There is no statutory definition of “next friend” in Indiana, but the common law definition is “[an] individual who acts on behalf of another individual who does not have the legal capacity to act on his or her own behalf.” Many states no longer use the term “next friend”, and instead have adopted the term “guardian ad litem."

The IndyBar Professionalism Committee is currently soliciting nominations for the 2019 IndyBar Professionalism Award (attorney) and IndyBar Silver Gavel Award (judge). We'll also present the Unsung Hero Award, given to a lawyer who goes above and beyond the call of duty and exhibits the highest level of commitment to others without the expectation of praise or recognition.

It's finally June, which means the Bench Bar Conference is just under three weeks away! Before we head to French Lick on June 20, check out what we've got going on in Indianapolis. See more IndyBar news and events here.

The latest legal scoop to keep you in the loop: Here are the top five stories from the IndyBar this month.

The IndyBar isn’t just for attorneys. We’re proud to include paralegals in our membership of more than 4,200 legal professionals — with countless benefits and opportunities available to you as a paralegal member and a close-knit network of respected legal professionals, we hope to be your companion throughout your career in Indianapolis.

Bench Bar is good for your brain AND your body! We’ve got an array of fitness activities for you to choose from on Friday morning of the conference. We’ve got an activity to fit nearly every fitness interest and level! Check out the full conference agenda at indybar.org/benchbar.

If it takes a village to raise a child (quite true in my family’s experience), it takes a team to litigate a case or close a transaction. Paralegals are key contributors to a highly-functioning legal services team.

The power of giving is tremendous. Giving transforms the provider as much or more than the recipient. The Indianapolis Bar Foundation is dedicated to providing attorneys the opportunity to give to our community. Our mission is clear: raise money to help those in need in central Indiana.

Everybody loves a local bar, so check out what yours is serving up this week with upcoming IndyBar events and happenings here!

One of my partners told me about the Indiana Appellate Institute moot court program. I had never heard of it but thought it would be a great way to have a “dress rehearsal” for the real thing. I applied, my case was accepted and the moot court was scheduled for about a week before my oral argument.