West LegalEdcenter Introduces New, Online American Inns of Court Symposium Programs

Eagan, Minn. September 12, 2011 – West LegalEdcenter, a Thomson Reuters business, announced today that it now is offering exclusive online legal education programming from the American Inns of Court (AIC). Nine video webinars, developed from the 2011 AIC symposium, Status of the Legal Profession: Facing the Challenges of the 21st Century, are currently available through West LegalEdcenter. The symposium was held at Georgetown University Law Center with support from the Honorable Society of the Middle Temple in London.

According to Lee Ann Enquist, vice president, Professional Development, Thomson Reuters, the AIC is a unique fusion of judges, lawyers and law professors who are dedicated to improving the skills and professionalism of the bench and bar. Based on the traditional English model of legal apprenticeships, AIC allows members to learn side-by-side with the most experienced legal practitioners in their communities. “The AIC holds a well-established reputation for providing high-quality mentoring, skill development and fellowship,” Enquist said. “Their debut West LegalEdcenter programming offers outstanding educational content focused on the unique and emerging challenges of practicing law in the 21st century.”

The nine programs feature renowned legal practitioners and academics, including authorities such as the president of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon. The Lord Clarke of Stone-cum-Ebony and actor and former U.S. senator Fred Thompson, Esq. Interested legal professionals can visit West LegalEdcenter to learn more or to register for the following programs:

• Professionalism: Beyond Ethics
• Ethics, Professionalism and the Government Lawyer
• Professionalism and Civility on the Bench
• Ethical Considerations for Lawyers During the Financial Crisis
• Lessons from London: Professionalism and the English Inns of Court
• Special Challenge to 21st Century Lawyers: The Use and Misuse of Technology
• Legal Education and Training for Today’s New Lawyer: Bridging the Gap from the Classroom to the Courtroom
• The Legal Profession’s Image and the Media
• British, Irish and American Perspectives on the State of the Legal Profession

“Since the first Inn was established in 1980, the mission of the American Inns of Court has been to foster excellence in professionalism, ethics, civility and legal skills,” said Brigadier General (Retired) Malinda Dunn, the Executive Director of the American Inns of Court. “These online symposium sessions are designed to advance our mission. I encourage Inn members and the legal community at large to take advantage of them as we all continue our work to reclaim professionalism and civility in the practice of law.”

The online programs are available for $75 to Inn members and non-members alike, who wish to receive CLE credit. A portion of the fee benefits the AIC Foundation. Inn members may receive a 10 percent discount by using a promo code available from the AIC.

The symposium programs also are available to Inns and Inn members free of charge for use at Inn meetings, to serve as models for Inn programs or for individual members’ professional development not accompanied by CLE credit.

For more information about the American Inns of Court, visit www.innsofcourt.org.

About West LegalEdcenter

The cost-effective source for online and in-person legal training and CLE, West LegalEdcenter keeps attorneys up to date on the law and compliant with state requirements. Find everything you need to manage continuing education and professional development in law firms and legal departments – live conferences and seminars around the nation, more than 7,000 online courses, compliance tracking, learning management, and full integration with in-house training. Taught by the most prestigious names in the legal field, West LegalEdcenter covers both the core substance of law as well as hot topics in every practice area. For more information, visit http://www.westlegaledcenter.com.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.