INN OF COURT
The Carl D. Kessler Inn of Court II
n the Dayton legal community, the Carl D. Kessler Inn of Court is a vibrant community of lawyers and judges from all levels and backgrounds who share a passion for learning and comradery. Several esteemed member of the Dayton Bar formed The Card D. Kessler Inn of Court (the “Inn”) approximately 25 years ago. It is modeled after the American Inns of Court, which was founded in the late 1970s by Chief Justice Warren Burger and some of his colleagues with the purpose of promoting excellence, civility, professionalism, and ethical awareness. While the English Inns of Court provided inspiration for the American Inns of Court, the American versions have been modified it to fit the particular needs of the American legal system. (For more information on the American Inns of Court, see https://home.innsofcourt. org.) The Inn was originally started to improve trial advocacy, but with disappearing trials and efforts to include more members in diversified fields, the focus today is more on litigation practice in general. The Inn fosters interaction between judges, experienced lawyers, and newer members of the bar by distributing members among teams that are responsible for presenting a CLE program during the year. Through monthly meetings, members are able to build and strengthen professional relationships, discuss interesting and relevant legal issues, and share experiences and advice. Each meeting consists of social time, followed by dinner and a program that general focuses on practical legal skills and emphasizes professionalism in the practice of law. Programming seeks to provide knowledge about the latest legal topics, the honing of advocacy skills, and principles and techniques to be used in daily practice. Depending on the nature of the topic, programs can be presented in various innovative formats, including panel discussions, skits, videos, and game shows. A varied sampling of topics covered over the past few years includes: how to present an opening and closing argument; dynamic story telling; amendments to the rules of civil procedure; how to handle difficult clients; effective legal communications; administrative proceedings; mediation; appellate errors; jury selection; legal writing; conducting discovery; privacy law; and substantive law topics. The various members of the Inn provide a mix of ideas, skills, theories, experiences, perspectives, and passion. Many programs encourage
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Dayton Bar Briefs Summer 2017
By Gretchen M. Treherne Esq. President of Inn of Court Jackson Lewis, P.C. discussion by all Inn members. In doing so, the Inn also provides a valuable opportunity for mentoring. By creating an environment for idea exchange and open discussion, the Inn allows for new lawyers to learn from more senior members of the legal community, and also allows for more seasoned lawyers and judges to expand their understanding of new approaches and technologies. Members treasure the input from judges on the “dos and don’ts” of litigation practice. Additionally, the Inn presents a unique chance for people to collegially interact and “break bread” with individuals who might ordinarily be their adversaries or competitors, which assists in breaking down barriers within the profession. In a recent survey of Inn members, members revealed that they appreciated the opportunity to socialize with other lawyers and judges on a regular, recurring basis. In a world that has become more difficult for lawyers to branch outside their firm environments -- especially when technology tends to keep people in their offices – the socialization aspect is important. In the coming year, the Inn plans on providing programming that includes “a blend of cutting edge new topics and basics of trial practice,” as suggested by one member. The Inn, which is associated with the Dayton Bar Association, allows people to feel a part of the greater legal community. The Inn, which currently has a little over 100 members, welcomes attorneys from across the bar, ranging from solo practitioner to law firm associates and partners, as well as public services attorneys, government attorneys, in-house counsel, and law school graduates. Likewise, judges from all of the various courts (municipal, state, federal, and specialty courts) are encouraged to participate. The Carl D. Kessler Inn of Court meets from September through May on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Meetings are generally held at Sinclair Community College. To be considered for membership in the Inn, interested attorneys must be nominated by a current member. Nominations should be in writing and submitted to the current President of the Inn for consideration by the organization’s Executive Committee. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Inn, please contact Gretchen Treherne, President.
937.222.7902