Firm News
November 15, 2012
Hamilton Nominated for CICF Leadership Council
Anne Hamilton, KGR Associate, has been nominated to serve a three-year term on the Professional Leadership Advisory Council (PALC) for the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). CICF is a public charitable organization that supports and advises donors and foundations, awards grants to nonprofit organizations, and provides leadership towards community needs in order to make Central Indiana the very best it can be. The PALC is made up of an esteemed group of advisors who support and advise CICF's philanthropic efforts in order to be made aware of and grow CICF's strategic community impact.
November 1, 2012
Bock to Speak at SWLAW Attorney Panel on Doping and Perjury
This upcoming Monday, November 5th, KGR partner Bill Bock will be joining an impressive panel of lawyers at the Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles to discuss doping and perjury. Joining him will be lawyers from the team of former baseball star Roger Clemens, former Congressman Tom Delay, and Scott Mercier, former professional cyclist and teammate of Lance Armstrong, among others. Get full details at the SWLAW event page here. An RSVP to events@swlaw.edu is required for attendance.
October 31, 2012
Bock Featured in NY Times, Profiled in Indianapolis Business Journal
KGR Partner Bill Bock has been featured in press coverage this week surrounding the continuing saga of the Lance Armstrong anti-doping case. The Indianapolis Business Journal profiled Bock and his role in the case here. In the article, USADA CEO Travis Tygart says, "Bill deserves the MVP for clean sport."
The New York Times' Juliet Macur wrote about the federal investigation, and resulting fall of the cycling world's "wall of secrecy" amongst professional riders with connections to Armstrong. Bock was "particularly convincing and empathetic" in interviews hat prompted unprecedented honesty from rider after rider. Read the entire account here.
October 17, 2012
Bock Helps Wrap Landmark USADA Case Against Lance Armstrong
The American Lawyer Daily reports on details and the release of documents surrounding the surprising close of the anti-doping case against Lance Armstrong. Kroger, Gardis & Regas partner Bill Bock played an integral investigative role as general counsel to the USADA, who were forced to re-think their strategy after Armstrong's legal team decided not to pursue arbitration. Bock travelled overseas to interview key witnesses, as well as seeking support from foreign legal authorities and sports governing bodies.
These efforts were essential in breaking through professional cycling's long history of operating under a "code of silence," and helped produce extensively detailed findings featuring the testimony of 11 former Armstrong teammates. In one of the largest sports law stories of the year, or beyond, Armstrong may stand to be stripped of his seven Tour de France titles, and could also face the re-opening of a criminal case.
August 9, 2012
IACT Presents 2012 Legislator of the Year Awards to Speaker Brian Bosma and State Senator Brandt Hershman
IACT Thanks Bosma and Hershman for Open Communication & Leadership Roles
Indianapolis, IND. The Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (IACT) named Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) and State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Buck Creek) as co-recipients of IACTs 2012 Legislator of the Year Award. The awards were presented today by IACT President, Mayor Joe Stahura of Whiting, during a luncheon in French Lick at IACTs Annual Leadership Conference.
IACT would like to thank Speaker Brian Bosma and Sen. Brandt Hershman for their support and commitment to municipal issues during the 2012 legislative session, said Stahura.
In presenting the award to Bosma, Stahura thanked him for his long-time support and open communication.
We appreciate the open line of communication Speaker Bosma has given to municipal leaders and to our organization throughout his time in the House and in his role as House Speaker, Stahura said. During the 2012 legislative session, Speaker Bosma was especially helpful in protecting important revenue sources for cities and towns, and making sure proposed legislation did not hamper the efforts of cities and towns in economic development and in day to day operations. More.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Indianapolis Attorney Speaks at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Indianapolis - Stephen Starks, an attorney with the Indianapolis-based law firm of Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP, was a guest lecturer at Drexel Universitys Masters of Sports Management Program Summer Residency in Philadelphia. Drexel University is Mr. Starks undergraduate alma mater. Mr. Starks presentation was entitled Doping in Sports: The Legal Issues Surrounding Olympic Drug Testing. Masters degree candidates taking place in the Universitys Sports Management program were required to attend a one-week Summer Residency, and were exposed to various areas of the sports business through speakers who traveled to the campus and presented during that week. Mr. Starks was invited to present to the group, and his presentation focused on the evolution of major sports doping issues in the U.S., the legal implications surrounding those issues, and the impact of doping on sport as we know it.
Starks is the former Legal Affairs Director for the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). He joined Kroger, Gardis & Regas as an associate in November, 2011, and practices in the areas of sports and entertainment law, arbitration, and litigation.
