Features

By Ruth Reichard, Education Attorney | Office of Court Services Court employees are vital workers. You’ve probably always known this, but never has this fact been more apparent. The public expects courts to be fully open and operating whether there is a pandemic or not, and court staff around the state have been crucial to ensuring the continuity of operations. The good news is that you are not alone. Your colleagues … [Read more...] about Vital Resources for Vital Workers

Compiled by Amanda Wishin, Staff Attorney | Office of Court Services It was a long and interesting legislative session this year with a focus on dealing with novel issues raised in the last year by COVID-19. The following are the top changes of interest for judicial officers: COVID-19 immunity Several bills granted civil immunity related to COVID-19. For contracting COVID-19 and products liability for COVID-19 … [Read more...] about Legislative Update

By the Office of Communication, Education & Outreach Noble County Chief Probation Officer Stacey Beam and Bartholomew County Chief Probation Officer Brad Barnes have been named to “The Order of Augustus” by the Probation Officers Advisory Board of the Judicial Conference of Indiana. Beam received the 2020 award; Barnes received the 2021 award. The awards were presented virtually during the Justice Services Con … [Read more...] about 2020 & 2021 Order of the Augustus Award Winners

By Marilyn Smith and Judge Martha Blood Wentworth | Republished, courtesy of the Indiana Bar Foundation What are your retirement plans? Perhaps hitting the road, sunning on a beach, concentrating on a hobby, or just having more time to be with friends, family, and your wonderful grandchildren. Post-COVID, however, you may now picture your retirement to include something new: dusting off a corner of your legal … [Read more...] about Pro Bono Publico License: Being of Service in Retirement

By David Kuhnz, Staff Attorney | Office of Communication, Education & Outreach With a national spotlight on the importance of equity and inclusion, the legal community is among those entities taking a hard look at its own practices. The Indiana State Bar Association has been moved to effectuate change, inspire action, and take decisive steps to communicate and listen to the experiences of others. One such call to … [Read more...] about Open Conversations: Racism and Racial Injustice