Our officers for the 2008-2009 academic year are as follows:
President – Judge Bruce Johnson
Treasurer – Ryan Pacyga
Secretary - Marianne Settano
Membership – Jon Hawks
Counselor – Professor Len Biernat
Program Chair – Debra Heisick
Administrators – Susan H. Stephan `92/Anne M. Markus
The Inn meets approximately once a month both to “break bread” and to hold programs and discussions on improving the legal profession, usually for one CLE credit. Membership is designed to have a balance of lawyers from different experience levels who will work with each other and with law students in order to provide mentoring and assistance in getting started in the practice of law. Membership includes judges and lawyers from different experience levels who work with each other and graduating students in order to provide mentoring and professional support. It is a great opportunity to network, learn more about our professionalism, and hear judges and lawyers belting out show tunes. The Inn provides a unique opportunity to make close friendships with lawyers and judges through its informal setting.
The American Inns of Court follow the traditional model of English apprenticeship as modified to fit the American legal system. Senior members serve as mentors who will assist young lawyers and law students to become more effective advocates and counselors with a keener ethical awareness.
Membership is designed to have a balance of lawyers from different experience levels who will work with each other and with third year law students in order to provide mentoring, and assistance and a collegial community. The dues of the Inn are intended to cover the costs of meals and national membership. The annual dues schedule will be updated in October. The Inn is anticipated to have a maximum number of 80 members who will come from the following levels of experience:
Masters of the Bench 15 or more years of experience
Barristers 5-14 years
Associates 0-5 years
Third Year Law Students
The Inn has been named in honor of Richard T. Oakes, founding dean of Hamline University School of Law. Dean Oakes passionately shared these ideals and devoted most of his professional life to improving legal education He believed that legal education must include practical experiences through clinical programs along with the guidance from experienced practitioners.
The Richard T. Oakes American Inn of Court would not have been possible without the dual support of Hamline University School of Law and Street Legal Motorcycle Club (R), an organization of motorcycle-enthusiast legal professionals. Dick, an avid rider, was a founding member of Street Legal, which regularly holds CLEs in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Additional information about the Inn:
2008-09 Meeting Schedule
Membership Application
Membership Dues
Approved CLE Credits
Mentoring Opportunities
Bylaws
Questions?