Since its inception in 1937, Kroger, Gardis & Regas has served the legal needs of central Indiana's business and financial community, concentrating its resources in the commercial law, bankruptcy, real estate and business areas. Over the past two decades, the Firm has expanded its client services to include sports and entertainment clients and the unique and diverse needs of Indiana's municipalities and political subdivisions.
May 11, 2012
Law Firm Celebrated 75th Anniversary with Day of Service
Attorneys and Staff Performed Duties at Wheeler Mission.
In celebration of 75 years of continuous service in Central Indiana, the attorneys and staff of Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP provided a "Day of Service" to the clients and staff of Wheeler Mission for Men, on Friday, May 11. In lieu of appearing in State and Federal courts, drafting transactional documents or preparing civil pleadings, the firm's attorneys and support staff served meals to those in need, doing laundry, applying a fresh coat of paint to tired walls and performing other facility maintenance.
The firm selected Wheeler Mission for the first of their community outreach efforts due to the long relationship and contributions to Wheeler by founding partner John Gardis, who served on the Board and as an advisor to Wheeler for many years.
About Kroger, Gardis & Regas: Since its inception in 1937, Kroger, Gardis & Regas has provided outstanding legal services to central Indiana's business and financial community, concentrating its resources in the commercial, banking, real estate, business litigation and municipal areas.
As the firm celebrates its 75th anniversary, the attorneys of Kroger Gardis & Regas have garnered an unprecedented number of awards and recognition from peers and clients alike. From the Martindale-Hubbell selection to the list of "Top Ranked Law Firms" to the designation as Best Lawyers and Law Firms in America by U.S. News & World Report, KGR professionals are consistently recognized for excellence. The firm is deeply grateful to its friends and clients for their continued confidence.
About Wheeler Mission: Wheeler Mission Ministries is a non-denominational, Christian, social services organization, which provides critically needed goods and services to the homeless, poor, and needy of central Indiana without regard to race, color, creed, national origin or religion. Wheeler is not a church, but does cooperate with many different churches that are concerned about poverty and homelessness in the inner city.
Founded in 1893, Wheeler is the oldest continuously operating ministry of its kind in the state of Indiana.
With eight locations, dozens of ministries, a budget of $6.5 million, and about 120 employees, Wheeler is also the largest and most diverse ministry of its kind in the state.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
North Putnam Redistricting Could Take Until Next Year
Due to his extensive background in redistricting matters, KGR Partner Bill Bock was recently interviewed by a reporter for the Greencastle Banner-Graphic for a story that ran on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, about redistricting of the North Putnam school board. Bock has extensive redistricting experience, having previously represented governmental entities ranging from the Indiana General Assembly, the Indianapolis-City County Council and local governmental units in redistricting matters. More.
April 25, 2012
Brian C. Bosma Selected as a Recipient of the Indiana Lawyer 2012 Leadership in Law Distinguished Barrister Award.
Brian C. Bosma, House Speaker and partner with Kroger, Gardis & Regas, was selected from many impressive candidates as a recipient of the Indiana Lawyer 2012 Leadership in Law Distinguished Barrister Award.
"The Indiana Lawyer Leadership in Law program is in its seventh year, and the number and caliber of nominees we receive for both the Distinguished Barrister and Up and Coming Lawyer Awards continues to increase. Brian Bosma's selection this year as a Distinguished Barrister is the result of the leadership he has demonstrated in our state, his legal practice, and in his community. Mentoring is a key component of this award, and it was evident in his nomination packet that Speaker Bosma takes this responsibility quite seriously," said Kelly Lucas, Publisher of the Indiana Lawyer. More.
Thursday, April 11, 2011
Indianapolis Attorney to Speak at University of Miami Entertainment & Sports Law Society Seminar
Indianapolis - Stephen Starks, an associate with the Indianapolis-based law firm of Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP, will be a panelist discussing "Alternative Dispute Resolution in Professional and International Sports: The Role of Mediation, Arbitration, and Negotiation in Labor Issues," at the University of Miami School of Law Entertainment and Sports Law Society 15th Annual Symposium.
The event is co-hosted by the Miami Marlins, on Saturday, April 14, at Marlins Park.
This panel will examine ADR and its role in the labor issues that face professional and international sports. Panelists will discuss their experiences in mediation, arbitration, and negotiation and give the audience an understanding of positives and negatives of ADR. The recent labor negotiations in MLB, the NFL, and the NBA will be analyzed to compare and contrast the effective use of ADR. The goal of the panel will be to analyze the various ADR methods and their efficacy in the many scenarios.
Starks participated in the 14th Annual Symposium in 2011, at University of Miami's Coral Gables campus, as a panelist on the topic of, "The Many Facets of High-Profile Legal Issues."
Starks is the former Legal Affairs Director for the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). He joined Kroger, Gardis & Regas as an associate in November, 2011, and practices in the areas of sports and entertainment law, arbitration, and litigation.
