ALL ABOUT
THE SOUTHWEST INNS OF COURT
Temecula, California
PURPOSE
Modeled after the American Inns of Court, the purpose of
the Southwest Inns of Court is to provide a forum for improving the
advocacy skills of its members with an emphasis on professionalism,
civility, and ethical awareness. Inns members seek to achieve these
goals through education and mentoring activities.
The Southwest Inns of Court was chartered on December 20, 2011,
with the first full-body membership session beginning September
2012. The Inns was founded through the efforts of Judge Angel
Bermudez and attorneys, Julie Baldwin, Kelly Bennett, Shaun Hanson,
Joe Wojcik, and Jeff Zimel. In the short span of time since the
Southwest Inns was chartered, we have grown into a strong network
of the Temecula Valley's most influential legal minds!
STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP
The Southwest Inns format and organization is patterned
after the English Inns of Court, which for centuries has provided a
forum for less-experienced Barristers to socialize and learn from
"Masters" of the bench and bar. Our meetings encourage
collegial discourse, peer interaction and mentoring by
forming "Pupilliage Groups" which are the central component of the
Southwest Inns.
Our Inns has limited membership with members divided into
Masters, Barristers and Associates that meet every second Thursday
of the month during the session (September through May with the
exception of December). Membership in the Inns is a privilege and
is extended by Masters of the Bench or by the recommendation of the
Executive Board. Because the Inns furthers its goals by the active
involvement and efforts of its membership, all members are expected
to participate and attend each monthly meeting.
PUPILLAGE GROUPS
Pupillage Groups are the core membership unit of the Inns. The
Pupillage Groups consist of at least one Judiciary Member, and a
balance of Masters, Barristers and Associates. Pupillage groups are
normally constituted for a single membership year.
Members of each Pupillage Group convey valuable information on
topics that arise in the various practice areas. By taking
advantage of the vast and varied experiences of attendees, our
meetings encourage broad participation by group members as well as
the general body.
MEETINGS
The Southwest Inns of Court holds its meetings in the
Temecula Valley Wine Country and in keeping with the tradition of
the British Inns, we provide a social atmosphere (dinner included)
to foster peer interaction prior to the formal presentation portion
of the meeting.
California MCLE credit is
available.
For further information please contact Leslie Williams at
lwilliams@bennettandbennettlaw.com