Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court

Meeting notice -- January 12, 2012

2012-01-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Hello all--

Happy New Year! What better way to ring it in than to have an Inn of Court meeting this Thursday, January 12, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center.

Ron Tweel's group is presenting:

Ron Tweel: rtweel@mhlrt.com
Bob Byrne: bbvrne@martinwrenlaw.com
Mike Derdeyn: med@fpwlaw.com
John Kitzmann: jhk@dklawyers.com
Kim Mattingly: kmm@dklawyers.com
Hayden O. Lee: hol@fpwlaw.com
Laura Butler: lbutler@TGBlaw.com
David Irvine: david.irvine@tremblaysmith.com

We are looking forward to an interesting and informative presentation!

RSVP as usual....

Will

Meeting notice -- November 10, 2011, 6 PM

2011-11-07T10:46:00.000-08:00

Hello again --

The next meeting of the Inn is this Thursday, November 10, at 6 PM at the Legal Aid Justice Center. The presentation has a working title of "ETHICS, PROFESSIONALISM, AND CLIENT CONTROL -- Dealing with 'Difficult' clients," and will be presented by yours truly, Lee Dunham, Armin Zijerdi, and (hopefully) Judge Hogshire. While there may be a focus on criminal law and bankruptcy issues, we expect there to be a lively discussion amongst the entire group, regardless of practice area. As usual, CLE credit will be sought.

Dinner will consist of some Thanksgiving-like superfood from The Shebeen, which will continue to pamper us as if we were cigar-chomping-fat-cat-Wall-Street-types.

RSVP to me, as you always do....

Your humble Secretary/Treasurer/Food and Beverage Procurer/Inn Lackey,

Will

Meeting notice, plus!

2011-10-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hello all--

The Inn will be meeting on Thursday, October 13, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center, 1000 Preston Ave. Group 1, led by Don Morin and Bill Archambault, will be moderating an interesting and enlightening presentation. RSVP as usual, wwtanner@paynehodous.com.

Also, here is a list of the presentation groups for the balance of the year. Please take note of your group and start thinking about your presentations:

GROUP 1, October 13, 2011:

Don Morin: dmorin@morinandbarkley.com
Bill Archambault: wha9a@virginia.edu
Richard Armstrong:RArmstrong@lenhartobenshain.com
Lee Livingston: lee.livingston@tremblaysmith.com
Bruce Gehle: bdg5qr@virginia.edu
Vaden Warren: VWarren@warren-law.com
Marc Peritz: maperitz@morinandbarkley.com

GROUP 2, November 10, 2011:

Edward L. Hogshire: hogshire@charlottesville.org
Jim Hingeley: jhingeley@idc.virginia.gov
Will Tanner: wwtanner@pavnehodous.com
Ashley Maddox: AshleyM@vawd.uscourts.gov
Lee Dunham: lee@leedunham.com
Bob Downer: downer@charlottesville.org
Armin Zijerdi: azijerdi@idc.virginia.gov

GROUP 3, January 12, 2012:

Ron Tweel: rtweel@mhlrt.com
Bob Byrne: bbvrne@martinwrenlaw.com
Mike Derdeyn: med@fpwlaw.com
John Kitzmann: jhk@dklawyers.com
Kim Mattingly: kmm@dklawyers.com
Hayden O. Lee: hol@fpwlaw.com
Laura Butler: lbutler@TGBlaw.com
David Irvine: david.irvine@tremblaysmith.com

GROUP 4, February 9, 2012:

Ed Lowry: ELowry@mhlrt.com
John Davidson: jed@dklawyers.com
James Neal: jneale@mcguirewoods.com
Dan Meador: dmeador@morinandbarkley.com
Jonathan Blank: jblank@mcguirewoods.com
David Thomas: dthomas@mhlrt.com
Celeste Chilton: CChilton@morinandbarkley.com
Kyle McNew: kmcnew@mhlrt.com

March 8, 2012: Hold for guest speaker

GROUP 5, April 12, 2012:

Fred Payne: fwpayne@paynehodous.com
Edward Slaughter: slaughter@mhlrt.com
Alex Gulotta: alex@justice4all.org
C. Waverly Parker: cwparker@firstva.com
Palma Pustilnik: palma@cvlas.org
Jessica Phillips: jfphillips@paynehodous.com
Connor Crook: connor.crook@bbrs.net

