Ways to stay involved
Host British Pegasus Scholars
As part of the Pegasus Scholarship program, the American Inns of Court organizes six weeks of placements each fall for two early-career British barristers visiting the United States to learn about our legal system.
In developing the placements, we seek out opportunities for the scholars to learn about facets of our legal system that are unique or unusual as well as aspects that are similar to the British system. We also work to find placements where the scholars can observe the United States approach to legal issues within the scholars’ particular legal specialties. Individual placement activities can last from a few hours to a few days depending on the situation and the wishes of the host. When their scholarships are complete, the scholars have observed and participated in many dozens of activities at all levels of our legal system. They visit state and federal government and legal offices, and interact with senior military lawyers, public defenders, legislators, law firms, public interest organizations, law schools, and corporate counsel in addition to visiting historic sites.
Each year, the British Pegasus Scholars are hosted by one or more American Inns of Court across the country. The scholars present at an Inn program. The hosting Inn picks up the cost of the scholars’ air fare and provides housing in a host’s home, an AirBnB, or a local hotel.
We invite you to consider hosting the British Pegasus Scholars and appreciate your participation in this national American Inns of Court program. You can read more about the British Scholars time in the United States here.
If your Inn would like to host the British Pegasus Scholars, please contact Cindy Dennis for additional details.
Adopt-a-Barrister Program
A number of American Inns of Court have hosted Benchers or Barristers from the English Inns and benefitted from lively presentations on the history and function of the English Inns, the structure of the English legal system, the relationship between the English Inns and early American history, and other interesting topics. As a result, the American Inns of Court has established the Adopt-a-Barrister program to facilitate presentations by English Barristers to American Inns of Court.
The host American Inn of Court identifies recommended dates. The Inn is responsible for paying the airfare, providing lodging, and hosting the Barrister at their Inn meeting and other activities in the local area—perhaps a small lunch or dinner, or some sightseeing. The Barrister arrives the day before the Inn meeting usually and stays for two or three nights.
The Barrister will present on a topic of the Inn’s choice. The requests have been typically for historical presentations on the English Inns, with slides, accompanied by a practical discussion on the role and functions of the English Inns, and a general discussion on how law is practiced in England. The presentation is generally about an hour and the barrister can be identified to present on more specific legal topics.
If your Inn would like to Adopt-a-Barrister, please contact Cindy Dennis for additional details.
Paying it Forward
As you know the American Inns of Court Pegasus Scholarship program provides an incredible opportunity for American lawyers to experience the United Kingdom’s legal system, and strengthen the ties between leading members of the English and American bars. It is a truly unique opportunity that we hope to continue in perpetuity.
We ask you to help support this important scholarship program so that other members have the same opportunity to expand their understanding of the English legal system, as you did. Your significant donation as well as law firm and corporate donations will help to build an endowment to support this scholarship into the future.
It is easy to give! Look on the right side of this page for “Help Support This Program”. Your donation will support the current year Pegasus Program. To support the long-term success of the Pegasus Scholarship Program, consider donating to the the Howard T. Markey Endowment Fund and selecting “Pegasus Scholarship Program” from the list of programs.
If you prefer to donate by check, you may send a check payable to the American Inns of Court, with the notation “Pegasus Scholarships” on the memo line to American Inn of Court, 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 770, Alexandria, VA 22314.