Through the initiative of Judge Warren Urbom and with the cooperation of the Law College, a group of lawyers and judges established the Robert Van Pelt American Inn of Court in 1987. The Inn 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 promote justice through mentorship and education. It provides 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 in the practice of law.
The Robert Van Pelt American Inn of Court consists of approximately 60 individuals divided into 7 pupilage groups. Each pupilage group includes one Master of the Bench (a judge), at least two Masters of the Bar (veteran attorneys), two Barristers (experienced attorneys), one Associate (new attorney), and two Law Students.
The Inn meets once per month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 5 to 6:30 pm. At each meeting, one of the pupilage groups presents a program that addresses some aspect of professionalism, ethics, civility, or advocacy skills. Other members of the Inn then discuss the presentation.
The Inn provides a unique opportunity for newer lawyers to learn from experienced lawyers and judges. It also allows law students to meet, work with, and learn from local members of the bench and bar.
Students who will be third year law students in 2015-16 are invited to apply for membership in the Inn. Application forms are available in the bins outside the Dean’s Office, or a digital version can be requested via email directed to Dean Pearce. Applications are due back to Dean Pearce (in either electronic form or as a hard copy) by May 15, 2015. 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.