GROUP 6, May 10, 2012:

Tom Albro: tom.albro@tremblaysmith.com
John Zunka: jzunka@zmcilaw.com
Christine Thomson: cthomson@mhlrt.com
Bryan Slaughter: bslaughter@mhlrt.com
Fletcher Harkrader: fharkrader@marksandharrison.com
Jonathan Wren: wren@martinwrenlaw.com
Reed Tolber: reedtolber@gmail.com
Lynne Fleming: erf3df@virginia.edu
Richard Kast: rck4p@virginia.edu

2011-2012 Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court -- a new beginning

2011-08-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

Hello all--

The 2011 - 2012 Inn of Court season is upon us. Our first meeting is September 8, 2011, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center, 1000 Preston Avenue. The first program will be a panel discussion on wrongful conviction and DNA exoneration. UVA Law Professor Brandon Garrett will be on-hand to discuss his work on DNA exoneration and his new book, “Convicting the Innocent: Where Criminal Prosecutions Go Wrong.” Albemarle County Sheriff J.E. “Chip” Harding will talk about his work establishing the statewide DNA databank, the recent topic of “familial” DNA, and his current work in DNA exoneration.

Also, please mark your calendar for Sunday, September 18 -- we're having our first annual "kick off the year" party that afternoon. Once again, Judge Helvin has been kind enough to offer his lovely house on the reservoir. Come out for delicious barbecue and excellent company!

As for business -- please forward your dues (still a bargain at $200.00) and contact information, if it has changed, to me at:

Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court
c/o Will Tanner
414 E. Jefferson St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Make checks out to "Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court." If you have any questions, email me at wwtanner@paynehodous.com.

As always, please ask other attorneys who are not part of the Inn to consider it, and put them in touch with Ron Tweel at RTweel@mhlrt.com.

Your ever humble Secretary/Treasurer,
Will

Meeting, May 12, 6 PM

2011-05-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hello Inn of Courters!

The final meeting of the year is this Thursday, May 12, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center. We hope to have a good crowd out to hear about social media from Tom Albro's and Jonathan Wren's presentation group.

As usual, the company will be excellent, the food will be grand, and the wine will be inexpensive.

RSVP as usual.

Will

Meeting, April 14, 2011

2011-04-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hello all--

The next meeting of the Inn is on April 14 at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center. The presenting group, you ask? Here you go:

Fred Payne
Edward Slaughter
Alex Gulotta
Bryan Wright
C. Waverly Parker
Palma Pustilnik
Jessica Phillips
Connor Crook

We are all looking forward to an interesting and enthusiastic presentation.

RSVP as usual.

Your perpetual and perpetually humble Secretary/Treasurer,
Will

Meeting, March 10, 2011

2011-03-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

Hello all--

Our next meeting is this Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center, 1000 Preston Avenue.

The presentation group includes Ed Lowry, John Davidson, Jim Neal, Dan Meador, Jonathan Blank, David Thomas, Celeste Chilton, and Kyle McNew. We are anticipating an enlightening and enriching program.

RSVP as usual.

Your ever humble and perpetual Secretary/Treasurer,
Will

Meeting, February 10, 6 PM

2011-02-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hello all--

The next regular meeting of the Inn is this Thursday, February 10, 2011, at 6 PM at the Legal Aid Justice Center, 1000 Preston Ave.

Ron Tweel's group (a.k.a. Group 3, which also includes Frank Buck, Bob Byrne, Mike Derdeyn, John Kitzmann, Kim Mattingly, Hayden Lee, and David Irvine) is making the presentation, which will, of course, be fascinating and illuminating, on the topic of their choice....

RSVP as usual.

We hope to see everyone there!

Your perpetual, and perpetually grateful, Secretary/Treasurer,
Will

Meeting, January 13, 6 PM

2011-01-07T07:51:00.001-08:00

Hello all--

The next meeting for the Inn is Thursday, January 13, 2010, at 6 PM at the Legal Aid Justice Center.

Jim Hingeley has arranged to have Jeffrey T. Frederick, Ph.D., the director of the Jury Research Services Division of the National Legal Research Group in Charlottesville to be our guest presenter. His talk will focus on jury selection and the impact of juror's internet usage. This is a must-attend session for those of us that try jury cases.

