Your ISBA sections and committees are busy providing CLE and resources, planning events, and helping push the profession forward. Check in and see what they’ve been up to. If you have any section and/or committee updates you would like to share, send an email to Abigail Hopf at ahopf@inbar.org.

Section and Committee Leaders Meet for First Quarterly Chair Meeting

Section and committee chairs were invited to the first of a series of quarterly chair meetings this January. Designed as a continuation from the Section & Committee Leadership Orientation new leaders attend at the Annual Summit, these quarterly meetings bring chairs together to collaborate, learn with staff, and establish a dense support network of leaders. “Our hope is that by bringing folks together each quarter,” Executive Director Joe Skeel said, “we all can learn from our shared successes and our shared failures.”

This first meeting focused largely on the communication channels sections and committees have at their disposal to connect both with their members and with the ISBA membership at large. These include channels like Inbar Connect, Res Gestae, Community Corner Blog, Addendum, and the ISBA’s various social media platforms. Chairs also looked at best practices for promoting CLE and other events.

Leaders will continue meeting throughout the year to share ideas, brainstorm solutions to challenges, and connect with each other.

Sponsoring the Future of the Profession

Each year, ISBA sections sponsor various ISBA and community-driven programs across the state. These include the Indiana Bar Foundation’s general civics education fund, We the People, Mock Trial, and the Mock Trial Diversity Initiative, as well as ISBA events like the Leadership Development Academy (LDA) or the Solo & Small Firm Conference (SSFC).

Section sponsorships of these programs are a huge help in improving civic education for Hoosiers and in supporting Indiana’s community of legal professionals. We want to give a big thank you to all the sections who’ve elected to sponsor or donate to these projects recently:

• Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Section: donated $500 to We the People and $500 to the Indiana Bar Foundation’s general civics education fund
• Criminal Justice Section: donated $1,000 to sponsor LDA and $723 to sponsor a scholarship for the 2023 SSFC
• General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section: donated $4,000 to sponsor We the People and $1,600 to sponsor LDA
• Utility Law Section: donated $3,000 to sponsor We the People and $1,600 to sponsor LDA

A New Connection Opportunity: Introducing the Associate Empowerment Series and In-House Counsel Empowerment Series

Sections and committees provide multiple opportunities for members to connect with others in their practice area or who share similar interests. To further refine those connection opportunities and build an even stronger support network, the ISBA is introducing two new cohort programs. These cohorts bring together an intimate group of ISBA members with similar careers, challenges, and goals in one place where they can share advice, develop new strategies for success, and build a close-knit network of support.

The Associate Empowerment Series is a cohort of 20 midlevel and senior women associates, developed with the support of the Indianapolis Women’s Empowerment Network (I-WEN). The 20 members gather virtually throughout the year to learn from each other, brainstorm solutions to common challenges, and help position each other for success. You can meet the inaugural members here »

The In-House Counsel Empowerment Series is still accepting applications. This cohort brings together in-house counsel from across the state for four in-person sessions centered around communicating effectively, leading a team towards a unified goal, and being a more strategic partner. Members will also develop a strong professional support network, find new accountability partners, and walk away with a personal strategic plan. You can learn more and register here »

Uniting Solo and Small Firm Attorneys

The General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section has been busy the past couple of months. The section hosted a CLE and holiday party for members in December, with a presentation by Mark Nicholson on establishing and maintaining successful relationships with clients. Members also banded together to donate hats, gloves, and coats to Hamilton County Coats for Kids.

The section has also opened nominations for the General Practice Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to an outstanding member of the legal profession whose career has served as a model for lawyers in the general, solo, and small firm practice of law. The attorney must exhibit, through their practice, the highest standards of ethics and professional competency, with selection criteria emphasizing a high level of service to clients, the profession, and the community. Nominees must be ISBA members but do not have to be members of the section. Learn more and/or nominate »

The annual Solo & Small Firm Conference is also quickly approaching. As a preview of what content will be presented this year, all practitioners are invited to a teaser CLE for free. Mike Mooney will look at the most commonly overlooked gaps in lawyer’s liability coverage and provide ways to help mitigate claims before they arise. His presentation will be followed by an IndianaDocs demo and Q&A. Learn more and register »

