A group of lawyers and judges in Lincoln through the initiative of Judge Warren Urbom and with the cooperation of the Law College established the Lincoln Inns of Court in 1987. The Inns of Court is part of a national organization of individual Inns of Court located throughout the United States and in London. The purpose of the Inn, 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.
The Lincoln Inn consists of 63 individuals which includes 7 judges, 21"senior benchers" (experienced trial lawyers), 21 "barristers" (younger lawyers with 1-3 years of experience) and 14 law students. Law students are Inn members for one year. 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 to 6:30 or 7 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.
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.
Current second year law students are invited to apply for membership in the Inn. The application form is available in the bins outside the Dean’s Office, and it is due back by May 15, 2013. Preference will be given to students who have taken or are enrolled in litigation-related courses. Otherwise, Inn membership will be determined by random selection.