UK Law Students Selected for Central Kentucky American Inn of Court

Upon recommendation of Dean David A. Brennen, eight third-year UK Law students were selected as Pupils of the Central Kentucky American Inn of Court (CKAIC) for 2015-2016.

This year’s list of pupils include Ian Archibald, Alissa Bocook, Rachel Hepburn, Zachary Mattioni, Charles Otten, Andrea Reed, W. Austin Smith II, and Misty Stone.

The Inn of Court is an educational and mentoring organization for judges, lawyers and law students dedicated to perpetuating high quality, ethical lawyers and enhancing professionalism and collegiality among the bench and bar. 

The CKAIC is important to the local bar and Lexington community as a whole. “The extra focus on professionalism and ethics that the Inn of Court brings to the practicing bar, combined with the strong bonds that Inn members form with members of the judiciary, enhances the practice of law of its members, and provides opportunities for Inn members to grow as leaders in the community,” Mary Davis, Inn member and Stites & Harbison Professor of Law at UK, explained. “Inn members are, indeed, leaders in the community. There cannot be too much emphasis on ethical behavior and civic virtues in the law, and in our communities.”

Selection into the Inn of Court is a competitive process, with more students interested each year, than positions available. Students who are selected to participate in this prestigious organization benefit from relationships with other Inn members and attend monthly Inn meetings, which include educational programming such as mock trials and appellate arguments.  Students also participate in a Pupilage Group, which allows for groups of 10-15 Inn members to mentor younger Inn participants.

Students understand the value of being a pupil of the CKAIC and covet the opportunity. “As Inn members, our students are provided with opportunities to connect with, and learn from, the legal leaders of our community. Inn programming is first rate, and students participate in creating programs with their teams composed of lawyers from all across the practice spectrum,” Professor Davis said. “Further, the students are mentored by the experienced Inn members, profit from learning about their experiences and hearing their advice, and form bonds with the younger members of the Inn that can benefit their growth as lawyers after law school is over.” 

The Central Kentucky Inn of Court (CKAIC) was established in 2013 at the suggestion of then Chief U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Jennifer Coffman. The CKAIC is comprised of distinguished members of the bench and bar throughout Central Kentucky from a variety of backgrounds, but whose practices generally consist of litigation or dispute-resolution. The CKAIC’s President is UK Law alumnus Doug McSwain, partner at Wyatt Tarrant & Combs LLP. The CKAIC now has 125 members throughout the categories of Masters—practiced for over 15 years; Barristers—practiced for 5 – 15 years; Associates—practiced for up to 5 years; and Pupils—third-year law students.  All judges in the local community are emeritus members of the Inn and are very active. Nationally, there are around 300 Inns with over 32,000 members.