Welcoming the 11th Class of New Leaders

Class 11 of the Leadership Development Academy is off with a bang! The LDA Committee selected 25 members to join the 11th class of the program, with members ranging from South Bend to Evansville, from mid-career to fresh out of law school. Meet the members of Class 11 »

The class’s first session was held at Fort Harrison State Park in January. Members spent the weekend getting to know each other and their personal strengths (and struggling to build a paper tower) under the guidance of presenters Tiffany Lemons and Catherine Matthews. The class also visited former Indiana Supreme Court Justice and Professor Frank Sullivan at his home for an introductory dinner, and heard from Justice Mark Massa on the importance of being balanced leaders in a current culture of contempt and political division. The class will convene later this month at the Indiana Statehouse to meet with legislators and political leaders. 

Expanding the Reach of Pro Bono

The Pro Bono Committee held their first in-person Pro Bono Clinic this weekend. In efforts to expand access to attorneys and legal advice, the committee partnered with One More Non-Profit to host a series of in-person clinics throughout the year. The first one, held at The Haverstick, focused on supporting local community members with expungements, landlord-tenant issues, and immigration. Five volunteers were able to help over a dozen members of the public throughout the clinic. The next is planned for April. If you’re interested in volunteering or getting involved with the committee’s pro bono efforts, email Kim Latimore-Martin at klatimore-martin@inbar.org.

Registration Is Now Open for the 21st Women’s Bench Bar Retreat

The Women in the Law Committee invites you to register for the Women’s Bench Bar Retreat this March. The annual retreat brings together women attorneys and judges from across the state for a weekend of education, community-building, and fun. This year, it’s time to “ante up” for the event’s 21st anniversary, with CLE covering topics like criminal and family law, ethics, and lawyers running for office, as well as several social events designed to bridge the gap between Indiana’s bench and bar. The retreat will be held at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana on March 10-12. You can register here »

Or learn more about the history of the Women’s Bench Bar Retreat »

On-Demand CLE Added to the ISBA Library

The following sections and committees added virtual CLE to the ISBA’s on-demand library. Missed the CLE in action, or still missing hours for 2022? Check them out!

• Law Practice Management Committee—Hiring for the Long Term: Best Practices for Hiring and Managing Lawyers and Legal Staff. View CLE »
• General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section—Attorney-Client Relations: The Feel-Good and the No-Good. View CLE »

Sections Sponsor Student Etiquette Dinners

In the past, ISBA has partnered with all three law schools to offer an etiquette dinner and networking event for law students, where students can both learn proper etiquette skills and connect with Indiana attorneys. After several successful events, Notre Dame Law School asked to partner on an etiquette dinner for all their 1Ls during their orientation week. And with support from various ISBA sections and volunteers, we took on the challenge. Over 150 students attended the event in August, joined by over 20 ISBA volunteers. They learned the ins and outs of etiquette—from which fork to use when, to how to pass bread around a table, and all the other anxiety-inducing questions that come with a first professional networking and dining experience. Students were also able to meet ISBA members, talk about the field, get advice, and learn from the people who were once in their shoes. View photos from the event >>

We couldn’t have had such a successful event without help from all the sections who sponsored and volunteered:

• Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights
• Elder Law Section
• Environmental Law Section
• Family & Juvenile Law Section
• General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Section
• Health Law Section
• Litigation Section
• Probate, Trust & Real Property (PTRP) Section
• Utility Law Section
• Young Lawyers Section

Family & Juvenile Law Section Gives Gale M. Phelps Award

The Family Law Section awards the Gale M. Phelps Award to an attorney who has demonstrated exceptional service and contribution to the family law legal community and who has worked diligently to elevate the standard of professionalism in the field. This year, the well-deserved winner was Kris Costa-Sakelaris. Kris graduated from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, then earned her Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University in 1992. She has worked as a probation officer and court administrator, a Magistrate with Lake County Superior Court, Civil and Family Decision, and an Executive Director of the Hammond Legal Aid Clinic. She has also served on several nonprofit boards, including the Board of Directors of Haven House (a domestic violence victims’ shelter in Hammond) and the Board of Directors of the Hammond Academy for Science and Technology. Kris was presented the award at a reception in Crown Point this September.

