ABOUT US
The Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court was founded in 1998
as a chapter of the American Inns of Court, and is the largest Inn
of Court in the country. An American Inn is modeled on the English
tradition, but tailored to fit the needs of the American legal system.
The Inn's mission is to promote professionalism, civility and ethical
awareness through discourse and education. The Massachusetts Family
and Probate American Inn of Court meets regularly throughout the year, as a
means of fostering collegiality and providing peer education on topics
of importance to the practice of law in the Family and Probate Courts.
OUR PROFESSIONAL CREED
Whereas, the Rule of Law is essential to preserving and protecting
the rights and liberties of a free people; and
Whereas, throughout history, lawyers and judges have preserved,
protected
and defended the Rule of Law in order to ensure justice for all; and
Whereas, preservation and promulgation of the highest standards of
excellence
in professionalism, ethics, civility, and legal skills are essential
to achieving
justice under the Rule of Law;
Now therefore, as a member of an American Inn of Court, I hereby adopt
this professional creed with a pledge to honor its principles and practices:
I will treat the practice of law as a learned profession and will uphold
the
standards of the profession with dignity, civility and courtesy.
I will value my integrity above all. My word is my bond.
I will develop my practice with dignity and will be mindful in my communications
with the public that what is constitutionally permissible may not be
professionally appropriate.
I will serve as an officer of the court, encouraging respect for the law
in
all that I do
and avoiding abuse or misuse of the law, its procedures,
its
participants and its processes.
I will represent the interests of my client with vigor and will seek the
most
expeditious and least costly solutions to problems, resolving disputes
through negotiation whenever possible.
I will work continuously to attain the highest level of knowledge and skill
in the areas of the law in which I practice.
I will contribute time and resources to public service, charitable activities
and pro bono work.
I will work to make the legal system more accessible, responsive and effective.
I will honor the requirements, the spirit and the intent of the applicable
rules or codes
of professional conduct for my jurisdiction, and will encourage
others to do the same.