ChatGPT is all anyone can seem to talk about these days, from grandmas to grade schoolers.  That is how you know when a technology has captured the popular zeitgeist. Now, if you haven’t used it yet, or are unfamiliar with it, ChatGPT is what is called a ‘generative AI’ tool, that is rendered in the form of a chatbot.

Dozens of diverse law students from across the country will soon travel to Indianapolis to meet leaders from Indianapolis-area law firms, agencies, courts and businesses for possible future employment and networking at the 16th annual Indianapolis Bar Association (IndyBar) Diversity Job Fair. Indianapolis-area businesses and organizations are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with these skilled, potential team members by participating in the networking events associated with the fair.

The Indianapolis Bar Association recently honored Sara C. Blainbridge of the Indiana Office of Judicial Administration with IndyBar’s 2023 Paralegal of the Year Award. Blainbridge was recognized with the award at the bar’s annual Paralegal Appreciation Luncheon attended by numerous paralegals who were hosted by the attorneys they support with excellence.

Recent artificial intelligence (AI) and, more specifically, ChatGPT articles seem to be indicating a need for law firms to prepare for another upcoming major pivot in the technology we use to draft legal documents and provide services.  At a recent lunch-time CLE featuring IndyBar’s Law Practice Management advisor Jared Correia of Red Cave Legal and Josh Noffke presented an overview of AI and ChatGPT possible law firm uses and some perils. (The program is available for viewing on the IndyBar website for 1.0 general credit.)  

The Indianapolis Bar Foundation, funded by donations from the local legal community, recently gifted a Community Empowerment Grant of $35,000 to You Yes You!, a Indianapolis-based organization working to change the prison model, improve outcomes upon release and is taking a holistic view of the relationship between inmates and their families. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Indianapolis Bar Association.

Congratulations and best wishes to these IndyBar members on their career moves and accomplishments! Have something to share? Email Julie Armstrong to be featured.

Wilson Law Associates is excited to add Ann Skirvin to the firm's team! She will focus her practice on probate, family, health, and elder law as well as assist with the firm’s business clients. Ann received her law degree with a Health Law Certificate from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Ann is an attorney in good standing with the Indiana Bar and the Federal District Courts for Northern and Southern Indiana.

Valerie Horvath has joined Camden & Meridew PC as Of Counsel. Valerie has a breadth of experience from her 20+ years as an attorney. Valerie practices family law - divorce, custody, child support, parenting time, paternity - and criminal defense. Valerie has significant experience in domestic violence, all types of partner abuse, narcissism, protective orders and stalking.

Faith Alvarez has opened her own firm Alvarez Legal. Attorney Alvarez's practice is focused on federal litigation, particularly in the areas of wrongful death, personal injury, and civil rights. Alvarez is admitted to practice in Indiana, in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and in the United States Supreme Court, and assists clients in both Spanish and English. 

By order of the Marion Circuit Court Judge, the Marion Circuit Court, Marion Superior Courts, Marion County Small Claims Courts, and the Marion County Clerk’s Office will be closed on Monday, June 19, 2023, in observance of Juneteenth.

A reminder, when the Court is closed, the Juvenile Detention Center, Initial Hearing Court and Juvenile Probation Intake at 25th & Keystone are still open and operational.

Mediation Day is back, and it's better than ever! Join us on August 11th at the Community Justice Center (CJC) to mediate 40 family law cases and free up the dockets. Come volunteer to help the court and the community at Mediation Day 2023!
 

The day will be split into three volunteering shifts: Morning, Afternoon, or All-Day. Check-in starts at 8 a.m. outside the Jury Assembly Room for Morning and All-Day. For the Afternoon shift, check-in begins at 12 p.m. outside the same room. Room assignments will be provided upon check-in.

Law students can shadow mediators or parties and Civil Mediators are welcome to volunteer, even though most cases are family law related.

You can also refer a case by clicking here!

For case referrals, please follow the listed criteria: DR, DC, DN, or JP, pre- or post-decree, focusing on straightforward property divisions, custody and parenting time establishment/modification, child support, and/or college expenses. Additionally, the combined household incomes of the parties should not exceed $100,000 for assignment. Complex property divisions are best handled outside of Mediation Day.
 

Your time and support are greatly appreciated! We look forward to seeing you at Mediation Day 2023!

The nomination period has begun for the 2024 Boards of Directors for the Indianapolis Bar Association AND the Indianapolis Bar Foundation. There are also opportunities for service with the Association's Section and Division Executive Committees.  Volunteering with IndyBar is an invaluable opportunity to play a role in the future of our legal community.

Class XX of the Indianapolis Bar Association Bar Leader Series has been selected.  Representing an array of practice settings and areas, as well as life experiences, Class XX is poised to begin their year-long journey at IndyBar’s Bench Bar Conference later this month. Only twenty lawyers are chosen from a very impressive group of applicants.