Latino Affairs Committee Sponsors Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

The Latino Affairs Committee has partnered with the United States District Court, Bankruptcy Court, and Probation Office for the Southern District of Indiana for the sixth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. The event brings together some of the important Hispanic figures in the state and works to educate the public and Indiana’s legal profession about Hispanic culture and the challenges facing Hispanic communities in Indiana. This year, the keynote speaker is Hon. Mario Garcia, Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, and the first Hispanic judge appointed to the court. Judge Garcia will discuss his family, his professional background, and how his life experiences—and those of his ancestors—led him to the bench. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and learn more about Hispanic representation in Indiana’s bench and bar. Learn more about the program >>

LDA Committee Opens Applications for Class 11

The Leadership Development Academy has opened applications for Class 11 of the program. Applications will be accepted until November 1, 2022.

Open to legal professionals within 5-15 years of practice, LDA prepares the next generation of leaders among Indiana’s legal professionals. The program helps participants identify their skillsets, develop their own leadership strategy, build a network of support, and leave an impact on their community. Class members travel across the state over 5 sessions, meeting government and local leaders, learning about Indiana’s unique needs, and putting their leadership skills to the test. If you or anyone you know may be interested, please visit www.inbar.org/LDA to learn more. If you have any questions, please email Kristin Owens at kowens@inbar.org.

Read Q&A with Andrew Teel (LDA Class 3) on the program >>

Apply for Class 11 >>

MVAC To Present at Battlemind to Home Summit

Military & Veterans’ Affairs Committee members will be presenting at the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University’s Battlemind to Home Summit this November. The summit begins on November 14, with a three-hour CLE that qualifies for mandatory education credits in VA Law as required by the VA Office of General Counsel for acquiring and maintaining VA representative accreditation. MVAC members will be presenting in the summit’s legal track, as well, including topics on evictions, benefits, guardianship, and LGBTQ+ issues impacting military veterans and their families. Learn more about Battlemind to Home >>

Tax Section Awards Scholarship

The Tax Section annually awards a scholarship to a law student intending to practice tax law in the state, in the hopes of facilitating and encouraging students to enter the practice and become active members of the section. This year, they awarded $1,500 to 3L Franklin Hunt-Gonzalez. Franklin is a student at Maurer, who became interested in tax law after taking a research course and working on hypothetical cases. “I adjusted to this type of work more intuitively,” he wrote, “as it felt like I was working for a real client and not breaking down a more abstract academic principle….With the general public’s fear or misunderstanding of many financial issues involving the IRS, I’d like to do my part to help clients walk through what can be an intimidating period of their lives.”

Franklin worked at the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic in Bloomington this summer, and plans to look for permanent placement at a firm following graduation next year. “I am so pleased to see Franklin dive deeper in his pursuit of his tax law interests,” wrote one of his professors in a letter of recommendation for the scholarship. “His course selections, extracurricular activities, and employment experiences are shaping him into a fine young attorney-in-the-making.”

ULS Successfully Hosts In-Person Seminar

The Utility Law Section hosted their annual fall seminar this month and saw a return to pre-COVID attendance numbers. The two-day event took place in Bloomington and focused primarily on connecting section members with each other, providing a reception and ample opportunity for networking and socializing. ULS also brought in high-quality and engaging speakers—including national speaker Stuart Teicher—and made sure the CLE covered timely topics that members were interested in, like legal writing and the ethics of working remotely. In a time where the event world is in constant flux, the seminar showed that in-person events could still be successful, as long as the opportunity to connect and the chance to learn relevant topics are there.

