History
The History of the Richard M. Sangster American Inn of Court
In 1997, a visionary group of attorneys in Northern California led by Richard M. Sangster sought to establish a new chapter of the American Inns of Court with the intent of fostering mentorship, collegiality, and continued professional development within the legal community. This effort led to the formation of a new chapter, initially designated American Inns of Court Chapter 304.
A Vision Takes Shape
Richard M. Sangster’s vision for the chapter was ambitious yet simple: to establish an Inn of Court that would unite attorneys from three contiguous counties in Northern California—Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. This area, with its diverse legal community, presented a unique opportunity to build an inclusive forum for attorneys to exchange ideas and experiences while fostering the highest standards of legal practice.
In a period when there were already 27 Inns of Court chapters throughout California, including six in the Bay Area, the creation of a new chapter in this region was seen as both a valuable and necessary addition. The Bay Area legal community was well-established, but Sangster believed that attorneys in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma counties could benefit from a localized, intimate forum that catered to their specific professional needs.
Letters were sent out to a select group of attorneys in these counties, inviting them to join the newly forming chapter. The letters explained the mission of the American Inns of Court, its focus on mentorship, education, and the exchange of knowledge, and outlined the goals of the new chapter. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the group began organizing for their first meeting.
The First Meeting
On September 17, 1998, the inaugural meeting of what would become the Richard M. Sangster Inn of Court was held at the Marin County Courthouse. The program for the evening, titled “Admissibility and Ethics of Demonstrative Evidence,” was a reflection of the Inn’s commitment to offering timely and relevant continuing education to its members. Attorneys from all levels of experience came together to discuss complex issues of law in an environment that encouraged collaboration and respectful dialogue.
This first meeting set the tone for the Inn’s future. It was clear from the start that the Richard M. Sangster Inn of Court would be a place where attorneys could develop their skills, build lasting professional relationships, and refine their understanding of both the law and the ethical considerations that shape it.
The Legacy of Richard M. Sangster
Richard M. Sangster passed away in 1998, just months before the first meeting of the newly formed chapter. In recognition of his pivotal role in establishing the chapter, and his lasting impact on the legal community, the chapter was renamed the Richard M. Sangster Inn of Court in his honor.
Under the guidance of its founding members, the Richard M. Sangster Inn of Court continues to grow and thrive. The Inn’s programs remain focused on fostering professional development through the exchange of legal knowledge and the cultivation of strong, ethical practices. It also encourages greater collaboration between seasoned practitioners and newer attorneys, with senior members mentoring junior members and guiding them through the complexities of legal practice.
A Unique Regional Focus
What sets the Richard M. Sangster Inn of Court apart from other Inns in California is its regional focus. Unlike many other Inns, which draw members from larger, urban centers, the Richard M. Sangster Inn of Court serves attorneys in the three counties of Marin, Napa, and Sonoma. This regional focus fosters a sense of community and belonging among members, who are able to connect with colleagues in neighboring counties and share in the challenges and opportunities unique to their region.