Introduction

The American Inns of Court is an association of lawyers, judges, law students, and affiliated legal professionals from all levels and backgrounds who share a passion for professional excellence. Through regular meetings conducted in Inns around the country, members build and strengthen professional relationships; discuss fundamental concerns about professionalism and pressing legal issues of the day; share experiences and advice; provide mentoring and training opportunities; advance the highest levels of integrity, ethics and civility; and strengthen the rule of law. The American Inns of Court has gained a national and international reputation as an organization that bridges the gap between formal law school education and legal practice by offering career-long continuing education in the common law tradition.

Summary of Position

The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the American Inns of Court Foundation.  The Executive Director leads a staff of ten to support more than 320 Inns around the nation; enables the Board of Trustees to set policy and focus on the growth of the organization; manages and assumes accountability for  day-to-day operations at the headquarters level; maintains strong staff morale with appropriate training and resourcing;  serves as liaison to the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Governance and Board Development Committee, and Ad Hoc Officer Nominations Committee; leads annual and capital fundraising efforts; maintains relationships with leaders of the Bench and Bar in Great Britain and Ireland. 

Work with the Board of Trustees to develop and implement effective strategies for organizational success.

• Serve as staff liaison to Executive, Governance and Board Development, and Ad Hoc Officer Nomination Committees.
• Facilitate the Board’s financial oversight responsibility by ensuring the budgeting, accounting, and auditing processes are carried out in compliance with board policy and standard accounting practices.
• Foster ongoing relationships with former Board members to encourage continued engagement.

Work with Staff to implement and carry out programs pursuant to the Board’s strategic objectives.

• Provide Staff support to major programmatic committees, including Awards, Scholarships, and Inn Development.
• Work collaboratively with Board leadership and staff to represent the national organization to local Inn leaders.
• Contribute substantive content for The Bencher and other national communications.

Work with key volunteers to carry out annual and capital fundraising campaigns.

Serve as a primary contact for media, partner organizations, and other legal institutions, including the federal and state judiciaries, and the Bench and Bar of Great Britain and Ireland.        

Required Knowledge Areas and Skills

• Juris Doctor Degree, with Substantial Legal Practice
• Leadership
• Integrity and Discretion
• Understanding of the Principles of Association Management, Organizational Governance, and Administrative Skills
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Appreciation for the Rule of Law in the Context of the Common Law
• Working Knowledge of Budgeting and Finance
• Fundraising

Accountability

Accountable to the President of the American Inns of Court Foundation and a Board of Trustees consisting of 20 prominent judges, lawyers, and legal academics.

About American Inns of Court Foundation

The American Inns of Court Foundation is a national chapter-based organization that promotes ethics, professionalism, civility and mentoring within the legal profession. Headquartered in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, the Foundation has 11 full-time staff positions. We are located within walking distance to Metro and the many shops and restaurants along King Street.

Connections working at American Inns of Court Foundation