April 2023

Dunlap’s Download

A message from Charles Dunlap, Indiana Bar Foundation President & CEO

Client Trust Accounts Questions? We Have Answers!

As the administrator for Indiana's Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, Foundation staff routinely receive questions from attorneys regarding various aspects of the program and its operation. As a starting point, Rule 1.15 of the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct (Rule) governs a lawyer's duty to safeguard their clients' property and establishes Indiana's IOLTA program. The Indiana Supreme Court's Disciplinary Commission also has a wealth of helpful information and resources on its website that can help to answer many of the specific questions lawyers may have about their client trust accounts. 

While a thorough review of IOLTA obligations is beyond this brief article's scope, I want to address the primary question we have received recently about IOLTA account insurance coverage under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As you probably know, under the FDIC, the federal government provides up to $250,000 of insurance coverage to depositors if a participating bank fails. It is crucial for lawyers and law firms to understand that, for FDIC insurance purposes, IOLTA accounts are treated as fiduciary accounts and qualify for pass-through coverage to the underlying owner. Generally, each client with funds in an IOLTA account is insured up to the FDIC maximum of $250,000 (subject to other funds the client may have at the institution and satisfactory documentation to demonstrate ownership, etc.). While every lawyer or law firm should review their IOLTA accounts regularly to analyze their compliance with Indiana's regulations, please know that the Indiana Bar Foundation staff are standing by to assist you and answer your IOLTA-related questions.

-Chuck

Register Today!

2023 Indiana Civics Summit Coming April 13

Register now for the Foundation's Civics Summit. This inaugural day-long collaborative, learning, and networking event is a can't miss opportunity to interact with Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Indiana Education Secretary Dr. Katie Jenner, and hear from the Council of Foreign Relations President, diplomat, and author Dr. Richard Haass! Seats are limited and we do not want you to miss this discussion on the impact Civics has on Indiana. Click here to access event and registration information.

NEW! As an added incentive and bonus to attend the Summit, 1.0 CLE credit (NLS) is available at no additional charge for those attending the Summit.

Civics Summit and Civics Coalition Sponsorships Are Available

Thank you to Church Church Hittle + Antrim for becoming the Foundation’s first Indiana Civics Coalition founding member. The Summit would not be possible without the generous support of iCivics. The Foundation is excited for these partnerships and all the great work ahead of us. If you are interested in sponsoring the Indiana Civics Summit or would like to sponsor the Indiana Civics Coalition, please contact Director of Development, Kim Berry.

Application Deadline Extended for Two Foundation Scholarships

The application deadline for two scholarships assisting law students enrolled in IU McKinney School of Law has been extended to April 17.

The Phelps & Fara Scholarship assists a law student enrolled at the IU McKinney School of Law with an interest in family law. Applications can be found through this link.

The Hon. Cale J. Holder Scholarship was established in 1984 in memory of Judge Holder and is awarded annually based on dedication to the administration of law, financial need, desire to be a practicing trial lawyer, capacity for leadership, academic achievement, and military service record if any. Law students enrolled at the IU McKinney School of Law are invited to apply. The application can be found by visiting this link. 

Longtime Foundation Partner a Kiosk Host Site

The Indianapolis Legal Aid Society (ILAS) is in its 80th year of providing consultation, education, advice, and representation across a wide range of legal issues. A longtime Foundation partner, ILAS is home to a Indiana Legal Help kiosk, one of 150 being deployed around the state. The Foundation is grateful to our partners for their ongoing support. To learn more about the kiosk program, go to IndianaLegalHelp.org.

Pictured: Justin Paicely, ILAS Staff Attorney

Workshop Provides Educators with Sixth Grade Civics Teaching Insight Using We the People

Indiana teachers from across the state participated in Friday and Saturday's Indiana Sixth Grade Civics Workshop / We People: The Citizen and the Constitution Spring Professional Development. Attendees gained civic knowledge from university professors, pedagogy teaching techniques, and lesson plans from mentor teachers. Foundation Director of Civic Education Tim Kalgreen was among workshop presenters. Those attending the workshop also interacted with Bar Foundation Civic Education Staff and toured the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. The Foundation provides workshops and other professional development opportunities throughout the year. Learn more here.

