Why Join Us?

You will find that the Inn's programs and benefits differ from typical networking or CLE. The Inn strives to meet needs of the profession in the Estates/Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianship, and Trust area on a number of fronts.

Learning in Context

Law schools excel at teaching aspiring attorneys how to identify issues, read critically, and initiate the process of refining their advocacy, but are limited by what constitutes effective pedagogy and what effectively teaches the subject matter.

The Inn has the benefit of being able to address problems within the larger context of practice, as its members already possess a baseline of knowledge in this area and can address current developments or delve deeper into a topic impacting current practitioners.

Additionally, for law students, showing early interest in a particular area helps you develop relationships early and can help you determine if this area is where you want to specialize.

Ethics and Collegiality

Lawyers can become unhappy with the profession and/or their jobs, and many lawyers and non-lawyers alike question whether professionalism and ethical standards are high enough.  The Inn provides a collegial setting to consider such problems, to meet and get to know others in the profession and their particular practice focuses, and to get a better sense of the developments surrounding the legal field and practioners.

Civility

Civility between opposing lawyers is important to the profession, but isn't always present. It looks bad on the professionals and to the wider public if there is a needless baseline of hostility in an arena where problem-solving, practicality, and advocacy should be the priority. The Inn provides an opportunity to deal with issues encountered in practice, promote best practicces, and to build and maintain relationships outside the work environment that will aid in interactions throughout practitioners’ careers.

Skills

Building skills and growing knowledge bases is challenging and necessary even for experienced practitioners. Further, for younger practitioners, it is in your interest and the interest of your future clients that you grow in this area efficiently and with integrity. The meetings provide opportunities for more education and the establishment of relationships through the Inn, affording mentorship to ensure the next generation of practitioners is ready to advance this area of law.

Mentoring

How It Works

At the beginning of every Inn year, members are assigned to one of six Pupillage Groups. Each team is comprised of members from each membership category and includes at least one judge. Pupillage Groups are responsible for creating and presenting one program during the Inn year. Team leaders are responsible for organizing at least two (2) Pupillage Group gatherings per year. Informal mentoring takes place within the context of each Pupillage Group.