The mission of the American Inns of Court
is to foster excellence in professionalism,
ethics, civility, and legal skills.
Roger Williams University School of Law
is affiliated with two chapters of the American
Inns of Court, a prestigious, invitation-only
social and professional organization of
distinguished judges, lawyers, law professors,
and Roger Williams’ law students.
The Roger Williams American Inn of Court
and the Gallogly American Inn of Court (dedicated
specifically to family law) are designed
to improve the skills, professionalism,
and ethics of the bench and bar.
Like their counterparts around the country,
the Inn of Court chapters are an adaptation
of the traditional English model of apprenticeship,
which has been modified to fit the particular
needs of the American legal system. The
Inn of Court helps lawyers become more effective
advocates and counselors with a keener ethical
awareness. Student members learn side-by-side
with the most experienced judges and attorneys
in the community.
Membership is composed of four categories:
Master of the Bench (judges, experienced
lawyers and law professors); Barristers
and Associates (lawyers with varying degrees
of experience); and Pupils (third- and fourth-year
law students). The membership is divided
into "pupilage teams," with each
team consisting of a few members from each
membership category. Each pupilage team
conducts one program for the Inn each year.
Pupilage teams also meet informally outside
of monthly Inn meetings, allowing students
and less experienced members to learn from
more experienced attorneys and judges.
Over 80 judges, lawyers, and academics
from the Rhode Island bar participate in
the Roger Williams American Inn of Court
and some 60 judges, lawyers and academics
participate in the Gallogly American Inn
of Court.
Law student membership is encouraged. It
is often described by students as an unparalleled
opportunity to gain insight into the finer
aspects of the legal profession. Law students
are schooled by the most highly respected
lawyers in the profession, with the intent
that the students' legal careers be profoundly
enriched by the lessons learned through
the Roger Williams American Inn of Court
chapters.