We the People Becomes the Go-To Resource for the Sixth Grade Civics Course

The Center for Civic Education is aiding Indiana teachers in their preparation for the new sixth grade civics class by offering a significantly reduced price to the Level 1 We the People book – nearly 40% off the retail price! Contact Tim Kalgreen for information on how to get this additional resource and learn how to integrate the We the People curriculum and assessment into the sixth grade civics classroom. Teachers can also join us at several upcoming professional developments to learn more about the program and integrating it to the class. Visit our professional development page to register and learn more.

Trinity High School at Greenlawn Wins Mock Trial Championship

Congratulations to Trinity High School at Greenlawn (South Bend) for winning the 2023 Indiana High School Mock Trial State Championship. The Foundation also congratulates Heritage Christian High School (Indianapolis) for their runner-up achievement. Learn more here.

Pictured: Foundation Director of Civic Education Tim Kalgreen, Trinity Mock trial teammates, and Foundation Civic Education Specialist Isaac Harper.

Indiana Lawmakers Laud Fishers WTP Champions

The Fishers High School We the People team was recognized March 16 for their 2021-2022 State Championship and 2022 National Runner-Up achievements through Indiana Senate Concurrent Resolution 28, authored by Sen. Kyle Walker and sponsored by Speaker of the House, Rep. Todd Huston. Students and coaches met with Representative Huston, were introduced on the Senate floor by Senator Walker, and met and had their picture taken with Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. "The Foundation is proud of our We the People program, our students, educators, and school communities," said Foundation President & CEO Charles Dunlap. "Fishers is a model program and a great ambassador for Indiana's We the People program."

Learn more about the We People Program here.



Pictured: Members of the Fishers We the People team with Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch (back/middle) and Foundation President & CEO Charles Dunlap (far right).

Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon Coming in June

Please take a moment to save Friday, June 23 for the Foundation's Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon. Last year we celebrated Former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Steven David as the Indiana Bar Foundation Legend Award winner. Another outstanding individual will receive this recognition during the event this year. Additional details will be shared during the next couple of months, but we wanted to reserve a spot on your calendar. Also, event and table sponsorships are available! Please contact Director of Development Kim Berry for details.

Summer Internship Opportunities Available

The Foundation offers summer internship opportunities for college students. Interns spend time with executive leadership, civic education, civil legal assistance, development, and communications functions within the Foundation. This is an excellent hands-on learning experience for students interested in the legal profession, education, fundraising, or public relations. Interested? Know someone who might benefit from interning with the Indiana Bar Foundation? Contact Development Specialist Megan Clarke-Richter with questions or to express an interest in the internship program.



Pictured: 2021 & 2022 Summer Intern Deion Ziwawo



Foundation's IOLTA Program Focus of Meeting with Great Britain Governmental Officials

Foundation President & CEO Charles Dunlap met with representatives of the Great Britain Ministry of Justice to discuss the Foundation's Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program. The wide-ranging Zoom call allowed Dunlap to share the Foundation's IOLTA experience. Funding sources, administration, program restrictions, and IOLTA's place in the Foundation's broader context of civil legal assistance, including the IndianaLegalHelp.org kiosks were discussed. The representatives are gathering information from other states and countries as Great Britain looks to establish a national IOLTA program.

Pictured: Charles Dunlap discussing the Foundation's IOLTA program with officials representing Great Britain.

Comments sought for Rule Amendments Changing Who Can Take Indiana Bar Exam

Proposed changes to Rules 6, 13, and 17.1 of the Indiana Rules for Admission to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys are now online for review and comment. The Court seeks public comment on the proposed rule changes. The deadline to submit feedback online is 12 p.m. (ET) on Friday, April 21. 



New staff and expanding programs reflect the Foundation's continued growth. We are so proud of our team and want to introduce them to you! Please take a moment to Get to Know Marketing & Communications Manager John Althardt.