In February 1980, the first American Inn of Court was established with goal of creating a “culture of excellence in professionalism, ethics, civility and skills to the legal community and generally.” Today, there are local chapters in 48 states and in the District of Columbia, Guam, and Tokyo.
One of only four chapters in Northeast Florida to reach platinum status, the Florida Family Law American Inn of Court is the only one to focus exclusively on family law and its issues. Platinum status is the highest recognition given by the national Inns of Court that the chapter has excelled in engendering the culture of professionalism, ethics, civility and skill in their legal and public community.
Fletcher & Phillips is proud to have one Barrister and two Associates of the Florida Family American Inn of Court. Barrister Michael R. Phillips is on the Executive Committee as Treasurer for the Inn.
A local lawyer cannot simply apply to become a member of the Florida Family American Inn of Court but must be proposed by a current member. According to its bylaws, membership is limited and members must be nominated and selected by other members of the group.
Once a lawyer becomes a member of the Florida Family American Inn of Court, the lawyer must attend monthly meetings with other practitioners and judges. During these meeting, the lawyers and judges are educated on different facets of family law such as new rules of evidence, case law regarding alimony, spousal support and timesharing, and trial techniques.
The Inn promotes a culture of opposing attorneys working together professionally to solve issues rather than fanning flames of their clients’ emotions.
In October 2015, Dyvonnda G. Thurston, attorney at the law firm of Fletcher & Phillips, represented the Florida Family American Inn of Court at the national 2015 Celebration of Excellence held at the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Ms. Thurston was honored to represent our local Inn at the event held at the Supreme Court of the United States and particularly so to be in the presence of the remarkable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.