Santa Clara University School of Law hosted the 21st Annual Judge William Ingram Symposium on February 19, 2025, at Charney Hall—a landmark event celebrating 40 years of the Ingram Inn’s legacy of promoting civility in the legal profession—featured discussions on new initiatives to improve attorney conduct. This year’s symposium featured an engaging program focused on the principles of civility as they relate to academia, the judiciary, public service, and legal practice. The symposium was proudly sponsored by Judge William A. Ingram American Inn of Court, Santa Clara University School of Law, and the Heafey Institute for Trial Advocacy.
Highlights of the evening included a tribute to Dean Donald Polden, recognizing his impactful leadership and dedication to mentorship; reflections on the role of the judiciary and practicing attorneys in upholding civility; and perspectives from attorneys on fostering civility in public service. Attendees were encouraged to network with both current and former Inn members as they collectively celebrated the legacy of the Ingram Inn.
Moderating the session was Hon. Peter H. Kirwan (Ret.) of Signature Resolution. The panel included Hon. Consuelo M. Callahan of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit and American Inn of Court President; Hon. Edward J. Davila of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California; and Hon. Mary J. Greenwood, Presiding Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District. From academia, Professor Emeritus Robert Peterson and Lisa A. Kloppenberg (Professor of Law, Dean Emerita, and Special Assistant to the Vice President for University Relations) shared their insights. At the same time, Nora Frimann (J.D. ’79), City Attorney for San Jose, and Philip L. Gregory (J.D. ‘80, MA 80’) of Gregory Law Group rounded out the distinguished lineup.
During the symposium, the speakers underscored a renewed commitment to attorney civility by discussing recent reforms approved by the State Bar of California’s Board of Trustees in July 2023. These measures include amending California Rule of Court 9.7 to require that lawyers annually affirm or reaffirm their civility oath, introducing a new State Bar Rule 2.3 to enforce this requirement, and revising the Rules of Professional Conduct to designate incivility as grounds for discipline (CalBar News Release).
Local initiatives were a central theme during the discussion. Panelists noted that the Santa Clara County Superior Court has adopted the Santa Clara County Bar Association’s Code of Professionalism as a framework for ethical attorney conduct (Santa Clara Superior Court Order). The symposium discussed how the Santa Clara County Bar Association’s Code of Professionalism elevates legal practice by promoting civility, integrity, and respect for clients, opposing parties, and courts, thereby fostering a community dedicated to ethical conduct. (SCCBA Code).
The symposium also emphasized the State Bar’s “Attorney Civility and Professionalism” page, which provides practical tools for maintaining professional behavior (Attorney Civility Resources). Capping off the discourse, panelists spotlighted Judge Consuelo M. Callahan’s role as a champion of civility. As President of the American Inns of Court, Judge Callahan underscores the critical importance of respectful and professional discourse, demonstrating how the American Inns of Court fosters a culture of integrity and constructive dialogue within the legal profession. (Judge Callahan).
The 21st Annual Judge William Ingram Symposium was a resounding success, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all attendees who have made this event possible. We also extend our gratitude to the sponsors, whose support was instrumental in making this event come to fruition. As the evening concluded, it was evident that attendees were reaffirmed with knowledge and insights into the importance of civility in the legal profession. We look forward to continuing this legacy in the coming years and can’t wait to see you next year.
Written by Derrick Lonzo Buhain, Student Writer for Santa Clara Law
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