Since its inception in 1937, Kroger, Gardis & Regas has served the legal needs of central Indiana's business and financial community, concentrating its resources in the commercial law, bankruptcy, real estate and business areas. Over the past two decades, the Firm has expanded its client services to include the unique and diverse needs of Indiana's municipalities and political subdivisions.
March 22, 2012
Indiana Supreme Court issues its long-awaited decision in the State Auto v. Flexdar case
The Court ruled in a 3 2 decision that the pollution exclusion contained in State Autos comprehensive general liability policies issued from 1997 to 2002 was ambiguous and should be construed to provide coverage for the TCE contamination discovered at the Flexdar facility. This decision follows earlier settled precedent, beginning in 1996 with the Kiger decision, which held that the definition of a pollutant in the typical CGL policy is too vague and ambiguous to given effect.
The Flexdar case turned on an endorsement to State Autos prior CGL policies that further defined pollutant to include any irritant or contaminant that has any function in your business, operations, premises, site or location. The Court held that this additional language does not cure the ambiguity and thus the pollution exclusion cannot bar coverage for the tendered pollution claim. To be effective, the Court implied that the definition of pollutant should include specific references to the chemicals that are included in that term. The Court found that State Auto did so in 2005, when it revised its definition to include specific compounds and hazardous substances.
For further information on this decision and its impact in Indiana pollution claims, please contact Gregory P. Cafouros.
March 9, 2012
Indiana Supreme Court affirms the award of attorneys fees to KGR client, Town of Brownsburg
Litigation: Today the Indiana Supreme Court affirmed the award of attorneys fees and costs to the Town of Brownsburg, permitting the Town to recover its fees and costs incurred to defend a frivolous lawsuit filed against the Town in R. L. Turner Corp. v. Town of Brownsburg. Kroger, Gardis & Regas attorneys Sydney Steele and Kevin Koons represented the Town of Brownsburg in the case. R.L. Turner Corporation sued the Town for alleged tortious interference with a contractual or business relationship, and multiple other claims. Judge Coleman of the Hendricks Superior Court dismissed the lawsuit, and then on petition of the Town awarded to the Town its attorneys fees and costs incurred to defend that frivolous lawsuit. R.L. Turner appealed the award of fees and costs to the Indiana Court of Appeals and eventually to the Indiana Supreme Court. By its Opinion issued March 9, 2012, the Indiana Supreme Court affirmed the trial courts award of fees and costs to the Town of Brownsburg. The Court of Appeals opinion can be accessed here.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Attorney Named as One of Indiana's Top 50 Lawyers
Indianapolis James A. Knauer, a partner in the Indianapolis-based firm of Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP, has been named by the publication Super Lawyers as one of Indianas top 50 lawyers.
The determination was made by the number of nominations received, coupled with research and selection to complete the three-step process.
As chair of the firms Litigation Practice group, Knauer focuses on business litigation and business reorganization; receiverships, creditor's rights law, business contracts, secured transactions and real estate; loan documentation and loan restructuring. He also has substantial experience in environmental matters, shareholder litigation; business fraud; secured creditor enforcement; guaranty litigation; RICO actions; lender liability defense and class action representation; non-compete covenants. Knauer has also received appointments as a Federal Receiver by the SEC, Federal Examiner, and Anti-Trust Divestiture Trustee by the U.S Department of Justice.
In addition to this years Super Lawyers honor, Knauer has accumulated a number of accolades. Since 2004 he has been voted an "Indiana Super Lawyer" by his peers. He was inducted in 2008 as a Fellow into the Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary consisting of less than one-half of one per cent of American lawyers. Knauer has been selected for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America" since its inception from 1987 through 2011. He is also listed in "Who's Who in American Law" 1985-2012 and "Best in the US" 2006-2012.
Since its inception in 1937, Kroger, Gardis & Regas has served the legal needs of central Indiana's business and financial community, concentrating its resources in the commercial law, bankruptcy, real estate and business areas. Over the past two decades, the Firm has expanded its client services to include the unique and diverse needs of Indiana's municipalities and political subdivisions.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Indianapolis Attorney to Speak at Michigan Sports Law Society
Indianapolis William Bock III, a partner with Indianapolis-based Kroger, Gardis & Regas LLP, will be a speaker at the University of Michigan Law Schools Sports Law Society conference, Going for the Gold. Bock also serves as General Counsel to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
The Sports Law Society (SLS) is presenting a one-day symposium Friday, February 17, on the many legal issues surrounding one of the worlds biggest sporting events taking place this year, the summer Olympics.
