The original Inns of Court in London are historic professional associations for barristers in England and Wales. Every practicing barrister must belong to one of the four Inns: Lincoln’s Inn, Inner Temple, Middle Temple, or Gray’s Inn. These institutions serve regulatory, disciplinary, and educational functions. Each Inn provides its members with legal libraries, professional accommodations, and opportunities for mentorship and advocacy training. Traditionally, they also housed courtrooms, dining halls, and even chapels, forming self-contained legal communities.
Inspired by the English model, U.S. Chief Justice Warren Burger championed the creation of the American Inns of Court in the late 1970s to improve ethics, civility, and professionalism in the legal field. While loosely based on the traditional Inns, American Inns of Court are voluntary organizations that bring together judges, lawyers, professors, and students in local chapters. Each Inn fosters dialogue, mentorship, and professionalism through regular meetings, pupillage teams, and educational programs.
The American Inns of Court Foundation was formally established in 1985, with its first Inn created in the Provo/Salt Lake City area. Since then, dozens of Inns have formed across the country, each focused on fostering excellence in advocacy and the highest standards of legal ethics.
The William E. Doyle Inn of Court, founded in 1986, is proud to be the first and oldest American Inn of Court in Colorado.
As the first and longest-standing American Inn of Court in Colorado, the William E. Doyle Inn fosters meaningful professional connections across generations. Membership includes judges, attorneys, law professors, and students who engage in thoughtful programming, pupillage teams, and candid discussions about real-world practice. Our mission is to promote mentorship, ethics, and excellence in the legal profession.
Whether you are an experienced member of the bar or a student beginning your legal journey, the Inn offers a community grounded in unity, inclusiveness, fellowship, and ethical practice.
We invite prospective members to join us in building a legal community rooted in inclusiveness, integrity, and shared growth.
The Doyle Inn advances legal excellence through interactive programming, collaborative pupillage teams, and open dialogue. Each year, members develop and present monthly programs on timely legal issues, trial skills, professional ethics, and courtroom advocacy.
As the first and oldest American Inn of Court in Colorado, the Doyle Inn also stands alone in regularly offering free CLEs to the broader legal community—welcoming both members and non-members to participate. Senior and junior attorneys work closely to share insight, provide mentorship, and uphold the highest standards of the legal profession. Members gain practical tools to sharpen their craft while forming lasting professional relationships.
© 2026 William E. Doyle Inn of Court. All rights reserved. The site is designed by JSBC Marketing. Privacy Policy