Hope to see everyone there!

RSVP as usual....

Will

Meeting, November 11, 2010, 6 PM

2010-11-05T07:16:00.001-07:00

Hello Inn members!

Our next meeting is Thursday, November 11, 2010, at 6 PM at the Legal Aid Justice Center, 1000 Preston Avenue.

The topic of discussion will be how we older lawyers train the young lawyers we hire in the finer points of the practice of trial preparation and advocacy. Bill Archambault will be leading this discussion. Be prepared for an interesting and interactive session!

RSVP as usual.....

Your perpetual Secretary/Treasurer,

Will

PS--dont' be like this jaded senior partner....

October 14, 2010, meeting

2010-10-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hello all--

Our next regular meeting is this Thursday, October 14, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center.

Our presentation this month will be from Judge Higgins of the Albemarle Circuit Court. She is going to bring Jane Dittmar from the Positive Solutions Group with her, and we are going to have a round-table discussion of the merits of pretrial mediation. This should be an excellent and quite lively session.

Please RSVP as you usually do....

Your humble and perpetual Secretary/Treasurer,
Will

Meeting September 9, 2010 -- confirmed speakers!

2010-08-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

Hello all --

The 2010-2011 Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court program schedule begins September 9 at 6:00 p.m. The evening promises to provide a unique opportunity for members and their guests to informally discuss trial and court room issues with judges from three local courts. The Honorable B. Waugh Crigler will share perspective from the United States District Court, the Honorable J. Michael Gamble will offer a view from the Circuit Court of Nelson County, and the Honorable Robert H. Downer, Jr. will reveal an outlook from the bench of the Charlottesville General District Court. In an effort to ensure that our panel members not only discuss issues important to them, but also focus on issues important to you, we invite you to submit, in advance, questions or issues you would like addressed. Send any such topics or inquires to us at wwtanner@paynehodous.com or wha9a@virginia.edu. We look forward to seeing you on the 9th.

Thanks--The Board

2010-2011 Inn of Court: the Best Year Ever.

2010-08-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone--

This is a reminder that our first meeting of the 2010-2011 Inn of Court will be on September 9, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center. The Board is getting together a sterling group of speakers, and we anticipate a heavy turnout and an informative and exciting program. Once we have confirmed the secret slate of speakers for September's session, you will be sent a scintillating summons.

The new year comes at a price, however, as you all know. Once again, we are holding the line on dues. Please send $200.00 at your earliest convenience to the Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court, at the following address:

Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court
c/o William W. Tanner, Treasurer
414 E. Jefferson St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902

This year promises to be most excellent, so get yourself involved early. Also, if you know of anyone who would like to become part of our Inn, please get him or her in touch with Ron Tweel at RTweel@mhlrt.com

END OF THE YEAR PARTY!!!!

2010-06-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hello all--

As we do every year, we are having an End of the Year Party/Barbecue at Judge Helvin's house. This year, it will be on June 26 at 4 PM, with a rain date of June 27. Please RSVP to me at wwtanner@paynehodous.com, and let me know how many of you are coming. Spouses/significant others and kids are invited and encouraged!!!!!

Will

Meeting, May 13, 2010, 6 PM

2010-05-10T07:17:00.000-07:00

Hello all--

We have a meeting this Thursday, May 13, 2010, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center. We hope to have a good turnout -- you will also find out when the End-Of-The-Year party is....

The presentation will be done by Group 7:

GROUP 7:
John Zunka
Tom Albro
Bruce Gehle
Bill Archambault
Alex Gulotta
John Simpson
Bryan Wright

Please RSVP to my email address, as usual.

Will

Meeting, April 8, 2010

2010-04-03T04:56:00.000-07:00

Hello again--

Our next meeting is this coming Thursday, April 8, 2010, at 6 PM at the Legal Aid Justice Center. Here's your presentation group:

GROUP 6, April 8, 2010:
Ron Tweel
John Kitzmann
C. Waverly Parker
Frank Buck
Palma Pustilnik
Bob Byrne
Adam Hauptman
Matthew Dunne

We hope to have a good turnout, despite the impact of Spring Break. We are certain the presentation will be interesting and enlightening.