Bock has substantial experience in athletic drug testing matters and sports eligibility disputes and since September, 2007 has served as General Counsel to Colorado Springs based USADA, the independent entity charged with the responsibility to investigate and prosecute instances of drug use in Olympic and Paralympic sports by U.S. athletes. Bock also represents USADA in prosecutions of athletes accused of violating sports drug testing rules. A regular participant and presenter at national conferences on sports law issues, he was interviewed for and quoted in the best selling book, Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports.
Bock will participate in two SLS panel discussions. In the first, Perspectives on Drug Testing, Bock will comment on some of the major issues currently under debate in anti-doping testing and enforcement. The second panel, Emerging Issues in International Arbitration, will address key topics affecting athletes and National Governing Bodies in international arbitrations.
The Sports Law Society aims to further explore the legal issues and career opportunities available in the area of sports law. The organization is devoted to providing students the necessary resources, guidance and contacts to support the pursuit of professional endeavors in sports practices.
Since its inception in 1937, Kroger, Gardis & Regas has served the legal needs of central Indiana's business and financial community, concentrating its resources in the commercial law, bankruptcy, real estate and business areas. Over the past two decades, the Firm has expanded its client services to include the unique and diverse needs of Indiana's municipalities and political subdivisions.
January 27, 2012
Congratulations to Our Partner
Brian C. Bosma Speaker of the House of the 117th General Assembly Named Co-Government Leader of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce - 2011.
With a unique background in engineering, law, business and government, Mr. Bosma represents public and private sector clients in the areas of complex business and real estate transactions, municipal bonds and finance and construction and environmental matters. He chairs the Governmental Practice Group of Kroger, Gardis & Regas, and serves as general or special counsel to dozens of municipalities and business entities throughout the State of Indiana.
An Engineering graduate of Purdue University, and a graduate of the Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis, our partner has been recognized with the highest available rating for professional excellence by Martindale Hubbell Legal Directory and as an "Indiana Super Lawyer" by Indianapolis Monthly Magazine. In addition to his public service he is the founding director of Bosma Industries for the Blind and serves as Chairman of the Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
City Firm Recognized in FORTUNE Magazine
Indianapolis - An Indianapolis based law firm has received national recognition by the legal rating firm Martindale-Hubbell and Fortune magazine for the high quality of its legal professionals.
Of the 254,000 firms rated by Martindale-Hubbell®, Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP was one of only 966 firms recognized nationally for having at least one-third (33%) of its attorneys achieve an AV® Preeminent™ rating, the highest rating awarded to attorneys by Martindale-Hubbell.
The firm's selection was reported in the December 26, 2011 issue of Fortune magazine as part of Martindale-Hubbell's® premier list of Top Ranked Law Firms™ in the nation.
Kroger, Gardis & Regas is no stranger to awards in recent months. Last month, the firm was ranked as one of the nation's BEST LAW FIRMS as reported in U.S News & World Report. Prior to that, four of the firm's partners - Jay P. Kennedy, Madalyn S. Kinsey, James A. Knauer and James G. Lauck - were recognized in "Best Lawyers in America", the result of an exhaustive peer-review survey involving more than 39,000 of the nation's top lawyers. That listing was published in the Indianapolis Star on September 30 of this year. Also in November, Speaker of the House Brian C. Bosma, another partner with the firm, was recognized as the 2011 Government Leader of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Since its inception in 1937, Kroger, Gardis & Regas has served the legal needs of central Indiana's business and financial community, concentrating its resources in the commercial law, bankruptcy, real estate, municipal and business areas.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Former USADA Official Joins Indianapolis Law Firm
Indianapolis - The former Legal Affairs Director for the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has joined Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP as an associate.
Stephen Starks served in that role at USADA for almost four years. While at USADA, Starks was involved in the resolution of more than 100 cases and took part in at least 20 contested arbitration hearings, including hearings before the American Arbitration Association and Court of Arbitration for Sport headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. Starks' expertise in anti-doping matters was recognized when he was selected by the World Anti-Doping Agency to serve on an independent observer team evaluating anti-doping controls at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.
Following law school, and prior to private practice, Starks was a clerk for former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Theodore Boehm.
Starks received his law degree from Valparaiso University in 2006. During law school, he served as the Chief Justice for the Moot Court Honor Society, Corporate Relations Director for the Midwest Regional Board of the National Black Law Student Association, and he attended the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy as stand by counsel for athletes as part of the school's nationally recognized Sports Law Clinic.
Starks received his undergraduate degree from Drexel University in 2001. While an undergraduate, he was a four year member of the school's NCAA Division I basketball team. Starks was the America East Conference scoring leader and a unanimous first team all conference selection in 2001. After college, Stephen played professional basketball in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and in the NBA Developmental League.
