From the Section Chair Looking back; looking forward

By Thomas Greene

The new Bar "year" began this fall at the Annual Meeting in San Diego. New officers were installed against the background of a cornucopia of educational programs. I took the helm of the Litigation Section, taking over from the very capable Megan Rowe.

This timing has deep roots in our common law tradition. In the United Kingdom, the legal year begins with Michaelmas Term in October. This is marked by a cere-mo ny dating back to the Middle Ages in which judges process in wigs and formal robes to Westminster Abbey for a religious service honoring and blessing judges and barristers. Typically, the officers of the Inns of Court start their terms of office just after this event.

Installation of our officers is far less grand, of course, but this timing reflects the English DNA in our own law. You can share the U.K. experience directly. Your section will be offering its Legal London program this year but now timed to coincide with the opening of the London legal year. You, too, can see and appreciate the pomp and ceremony of our joint heritage with our U.K colleagues. As in prior years, participants will get a week of CLE credit. You will also enjoy unique interactions with working barristers and Queen’s counsels together with visits to the Old Bailey and the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, both hosted by the judges of those courts. This is topped off by a glittering, formal dinner at the House of Lord’s dining room. I attended this program two years ago and found it remarkable. For full details on Legal London-2019, check out: http://aweekinlegallondon.com/.