In January 2016, the Indiana Supreme Court unanimously approved the creation of a three-year commercial court pilot project in the state of Indiana, with a goal of providing faster case resolutions, more predictable outcomes and reduced litigation expenses.

Six “pilot” commercial courts are expected to be operational by June 2016. One commercial court will be located in each of six regions throughout the state, with judges located in Crown Point, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Goshen, Indianapolis and New Albany. The program aims at providing more predictability, by concentrating commercial cases on one docket before one judge in each of the six regions, and a specialized court to handle business disputes, resulting in a more efficient track for litigation matters to proceed through discovery, dispositive motions and trial.

The Indiana Commercial Court Working Group — composed of attorneys, judges, legislators and other professionals — developed a plan and procedures for the commercial courts. Indiana joins over 20 other states with commercial courts.

Faegre Baker Daniels partner Karen Moses was an appointed member of the Indiana Commercial Court Working Group that recommended the pilot project.