Messages from the Past Presidents of the George C. Young American Inn of Court   

A. Brian Phillips, President 2015-2017

Welcome to the George C. Young American Inn of Court.

We are proud of our Inn and would like you to know why. 

In the late 1970s, Chief Justice Warren E. Burger expressed concern about declining professionalism among American lawyers.  He observed deficiencies in their advocacy skills, ethics, and civility.  These concerns, shared by other leaders in the profession, inspired the creation of the American Inns of Court.  In the tradition of their English predecessors, the Inns are designed to provide opportunities for aspiring young lawyers to learn from older, distinguished lawyers and judges in a social setting. 

Our Inn was founded in 1990 and has flourished since.  Our members come from all areas of practice and include some of the best and most respected lawyers in the state. We meet monthly throughout the academic year. Each meeting includes a social hour, followed by dinner and a program focusing on ethical considerations, civility, and excellence in practice.  CLE credits are available to those who attend.

We have been honored by the American Inns of Court for one of our many community-based projects.  In a ceremony at the United States Supreme Court, our Inn received the Best Special Project Award for our work with Howard Middle School.  This was one of only five awards given in 2014.  In addition, our Inn holds the designation of Platinum Status by the American Inns of Court based, in part, on our outstanding programs, people, and projects.  Platinum status places our Inn as one of the fifty (50) elite Inns in the United States.

I hope you feel as honored to be a member of this Inn as I do to serve as its president.  I am confident that this will, indeed, be a very good year!

A. Brian Phillips
President (2015-2017)