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