A Brief History of the Inns
The English Inns of Court were founded hundreds of years ago. The American Inns of Court began 35 years ago as an extension of that proud tradition. The San Francisco Lawyers’ Club Chapter was founded in 1991 and is known for its own history of innovative programs and collegial membership.
The mission of our Chapter, like all American Inns, is to have judges and senior attorneys in the Bay Area legal community teach and mentor younger attorneys in the practice of law. The Inn also provides the opportunity for members to meet and network with fellow members of the Bench and Bar and to earn CLE credit in an educational yet social environment.
Membership has its Benefits
In addition to monthly general meetings, the members participate in monthly CLE presentations. The members are divided into small pupilage teams that meet to plan the presentation skit with leadership by one of the attorneys. Each team is responsible for presenting one of the monthly educational programs on a topic assigned at the beginning of the year. This more intimate and collegial setting further promotes the mentoring and networking benefits of membership. It also provides a unique opportunity for attorneys from both sides of the bench and all areas of practice to collaborate and network in a non-adversarial setting.
We meet for an educational program at the San Francisco Superior Court or other venue every month (usually on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.), September through May, excluding December. These meeting are then followed by dinner, the cost of which is included in your membership fee. This is an excellent way to build and strengthen relationships with others in the San Francisco legal community and to earn CLE credits while enjoying an excellent meal with your fellow judges and lawyers.