October 21, 2011
Joe Papp's Long and Winding Road
Kroger, Gardis & Regas attorney Bill Bock's involvement in fighting doping in the sport of cycling was recently noted in national news story. KGR Partner, Bill Bock, who has also served as General Counsel for the United States Anti-Doping Agency ("USADA") for the last four years. For the complete story, click here.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Local Estate Planning Attorney Recognized for Highest Service Level in Metro Area
Heather McPherson, Senior Counsel, Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP, has been recognized for the second time as a Five Star Wealth Management professional. McPherson's previous award was in 2009. Read more.
September 16, 2011
Indiana Supreme Court declines to hear alcoholic beverage licensing challenge
Business litigation: Today the Indiana Supreme Court turned down a request to hear an appeal challenging the way that the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission administers the state's alcohol dealer quotas. Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP, attorneys David Wright and Kevin Koons represented the Indiana Retail Council, a trade association of grocery stores and drug stores, as an interested party in the case defending the Commission's long-standing practice and interpretation, which the courts upheld. The challenger, a trade association of packaged liquor retailers, argued that, based on the legislature's changes to the alcohol licensing statutes in 2007, the Commission should be issuing far fewer alcohol dealer licenses. By severely limiting the number of licenses, the challenger's position would have stifled competition in some areas of the state. Both the Marion Superior Court and the Court of Appeals, however, sided with the Commission and Kroger, Gardis & Regas client Indiana Retail Council. The Indiana Supreme Court's rejection of the appeal put an end to the challenge. The Court of Appeals opinion can be accessed here.
September 9, 2011
Construction Law for Architects, Engineers and Contractors
Kroger, Gardis & Regas Construction Law attorneys will be speaking at the seminar Construction Law for Architects, Engineers and Contractors, Friday, September 9, 2011, in Indianapolis, IN. For registration information go to www.halfmoonseminars.com.
Agenda:- Entering into Construction Contracts and Subcontracts, Gregory P. Cafouros
- Leed Issues, Jennifer Watt
- Understanding Bonds, Insurance, Bankruptcy Issues, Jennifer Watt
- Construction Changes, Dispute Resolution, "Getting Paid", Sydney L Steele
August 31, 2011
Inheritance Tax Issues
Anne M. Hamilton, Estate Planning Attorney at Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP will be speaking on Inheritance Tax issues at The Indiana Assessor's Association - Assessor's Summer Conference will be on August 31, 2011 at the Hilton Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. The conference will be attended by the county assessors and their staff from 92 Indiana counties.
August 1, 2011
E-Verify: New Requirements for Contracts for Public Services
Since 1986, the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act ("IRCA") of 1986 has prohibited employers from knowingly hiring illegal workers. To comply with the law, employers must collect information regarding employees' employment eligibility and document that information on Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification. While the I-9 requires employers to collect certain information from their employees, including identification, date of birth and proof of employment eligibility (including valid work visa, social security card, or naturalization or citizenship papers), the employers did not have a way of verifying whether the information presented was genuine until an electronic verification system was developed.
"E-Verify" is an Internet-based system that compares the I-9 information and documentation to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment eligibility. E-Verify is used by most businesses on a voluntary basis. However, its use is mandatory for many employers with federal contracts, and now by contractors working under Indiana State and local public contracts.
INDIANA LAW:
As of July 1, 2011, pursuant to new legislation enacted under Public Law 171-2011, the State of Indiana now requires its state agencies and political subdivisions, for public contracts for services entered into or renewed after June 30, 2011, to conform to the following requirements: read more....
July 29, 2011
East Chicago Hires Indy Firm in Fight Against Casino Tax Appeal
By Steve Zabroski, correspondent for the Northwest Indiana Times
EAST CHICAGO | The city has enlisted the aid of a heavy-hitting downstate law firm in its battle against Ameristar Casino's push for a massive property tax reduction.
A new contract with Indianapolis-based Kroger, Gardis & Regas was approved by the Board of Public Works this week for representation in the casino's attempt to get the assessed value of its lakefront gaming facility reduced from $119 million to $39 million.
If approved by the Indiana Board of Tax Review, the move could cost the city as much as $4 million in annual property tax revenue.
Kroger, Gardis & Regas previously has done a lot of work with East Chicago on Ameristar issues, City Attorney Carla Morgan said.
Ameristar is citing a loss of income due to the closing of the Cline Avenue Bridge and the general obsolescence of its 14-year-old gambling boat in seeking the reduction, an argument rejected last month by the Lake County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals.
"We don't expect to spend a lot on this," Morgan said, "But the city stands to lose a lot of its assessed value if we don't take action."
July 19, 2011
Brian Bosma Returns From Haitian Mission Trip
Indiana Speaker of the House Brian Bosma recently returned from a mission trip to Haiti. it was the second year in a row he's visited the impoverished island nation. I sat down with Bosma to talk about the trip and how he says it shapes the way he approaches his leadership role in the General Assembly.
