The History of the Inns of Court, Advocacy and Professionalism
February 13, 2025
HEAR YE! HEAR YE!
The Marion T. Pope Inn of Court met on February 13, 2025, hosted by “Sir” Robert Tharp, Meriwether & Tharp LLC at his “Inn” in beautiful Johns Creek. Our President is Chief Judge Jeffrey Bagley and Mary Trachian-Bradley chairs the Executive Committee. There were approximately 55 members and guests in attendance, including Judge Pam Boles, Judge Heather Dunn, Judge James Dunn, Hon. Daisy Weeks-Marisko and Judge Brian Hansford.
The program: “The History of the Inns of Court, Advocacy and Professionalism,” was presented by Pupillage Team 3: Superior Court of Forsyth County Judge Philip C. Smith, Bob Tharp, Margaret Gettle Washburn, Doug Hassinger, Tera Reese-Beisbier, Adam Keller, Jacob Stidham, District Attorney Penny A. Penn, Deborah Pittman, and Richard Vandever. The 6 pupilage teams in the Marion T. Pope Inn are attorneys in multiple areas of law, including family law, criminal law, private practice, elected officials and government service.
The Inns of Court began in 4 different Inns in London in the 1600’s – where lawyers would go to a local pub after court and sit around, quaff an ale and talk about their cases; the young lawyers would pose queries to the older barristers… Does that sound familiar?
The pupilage team wore traditional white barrister wigs and the Judges donned their barrister wigs and black robes for the presentation. The intrepid Charles Medlin was replete in his barrister wig and robe. All attendees had golden bejeweled goblets at their seats to set the stage.
The attendees enjoyed a wonderful feast of savory appetizers and appropriate beverages presented by MiLords “Sir” Robert Tharp and “Sir” Doug Hassinger; the wigs and Goblets were provided by MiLady Margaret G. Washburn.
MiLady Washburn opened the presentation and welcomed the attendees: “Hear Ye Hear Ye, the Marion T. Pope Inn of Court meeting is now in session. You have been “Called to the Bar” to listen to our MiLords and MiLadies engage and educate us all about advocacy and professionalism!”
Sir Doug Hassinger opened with: “What is Professionalism,” and the MiLord Sir Chief Judge Jeffrey Bagley, Superior Court of Forsyth County presented his “Rules Of Court Etiquette”, which provided the attendees with some serious Dos and Don’ts for all lawyers. He and Sir Hassinger also entertained the group with a rendition of “My Cousin Vinny.” (Do not even think about wearing jeans to Court!)
The Right Honorable “Sir” Robert Wellon, Esq., an Elder Statesman of the Charles Weltner Inn of Court, then presented the History and Origin of the Inns of Court. He was introduced by MiLady Margaret Washburn. He was dressed in his golden Pope Clement VIII robes and white wig. He referred to a large map of the City of London, circa 1625, and illuminated the gathering that being “Called to the Bar” was basically a law school exam and young lawyers would meet with elder lawyers – the beginnings of law schools.
We then presented The JUDGES PANEL, moderated by MiLord Hassinger, with the gentle assistance of MiLady Washburn. Our panelists were:
Hon. Philip Smith, Superior Court of Forsyth County, introduction by Sir Doug Hassinger.
Hon. Jeffrey Bagley, Chief Judge, Superior Court of Forsyth County, introduction by MiLady Tera Reese-Beisbier.
Hon. David Cannon, Chief Judge, Superior Court of Cherokee County, introduction by Sir Eric Ballinger.
Hon. Russell McClelland, Chief Judge, State Court of Forsyth County, introduction by Sir Adam Keller.
Hon. Christopher Willis, Presiding Judge, Forsyth County Juvenile Court, introduction by MiLady Penny Penn.
Hon. Robert Waller, Presiding Judge, Gwinnett County Juvenile Court, introduction by MiLady Margaret Washburn.
The berobed and bewigged panelists answered numerous questions about courtroom decorum, professionalism, and advocacy. Sir Hassinger queried the panelists with questions prepared by Sir Robert Tharp, such as:
- What are some of the most common concerns related to professionalism that you have observed in the legal field?
- What impact does unprofessional behavior have on courtroom proceedings and the overall administration of justice?
- How do you think the legal community can better address and prevent instances of unprofessional behavior?
- Please share examples of unprofessional behavior you have observed in your courtroom.
- Are there any specific practices or behaviors you recommend for attorneys to maintain high professional standards?
- How can judges and attorneys work together to foster a culture of professionalism within the legal community?
- What advice would you give to new attorneys about maintaining professionalism in their practice?
The meeting was a success, with attendees staying past the close of the “Inn.” The attendees received copies of TRIAL TIPS FOR LAWYERS AND QUESTIONS prepared by the pupilage team, Judge Waller and Judge Bagley, in addition to examples of trial memos and exhibit lists to use in trial preparation. A jolly good time was had by all, By Jove!
Article by:
Margaret G. Washburn
Chief Judge, City of Sugar Hill
Margaret G. Washburn, P.C.
