2021-22 Hon. Robert J. Bryan Inn of Court Student Membership

Law students who are currently in their second year are eligible to apply for 2021-2022 student membership in the Hon. Robert J. Bryan Inn of Court, which meets in Tacoma. 

This is a great opportunity for students who are interested in meeting federal and state judges and lawyers from South King County, Pierce County, Kitsap County, Thurston County, and beyond, for educational programming and dinner each month.  The Hon. Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court promotes excellence in legal practice, provides CLE training, educates law students and attorneys about ethics, civility, and professionalism, and offers an opportunity to network.

Like the William L. Dwyer Inn of Court, which we emailed about last week, the Hon. Robert J. Bryan Inn is part of a larger system. The American Inns of Court is a professional organization of judges, lawyers, law professors, and law students dedicated to civility, professionalism, ethics, and excellence in the practice of law.  There are more than 30,000 active members in 368 chartered Inns.

Members of the Bryan Inn are divided into smaller working units – known as pupilages – composed of judges, lawyers, law professors, and law students.  The pupilages take turns presenting educational programs for members at the federal courthouse in Tacoma.  After the presentations, members eat dinner together (pre-pandemic, the group gathered at a local restaurant; the Bryan Inn anticipates holding in-person events again when COVID-19 pandemic restrictions allow). The CLE programs and dinners are held September through May, with a few parties along the way. 

Student members will work closely with the judges and lawyers assigned to their pupilage to create a CLE presentation.  During dinner, students will have further opportunities to meet with judges and lawyers, allowing the opportunity to connect with mentors and potential future employers in the South Puget Sound region. 

If you have questions, please contact Magistrate Judge Theresa L. Fricke, the president-elect of the Hon. Robert J. Bryan Inn of Court; you may reach Judge Fricke by sending an email to Mr. Miguel Mendez-Pintado. Scholarships may be available if you would like to obtain financial assistance to cover the yearly membership fees. To apply, submit a student application to Ms. Mary Ann Romo by Friday, April 23. Email Ms. Romo for an application form. 

2021-22 William L. Dwyer Inn of Court Student Membership

Current 2Ls are invited to apply for 2021-22 membership in the William L. Dwyer Inn of Court. One of the Inn’s functions is to serve as an educational and mentoring organization to law students who are dedicated to the pursuit of high-quality, ethical lawyering.

The general membership is made up of judges, professors, law firm partners, prosecutors, defenders, and other lawyers with varying levels of practice experience. Typically, the Inn meets on the Seattle U campus the second Tuesday night of each of the nine months of the school year for dinner, networking, and a continuing legal education (CLE) presentation. The Inn has been meeting remotely this past year and will do so until it is safe to gather in person. Students are each assigned to one of seven sub-groups, called pupilages. Students work with the judges and lawyers in their pupilages to develop and help lead CLEs (each pupilage presents one CLE a year).

Student membership selection is competitive. There are seven spots available for Seattle U law students who will be 3Ls during the 2021-22 academic year. Selection criteria include a demonstrated interest in litigation and dispute resolution, participation in activities supporting that interest, and a thoughtful, compelling letter of interest.

To apply to the William L. Dwyer Inn of Court, email a resume and letter of interest by Monday, April 19 at 5 pm to both Deborah Ahrens, Professor of Law, and Erin Fullner, Director of Professional Development and Alumni Relations.

Student membership dues will be covered by the Office of the Dean.

If you have questions, email Prof. Ahrens or Dr. Fullner.