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BARRISTER BANTER
The Official Newsletter of the Hamilton County Bar Association
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Leslie Craig Henderzahs, President · Thomas Aycock, Vice President · Paul Felix, Secretary · Jillian Keating, Treasurer
2011-2012 HCBA OFFICERS
President: Leslie Craig Henderzahs, henderzahs@cchalaw.com
Vice President: Thomas Aycock, aycocklawoffice@gmail.com
Secretary: Paul Felix, Paul.Felix@hamiltoncounty.in.gov
Treasurer: Jillian Keating, jkeating@chwlaw.com
MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE
As of the first of the year, Hamilton County residents in need of pro bono legal services can be directed to District Six Access to Justice, Inc. The Executive Director is Christi Brock and information about the program, including an application for referral to pro bono counsel can be found at www.myjustice.org. Attorneys are encouraged to visit the website and to complete the District 6 Survey of Pro Bono Activity and Interest.
The Public Service Committee held an initial meeting in January to discuss the community’s need for pro bono legal services and the re-districting. An upcoming meeting with committee members, local judges and District 6 leaders is planned. This is an exciting time to get involved and share in the discussion about meeting the pro bono legal needs of the local community and discharging our professional responsibilities as lawyers. The committee chair and contact person is Jenna Stewart, who may be contacted at jms@jmstewartlaw.com or 317-690-2945.
SHERIFF SUMMONS FOR MISDEMEANOR NIGHT COURT
Effective January 9, 2012, based upon the misdemeanor night court schedule, the jail will summon for misdemeanor night court those defendants who have not had an initial hearing (to include those who failed to appear for their first initial hearing) and those defendants whose only charges are public intoxication, illegal consumption, driving while suspended, or marijuana. Any questions regarding this change should be directed to the Administrator of Courts.
HCBA MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION
The HCBA Mock Trial Competition is in full swing. All schools have returned this year, and Fishers High School will be joining the competition as well. Competition rounds were held on January 18th and 25th, and will be held in February on the 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd. The tournament will likely be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012.
CHANGES TO CHILD SUPPORT INCOME WITHHOLDING
The Office of Child Support Enforcement and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued new rules and slightly modified the standardized federal Income Withholding forms. The two most important changes:
1) All child support income withholding orders must be issued on the new OMB-approved IWO form (OMB 0970-0154). This form cannot be modified.
2) Payments must be directed to each State’s statewide disbursement unit (SDU). Indiana’s SDU is the Indiana State Central Collection Unit (INSCCU).
For a copy of the Income Withholding Order, Document, Instructions, and other IWO tools, go to: www.in.gov/dcs/3039.htm.
For a copy of the Federal Action Transmittal directing these changes, go to: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cse/pol/AT/2011/at-11-05.htm.
HOLIDAY LUNCHEON A SUCCESS
On December 15, 2011, HCBA held its annual holiday luncheon at Prairie View Golf Club. Thank you to all those who attended and participated in the canned food drive.
HCBA MEMBERSHIP
HCBA is still accepting membership applications for 2012. Please email Joni Haymaker at haymakerj@gmail.com for an application. The cost is $50.00 for a one-year regular member (your principal office for practice located in Hamilton County) and $30.00 for a one-year associate membership (your principal office for practice located outside Hamilton County). All checks are payable to the Hamilton County Bar Association and should be returned to Jillian Keating, Treasurer, Hamilton County Bar Association, c/o Coots Henke & Wheeler, 255 East Carmel Drive, Carmel, Indiana 46032.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS
HCBA 3rd Thursday of February
HCBA 3rd Thursday of March – Chili Cook-Off
COMMITTEES AND CONTACTS
Administrative Assistant: Joni L. Haymaker, haymakerj@gmail.com
Chili Cook-off Subcommittee: Shawn Blumenthal, sblumenthal@yahoo.com, 317-773-3737
Education: Judge Hughes, Eric Douthit and Rob Emmerson
Golf: Bruce Bitner and Kevin Klausing
Nominating: Stephenie Gookins; sgookins@ckplaw.com
Public Service: Jenna Stewart, jms@jmstewartlaw.com
Social: Alicia Adcock, aadcock@rbpbblaw.com
FIRM ANNOUNCEMENTS OR NEWS
If you have any news or announcements to share, please contact Liz Currid Bowen at 317-575-9918 or liz@severstorey.com.
Please direct additions, comments, and/or corrections to the BARRISTER BANTER to Liz Currid Bowen at liz@severstorey.com.
Submissions due by the 10th of each month for the upcoming newsletter.