Well-Being Committee Creates Resource Repository

If you’ve ever wanted a one-stop-shop for well-being resources in the legal field, the Well-Being Committee has just granted your wish. As part of their mission to support and inspire a culture shift in the profession, the committee compiled a webpage of important and timely well-being resources for ISBA members. Learn about well-being in general, see what work is being done across the state, get a bird’s eye view of organizations and groups active in the field, and keep on top of key articles, CLE, and events that may help your well-being practice. The committee updates the page monthly, as new articles and resources are released. Check out “Well-Being for legal professionals” >>

Using Our Voice to Make a Difference – Animal Law Section

Animal Law took an active role in this year’s General Assembly by providing testimony and getting a bill passed. HB1248 prohibited direct public contact with big cats and bears, a huge step forward in conservation efforts and in preventing attractions like Tim Stark’s Wildlife in Need. To ensure the bill would pass, the members of the section came together to provide testimony to the House Committee on Natural Resources. “We believe that this bill will go a long way in protecting public safety and enhancing animal welfare in Indiana,” they wrote. “As the bill moves forward, we hope that you will see the Animal Law Section as a resource for information on the laws and regulations affecting animals.” The bill moved through the House and to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, where the section once again submitted testimony in favor of the bill. Their hard work paid off. The bill passed through both committees, and, on March 11, was signed into law. It takes effect July 1 of this year.

The section has been busy in other areas, as well. Members completed their newsletter, full of legislative updates and a look at “ag-gag” laws. They partnered with APABA to put on a CLE for the association’s Annual Lunar New Year CLE. And they are working with a student member to start a chapter of the Animal Legal Defense Fund at IUPUI (to further animal law and to provide support to local law students).

An Evening with Appellate Judges – Appellate Practice Section

A full house, a full day, and stellar presenters – that was Appellate’s Evening with the Appellate Judges and CLE. The section typically puts together the event – where Indiana litigators can meet and connect with members of Indiana’s Court of Appeals – every year, but this was the first year since the pandemic that members could get together. The event started with a full day of programming on state constitutional law led by seasoned experts like Chief Justice Rush and Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the U.S. Court of Appeals. Then, that evening, attorneys met for a reception and dinner at Indy’s Skyline Club with judges and justices. It was a return full of connections, reconnections, and community-building – perfect after a couple years of isolation.  View photos from the event >>

Updating the ISBA’s Goals – Diversity Committee

The Diversity Committee researched, wrote, and proposed an updated diversity position statement for the ISBA at the April Board of Governors meeting. The board tasked the committee with writing a new position as one of the goals under ISBA’s strategic plan. A subcommittee of members met to analyze the previous statement, consider other associations’ statements, and draft one that matched the ISBA’s goals. They proposed their drafted statement at the April meeting, and, after a round of revision, the following was adopted:

The Indiana State Bar Association (ISBA) will integrate diverse perspectives into all aspects of its activities and into the fabric of the legal profession of this state. ISBA, engaging with lawyers and others within the legal profession from all backgrounds, strives to build a diverse pipeline to the legal profession, and to inform the broader legal community about issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. The ISBA takes affirmative steps to eliminate bias and enhance diversity to ensure that members of all backgrounds, identities, and circumstances are included in every level of the organization. This commitment is not only essential to the pursuit of our mission “to improve the administration of justice and promote public understanding of the legal system,” but it also strengthens our ability to address all of our members’ needs and the needs of those the ISBA's members serve and represent in our respective communities.

Helping Where We Can – Elder Law Section

This month, as part of its mission to disseminate information and promote the health, welfare, and financial security of elder citizens in Indiana, the Elder Law Section will be volunteering at various Area Agencies on Aging across the state. The section reached out these AAAs to see if there was any interest in attorneys giving presentations to their members. They more than met the AAAs’ need and throughout the entire month of May will have members presenting in all corners of the state – from northwest in Crown Point to down in New Albany, with several stops in-between. A perfect way to both honor Older Americans Month and provide important information to an underserviced population.

Summer Socials and Member Connections – Family & Juvenile Law Section

Joining Appellate in a return to pre-COVID events is Family Law’s summer social. The section invites members for a chance to connect with new members, visit old friends, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of a quickly approaching summer. There will be wine, live music, and several opportunities to socialize with the section. Both current and prospective members who want to learn more about the section are invited to attend.  Register on the ISBA website >>

SSFC: The Biggest Solo & Small Firm Conference in the State – General Practice, Solo & Small Firm

The 20th annual Solo & Small Firm Conference is quickly approaching. But more than just providing CLE, the conference brings attorneys together. It provides statewide connections, opportunities to further develop your craft, and a chance to make friends, find mentors, and really become a member of the state’s collection of solo and small firm attorneys. As such, we want to give a huge thank you to the ISBA sections who sponsored a scholarship for this year’s conference, giving attorneys a chance to become part of this community:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights
• Criminal Justice
• Elder Law
• Employment, Labor & Benefits Law
• Family & Juvenile Law
• General Practice, Solo & Small Firm
• Litigation
• Probate, Trust & Real Property
• Young Lawyers

