Civil filing fee extension going to governor
The bill extending the $1 surcharge on civil legal filings is headed to the governor’s desk.
Pro bono
Articles
House to consider extension of civil legal filing fee
A bill which would extend the pro bono legal services fee on court filings has cleared a committee in the Indiana House of Representatives and is headed for a second reading Tuesday on the floor of the lower chamber.
Southern District celebrates pro bono attorneys
After enacting a rule allowing judges to assign pro bono cases to attorneys who frequently practice in federal court, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is celebrating a “banner year” for pro bono service.
Legal aid filing fee bill moves to House
A bill that would extend the $1 filing fee on civil cases submitted to Indiana state courts has breezed through the Senate and is now headed to the House of Representatives.
Rush touts pro bono, partnerships in State of Judiciary
More than 7,000 Indiana attorneys donated more than 220,000 hours of pro bono service to Hoosiers in need last year, numbers Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush said reflect the state judiciary’s commitment to a collaborative approach to the practice of law.
Senate committee extends for $1 pro bono filing fee
A bill extending the $1 additional civil filing fee to support pro bono programs sailed through a Senate committee Wednesday despite a discussion about the possibility of allowing Marion County small claims courts to keep the filing fees they collect for themselves.
Program offers free legal assistance on King holiday
The Indiana State Bar Association will again be honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by sponsoring the 2017 “Talk to a Lawyer Today” program Jan. 16 at sites all across the state.
Survey: Class of 2016 gave more than $52M in pro bono legal services
Law schools’ classes of 2016 provided pro bono services worth $52.2 million through clinics, experiential courses and other student activities, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Association of American Law Schools.
IBF honors advocates of civil legal aid and civic education
This year’s annual event was held Dec. 11 in downtown Indianapolis, bringing together state and federal judges, attorneys and their families.
500-plus hours of pro bono nets award for Fort Wayne lawyer
John Cowan is being recognized with the Pro Bono Publico Award from the Indiana Bar Foundation this December.
IndyBar: More than 460 Helped at Ask a Lawyer
IndyBar volunteers donated both their time and expertise to provide community members in need with invaluable legal advice and guidance at Ask a Lawyer on Oct. 11. This biannual event is the IndyBar’s largest pro bono program and has helped more than 3,000 Hoosiers over the past two years.
ILS gets grant to recruit more attorney volunteers
With the help of a federal grant, Indiana Legal Services will be launching a new pilot project to recruit more attorneys from private practice into providing pro bono legal assistance for low-income clients.
#LoveYourLawyerDay social media campaign planned for next month
The American Lawyers Public Image Association will attempt the break the internet next month during the 16th annual Love Your Lawyer Day celebration.
Indiana senator to introduce bill extending civil filing fee
The sunset may be longer in coming for the $1 fee that was tacked onto civil legal filings to help shore up pro bono and legal services programs.
Evansville Bar hosts inaugural lecture series
The Evansville Bar Association is hosting a discussion about access to justice and pro bono practice rules at its first Randall T. Shepard Lecture Series Tuesday evening.
Finding funds to support Indiana legal aid
Legal aid groups seek private donors as the Indiana Supreme Court requests $500,000 more for indigent representation from the Legislature.
First Coalition for Court Access meeting Wednesday
The Coalition for Court Access, created in May to coordinate Indiana Supreme Court programs that involve civil legal aid, will have its inaugural meeting Wednesday.
ABA commission sees need for ‘regulatory innovations’ in legal profession
Finding the need for legal services among the poor and moderate-income greater than legal aid and pro bono can satisfy, an American Bar Association commission is advocating for the consideration of “regulatory innovations” which include non-lawyer ownership of legal service providers.
Lawyers logging more pro bono hours, survey finds
Lawyers are making more time for pro bono work, according to a recent survey of lawyers by Robert Half Legal. Despite busy schedules and increasing caseloads, 30 percent reported donating more than 80 pro bono hours each year.
Local Rule 87 FAQ
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana has adopted a new pro bono rule which gives the judges the option of assigning cases to attorneys. Here are some frequently asked questions about the rule.