Frequently Asked
Questions
- Why was the
College founded?
The USA is one of
the only common-law jurisdictions that does not
have a hierarchy among specialized trial
advocates. For example, in England the title of
Barrister is given to specialized trial lawyers.
The rank of Queen's Counsel can be awarded to
senior, experienced Barristers in England. This
traces its origins back many centuries; this
hierarchy also exists in other common law
jurisdictions where the Queen of England is
still the Head of State. In common law
jurisdictions without the English Monarch as the
Head of State senior barristers or advocates
hold the title of Senior Counsel. This hierarchy
recognizes the skill and experience of
specialized trial lawyers.
The College was
founded in an attempt to recognize and help give
publicity to experienced trial lawyers in a way
that is consistent with, and that honors, an
age-old common law tradition.
The College was
the idea of a group of trial lawyers who wanted
to emulate this dignified and time honored way
of recognizing those who are experienced in the
Art of Trial Advocacy. Jeremy Tanner, a civil
trial lawyer from North Carolina
and his law partner Peter Romary, a native of
England took the initiative and helped get the
College off the ground. The College has members
from 46 states in the USA, including Alaska and
Hawaii as well as members from Israel and
England.
Certification as
a Barrister or Senior Counsel is only open to
experienced trial lawyers. We hope that any
experienced trial lawyer with a sense of
tradition and heritage, that wishes to have
their experience and skill recognized will join.
Membership is by invitation only. Only the
College or Senior Counsel members of the College
may invite other qualified trial lawyers to
join. Our members include Past Presidents of
ATLA, the NACDL as well as members of the elite
Inner Circle of Advocates. We also have as
members numerous other preeminent trial lawyers
whose work has been recognized on the State,
National and International level.
Membership of the
College as either a Barrister or Senior Counsel
allows you to display your experience and skill
in a traditional, dignified and professional
manner. For centuries distinguished trial
advocates have been recognized consistent with
this manner for their skill and expertise as the
modern day "knights errant" of the law. There
are no annual fees or dues; all memberships are
for life. Additionally, we hope that Members
will use the College as a networking resource
for the referral of cases. The College
encourages all those who are certified to put
out a press release announcing their
certification and the tradition that it follows.
Additionally, all Members receive elegant
certificates that they can display in their
office, reception area or conference room that
will let clients and adversaries know what they
have achieved and what their membership denotes.
Additionally, Senior Counsel and Barrister
members will receive a listing on our web-site.
|
|
