The Inn is Golden

The Guy G. deFuria Inn of Court was organized to promote collegiality and excellence in the practice of law. Since 1991, the Inn has been providing opportunities for DCBA members to network and participate in excellent CLE programming. The Inn was awarded “Gold Status” for 20202021 through the American Inns of Court “Achieving Excellence Program.” In order to achieve this status, an Inn chapter must demonstrate the following: • Effective Administration • Program Development and Competency • Mentoring • Outreach Activities

The Guy G. deFuria Inn of Court worked hard to achieve this status, and many thanks go to the Inn leadership and members for their commitment and dedication.

The history of the Inns of Court can be traced back to the 14th century, and prior to the introduction of bar examinations in the United Kingdom in the 19th century, all lawyers were trained by the Inns through a process similar to an “apprenticeship.” Students and lawyers would live, work, and dine together in the respective Inn to which they belonged and would thus learn the practice of law and skills necessary to serve in the courts.

The movement to create Inns of Court in the U.S. began in the 1970s under the leadership of Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Burger, who wanted to emulate the model of the British Inns. The American Inns of Court Foundation was created in 1985, and this organization began to charter Inn chapters throughout the country. Unlike the British counterpart, membership in American Inns of Court is not mandatory for attorneys, and the Inns really serve as associations which promote professionalism, civility, ethics, and skills development for members of the legal profession.

The Guy G. deFuria Chapter of the American Inns of Court, a section of the Delaware County Bar Association, continues to offer member attorneys the opportunity to meet together regularly and to support and mentor one another. If you are a DCBA member and would like more information about joining the Inn of Court, visit the Inn’s website at www.defuriainnofcourt.org.

The Inn Crowd!

The Guy deFuria Inn of Court Award is part of the larger American Inns of Court Circuit Professionalism Awards which are awarded each year to a lawyer or judge whose life and practice display sterling character and unquestioned integrity, coupled with ongoing dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession and the rule of law. The Award was established in 1991 to celebrate the career of this former acting Delaware County District Attorney and distinguished trial lawyer.

The Guy G. deFuria Inn of Court Award for Achievement and Commitment to the Legal Profession: Richard M. Heller, Esquire, 2019-2020 Hon. Kevin F. Kelly, 2020-2021

The Guy G. deFuria American Inn of Court Presidents Award Joseph P. Lesniak, Esquire, 2019-2020 Pamela Van Blunk, Esquire, 2020-2021

Special Recognition Award To the Board of Judges, 2020-2021, and accepted by the Hon. George A. Pagano

OFFICERS – 2021-2022

President: Conal P. Hickey, Esquire President-Elect: Mary Jo Gilsdorf, Esquire Vice President: Wana Saadzoi, Esquire Treasurer: William L. Baldwin, Esquire Secretary: Timothy Frey, Esquire Judicial Representative: Hon. George A. Pagano •