Will

Meeting, March 11, 2010

2010-03-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I hope the springish weather of the last few days has everyone in good spirits after the dismal cold of the last few months. Please note we have a meeting this Thursday, March 11, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center.

Here is your presenting group:

GROUP 5, March 11, 2010:
Matt Murray
Kenneth Abraham
Christine Thomson
Bryan Slaughter
Richard Armstrong
Lee Livingston
Kendall Wangsgard

We are anticipating yet another enlightening and educational program, for which we will likely receive CLE credit.

Enjoy the sun, and RSVP as usual.

Will

February 11 meeting notice!

2010-02-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

Assuming our little 'burg still exists after this weekend's blizzard, we are having our regular meeting at 6 PM on February 11, at the Legal Aid Justice Center, 1000 Preston Avenue.

Presentation group 4 is up, and we're expecting a very excellent and informative discussion of a topic of great importance.

GROUP 4, February 11, 2010:
Craig Wood
Jonathan Blank
James Neal
Dan Meador
Ed Lowry
Minoo Melody Sobhani
Jonathan Wren
David Thomas

We look forward to a great turnout!

Will

Meeting, January 14, 2010

2010-01-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

Hello all--

We hope that the new year is treating all of you well. The next meeting of the Inn is January 14, 2010, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center. Here is the presenting group:

GROUP 3, January 14, 2010:
Fred Payne, group leader
John Davidson, co-leader
Barry Meek
Celeste Chilton
Matthew Yao
Mike Derdeyn
Marc Peritz

We anticipate an enlightening and interesting program from these guiding lights of our profession.

Hope to see all of you there!

Your humble &tc. &tc.
Will

No December meeting! Next meeting is January 14.

2009-12-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

Hello all--

A number of folks have emailed me, asking whether there is a meeting tonight. There is not -- we have been taking December off for the last few years for a variety of compelling reasons.

The next meeting is January 14, and the presenting group will be the following:
GROUP 3, January 14, 2010:
Fred Payne, group leader
John Davidson, co-leader
Barry Meek
Celeste Chilton
Matthew Yao
Mike Derdeyn
Marc Peritz

We all expect Group 3 to make an interesting and enlightening presentation, and we're hopeful that it will get us yet more CLE credit.

The Board would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday, and we're looking forward to a wonderful 2010!

Meeting! November 12, 2009.

2009-11-06T06:24:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the Inn is Thursday, November 12, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center. Jim Hingeley's group is responsible for the presentation, which will be interesting and enlightening, as usual.

David Saunier has graciously agreed to come and give a presentation on Restorative Justice in Virginia. The Restorative Justice Association has a website. If each of you would take a few minutes to look over the website and become familiar with restorative justice, we can make the Q&A section of the presentation even more interesting. Mr. Saunier anticipates he will speak for about half an hour and reserve about half an hour for questions. We are fortunate to have David as our speaker.

We hope to see everyone there....

Your humble Secretary/Treasurer.

October 8, 2009, meeting

2009-10-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

Hello again--

The next meeting of the Inn is this Thursday, October 8, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center, 1000 Preston Avenue.

Don Morin's group has an interesting and necessary topic for us to discuss: mental health issues relating to representation of clients and other counsel.

We hope to see everyone there! RSVP as usual...

Will

Presentation groups!

2009-09-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Jim Hingeley and I have divided up the paid membership into presentation groups. Please take note of which group you are a member, and when you are scheduled to make a presentation.

GROUP 1, October 8, 2009:
Robert H. Downer, Jr.
Edward L. Hogshire
Don Morin
Hayden O. Lee
Kim Mattingly
Connor Crook
Katherine Brockway
Thomas Coatsworth

GROUP 2, November 12, 2009:
Jim Hingeley
Will Tanner
Jessica Smith
Samantha Markley
Samantha Freed
Matt Quatrara
Scott Jones
Jose Masini, III

GROUP 3, January 14, 2010:
Fred Payne
John Davidson
Barry Meek
Celeste Chilton
Matthew Yao
Mike Derdeyn
Marc Peritz

GROUP 4, February 11, 2010:
Craig Wood
Jonathan Blank
James Neal
Dan Meador
Ed Lowry
Minoo Melody Sobhani
Jonathan Wren
David Thomas

GROUP 5, March 11, 2010:
Matt Murray
Kenneth Abraham
Christine Thomson
Bryan Slaughter
Richard Armstrong
Lee Livingston
Kendall Wangsgard

