A new month brings new opportunities for you to gain knowledge, perspective AND CLE credit from the IndyBar! Join us online this week. See what's happening and catch up on IndyBar news here.

For more than 50 years, the Indianapolis Bar Foundation has worked to ensure equal access to justice for all Indianapolis-area residents. In an effort to expand this impact on the greater Indianapolis community, applications from local organizations are now being accepted through June 30 for the foundation's annual Community Empowerment Grant. The grant will be awarded in September 2021.

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

In response to reader requests for a break from anything lawyerly or COVID-related, this week’s column features a selection from a conversation between IndyBar Foundation President Adam Christensen and his 19-year-old self, living in April 2001.

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Under the dynamic leadership of IndyBar President Jimmie McMillian, we're celebrating Juneteenth at Bench Bar to bring awareness to our members about this significant piece of history. More importantly, the Juneteenth workshop session will highlight and recognize the experiences and significant contributions that Black attorneys have made to our legal community.

The Indianapolis Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section, Women and the Law Division and Public Outreach Committee are partnering with the Marion County Bar Association to collect donations for Craine House, an innovative work release program for women located in Marion County. During the month of May, the IndyBar will help collect donations by placing a donation box in the vestibule of the Indianapolis Bar Association at 140 North Illinois St. in downtown Indianapolis. We will collect chairs (rocking and smaller chairs), baby gates, diapers (sized 3+), bottles, baby monitors, baby hygiene (soap, shampoo, etc.) and baby medicine (Tylenol, Motrin, gas drops, diaper rash cream, etc.).

A new week comes with new opportunities for can't-miss CLEs! From family law to business and bankruptcy, our calendar has something for you this week. See upcoming events and check out recent news here.

This was the last week of the legislative session. It was a busy session with over one hundred bills passing through the complete legislative process. Yesterday afternoon the budget bill, HB 1001, was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers before they adjourned. 

Many members of the Indianapolis Bar Association, of which there are more than 4,000, do not realize that the charitable arm of the IndyBar, the Indianapolis Bar Foundation, has a Legacy Society for those interested in planned giving. COVID-19 has left many of our members considering their estate planning and personal legacies. As you consider your planning, please consider becoming a member of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation’s Legacy Society. 

Senate Bill 389 was approved by the Indiana Senate on April 14 after concurrences from the Indiana House. At the time of this writing, the bill is still awaiting Governor Holcomb’s signature. If signed, the new law would make significant changes to Indiana’s Isolated Wetlands Program as well as lesser changes to the 401 Water Quality Certification Program.