“The Lopardo Inn of Court presents a unique mentoring opportunity where some of the finest attorneys and judges in San Diego serve to educate and socialize with younger lawyers in a supportive and collegial North San Diego County area setting.” Judge Harry Powazek (ret.)
The Lopardo Inn of Court is the only American Inn of Court Serving North County attorneys and judges.
The Lopardo Inn of Court is one of five American Inns of Court in San Diego County, and has been in existence for over 25 years. Our Inn focuses on providing services to attorneys and judges that work or live in the northern part of the County and is composed of over 50 lawyers and judges, from all levels and backgrounds who share a passion for professional excellence. Through regular meetings, our members are able to:
- Build and strengthen professional relationships.
- Discuss fundamental concerns about professionalism and pressing legal issues of the day.
- Share experiences and advice.
- Provide mentoring opportunities.
- Advance the highest levels of integrity, ethics, and civility.
The objectives of the Lopardo Inn of Court
- To improve the education of its members by providing monthly educational programs.
- To raise the standards of professional conduct and civility among lawyers who practice in our courts.
- To strive to achieve the highest level of professional competence.
- To encourage cordial and friendly relations among its members.
- To maintain the honor and dignity of the Bench and Bar and provide opportunities for meaningful social interaction.
- To develop opportunities for younger members of the Bar to meet and interact with and learn from our Barristers and Masters.
Why Is Our Inn Called The Lopardo Inn?
“Chapter 303” was founded in 1997. The organizing committee included George W. Brewster, Jr., Philip Burkhardt, Hon. John S. Einhorn, Hon. J. Morgan Lester, Hon. David B. Moon, Jr., Deborah L. Peterson and Hon. Dana M. Sabraw.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. was chosen originally for the name of the Inn to inspire members by his integrity, work ethic, legal opinions and passion for the rule of law. Along that line, all meetings began with one of his many famous quotes about the law, legal profession or life.
In 2007 a group of North County attorneys and judges suggested to the Board of Directors of Chapter 303 they consider renaming the Inn for an individual with an identity and connection to the local legal community who epitomized the principals of the American Inns of Court. A number of individuals were considered.
The Hon. Fiorenzo V. Lopardo was nominated. He was then chosen by a large majority of the active and inactive members to replace Justice Holmes as the Inn’s name sake and role model.
To honor Judge Lopardo’s dedication to these principles, beginning September 16, 2008, Chapter 303 became known as the Fiorenzo V. Lopardo Chapter of the American Inns of Court.