Indiana State Bar Association

The annual Sisters in the Law social was held yesterday at Ripple and Company. Over the evening, attendees enjoyed appetizers and drinks, shared lots of laughs, celebrated achievements, and forged new connections. Many thanks to the Women in the Law Committee for organizing this event every year and to all those who participated!

The Courthouse Art Project started almost 20 years ago. Since then, we have had the honor of collecting artwork of all mediums from different artists, ensuring our collection is diverse. Thank you, Indiana Lawyer, for taking the time to shed some light on this initiative. Read more from the article at the link below.

Art project aims to feature all 92 Indiana courthouses - The Indiana Lawyer After almost a decade in the making, the finish line is in sight for a courthouse art project that covers all 92 Indiana counties.

Our ISBA sections and committees have been busy! Learn about recent projects like the Well-Being Committee's team for the Out of Darkness Community Walk, the new leadership cycle, and more. https://www.inbar.org/blogpost/1981821/503257/Around-the-Corner-ISBA-Sections--Committees-in-Action

ISBA's Agricultural Law Section got a sneak peek of the Indiana State Fairgrounds earlier this week during their summer social. Special guests Cynthia Hoyle, Ted McKinney, Don Lamb, Katie Nelson, Gary Haynes, and Sarah Simpson met with attendees as they toured the new Fall Creek Pavilion, explored the grounds, and got a sneak peek at the State Fair.

Last week, our Senior Lawyers Section members met for a CLE on preparing for life after retirement, featuring Terry Harrell and Kevin McGoff as keynote speakers. Afterwards, members enjoyed a delightful dinner while basking in the beautiful sunset and live music at Symphony on the Prairie.

We take great pride in the recognition of our members for their exceptional contributions. The recent unveiling of the Indiana 250 by the Indianapolis Business Journal showcases the most influential and impactful leaders in the state, including numerous members of the ISBA.

Congratulations and job well done to those who made the list. We applaud your hard work and dedication. Please congratulate the following ISBA member honorees with us, pulled from the Indiana 250 Law list: Hon. Sarah Evans Barker, Brian Bosma, John Hammond III, Jimmie McMillian, Kathy Osborn, Dean Karen Bravo, Andy Detherage, Michael Millikan, Hon. Loretta Rush, Keith Bice, Meg Christensen, Trisha Dudlo-McCracken, Hon. Tanya Walton Pratt, Marisol Sanchez, Dean Marcus Cole, and Dean Christiana Ochoa. 👏

The wait is finally over! Discover who was named to IBJ Media's list of the 250 most influential business leaders in Indiana. Check out the full list and learn more about these exceptional leaders now at Indiana250.com!

ISBA's Family & Juvenile Law Section had a fantastic time at Spencer Farm Winery during their summer social event! Thank you to everyone who came out for the wine tasting, hors d'ouevres, and camaraderie.

Our ISBA sections and committees have been busy! Learn about the Family Law Gale M. Phelps and GP Hall of Fame awards, the Tax Section's three scholarship winners, the 2024 Solo & Small Firm Conference, and more. https://www.inbar.org/blogpost/1981821/502279/Around-the-Corner-ISBA-Sections--Committees-in-Action

On Saturday, June 8, the ISBA Pro Bono Committee and One More will be hosting a free legal clinic at The Haverstick in Indianapolis.

Attorneys will be available on-site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist with questions on expungements, immigration, landlord-tenant issues, and other legal matters.

If you are unable to make it to this clinic, be sure to save the dates for the upcoming clinics on August 10 and September 28.

The 2024 ISBA Solo & Small Firm Conference wrapped up this weekend in French Lick. We were honored to welcome so many of Indiana’s solo and small firm attorneys—many of whom only see each other in person at this conference.

We had a great few days full of amazing speakers, meetings with solution providers, connection opportunities, pool parties and golf outings, and more.

Thank you to everyone who attended, the ISBA GP, Solo & Small Firm Section and the SSFC Planning Committee, and the sponsors who made this year’s conference possible.

We’ll see you next year, June 5 - 7!

Congratulations to Patrick Olmstead, of Patrick Olmstead Law LLC in Greenwood, for winning the 2024 GP Hall of Fame Award at this year’s ISBA Solo & Small Firm Conference!

Patrick was recognized for his tenacity, dedication, and mentorship to other attorneys.

