On June 11, the Fiorenzo V. Lopardo American Inn of Court celebrated its last meeting of the year by starting with our first annual “awards night” — a gathering that perfectly captured the spirit of our legal community: Collegial, creative, and just plain fun.
The evening kicked off with a series of awards that showcased not only the talents of our teams but also their sense of humor and flair for the dramatic. Each award was tailored to highlight the unique contributions and personalities of the groups:
- Lights, Camera, Action! Award went to Team 1 for their unforgettable re-enactment of Amber Heard v. Johnny Depp—a performance so riveting it had us all on the edge of our seats, complete with dramatic pauses and impassioned objections.
- Courtroom Clickers Award was earned by Team 2, who navigated the perils of trial technology with resilience and adaptability, proving that even the most daunting tech glitches are no match for their advocacy skills.
- Sticks & Stones and Still Composed Award celebrated Team 3’s professionalism and composure in the face of incivility, reminding us all that true advocacy is about rising above and setting the standard for ethical conduct.
- Evidence Enthusiasm Award went to Team 4, who never let a document go unexamined and made sure every exhibit had its day in court.
- Most Likely To Think They Had The Best Presentation Award was given to Team 5, whose confidence and persuasive arguments made their presentation Confirmation Bias presentation truly memorable.
The laughter and applause that followed each announcement were a testament to the camaraderie and good-natured competition that define our Inn.
A Special Moment: Bill Kamenjarin’s Well-Deserved Recognition
The highlight of the evening came at the end, as the final award was presented to our president, Bill Kamenjarin. Bill received the Most Valuable President Award for 2024–2025, a fitting tribute to his unwavering commitment to professionalism, ethics, and mentorship within the North County legal community. Under Bill’s leadership, the Inn has thrived as a welcoming forum for lawyers and judges to learn, share, and uphold the highest standards of our profession. His vision and dedication have kept Judge Lopardo’s legacy alive in every aspect of our activities.
A Night to Remember
Everyone agreed: The awards were a hit, sparking laughter, pride, and a renewed sense of community. It was a night that reminded us all why the Lopardo Inn is such a special place — not just for professional growth and referrals, but for genuine connection and fun.
Congratulations to all our winners!
Stephanie Germani, Lopardo Inn of Court Membership Liaison