GROUP 6, April 8, 2010:
Ron Tweel
John Kitzmann
C. Waverly Parker
Frank Buck
Palma Pustilnik
Bob Byrne
Adam Hauptman
Matthew Dunne

GROUP 7, May 13, 2010:
John Zunka
Tom Albro
Bruce Gehle
Bill Archambault
Alex Gulotta
John Simpson
Bryan Wright

If you don't see your name on this list, and you have paid (or are a student) please let me know as soon as you can so I can get you situated with a group. I will be emailing a Word document that has hotlinks for the email addresses, so as to make communication easier for you. I did not include email links here in an effort to fend off the spambots.

September 10, 2009, meeting

2009-09-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder...The first meeting of the year is September 10, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center, 1000 Preston Ave. Justice Lemons of the Virginia Supreme Court will be discussing the "Vanishing Jury Trial" with us, and it is certain to be a wonderful event.

RSVP to wwtanner@paynehodous.com.

September 10 meeting

2009-08-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

Dan Meador has notified me of the following:

"Justice Lemons is confirmed for the September 10 meeting. He will speak on “The Vanishing Jury Trial,” which he will explain has significance not only to lawyers and litigants but more broadly to American justice and democracy. As you know, Justice Lemons is a Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, and, as you may not know, as Vice President of the American Inns of Court, he is in line to become President of the American Inns of Court in 2010."

So, get your dues to me (see previous post, below) and get ready for another excellent year of good times. And special thanks to Dan Meador and everyone involved for following up with Justice Lemons -- it will be a fantastic program you won't want to miss!

Get ready, everyone!

2009-07-29T11:50:00.001-07:00

Hello all --

This is a reminder that our first meeting of the 2009-2010 Inn of Court will be on September 10, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center. We might very well have Justice Lemons come speak that very evening, and we anticipate a heavy turnout and an informative and exciting program.

The new year comes at a price, however, as you all know. Once again, we are holding the line on dues. Please send $200.00 at your earliest convenience to the Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court, at the following address:

Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court
c/o William W. Tanner, Treasurer
414 E. Jefferson St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902

This year promises to be a good one, so get yourself involved early. Also, if you know of anyone who would like to become part of our Inn, please get him or her in touch with Ron Tweel at RTweel@mhlrt.com

End of the year party!

2009-05-27T05:52:00.001-07:00

A good time was had by all at Judge Helvin's place on Saturday -- the weather was beautiful, the company was marvelous, and the cops did not get called. If you weren't there, sorry you missed it ... and if you were, well, what happens at the Inn of Court party stays at the Inn of Court party....and yes, that is a snake.

May 14 meeting/End of the year party May 23

2009-05-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

Hello all:

The next regular meeting of the Inn is Thursday, May 14, at 6 PM, Legal Aid Justice Center. Ron Tweel's group (which includes John Davidson, Jessica Smith, Ralph Feil, and Ned Slaughter) is determined to present a fascinating and timely topic, and the discussion will certainly be lively.

Also, please keep in mind that the end of the year party is the following Saturday, May 23, at Judge Helvin's place on the Rivanna. More details to come...

In the meantime, just so you civil lawyers know what we criminal lawyers have to contend with, here's your moment of zen:

Police unmoved by loaned-pants story

An Athens-Clarke police officer didn't believe a homeless man's story that his pants were borrowed and that he had no idea the owner left cocaine in the pocket, according to the officer's report.

Nathaniel Howard, 49, told an officer that he was waiting outside a Bethel Homes apartment about 2:30 a.m. Wednesday because his cousin's girlfriend lived there and he needed a ride home. That story fell apart when two people came out of the apartment and said they had never seen Howard.

He was arrested on a charge of criminal trespass, and at the Clarke County Jail, a deputy found powder cocaine in his jeans pocket, according to police.

Despite Howard's explanation that the pants - and the drug - belonged to someone else, authorities charged him with cocaine possession.

April 9 meeting, and Party Announcement!

2009-04-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hello all--

The next regular meeting of the Inn is next Thursday, April 9, at the usual time and place. Bill Archambault's group is presenting. RSVP to wwtanner@paynehodous.com.