Member Perk Alert! Don’t miss out on your exclusive 34% discount on an Indiana Lawyer. Get unlimited digital access to all articles and archives, bi-weekly delivery of the Indiana Lawyer newspaper, 20% discount on Indiana Lawyer event tickets, and much more! Renew or subscribe at the ISBA discounted rate here: https://buff.ly/4af73vW.

Congratulations to Class 12 of the Leadership Development Academy! Class 12 spent the last few days in Evansville - talking with Justice Molter, watching the Evansville Otters play in the country’s third oldest baseball stadium, learning from the city’s leaders (including Mayor Terry, Phil Smith, Sarah Dauer, Dominic Poggi, and Judge Shively), meeting with the Evansville Bar Association and Foundation, touring Berry Global, and graduating from the Leadership Development Academy.

Please join us in congratulating our newest LDA alumni!

Earlier this week, ISBA's Appellate Practice Section hosted an engaging CLE event where attendees were able to contribute to recommendations for the Indiana Supreme Court Rules Committee. After the insightful discussions, everyone enjoyed a meal and made connections throughout the evening with Indiana's judiciaries. Special thanks to the sponsors and esteemed members of the judiciary who played a vital role in making this evening a success!

The ISBA Employment, Labor & Benefits Law Section invited attendees to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway last week to watch the Sonsio Grand Prix qualifications and catch up on the latest developments in employment law. Noted speakers Robert Dignam, Matthew Doss, and Jimmie McMillian spent the morning discussing mediation skills, ethical guidance, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Then, attendees visited the pits, enjoyed lunch, and watched the qualifications in action. 🏁

Congratulations to Indiana's newest batch of attorneys admitted in today's ceremony!

Justin Forkner, Chief Administration Officer for the Indiana Supreme Court said, "There is no one way to make a difference in the practice of law. There is only the path you choose. Have faith in that choice. Never let anyone make you believe your path can't lead to greatness or that you're not good enough to walk it."

Adrienne Rines Hammond, the ISBA Young Lawyers Section chair said, "Together, our members advocate for the profession, build professional connections, and enhance our legal skills. We can help you bridge the gap from law school to law practice. "

Welcome to the bar!

Class 12 convened at Muscatatuck Training Center last week for a truly unforgettable LDA experience. The session included insightful presentations from Justice David, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Spencer, and Judge Granger. Participants delved into the topic of effective leadership during challenging circumstances, exploring programs like Indiana's veterans' treatment courts.

Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the distinct atmosphere of MUTC, engaging in activities ranging from a paintball fight to a guided evening tour of a historic hospital. The diverse array of experiences offered something for everyone. Thank you to Waldron Tate Bowen Land LLC, for sponsoring this very intense paintball fight.

The countdown to session five in Evansville next month has begun!

Earlier this week, the etiquette dinner organized jointly by the ISBA and Indiana University - Maurer School of Law, was met with cheerful faces from all attendees. These future legal professionals had a fun night dressing to impress and being able to enjoy a multi-course meal with attorneys representing different areas of practice. It provided a valuable networking opportunity for students as well as insight into professional expectations in a dinner setting with clients and fellow legal professionals.

ISBA presented the Conversation with a Federal Judiciary CLE, where Judge James Sweeney moderated a panel of judges, including Judge Holly Brady, Judge Cristal Brisco, Judge Michael G. Gotsch, Judge Gretchen Lund, and Judge Kendra Klump. To follow the conversation of rules and expectations in these judges' courtrooms, the Henry Hurst Judicial Assistance Award was presented.

The Hurst Award pays tribute to Henry Hurst, the inaugural federal clerk of the district court of Indiana. Over his nearly two-decade tenure, Henry Hurst demonstrated the significance of having highly skilled court staff supporting the federal judiciary. Recipients of the Hurst Award are continuing his legacy by aiding the federal courts and enhancing justice and efficiency within Indiana's legal system.

Congratulations and job well done to this year's recipient of the Henry Hurst Judicial Assistance Award, Sharon L. Macon!

ISBA was proud to honor members of Indiana’s judiciary at this evening’s Judicial Reception.

We want to give a huge thank you to all of Indiana’s judicial officers—from trial courts to Indiana’s Appellate Court and Supreme Court to the Federal Bench—for the incredible and challenging roles they play in our community.

And thank you to all the law firms and organizations who joined us in celebrating the judiciary. Your sponsorship made this celebration possible.