On the 9th floor of a building overlooking Monument Circle in Indianapolis, Bosma looks over photos he shot during his recent trip to Haiti. His air-conditioned office provides quite the contrast to the images of people in Haiti suffering from hunger and disease.
Read more at http://indianapublicmedia.org/news/bosma-returns-haitian-mission-trip/
July 18-20, 2011
Lending Seminar
Madalyn S. Kinsey, Partner in Banking and Finance, will be a speaker on loan documentation at the Risk Management Association's Commercial Lending School to be held July 18-20, 2011 at the Hampton Inn, Downtown Indianapolis.
July 14, 2011
World Swimming Championships
Kroger, Gardis & Regas, partner, William Bock a member of the FINA Doping Panel will be heading to Shanghai, China for the World Swimming Championships. The FINA Doping Panel is a group of six lawyers (1 each from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Japan, Algeria, Australia and the U.S.) who serve as arbitrators on FINA doping cases. FINA is the international federation for the sport of swimming, headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. The FINA Doping Panel attends each Swimming World Championships to attend meetings held in conjunction with the World Championships, to confer regarding drug testing matters and keeping the sport of swimming clean and to be on site to serve as an arbitration panel in the event that there is a positive drug test at the World Championships.
Mr. Bock was selected to serve on the FINA Doping Panel by a vote of FINA members at the 2009 World Championships held in Rome and his term of service began on January 1, 2010. He has served as an arbitrator in 5 cases to date and he also attended the World Short Course Swimming Championships held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last December. "Serving on the FINA Doping Panel with lawyers from 5 other countries and getting to know these lawyers has been a very enjoyable cultural experience", said Mr. Bock.
This year at the World Championships in Shanghai FINA is holding what is known as an "Extraordinary Congress," the first held in 20 years, at which time changes to the FINA Constitution will be debated. Mr. Bock plans to attend the Extraordinary Congress.
June 8, 2011
Keeping Baseball Legal
William Bock III, Partner with Kroger, Gardis & Regas traveled to the Northern District of California in San Francisco in March for the trial of the 46-year-old baseball player accused of lying to a grand jury about whether he used steroids or growth hormone during his career. See the full story here.
May 2011
Anne M. Hamilton Appointed to the Komen Foundation Board of Indianapolis
Anne M. Hamilton, Estate Planning attorney with Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP has been appointed to the Komen Foundation Board of Indianapolis. The Central Indiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure(r) serves 21 counties in Central Indiana. The board of directors represent a collection of business executives and professionals and volunteers who are dedicated to ensure the organization maintains our promise is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.
April 2011
New Indiana Environmental Remediation Closure Guide
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) recently released a draft of its Remediation Closure Guide (RCG). This document will direct the investigation, remediation options and closure requirements for contaminated property in Indiana. This draft is available for review and comment and can be downloaded here.
IDEM's staff, consulting engineers and other experts in the environmental field have worked in various focus groups for several years to develop the new guidance. The new Closure Guide will apply to all of IDEM's remediation programs - LUST, State Cleanup, VRP, Brownfields, and RCRA upon final issuance.
February 2011
James Knauer Appointed Bankruptcy Trustee of Eastern Livestock Co., LLC.
James Knauer, a partner in the Indianapolis law firm of Kroger, Gardis & Regas, has been appointed as the Bankruptcy Trustee of Eastern Livestock Co., LLC. Headquartered in New Albany, Indiana, Eastern was the largest cattle broker in the United States with annual revenues exceeding $1.7 billion dollars.
The case was triggered by the discovery of a check kiting scheme which has been estimated to involve as much as $130 million dollars in fraudulently obtained funds as well as tens of thousands of reported fictitious cattle sales and non-existent inventories of cattle. Ranchers, livestock auctions and feedlots throughout the U.S. have been impacted by the company's losses and NSF checks. Given the enormous number of creditors, Knauer has established a website at easternlivestsockbkinfo.com.
In a recent article, Forbes magazine referred to Thomas Gibson, Eastern's principal, as the "Bernie Madoff of the cattle business". The FBI and the USDA are actively investigating Eastern's collapse as well.
Despite the fraud, Knauer expects to make recoveries in "the 8 figure range". Almost $5 million dollars of funds were seized by the FBI in a raid on accounts of Gibson at a New Albany Bank in January. Knauer also stated that there were many persons engaged in perpetuating the fraud and litigation is being commenced against those responsible.
