The Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law Inn of Court held its first gathering on Oct. 2 at the Kline Institute of Trial Advocacy.

The inn, which received its official charter from the American Inns of Court, will advance professionalism and civility by creating a forum where senior and mid-career practitioners and judges can mentor junior attorneys and law students.

Members will meet six times annually at the Kline Institute of Trial Advocacy, with five teams taking turns leading discussions and organizing other types of presentations that will allow alumni and students to engage with an array of attorneys and jurists.

"The Inn of Court is an important benchmark for the Kline School of Law and its alumni,” said alumnus Scott Berger, ’12, who is president of the inn. “It will be a vehicle to further connect Kline alumni and students with prominent members of Philadelphia's bench and bar and to continue to cultivate the ethos of professionalism."

Blank Rome partner Anthony Haller, a member of the American Inns of Court Executive Committee, provided Berger with the inn’s charter.  

Philadelphia City Solicitor Marcel Pratt gave a keynote highlighting the process of advocacy within city government.  

Dean Daniel Filler called the event “an exciting moment” in the law school’s history.