Solo leader: Tom Hamer’s practice path leads to presidency of ITLA
New Indiana Trial Lawyers Association President Tom Hamer talks shop and gives a preview of his plans for leading the state's plaintiffs bar.
Solo and small firm
Articles
DNA testing developing, strengthening wrongful conviction cases
The science of DNA testing is evolving, and that’s a good thing for wrongful conviction reform advocates like Fran Watson. She talked about the changes Friday before a session of the Indiana State Bar Association Solo/Small Firm Conference in French Lick.
Supreme Court justices become ‘potential jurors’ at ISBA panel
The tables were turned on the Indiana Supreme Court justices Friday morning. Instead of being the ones to ask the questions, the five justices were treated as potential jurors during a panel discussion at the Indiana State Bar Association Solo/Small Firm Conference in French Lick.
Tough transition: Young lawyers say early struggles lead to attorney growth
A recent survey of young Florida attorneys found that roughly 58 percent say the practice of law has become “less desirable” to them as their years in practice have increased. But facing difficulties doesn’t mean the next generation of Indiana lawyers are preparing to switch careers. Rather, they say the struggles they encountered, though painful at the time, have improved their skills as client advocates.
Survey: Global legal profession “rife” with bullying, sexual harassment
The legal profession has a problem, according to the International Bar Association. The largest survey of its kind found sexual harassment and bullying endemic in the legal profession in the United States and around the world.
General counsel call law firms to action on diversity
Across the country, in-house counsel attorneys are taking steps to put their money where their mouth is — literally — when it comes to diversity in the legal profession.
Named partner files to dissolve divorce firm Hollingsworth & Zivitz
A failed mediation attempt has led to court proceedings to dissolve a prominent Indianapolis-area divorce law firm. Kena Hollingsworth of Hollingsworth & Zivitz, P.C., filed a petition for dissolution of her Carmel firm in Kena S. Hollingsworth v. Hollingsworth & Zivitz, P.C., and Christina M. Zivitz, 29D02-1904-PL-003832, writing that a “deadlock” exists between her and partner Christina Zivitz over the management of the firm.
Many law firm merger calls, little interest
Indiana law firms are absent from a record year of deals, but many are growing through lateral hires or picking up entire practice groups.
‘Last major hurdles’ cleared in ISBA health plan
In a unanimous decision, the Indiana State Bar Association board of directors has approved the key pieces needed to establish the association’s new health insurance plan for members.
ISBA preparing to roll out health insurance for members
A novel new health insurance program is touted by the Indiana State Bar Association as providing better coverage at lower cost, particularly for solo practitioners and small law firms.
Memorial service to honor Indianapolis attorney Patrick
A memorial gathering for Michael Fuess Secord Patrick will take place Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan Washington Park North. A memorial service will follow.
Indianapolis attorney Patrick dies in car crash
An Indianapolis attorney who spent several years in Tokyo before relocating to the Circle City to practice law died Sunday in a vehicle crash. Michael F.S. Patrick was 46.
Web Exclusive: Women lawyers find freedom owning law firms
Indianapolis attorney Yasmin Stump is among women lawyers who made a change to regain control over the time she spent in the workplace and become the ultimate decision maker in their careers. Stump and others chose to take a risk and open her their practices.
Report: Law firms fail at collecting client satisfaction feedback
According to a new report, only 4 percent of nearly 2,000 lawyers surveyed regularly collect formal client feedback in the form of surveys, interviews, etc., to measure client satisfaction. The dearth of law firm client satisfaction data complicates business development and referral prospects.
Real estate attorney Barbara Wolenty dies at 62
Longtime Indianapolis real estate development attorney Barbara A. Wolenty is being remembered as a talented but tough dealmaker, spirited and gifted friend, well-regarded adviser and beloved mother and wife. Wolenty died Oct. 2 at age 62 after battling cancer.
Improving legal representation for the indigent
Nearly two years after a national organization released a report that was highly critical of Indiana’s public defense system, a statewide task force has issued a report of its own that lays out the issues hindering Hoosier defendants’ access to counsel and makes recommendations for improvement.
COA affirms ruling for lawyer on legal malpractice claim
The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment for a Bloomington lawyer accused of legal malpractice, finding the evidence negated the proximate cause element of the claim.
Fighting fear, stigma of impairment due to mental health issues
Legal employers interested in helping colleagues impaired by issues such as substance abuse, depression or cognitive degeneration now have a versatile toolkit they can customize to meet the needs of their attorney and the organization.
IU McKinney 3L charts rare path: Going solo after graduation
Many law school students graduate with the goal of joining a well-established firm and securing a steady income as soon as possible. But Erika Bryant is among those who would rather take a risk on themselves.
Attorneys must be mindful of how they discard digital technology
Just as an attorney would shred outdated paper documents, contacts stored in a cellphone and files on a hard drive must be kept private when the old devices are discarded.