We're so stoked to finally see members and friends back together this Thursday at the long-anticipated IndyBar Block Party! We've got some other awesome things happening this week. See the IndyBar calendar and catch up on news here.

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Jimmy Gomez introduced a new bill, "For the 99.5 Percent Act," into Congress on March 25, 2021. The bill's current form is only 18 pages long, but its potential impact on federal estate and gift tax laws significantly affects estate planning. While it is impossible to determine if the bill will pass into law, some of the act's key elements may inspire Congress to increase the estate tax using other mechanisms should this bill fail. They might also seek to remove well-known tools like trusts to bypass taxation upon your death to generate revenue for federal programs.

As we start to make our way to a new normal, get away from your day-to-day routine, take some time to yourself and gain new perspectives! Our event lineup goes beyond education and includes time for you to safely catch up with colleagues at distanced open-air dinner events, receptions, health and wellness activities and casual bull sessions.

This week's IndyBar event lineup features chances for you to snag a few CLE credits (ethics, too) AND to give back to our community. See what's happening and read recent IndyBar news here.

While working at home, for albeit a relatively short period of time, I realized that the health of my professional working relationships was suffering. Perhaps you are still working from home. Perhaps you are still primarily attending meetings virtually. Perhaps you feel the same way.

An extremely informal survey of central Indiana judicial officers has revealed as many ways to divide the stimulus check as there are judicial officers. Some counties do not even have consensus among judges who hear family law cases. However, here are some options for attorneys to consider when speaking with their clients and when presenting cases for division of stimulus payments to the court (actual results in court may vary depending on a number of factors).

Whether you're looking for ethics credit, multi-hour programs or quick, one-hour CLEs, we've got something for you on our calendar this week! Read the latest IndyBar news and see the full events calendar here.

Buttrey practiced law for 50 years, beginning his career as a law clerk from 1961 to 1963 for Judge William E. Steckler, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Buttrey then joined the Indianapolis law firm of McHale Cook & Welch from 1963 to 2001 and later joined Wooden McLaughlin as Of Counsel, where he practiced from 2001 to 2010. 

There are benefits to hiring a part-time or full-time law student. Small firms and solo practitioners have limited time and energy to mentor student law clerks, and many such firms have few resources to do so. However, given the opportunity, hiring a law student for a paid clerkship can be an asset to a small firm or solo practice. Outlined here are some of the most significant benefits for a smaller or solo practice for hiring a student law clerk.

Can I be required to get a COVID-19 vaccine? How do I handle a medical billing issue or a Medicaid/Medicare claim? What do I do if I believe I’ve been a victim of healthcare fraud or a HIPPA violation? Many of these questions can be answered through a quick conversation with an attorney, but getting legal advice can be intimidating for many individuals.