In addition to the four categories of active membership (Masters, Barristers, Associates and Pupils), the Inn recognizes three categories of inactive membership: Emeritus, Honorary, and Alumni Guest members.
Emeritus, Honorary and Alumni Guest Members are respectively defined in the Bylaws of the Inn of Court (the “Bylaws”), as follows: Emeritus Members. Pursuant to Bylaws Article III, Sections 2.a. and 2.b., members who have served as active Masters of the Bench (Benchers) continuously for at least five (5) years may request Emeritus status.
Membership as Emeritus Masters of the Bench, or “Emeritus Benchers,” may be conferred upon Active Benchers by vote of the Executive Committee. Such membership status may be granted on the basis of long and distinguished service to the Inn, pursuant to criteria to be determined by the Executive Committee. Emeritus Benchers shall be under no obligation to pay dues, attend meetings or participate in other programs of the Inn, but will enjoy all privileges of Active membership except the right to vote and the right to attend all meetings. Emeritus Benchers will retain such membership status for life if they so desire. Emeritus Benchers shall be allowed to attend up to three monthly program meetings of the Inn and the holiday party held in late November or early December, provided such Emeritus Bencher pays the standard per member cost of such meeting or party, if any. The standard cost for meeting attendance shall be $40 paid to the Treasurer.
Any person who has been granted Emeritus status as a Bencher may be invited to serve again in an Active capacity. Honorary Members. Pursuant to Bylaws Article III, Section 2.e., Honorary Members may be elected from time to time upon nomination by the Executive Committee. Consideration for selection is to be based upon distinguished service to the bench or bar, furtherance of Inns of Court objectives, or other noteworthy achievements. Honorary members shall be under no obligation to pay dues, attend meetings or participate in other programs of the Inn, but will have all the privileges of membership except the right to vote. Alumni Members. In addition, the Inn recognizes a third category of membership. All former members are Alumni, but Alumni who have participated in the Inn for at least five years as active members may elect to discontinue their membership, and if they are in good standing at the time of such election, and are granted Alumni Guest status by the Executive Committee, shall be known as an Alumni Guest. Alumni Guests shall not be assigned to a pupilage team, shall have no obligation to attend meetings or participate in other programs of the Inn, and shall not have the right to vote. Alumni Guests shall be allowed to attend one monthly program meeting of the Inn and the holiday party held in late November or early December, provided such Alumni Guest pay’s the standard cost of such meeting or party, if any. The standard cost for meeting attendance shall be $40 paid to the Treasurer.
All alumni shall be noted as alumni in the Inn’s membership records and may be included in Inn communications and events at the discretion of the Executive Committee. Active Inn members shall be encouraged to maintain communications and relationships with Alumni Guest members for the purpose of disseminating information about Inn activities and to encourage ongoing professional relationships.