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Landlord-tenant proceedings in Indianapolis have been changed for the better after efforts from three IU McKinney students and one alumna. Their work received special recognition at the 2013 Robert G. Bringle Civic Engagement Showcase and Symposium on April 23 at the IUPUI Campus Center.

J.D. candidates Alison Becker, Bethany Nine-Lawson, and Kim Opsahl, and Aida Ramirez, ’12, took part in meetings with judges responsible for landlord-tenant proceedings in the nine township courts in Marion County. They addressed issues such as access to court and proceedings for people with disabilities and non-English speakers, as well as application of the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act.

"This group caused substantial advances in justice for tenants," said Professor Florence Wagman Roisman. "This is a wonderful illustration of the important work that our students do with the courts and community in Indianapolis and throughout the state."

When the presiding judge of Marion County Circuit Court, Judge Louis Rosenberg, established an advisory committee on landlord-tenant proceedings, the students participated by serving on the committee, testifying at hearings, and commenting on proposed amendments to the rules.

"They worked on an amicus brief in the Indiana Court of Appeals. Brienne Delaney, '12, an alumna who graduated too early to share in this award, co-authored a report on landlord-tenant proceedings," said Professor Roisman, who teaches Property courses with Professor Carlton Waterhouse. "All of this work was based on reports submitted by students in the Property courses."