The ISBA Tax Section and Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Tax Society partnered together to hold a discussion that was simply "Moore" Than Tax regarding the pending Moore v. United States case. The CLE program covered many topics including the potential implications of Section 965 ruling as unconstitutional and U.S. federal income taxation matters.

A huge thank you to the panelists of professors, Erik Jensen, Jennifer Bird-Pollan, and Stephanie R. Hoffer, all of our attendees, and the IU McKinney School of Law. All of whom provided much food for thought and great company.

On Saturday, March 23, the ISBA Pro Bono Committee and One More will be hosting a free, walk-in legal clinic at The Haverstick in Indianapolis.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., lawyers will be available on-site to answer your questions on expungements, immigration, landlord-tenant issues, and more.

Walk-in clinics will be offered throughout the year. So if you are unable to make it, save the date for our upcoming clinics:
- June 8
- August 10
- September 28

Youth First—an Evansville-based organization founded in 1998—has transformed the landscape of youth mental health support in Indiana, impacting the lives of over 52,500 students and their families. Judge Elaine Brown describes the organization’s work and why lawyers and judges should pay attention to its successes in this Community Corner article: https://buff.ly/49Z6Rl6

Last week, LDA Class 12 spent the Ides of March at Caesars Southern Indiana in New Albany (thankfully without the backstabbing). It was a deep dive into the heart of non-profit work, exploring how lawyers can make a difference in their communities. A huge shoutout to Matt Bell, Alex Dudley, Phil Sicuso, and Sara Gonso Tait for sharing their leadership lessons and shedding light on regulations in Indiana's casino industry. Special thanks also goes to Marc Tawfik, Courtney Roberts, Judge Maria Granger, and Adrian Jamieson for sharing their experiences with volunteering for and leading boards and non-profits.

Next month will see Class 12 battling over paintball and exploring the heart of Muscatatuck Urban Training Center.

ISBA members are in Santa Fe this week for the 2024 Women's Bench Bar Retreat. The conference began on Tuesday, with attendees hearing from attorneys and members of the bench. The group has also been exploring the city—with a tour of the New Mexico Supreme court with Justice David Thompson and a sunset hike to the Cross of the Martyrs. More to come!

We hope to see you at this year's ISBA Solo & Small Firm Conference—the largest gathering of solo and small firm practitioners in the state! You'll hear keynotes from Stuart Teicher, Esq. (The CLE Performer), Corine Rogers, and Jimmie McMillian; speed network with solution providers from across the state; and participate in well-being and social activities like a pickleball tournament, golf, and a 5k fun run/walk.

See you in French Lick, May 30 – June 1!

(Interested in a scholarship? Many ISBA sections will pay the registration and lodging fees for one or more of their members to represent them at SSFC. Check out the sections looking for representatives and apply at https://buff.ly/3wz6n6u.)

ISBA members Kendra Key, Paul Sweeney, Stephanie Bibbs, and Holly Wojcik from the Diversity Committee spoke to students at Merrillville High School yesterday as part of their work on Indiana's pipeline and connecting Hoosier students with practicing lawyers.

And that's a wrap on Session Two of LDA!

Leaders—and lawyers—serve when called upon, even when facing crisis situations, self-doubt, or unplanned detours. The class saw this quality in spades this week. From roleplaying as on-the-spot legislators in a mock committee hearing to outlining the elements of an ideal, equitable community (and brainstorming how to get there), the insights shared by Chief Justice Rush, Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, Dr. Lindsay Weaver, and communication experts Jennifer Dzwonar, Rafael Sánchez, and Jim Shella were put into action.

Though we won't see Class 12 until March (when they stop in Corydon and New Albany), we're certain they'll be spending the next few weeks putting these leadership lessons to work in their communities. One step at a time.

Our ISBA sections and committees have been busy! Learn about the Affiliate Membership Committee's award-winning Paralegal Symposium, the Leadership Development Academy's 2024 class, and more. https://www.inbar.org/blogpost/1981821/498039/Around-the-Corner-ISBA-Sections--Committees-in-Action

ISBA leaders and Indiana delegates for the ABA met in Louisville, Kentucky, at the start of this month for the 2024 ABA Midyear Meeting. Delegates included Todd Spurgeon, Steve Hoar, Shontrai Irving, Elliott Hostetter, Mike Jasaitis, Jimmie McMillian, and Melissa Avery. ISBA President Tom Felts and President Elect Mike Jasaitis also participated in the National Conference of Bar Presidents Annual Meeting.