2022 American Inns of Court Amity Visit to the Honourable Society of Inner Temple

London, England

October 1–7, 2022

Join us as we explore the common legal traditions shared by the United States and Great Britain, expand our understanding of the differences in professional responsibilities, practices and procedures, and visit the legal institutions critical to the functioning of the English legal system.

Purpose:

The main purpose of the AIC Amity Visit to London is educational: 
  1. To increase senior US judges’ and lawyers’ understanding of the English legal system and the historical ties between our two systems,
  2. To engage in frank discussions on significant issues facing both the US and UK legal systems, 
  3. To understand the history, function, and focus of the English Inns of Court and to share the (much shorter) history, function, and focus of the American Inns of Court, and 
  4. To explore the importance of civility and professionalism in the context of the US and UK legal system.

Schedule at a Glance:

Sunday, October 2

  • Legal London Amity Visit Kick-Off Reception (5:00–6:00 p.m.)


Monday, October 3

  • Welcome and Presentation on the Inns of Court and the legal system of England and Wales by The Sub-Treasurer of Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, Greg Dorey DVO, and Masters of the Bench (11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)
  • Tour of the Temple Estate by Director of Properties & Surveyor, Richard Snowdon. (12:00–12:45 p.m.)
  • Lunch in the Inner Temple Hall with barristers and judge members (12:45 p.m.–2:00 p.m.)
  • Tour of the Temple Church with the Reverend and Valiant Master of the Temple, Robin Griffith-Jones (2:00–3:00 p.m.)
  • Reader's Lecture Night Series: "Experts - Love or Loathe?" by Sir Robert Akenhead, followed by drinks reception (5:30–8:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, October 4

  • Visit to The Central Criminal Court ("The Old Bailey"), meeting with judges, tour, and an opportunity to watch morning proceedings in court. (9:00–10:30 a.m.)
  • Presentations from the Criminal Bar Association, Family Bar Association, and Commercial Bar Association, followed by roundtable discussions on significant issues facing both the US and UK legal systems. (11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)
  • Lunch in Middle Temple Hall with barristers and judge members (12:30–2:00 p.m.)
  • Tour of Middle Temple, including the library and American Collection (2:00–2:45 p.m.)
  • Visit to barristers' chambers, with an introduction from a senior clerk on the role of clerks. (3:00–4:00 p.m.)
  • Dinner with the 2022 Temple Bar and Pegasus Scholars (5:30–7:00 p.m.)


Wednesday, October 5

  • Visit to the Royal Courts of Justice, meeting with judges, tour, and an opportunity to watch morning proceedings in court (9:30–11:00 a.m.)
  • Presentation from the Bar Council of England and Wales on the role of the Bar Council, the Code of Conduct and Ethics, and diversity in the profession. (11:15 a.m.–12:15 a.m.)
  • Lunch at Gray's Inn Hall with barristers and judge members (12:30–2:00 p.m.)
  • Tour of Gray's Inn (2:00–2:45 p.m.)
  • The Inns of Court College of Advocacy (ICCA), barristers' education and the principles of advocacy training. (3:00–3:30 p.m.)
  • First Choral Evensong of the Legal Year at Temple Church, followed by reception (6:00–7:30 p.m.)

Thursday, October 6

  • Visit the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, meeting with justices, tour, and an opportunity to watch morning proceedings in court (9:30–10:30 a.m.)
  • Tour of Parliament - House of Lords and House of Commons, with Inner Temple Master of the Bench and member of the House of Lords (11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.)
  • Lunch in Lincoln's Inn Old Hall with barrister and judge members (1:00–2:30 p.m.)
  • Tour of Lincoln's Inn (2:30–3:15 p.m.)
  • Visit to the Law Society of England & Wales, with presentation on the role of the Law Society and solicitors (3:30–4:30 p.m.)
  • American Inns of Court Temple Bar Reception, guests to include UK Supreme Court justices, Royal Courts of Justice senior appellate judges, representatives of the four English Inns of Court, and leading barristers (6:00–7:30 p.m.)

Friday, October 7

  • Mock Trial - Demonstration of different styles of advocacy in the UK and the US (10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)
  • Buffet lunch and networking (12:30–2:00 p.m.)
  • Bar Guest Night, a black-tie reception followed by dinner and entertainment at the Inner Temple (7:00–11:00 p.m.)
 

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