And if you haven’t registered already, be sure to save your seat. The planning committee has brought in three keynote speakers: Justice Steven David (who will be reflecting on his past and providing hints for attorneys as they race into the future), Lisa Mitchell (who will discuss how to have winning conversations with clients), and Samuel R. Ardery (who will share his story of alcoholism, the price it exacted, and the recovery that saved his life, family, and career).  Register for the conference >>

Encouraging the Next Generation – Taxation Section

The Tax Section will be awarding a $1,000 scholarship this year to an Indiana law student intending to practice tax law in the state. The section typically sponsors the award annually in the hopes of encouraging students to practice tax law and to stay in the state (with an added bonus of encouraging active participation in the section). Last year’s scholarship winner, Andrew Philip Nguyen, held an interest in business law and transactional dealings. He used the scholarship to fund tuition and books at Maurer School of Law, and he will be completing a work opportunity at Barnes & Thornburg this summer. This year’s winner will be selected shortly. This is an excellent opportunity for an ISBA section to showcase support for Indiana law students, foster relationships and mentorships within a section, and encourage law students to continue working in Indiana’s legal profession after graduation.

A Deep Dive into Practice Specific Programming – Utility Law Section

ULS held its annual Spring Seminar in April, providing practical advice and takeaways for the electric, communications, consumer, water, and natural gas industries. Each year, the section offers two seminars – one in the spring and one in the fall – that provide practice-specific CLE and update members on the direction the industry is heading. Over 100 ULS members attended this year’s Spring Seminar. And the event, on top of offering 7 hrs. CLE/2 hrs. Ethics and pragmatic practice tips, was a great opportunity to meet and network with other seasoned regulatory law professionals in the state.  View photos from the event >>

Re-Evaluating Our Mission – Well-Being Committee

The Wellness Committee has undergone a name change! ISBA’s Board of Governors accepted the committee’s proposed name and purpose statement change at their April meeting, changing “Wellness” Committee to “Well-Being” Committee. Their new purpose statement now reads: “The Well-Being Committee believes healthy and positive lifestyles are vital to the practice of law. This committee supports and inspires a culture shift by advocating for the importance of physical and mental well-being, personal growth, career satisfaction, and community involvement.” The change follows a shift in the field and a movement to supporting both physical and mental health. “Wellness” as it is now perceived defines physical health. “Well-being,” on the other hand, is more encompassing; it refers to mental health, career satisfaction, community engagement, etc., on top of a healthy lifestyle. This shift better reflects the work the committee wants to do moving forward.

And one of the first steps in pursuit of their new purpose statement was the committee’s prep for Well-Being Week in Law. The national celebration of all dimensions of well-being is held the first week of May every year, with each day honoring a different subset of well-being (e.g., physical, social, emotional, etc.). The committee put together resources from partner programs, ISBA, and the Institute for Well-Being in Law for each day of the week, and correlated resources for ISBA’s social media channels.  Access well-being resources >>

How to Make Connections When We’re Stretched Across the State and Coming Out of a Pandemic – Young Lawyers Section

The Young Lawyers Section has put together their second cohort for the Young Lawyers Networking and Mentorship Initiative. The program was developed in the middle of the pandemic to provide a way for “developing lawyers” (whether that be a newly admitted lawyer, someone experiencing a mid-life career change, or a more experienced attorney who’s entering a new practice area) to connect with each other and with a seasoned professional who serves as a mentor. Each cohort is broken down into several small groups, each with four or five young lawyers and one group leader to serve as a mentor. Throughout the program, the groups meet monthly – both in a small group and in an assembly-wide meeting – for resources and themed presentations by expert speakers. The group then gets a built-in support network to discuss challenges they are facing, brainstorm solutions, make connections across the state, and get advice from an established mentor. Over 40 people have signed up for this year’s program, with a variety of practice fields and interests. They’ll be meeting over the next few months and making connections with each other.