?
Brown: Is a taco a sandwich? This IP question isn’t patently absurd
I was reminded recently of a client who came to see me with drawings of a chair he had designed, and he wanted to protect it. As we looked at the design and mulled over the possible ways others might find value in it, it became clear that the chair might fit into multiple IP buckets — or perhaps none at all.
Lechleiter, Dodge and Griffin: Alice in Wonderland — the uncertain state of patent eligibility
The law surrounding a key patent statute, 35 U.S.C. § 101, is “a real problem” that is “almost impossible to apply consistently and coherently” and “needs clarification by higher authority.” When federal appellate judges make statements like these, the issue is worth further exploration.
Hart: Trade secret protection requires customized measures
Because there is “no one size fits all” analysis to determine whether something qualifies as a trade secret — including whether its owner took reasonable measures to protect it — a lawyer tasked with protecting a client’s trade secrets must be intimately familiar with the client’s protectable interests.
Dreyer: Seven hopes on a judicial holiday wish list
As we complete a long, complicated year, my great judge journey leads me to a wish list. While wish lists are not uncommon for gift-giving season, or the start of a new year, this one is intended for regular rumination.
Letter to the Editor: Child Advocates: Giving foster parents party status problematic
Foster parents are invaluable assets and partners in child welfare. Foster parents’ input in team meetings and on an ongoing basis provides valuable insight into the child’s needs. However, giving foster parents party status presents many problems.
Neutral Corner: Why did trials ‘vanish,’ and what is the lesson for mediation?
In his article, “The Disappearance of Civil Trial in the United States,” Yale Law School professor John H. Langbein explored the factors leading to civil trials having all but “vanished.” He concluded that the largest single cause of the decline in the number of jury trials was the robust and extensive fact discovery promoted, if not mandated, by the adoption of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Start Page: Untangle your many logins with a password manager
Christmas is just around the corner. You finally have a couple of days off to binge watch that Netflix show you’ve been hearing about, only to be asked to enter your password. You fiddle with the remote to type in the password in vain. So much for goodwill toward men. Thankfully, there’s a solution to this challenge: a software-based password manager.
Hammerle on… “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,” “Widows”
Movie reviewer Robert Hammerle finds fantastic disappointment in the latest chapter from the J.K. Rowling universe while the complex “Widows” is full of surprises.
Making Rain: What is great service worth? Ask the service industry
Just like law firms and lawyers, how hotels and restaurants treat their customers or clients is what really matters. Here are a few things to consider, taken from the hospitality industry, to keep your clients coming back and willing to pay a premium for your services.
Criminal Case: Michael Cohen, Paul Manafort and the Art of the (plea) Deal
Details and differences in the plea agreements entered by former Donald Trump associates Paul Manafort and Michael Cohen provide some insights into potential flexibility in cutting deals with federal prosecutors.
Mental Fitness: An open letter to the family of a person with a mental health struggle
I was introduced to the mental healthcare system 17 years ago when I was a senior in high school. Unfortunately, if you are a beginner, the process will likely be highly stressful for you, difficult to understand, and will involve a lot of trial and error over a long period of time.
Plugged In: iPhone feature updates you didn’t know you were thankful for
As we approach the time of year when we all attempt to put down our phones, pause and reflect upon things for which we are thankful, we often get sidetracked and pick our phones back up. You may not even realize there are a couple of new iPhone features that will help you retrain yourself to spend more time pausing and reflecting.
Dean’s Desk: IU Maurer programs supporting careers in cybersecurity
Indiana University Maurer School of Law is leading the way through its new master of science in cybersecurity risk management. That degree program combines the resources of three of IU’s top-ranked schools — the Kelley School of Business, the School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering and the Maurer School of Law — to provide students with a broad range of courses that prepare them for a world where technologies evolve faster than the laws and policies that govern them.
Federal Bar Update: Southern District proposes local rule changes
The Southern District of Indiana Court has published for comment proposed changes to several local rules, with the full text available on the court’s website. Several of the proposals address practices and procedures that arise in many cases.
Quality of Life: Reflecting on the gifts of a 90th birthday celebration
We recently celebrated my mother’s 90th birthday. I found myself wondering during her birthday party, “What is it, besides good genes, that keeps Mom going like the Energizer Bunny?” As I pondered this, I discovered that Mom’s life can provide an excellent roadmap for living life to the fullest.
Stafford: Curtis Hill’s new challenge — Elvis options becoming limited
Attorney General Curtis Hill is caught in a trap. He can’t walk out. Because he loves bein’ AG too much, bay-bay. Hill’s troubles are casting serious doubt not just on his fitness and ability to carry out his official duties, but also on his sometimes avocation as an Elvis impersonator.
Living Fit: Jump in, get in the swim: The water may save your life
The days are darker and colder, our clothing is bulkier, and the holiday parties are in full swing. Knock, knock — the inevitable 10-pound weight gain is at the door. Batten down the hatches and take a plunge into the wonderful world of water.
Succession Planning: What should you plan for in the event you become disabled?
Normal law practice succession planning involves developing a plan for your law practice that will be implemented over the next one to five years. But what about having a plan to deal with issues such as short-term illness, disability, vacations and death?