Sessions and Schedule

Check-in and Morning Refreshments

Stop by our check-in area to pick up your materials, and grab a cup of coffee.

Opening Session | How to Answer a Legal Question

At this brief orientation to the Lawcademy program, we'll give room assignments and other program announcements, tell you what to expect from your sessions, and help you make the most of your morning.

Presented by Scott Palmer, Organizer, Lawcademy South Bend

Top Misconceptions about Family Law

This session will uncover some of the most common things people think they know about family law… but often don’t! We’ll clarify the laws and process surrounding divorce, debunk myths regarding child support, and address common misunderstandings regarding paternity. We will also save time for your questions about these or other family law matters.

Presented by Angela Hoogeveen, Managing Attorney, Indiana Legal Services

An Important Conversation about Advance Directives

Consider the unthinkable: that you lose your decision-making ability. Who will make your medical decisions when you can’t?

Fortunately, there is a way to articulate and document your wishes concerning medical treatment – if you plan ahead. This session will be an important conversation about preparing an Advance Directive.

Our conversation will cover:

• What are the types and purposes of Advance Directives?

• Why are Advance Directives important for everyone, regardless of age and health status?

• What is a Durable Power of Attorney, and how is it different?

• Whom should you select to be your healthcare agent?

• How can you start this important conversation with your family and loved ones?

Presented by Sarah Everett, Staff Attorney, Indiana Legal Services

What You Should Know About Federal Criminal Investigations

Have you been hearing a lot about hearings and the "rule of law" lately? Are all these “subpoenas,” “warrants” and “affidavits” in the news just political tricks, or legitimate investigative tools used by Congress and federal prosecutors? In this session, a former Federal prosecutor will demystify some of the nuts and bolts of past and present investigations.

We will:

• explain the process of obtaining a search warrant and why they are used;

• clarify the differences between Congressional Subpoenas, Grand Jury Subpoenas and Trial Subpoenas;

• describe what an Affidavit is, and who might make one; and

• demystify when each of these tools may be justified… and when it isn’t.

After this session, you will be better informed about how federal investigations are actually handled so you can weigh for yourself the importance of the events behind the headlines.

Presented by Barbara Z. Brook, former Assistant U.S. Attorney, N. Dist. of Indiana

Expungements: A Fresh Start for All

Having a criminal record can limit job opportunities, housing opportunities, and even access to a child’s school. These limitations can impact entire communities.

In this session, we will describe the process of having a criminal record sealed from access by the public, or “expunged.” If you – or someone you know – is facing the limitations of a criminal conviction, this session is for you.

We will answer such questions as:

• What convictions can be expunged?

• Does the sentence have to be completed to be eligible?

• What period of years must contact with the criminal justice system be avoided?

• What counts as a “contact” with the system?

• Can someone file for an expungement on their own? Is it easy? Do they need an attorney?

Presented by Hon. Andre Gammage, Magistrate, St. Joseph County Court and Adjunct Professor, University of Notre Dame Law School

Renters' Rights

Are you a renter, or planning to become one? Do you know when you may… fix your own apartment? Withhold or deduct rent? Break your lease?

This session will clarify your rights as a renter. It will also explain responsibilities some tenants may not know they have.

In this session, we will:

• begin with the process of finding a rental property;

• walk through your rights and responsibilities as a renter; and

• explain what you need to know before ending your tenancy.

Presented by Judith Fox, Clinical Professor Emerita of Law, Notre Dame Law School

Get in the Game! Your Rights as an Indiana Voter

Democracy is not a spectator sport, and there’s no more important way for you to participate than by voting. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of mystery, confusion, and misinformation about how voting works.

This session will pull back the voting booth curtain and explain what’s really going on behind the scenes on election day – and before. You’ll hear about:

• Who can vote – Who is eligible? What do you need to have on election day?

• When and how can you vote – When is early voting? Who can vote by mail, or use absentee voting?

• Voter access – what laws protect your right to vote? What restrictions are there? What is unique about Indiana or St Joseph County?

• Voter fraud – how often does it happen? What safeguards are there?

After this session, you will be a more active and informed citizen, ready to play your part on the democracy team.

Co-presented by

• Dr. Elizabeth Bennion, Chancellor’s Professor of Political Science and American Democracy Project Director at Indiana University South Bend

• Catherine Fanello, Public Finance Attorney, Kline Alvaredo Veio, P.C., and former appointee to St Joseph County Election Board

The People’s Court – How to Succeed in Small Claims

Have you ever wondered how the small claims process works? Is it really like The People’s Court on TV? Come to this session to learn the truth about small claims cases – what to do, what not to do and what to know to be successful!

Presented by Hon. Eric Tamashasky, Magistrate Judge, St. Joseph County Superior Court

Practical Tips for Dealing with Credit and Debt

This fast-paced presentation will touch on numerous topics that consumers often have questions about, such as:

• how to stop annoying collection calls and robo-calls,

• how to check your credit report and correct errors,

• collection lawsuits,

• debt collectors,

• hiring a consumer law attorney,

• and more.

There will be an opportunity for questions at the end of the session.

Presented by Robert E. Duff, Owner, Indiana Consumer Law Group

Land Contracts: Home Buying Trick, or Treat?

Home prices have soared and interest rates are rising, making it harder and harder to purchase a home in America. Although affordable homes are available in the South Bend community, banks are not always willing to provide mortgages for homes selling for less than $100,000.

A land contract – sometimes (incorrectly) called a “rent to own” agreement – can be an option for prospective buyers. Unfortunately, they can also be a predatory trap for some unsuspecting buyers.

This session will explain

• what a land contract is

• how it differs from a traditional lease or mortgage

• the benefits of buying a home on a land contracts

• the risks or disadvantages of land contracts

Presented by Judith Fox, Clinical Professor Emerita of Law, Notre Dame Law School

Program Evaluations

Don't go just yet! To improve future Lawcademy programs and demonstrate our educational mission, it's important that we have your input. Before leaving, would you please share your thoughts by taking a quick survey on our sessions and presenters?

You can do this at the event (or after) using your own device and the link we'll provide to you by email. Or, ask a Lawcademy volunteer for a paper evaluation.

Thank you!