February 3, 2011
Town/Township Rights Enforced Under Indiana Government Modernization Act
Government/Municipal Litigation: Kroger, Gardis & Regas obtained a swift temporary restraining order and obtains the full relief sought in the rapid settlement of a preliminary injunction action for enforcement of governmental subdivision rights under the Indiana Government Modernization Act, Ind. Code 36-1.5-1-1 et seq., enacted in March 2006. Kroger, Gardis & Regas partner David Wright obtained a temporary restraining order restraining annexation activities by a nearby town which encroached on a township which was engaged in a consolidation procedure under the Indiana Government Modernization Act. Very substantial economic development consequences were at play. Town of Brownsburg v. Town of Avon.
- TRO and Order for Hearing on Premliminary Injuction (01/18/2011)
- Interlocal Cooperation Agreement Recorded (01/25/2011)
- IndyStar Article (02/03/2011)
November 10, 2010
Minority Owner Claims Prevail
Business Litigation: Minority owners obtain full ownership in two separate cases involving minority shareholder oppression. Kroger, Gardis & Regas partner David E. Wright successfully prosecuted minority owner breach of fiduciary duty claims in a business arbitration. Wright's client became the owner of the business as a part of the final resolution. Wright resolved another minority owner business dispute in which the minority owner obtained control and ownership of the subject business as a result of the majority owner's breaches of fiduciary duty and related damages. The case was fully prepared for filing and then settled in a last minute prefiling meeting without the necessity of filing the lawsuit.
August 26, 2010
Indiana Supreme Court: $7.5 Million Minority Value, Including Minority Owner Damages for Breach of Fiduciary Duty Sustained
Business Litigation: The August 26, 2010 denial of transfer by the Indiana Supreme Court confirmed the result of a $7.5 million judgment favoring minority shareholder, which included damages for breach of fiduciary in a valuation action under Indiana's Dissenters' Rights Statute. Kroger, Gardis & Regas partner David Wright obtained the judgment following a 12 day trial involving 5 testifying experts.
- News Release (12/30/08)
- Judgement - Findings and Conclusions (12/30/08)
- Trust's Brief and Cross Appeal (11/17/2009)
- Opinion (03/15/2010)
- Notice of Issuance or Order or Opinion (8/26/2010)
May 2010
Estate Planning Team Joins Kroger, Gardis & Regas
Heather McPherson and Anne M. Hamilton
Heather McPherson focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and estate administration and individual and fiduciary income taxation. She was named a 2009 Indianapolis FIVE STAR Wealth Manager by Indianapolis Monthly. She is a member of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, Class VII and is a Distinguished Fellow of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation. She is a member of the Estate Planning and Probate Sections of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Indiana State Bar Association and American Bar Association, the Indiana University School of Medicine Planning Giving Committee and the Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis. Heather serves on the Advisory Board (past board member) of the Dance Kaleidoscope. She is also a member of the Indianapolis Woman's Club, and a past board member of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Propylaeum Foundation and the Hoosier Salon. Heather can be reached at HMcPherson@kgrlaw.com, 317-777-7417.
Anne M. Hamilton focuses her practice on estate planning, trust and estate administration, charitable planning, guardianships, special needs planning and individual and estate income taxation. She is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, Probate and Real Property Section, and serves as a member of the Probate Review Committee of the Indiana State Bar. She is also a member of the Indianapolis Bar Association, Probate Section, and serves on the Executive Committee for the Probate Section. She is a member of the Indiana School of Medicine Planned Giving Committee, and the Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis, an advisory board member for Best Buddies of Indiana, an alumni of the Ardeth Burkhart Leadership Series of the United Way and former board member of the YWCA of Indianapolis. Anne can be reached at AHamilton@kgrlaw.com, 317-777-7447.
February 2010
Indiana Super Lawyers
Kroger, Gardis & Regas LLP announces that it had 4 partners listed among this year's Indiana Super Lawyers 2010®, a listing that appears in the March issue of Indiana Super Lawyers magazine. The firm also had 2 attorneys named as "Indiana Rising Stars" 2010.
The firm's attorneys, who made this year's list, including their primary practice area, are:- Indiana Super Lawyers 2010®
- James A. Knauer, Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights
- Jay P. Kennedy, Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights
- Madalyn S. Kinsey, Banking
- Indiana Super Lawyers 2010 - Corporate Counsel Edition®
- David E. Wright, Business Litigation (Corporate Counsel Edition)
- Indiana Rising Stars®
- Tricia A. Leminger, Government/Cities/Municipalities
- Steven E. Runyan, Business Litigation
Only five percent of the lawyers in the state are named by Super Lawyers. The selections for this esteemed list are made by the research team at Super Lawyers, which is a service of the Thomson Reuters, Legal division based in Eagan, MN.
July 20, 2009
Solving Antitrust Concerns About Health Care Reform
An article by Indianapolis attorney Linda M. Batten appears in a July issue of the Indianapolis Business Journal. Read more...