Also, please note that the annual party will be held on Saturday, May 23, at Judge Helvin's place on the Rivanna. Rain date will be May 24. More details to follow, but, as you know, a good time will be had by all.

As always, I am

Your humble Secretary/Treasurer.

March 12 meeting

2009-03-05T07:30:00.001-08:00

Hello all--

The Inn will be meeting at the usual place, at the usual time, on March 12. Matt Murray's group, including Jim Hingeley, Connor Crook, Bob Byrne, and Fletcher Harkrader will be making what I'm certain will be an interesting and enlightening presentation.

RSVP as usual, friends, and we hope to see everyone at the meeting.

Meeting, February 12, 2009

2009-02-09T13:35:00.000-08:00

The regular meeting of the Inn of Court is this Thursday, February 12, 2009, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center. RSVP as usual.

Judge Hogshire's group, which includes Mike Derdeyn, Laura Butler, Nathan Veldhuis, and Jonathan Blank, are charged with giving the presentation. Be prepared for good food, fine drink, and stimulating conversation.

UPDATE!!! Judge Hogshire will be giving the presentation, and intends to give about a 20 minute presentation on Drug Court, and then the floor will be open to questions from the gallery on any subject whatever, and Judge Hogshire will provide answers to the extent he is able. Should be interesting, and good fun.

Meeting, January 8, 2009, at 6 PM

2009-01-05T06:36:00.003-08:00

We hope everyone had a pleasant holiday, and are ready for 2009.

The regular monthly meeting of the Inn of Court will be this Thursday evening, January 8, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justic Center, 1000 Preston Avenue. The topic concerns sanctions and ethics, and will be presented by Christine Thomson's pupilege group. We hope to see everyone there.

Happy Holidays to everyone....

2008-12-08T08:22:00.001-08:00

Please remember that we have no meeting this month. Our next meeting is on January 8, 2009, at the usual time and place. It appears that Christine Thomson's group (which includes your humble webmaster, Vaden Warren, and Lee Livingston) will be making what is certain to be an interesting and entertaining presentation.

Meeting update for November 13, 2008

2008-11-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

Please make note that the Honorable J. Harvie Wilkinson, III, Judge of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, will be the guest speaker at the regular Inn of Court meeting on November 13, 2008. The meeting will not be our typical presentation -- it is an open "town hall" type format, during which the membership will ask Judge Wilkinson whatever questions individual members may have.

Special thanks to Judge Downer for arranging this session with Judge Wilkinson.

Thursday's meeting

2008-10-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

We have an interesting topic, presented by Judge Downer's pupilage group, on the perils and pitfalls of "Witness Coaching." They'll let us know how much is too much.

Of course, here is an example of too little "coaching" (or maybe just plain old crazy):

The October Meeting

2008-10-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

The next meeting for the Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court is this upcoming Thursday -- October 9, at 6 PM, at the Legal Aid Justice Center. We hope everyone can make it. We are certain there will be a fantastic presentation, and perhaps someone can explain what the heck "mark to market" actually means, and why it's driving everybody so crazy.

Tonight's presentation . . .

2008-09-11T09:58:00.001-07:00

I just received word from Don Morin that tonight's presentation is called "The Implications of John Crane, Inc. v. Jones (if you click it, the case will come) for Civil Trial Practice and Expert Witness Designations."

The menu tonight is delicious chicken souvlaki from the Shebeen, so bring your appetite and a thirst for knowledge.

In the meantime, watch this video of Steve McQueen from the Great Escape. He died of mesothelioma, just like the plaintiff's decedent in the Crane case.:

See everyone at 6!

Welcome to the official site of the Thomas Jefferson Inn of Court

2008-09-11T08:47:00.001-07:00

We are experimenting with utilizing the intarwebs to notify members and the public of our various activities, so we've created this admittedly boring-looking website. It's still under construction, so it may change in appearance. It will be available for members to see what the upcoming programs are, and to check on any news. Also, I will be posting whichever presentation groups are going next, and that group can email me their topic, and even their program, and we can see if I'm smart enough to post it.

Commenting is going to be permitted, and will be permitted on an anonymous (i.e. you don't have to register with blogger) basis. We're going to see how this works, and if we need to limit access later, we will.

Tonight's meeting will feature a presentation by Don Morin of Morin & Barkley -- don't miss it!