Southern Indiana Law Blog

The Indiana House of Delegates debated a proposal to create an Indiana  state bar directory of specialist attorneys who have met the requirements for such specialties.    There are both national certifying agencies and Indiana based lawyer certification agencies.    The proposal would list those attorneys certified by the ISBA sponsored accrediting agencies as specialists, but not those certified by national organizations.    The resolution failed. 

The House of Delegates considered and approved  two resolutions which support a child's right to counsel in all stages of juvenile proceedings and would preclude a child from waiving this right without consultation with an attorney.

Joseph O'Connor provided the ABA report to the House of Delegates.     Jim Dimos, the incoming Vice President of the ISBA,  is currently serving on the ABA Board of Governors.    The ABA continues to have concerns about access to the courts, including adequate funding and securing the right to counsel.     Both the ABA and ISBA are focusing on the need for civic education programs.  

Several local lawyers, including Todd Spurgeon, Mark Robinson, Aaron Johnson, Robert Houston, Mary Fondrisi,  and Derrick Wilson attended the State Bar's Annual Meeting in French Lick.     Chief Justice Shepard discussed recent court developments, including concerns about the impact of  budget cuts on the judiciary; developing a larger base of court interpreters; creating case managers for mortgage foreclosure cases; and expansion of the Odyssey Case Management system.   All traffic ticket issues are now being sent electronically to the BMV. 

The state bar recognized the Young Lawyer's Section for exceptional service to the bar which also lead the section to receive an award from the American Bar Association.    Aaron Johnson is currently on the Young Lawyer's Section council.   

      Recently, our very own Derrick Wilson was highlighted in the Sept.-Oct. addition of Indiana Lawyer.  Derrick, who is very technilogically savvy, was interviewed about using his mobile device in his practice.  Derrick uses his mobile "Apps" for everything from researching Indiana law, to dictation, to remotely accessing client's files saved on his computer.  Although a smartphone can be very useful when on the go, Derrick will be the first to tell you that using your phone in your practice does carry with it some risk.  Security is a major concern considering the type of information you are able to access from your mobile device, and it should be taken seriously.  Trust when I say "there is an app for that" as well.  Personally, I use Lookout for all my security needs which can be downloaded for free.   It allows you to back up your device onto your online account, scan your phone for viruses while downloading, remotely locking your phone in case it is stolen, or if your phone is lost you can "make it scream" so you are able to locate it.   Derrick will be giving a seminar at the annual ISBA meeting this month in French Lick about technology and the practice of law.

      I would like to know if anyone else has any "Apps" they have found to be useful or unuseful?  Any specifically directed at the practice of law?