J. WILLARD O'BRIEN AMERICAN INN OF COURT
A VIBRANT, AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY AT THE HEART OF LEGAL EXCELLENCE
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Chartered in 2000 and named in honor of former Dean J. Willard O’Brien (1972–1983), the Inn proudly stands as a nationally recognized member of the prestigious (AIC).
Rooted in the AIC’s mission, the Villanova Law Inn champions the highest standards of professionalism, civility, ethics and legal mastery. Each year, members collaborate in dynamic teams to explore and present on cutting-edge legal topics, sparking meaningful dialogue on the evolving landscape of law and practice. By joining the Inn, members become part of a powerful network of over 100 Villanova Law alumni and students, gaining access to a wealth of opportunities.
Whether you're a student, recent graduate, or seasoned practitioner, the Villanova Law Inn offers a unique opportunity to grow, connect and give back to the legal profession.
BECOME A MEMBER
Membership in the Villanova Law Inn is open to judges and lawyers, alumni and non-alumni, and second- and third-year law students. The Inn has four membership categories based on years of experience. All members, with the exception of law students, are required to submit dues.
Should you have any questions regarding membership or the application process, please contact the Membership Chair, Simeon Poles.
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President
Francis McDevitt '77
Counselor
Hon. Linda Carpenter '89
TreasurerÌý
Roman Galas '07
Membership Chair
Simeon Poles '17
Program Chair
Michael DiFebbo '94
Community Outreach Coordinator
Rosalie Spelman '80
Barrister Representative
Courtney Dolaway '11
Associate Representative
Ryan Raymond '19
Immediate Past PresidentÌý
Hon. G. Michael Green '80
Villanova Law Faculty Liaison
Prof. Brenner FissellÌý
Administrator
Colleen Rogers
J. CLAYTON UNDERCOFLER III '66 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
The Villanova Law J. Willard O'Brien American Inn of Court J. Clayton Undercofler III Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated through his or her career and service to the Inn an exemplary level of leadership and integrity, as well as a dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession and the rule of law.
2024: Stephen D. Brown '76
2022: Hon. David R. Strawbridge '71
2020: Kathryn Streeter Lewis '76
2016: Anne Bowen Poulin
2013: Kathleen D. Wilkinson '81 &ÌýThomas G. Wilkinson, Jr. '81
2012: J. Gordon Cooney, Jr.Ìý'84
2010: Hon. James Fitzgerald III '66
2009: Hon. Marjorie Rendell '73
J. Clayton Undercofler III, a member of the Villanova Law Class of 1966, assisted in co-founding theÌýVillanova Law Inn of Court in 2000 and served as a member of the Inn's executive committee, initially as the Inn's first program chair and later as its second counselor. Just before Clayton was to assume the presidency of the Inn in 2004, he was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a neurodegenerative brain disease that has no known cause, treatment or cure. Sadly, Clayton passed away in 2007.Ìý
Clayton had an extraordinary legal career in Philadelphia, and was a well-known trial lawyer and public servant. He was a partner and past chairman of Saul Ewing LLP, where he practiced in the firm's Litigation Department and was a member of the White Collar and Government Enforcement and Antitrust Practice Groups. Prior to joining Saul Ewing, Clayton was a partner of Dilworth, Paxson, Kellish and Kaufman, and earlier served as an Assistant United States Attorney.Ìý
A member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Clayton tried to verdict criminal cases in a defense capacity, as a prosecutor, and as a special prosecutor. In particular, he was counsel to the House Republican Managers in the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Justice Rolf Lauren.Ìý
Clayton also served as chairman of the Board of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority from 1988 to 1993. In that capacity, he presided over an extensive reorganization and revitalization of the region's transportation system. He also served as a visiting assistant professor of law at Villanova Law.
In 2005, Clayton was honored by the Villanova Law Alumni Association with the Gerald Abraham Alumni Association Award for Service to the Law School. He was also honored with Bar Medal from the Philadelphia Bar Association in 2004; was designated a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" by Philadelphia Magazine and Law and Politics Magazine (2004); appeared in The Best Lawyers in America, 2002-2003 edition, and all earlier editions, Woodward White; named "Citizen of the Year for 1991" by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the March of Dimes; presented with the Regional Leadership Award in 1990, by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, KYW Newsradio and Leadership Inc.; received the Federal Bar Association Younger Federal Lawyer Award, 1973; and received the Special Award for Assistant United States Attorneys, 1971.ÌýÌý
and received the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award in the Third Circuit in 2023.
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Charles Widger School of Law
299 North Spring Mill Road
Villanova, PAÌý 19085
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"I joined the Inn during my third year of law school. As a pupil member, I was privileged to meet renowned and experienced practitioners and judges outside the adversarial confines of a courtroom."
– Evan Butts '23
"The Inn has provided me with valuable insights into a wide range of legal developments and social connections."
– Hon. Anne Marie B. Coyle '84
"One of the most meaningful aspects of the Inn is its unique ability to bring together members of the legal profession across generations and roles—judges, attorneys, professors and students—into a community rooted in mentorship, collegiality and a shared commitment to excellence. The relationships I’ve developed through the Inn have provided a space for open dialogue, where differing viewpoints can be exchanged with mutual respect and where the rule of law is not merely discussed, but lived out in practice."
– Hon. James J. Fitzgerald III '66