INNS OF COURT Call for Applications

American Inns of Court
American Inns of Court

INNS OF COURT: Call for Applications

Current second year law students are invited to apply for 2012-13 membership with the Inn.

Deadline: May 15, 2012

The Inn provides a unique opportunity for newer lawyers to learn from experienced lawyers and judges and for law students to enhance their education and to meet and learn from local members of the bench and bar.

In 1987, a group of lawyers and judges in Lincoln, through the initiative of Judge Warren Urbom and in cooperation with the Law College, established the Lincoln Inns of Court. Part of a national organization of individual Inns of Court located throughout the United States and in London, its purpose generally, is to provide a forum through which experienced judges and lawyers can assist younger lawyers and law students to improve their advocacy skills and learn more about professionalism, ethics and civility issues.

Consisting of 63 individuals, the Lincoln Inn includes 7 judges, 21 "senior benchers" (experienced trial lawyers), 21 "barristers" (younger lawyers with 1-3 years of experience) and 14 law students. The Inn is divided into 7 pupilage groups consisting of one judge, three benchers, three barristers, and two students.

The Inns meet once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, from 5:00 to 6:30 or 7:00 pm. The monthly meetings consist of a program developed by one of the pupilage groups to demonstrate some aspect of professionalism, ethics, civility or advocacy skills. Other members of the Inn discuss the presentation.

Membership is determined by random selection with special preference to students who have taken or are enrolled in litigation-related courses. The application form is available outside the Dean’s Office. Student membership is one year.