Justice Ginsburg’s life was reflected in a quote she gave during a 2012 interview: “So often in life, things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune.”  Her background likely would have been an impediment for many: “I am a first generation American on my father’s side, barely second generation on my mother’s. Neither of my parents had the means to attend college, but both taught me to love learning, to care about people and to work hard for whatever I wanted or believed in.” During her confirmation hearing, she explained that “what has become of me could happen only in America. Like so many others, I owe so much to the entry this nation afforded to people yearning to breathe free.”  

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

Without the guidance of a lawyer, navigating the judicial system or even finding the answer to a seemingly simple question can be both intimidating and confusing. Indy-area residents are in luck: getting answers to legal questions from licensed attorneys will be easy and free during the Indianapolis Bar Association’s Ask A Lawyer event on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The Marion County Democratic Party is seeking volunteers for the Voter Protection Program.

Catch up on your CLE credits now and beat the end-of-year rush! We've got some stellar webinars on the docket this week. See our calendar and read the latest IndyBar news here.

Service with the IBF is a fun, meaningful experience that connects you to your colleagues and your community. Applications are now being accepted for both positions on the board of directors as well as with foundation committees.

Let’s dispense with the pleasantries and get real. We are not OK. We are in the midst of a global pandemic, suffering through a highly contested presidential election, gearing up for another Supreme Court battle, the Pacific Northwest is on fire, the Eastern seaboard has been hit with so many hurricanes that they are using the Greek alphabet, we have all been forced to conserve toilet paper at some point in the last six months, and the cherry on top—many of us are educating our kids from home while working full-time jobs. What in the literal 2020 is happening?

We hope to see you this Friday for two Member Appreciation Month events: self-guided tours of IndyBarHQ and the Young Lawyers Division Mobile Blood Drive! Check out what's on our calendar and catch up on IndyBar news here.

The focus of the Virtual Ask-a-Lawyer was to provide a place for people to get real help, direction and referrals, especially as the full impact of COVID-19 was shuttering businesses and causing waves of unemployment. To date, since May 2020, more than 100 attorneys have volunteered through the virtual desk and over the telephone to provide answers to more than 1,352 questions.

As 2020 IndyBar President Andy Campbell is off in “trial prep nightmare-land,” he invited me to give an update on Marion Superior Court operations and the new Community Justice Center campus.