June 24, 2009
Issues Abound at Ethanol Plant
Indianapolis attorney James A. Knauer overseeing cleanup, closure, future of closed plant. Read more...
June 16, 2009
Wright Inducted Into The Litigation Counsel Of America
Indianapolis attorney David E. Wright, of Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP was inducted into the Litigation Counsel of America at the LCA's Spring Conference and Induction of Fellows in Santa Fe.
The Litigation Counsel of America is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation. The LCA is aggressively diverse in its composition. Established as a trial and appellate lawyer honorary society reflecting the American bar in the twenty-first century, the LCA represents the best in law among its membership. Read more...
March 27, 2009
Indiana Court of Appeals Affirms Judgment
A judgment obtained by John Petr on behalf of a commercial lender against a corporate guarantor in the trial court was unanimously affirmed by the Indiana Court of Appeals. In the linked "For Publication" Opinion rendered on March 27, 2009 in Richard Moore vs. Wells Fargo Construction, the Court dealt with issues concerning commercially reasonable sales of collateral and notices of sale.
March 2009
Indiana Super Lawyers
James A. Knauer was selected for inclusion in the list of 2009 Indiana Super Lawyers. He has been included in this listing consistently since 2004. Super Lawyers is a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Jay P. Kennedy was selected for inclusion in the list of 2009 Indiana Super Lawyers. His primary area of practice is Bankruptcy & Creditor/Debtor Rights, and Business Litigation.
David E. Wright was selected for inclusion in the list of 2009 Indiana Super Lawyers. His primary area of practice is Business Litigation. Mr. Wright was also recently inducted into the prestigious Litigation Counsel of America, a Trial Lawyer Honor Society with only 3,500 Fellows representing only one-half of one percent of American Lawyers.
Steven E. Runyan was selected for inclusion in the list of 2009 Indiana Super Lawyers - Indiana Rising Stars 2009. His primary area of practice is Business Litigation.
Madalyn S. Kinsey was selected for inclusion in the list of 2009 Indiana Super Lawyers. She has been included in this listing consistently since 2005. Her primary areas of practice are Banking and Real Estate.
December 30, 2008
7.5 Million Dollar Minority Shareholder Judgment
David E. Wright obtained a $7.5 Million minority shareholder judgment resulting from squeeze out merger, including minority oppression findings. Case summary.
July 2008
James A. Knauer was appointed as Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America.
The Litigation Counsel of America is a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Fellows are selected based upon effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation, both at the trial and appellate levels, and superior ethical reputation.
June 2008
ACEC Presidents Award
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana announced at its Annual Meeting that Gregory P. Cafouros has been given the 2008 President's Award, for his outstanding service to the engineering profession over the past 10 years. Mr. Cafouros is a key member of KGR's Construction Law Practice Group, and is a registered professional engineer in the State of Indiana.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
William Bock III Joins U.S Anti-Doping Agency as General Counsel
William Bock III is the new General Counsel for the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Bock has served as an outside counsel to USADA over the past seven years and has substantial experience in athletic drug testing matters. Read more...
Monday, September 10, 2007
Anesthesiology Group Names Firm Partner Chief Counsel
Mark Colucci has been chosen to serve as chief outside counsel to Anesthesia Consultants of Indianapolis, LLC ("ACI"). ACI is one of the largest anesthesia physician groups in the State of Indiana. Mr. Colucci and Kroger, Gardis & Regas will represent ACI in its business and litigation matters. ACI joins a growing list of firm healthcare and life sciences clients which also include, among others, Central Indiana Podiatry, P.C., DCL Medical Laboratories, Inc., and AIT Laboratories.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Client Acquires Major Technology Firm
Firm partner Mark Colucci represented long time client Defender Security Company ("DSC") in DSC's recent acquisition of the assets and intellectual property of UNETX. LLC, a Utah based internet marketing firm. The parties closed on the complicated multi-million dollar acquisition within days after agreeing on the basic terms and structure. The acquisition allows DSC to apply unique technology to its growing marketing division. DSC is a high growth company that is a leader in customer lead acquisition, and sales of residential services.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Four partners from the Indianapolis law firm of Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP have been selected as 2007 Indiana Super Lawyers. Read more...
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Kroger, Gardis & Regas concludes successful defense to residency challenge against State Representative Ed Soliday.- Soliday residency challenge dismissed (nwitimes.com, 4/18/07)
- Judge Alexa throws Soliday case back to state House to decide residency (Chesterton Tribune, 4/17/07)
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Judge overturns Boone County Election Board decision denying Zionsville candidate access to primary election ballot. Read more...
Tuesday, March 1, 2007
Partner, James Lauck has been re-appointed to the Plat Committee of the Department of Metropolitan Development, Marion County, Indiana, for the term 2007-2008.