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Nathaniel R. Jones Inn of Court was established
By Bob Jackson
YOUNGSTOWN
When Judge Benita Y. Pearson came to Youngstown three years ago, she was surprised to learn that there was not only no room at the inn, there was no Inn at all.
But she was thinking in legal terms, as in the American Inns of Court.
So the judge set about talking to her colleagues to change that, and five months later, the Nathaniel R. Jones Inn of Court was established. The inaugural meeting was Wednesday evening at the DeBartolo Stadium Club in Youngstown State University’s Stambaugh Stadium.
The American Inns of Court is a nonprofit organization that promotes excellence, civility, ethics and professionalism within the legal community. Mentoring young lawyers and law-school students in civility, excellence, ethics and professionalism is part of the organization’s mission.
“When I came to Youngstown, I was a little surprised that there was no Inn of Court here,” said Judge Pearson, who presides over the U.S. District Court in Youngstown. She had been a member of three or four Inns of Courts over the years, and said she saw the value in them.
She has been a member of such organizations since she was a law student, and recalled going to meetings when she was a law clerk.
Judge Pearson is president of the local chapter, which received its charter during Wednesday’s meeting. Other officers are: Judge Gene Donofrio of the 7th District Court of Appeals, vice president; Judge Kay Woods of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, secretary; Atty. Sam Amendolara, counselor; and U.S. Magistrate George J. Limbert, whip.
The local chapter is named for Judge Jones, who was born in Youngstown and now resides in Cincinnati, and for whom the U.S. Bankruptcy Court building on Wick Avenue is named. He is retired from the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
“I have always felt that with the responsibility that the Constitution confers upon lawyers to be trustees of justice, it behooves them to miss no opportunity to improve their professional skills,” Judge Jones said. “Lawyers have to be cognizant of their obligations. As a lawyer and as a judge, I have seen too many instances where lawyers defaulted.”
He said that being a descendent of slaves, and knowing that this area was among those that worked hardest to bring about freedom for those who were in bondage, makes it especially satisfying to have his name affixed to the local chapter.
Judge Donofrio said he was drawn to the organization because of the mentorship aspect, which always has been important to him.
“I really like the opportunity for younger lawyers, and even law students, to be mentored by older lawyers and judges and to network with them,” he said.
Judge Pearson said the first time she ever had a conversation with a federal judge was at an Inn of Court meeting while she was a law clerk. “It just opens up so many opportunities,” she said.
Ernest J. Barrons, director of chapter relations for the American Inns of Court northeast region, said the organization dates back to about 1980. He said there are some 30,000 members and 350 chapters nationwide, and one in Japan.
Amendolara said the Inn of Court is intended to serve as a complement to the local bar association, not as competition.
“We’re pretty much committed to aiding people,” said Amendolara, a longtime local lawyer. “We’re solely focused on mentoring, teaching and instructing in ethics.”
Judge Donofrio said local chapters generally are named for prestigious lawyers or judges from the area, which is why Judge Jones was selected as the namesake for this chapter.
“He truly is a legal icon from this area,” Judge Donofrio said. “He really represents the ideals and goals of the organization. I couldn’t think of a better person to have our chapter named for.”
Judge Jones is an internationally renowned civil-rights activist.