Welcome to all of you to the 2024-25 Judge Henry Woods American Inn of Court!

I am pleased to serve as your President this year.  Many thanks to our immediate past president, Robert Tellez, for his leadership in 2023-24 that led to yet another prestigious Achieving Excellence Platinum designation from the national American Inns of Court.  With your help I am hopeful and confident that we can achieve this honor again this upcoming year.

We have a number of new members and law students in our Inn this year and look forward to welcoming them to our organization. I urge them as well as our existing members to visit and become familiar with the “About Us” section of the American Inns of Court website at https://www.innsofcourt.org/.  You will be glad that you did when you come to our first meeting on Tuesday, September 10, at Red and Blue.

We had so much fun last year with our theme of “Everything I Know About the Law, I Learned from Hollywood” that we are continuing the fun with the theme of “Everything I Know About the Law I Learned from Music.”  Each of our CLE presentations will be based on a song.  It promises to be entertaining as well as educational.  Be sure to put our second Tuesday meetings on your calendar for September-November and January-April.

For our holiday party this year we are excited to return to the Edgemont House in North Little Rock.  You will not want to miss this extraordinary event at a lovely venue that goes all out with its holiday decorations. 

Chief Justice John Dan Kemp is our Counselor (President Elect) this year.  Stacy Williams will serve as our Secretary-Treasurer.  Rounding out the Executive Committee are Robert Tellez, immediate past president; Hon. Mike Reif and Hon. Joe Volpe, both past presidents; Amanda LaFever; and Anthony McMullen.  Jennifer Davis will continue her invaluable service as our Executive Director.   

Now more than ever the mission of the American Inns of Court is essential:  to inspire the legal community to protect and advance the rule of law.  The diversity and range of experience of our members provide a unique opportunity for fellowship, mentoring and education.  When we meet with judges and other attorneys of the highest caliber we are challenged and motivated to practice with the same high standards of civility, professionalism and excellence.  Make the most of the Inn experience by coming to the meetings regularly and reaching out to Inn leaders and members to let us know how we can help you.

On behalf of the Executive Committee I welcome you to the 2024-2025 Judge Henry Woods Inn of Court.

Teresa Wineland