Indiana Supreme Court establishes new committee for civil legal aid
In an amendment to the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct, the Indiana Supreme Court is revamping its response to civil legal aid.
Pro bono
Articles
Veterans trade in military life to become legal aid attorneys
Polli Pollem is among a trio of Indianapolis attorneys who left the military as officers, went to law school and have since found their way into legal aid. They credit their time in the service with providing them the means to get an undergraduate degree and fostering the desire to pursue a J.D.
Southern District proposes mandatory pro bono
A proposed rule change would for the first time obligate lawyers to provide mandatory pro bono service to litigants in civil cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, the court announced Friday.
COA: Firm entitled to investigatory expenses
A firm who represented an indigent man’s murder case pro bono is entitled to the costs of the investigation of his defense, the Court of Appeals ruled, even though the man pleaded guilty.
Pro Bono: One Attorney, One Big Impact
Darrell has been a solo practitioner for the last 23 years, but he still dedicates many hours each year to pro bono work.
Southern District launches initiative to help pro se litigants
In response to a series of cases remanded from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Southern District of Indiana is attempting to recruit more volunteer attorneys and, in what one observer called a “very progressive” approach, enlist medical professionals to offer expert testimony.
Evansville Bar Association honors firm, professionals at luncheon
The Evansville Bar Association and Volunteer Lawyer Program of SW Indiana recognized pro bono work, legal secretaries and paralegals during their annual joint awards luncheon Wednesday.
Clinic to provide pro bono naturalization services
As many as 60 legal permanent residents will be assisted with naturalization applications Saturday morning by volunteer attorneys from the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic’s Immigrant Justice Program.
Attorneys applauded for representing pro bono clients in federal court
The third annual event in a jury room at the Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Indianapolis was a thank you to all the attorneys who provided pro bono help in 2015 to pro se litigants in either the Civil Trial Assistance Panel or the Mediation Assistance Program.
‘Talk to a Lawyer Today’ statewide event to mark MLK Day
Lawyers throughout the state will donate legal services to underserved people Monday in the Indiana State Bar Association’s “Talk to a Lawyer Today” event, its 15th annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Survey results reveal range in hours of pro bono work performed annually
The pro bono community still believes having attorneys donate their time and professional skills remains a viable method for providing services to low-income individuals and families. But Indiana attorneys overwhelmingly indicate they neither want to be told to volunteer nor be obligated to report their volunteer hours.
Grants boost help for homeowners facing foreclosure
The money is part of the $584,646 the Indiana Bar Foundation received from the Bank of America settlement with the federal government over the bank’s sale, structuring and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities and certain other mortgage loans.
Indiana Bar Foundation celebrates anniversary by awarding grants
At its 65th anniversary celebration dinner Nov. 6, the Indiana Bar Foundation announced more than $1 million in grants to legal aid and pro bono districts, marking the first time the statewide nonprofit had been able to award such a large amount since the economic recession.
$450,000 in court reform grants awarded
The Indiana Supreme Court Monday announced $450,000 in court reform grants awarded to 15 counties, five pro bono districts, and one committee. The grants will help courts better manage an increasing caseload of unrepresented or pro se litigants and improve delivery of court services to litigants not proficient in English.
Judge, 2 lawyers recognized for pro bono work
Three members of the Indiana legal community are being recognized for their efforts to make legal aid available to all Hoosiers.
Patent hub playing matchmaker for inventors, pro bono attorneys
Under a mandate from Congress to help independent inventors, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office started opening patent hubs around the country. The Center for Intellectual Property Research at Indiana University Maurer School of Law will be the hub serving Indiana.
Indy nonprofit, law firm help curb childhood diseases
Lauren Braun has been helping safeguard the health of children in impoverished countries for years. A small band she’s developed could bring those efforts full circle with a pro bono assist from a small band of Indianapolis lawyers.
Indiana attorney registrations due Oct. 1
Indiana attorneys are being reminded to complete the annual attorney registration process and certify their IOLTA status by Oct. 1, 2015. Lawyers who fail to register by the deadline will incur late fees and possible license suspension.
IBF establishes grant program with national settlement funds
The Indiana Bar Foundation has established a new grant program to help residents and their communities heal wounds from the Great Recession.
Bell/Whelan: 3 things to know about amended pro bono reporting rule
Rule 6.7, in effect for a mere four months, was recently amended by a Supreme Court order issued April 30, 2015, and effective immediately. The amendment provides additional clarity on what is expected of Indiana attorneys with respect to reporting pro bono service.