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May 22, 2025—The J. Willard O’Brien American Inn of Court at Villanova Law is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year. A nationally recognized, award-winning chartered member of the American Inns of Court (AIC), the Villanova Law Inn works to promote professionalism, civility, ethics and excellent legal skills among members of the bench and bar. Serving as a mentoring and networking tool for both young and practiced lawyers and law professionals, the Villanova Law Inn is an invaluable experience for connection and continuing education.

For members, events throughout the year include meetings at various locations in and around Philadelphia to discuss a specific area of practice—the 2024–25 year focused on the relationship between law and technology—and networking opportunities, such as holiday gatherings and opening and closing meetings for the term.

Marc Zucker ‘84, partner at Weir LP, joined the Villanova chapter in 2000. A write-up in an alumni newsletter that covered the Inn’s inaugural meeting, featuring a photo of Judge Ed Rendell in the audience, inspired Zucker to join.

“It didn’t take long to realize that this was something special—a unique and collegial opportunity to learn from, perform for and collaborate with the most respected members of our Villanova Law community,” Zucker says. During the Inn’s early years, Zucker went on to hold various leadership positions, from pupillage team leader to program chair to counselor, and ultimately president from 2008-2010.

Stephen Brown ’76, senior counsel with Dechert LLP, shares that same sentiment of community-building. “I was able to meet lawyers of every different age, background, and legal path: federal and state judges, in-house lawyers, prosecutors and plaintiff’s lawyers, criminal and civil defense lawyers, transactional lawyers, public interest lawyers and law school teachers,” he says. “We were not adversaries, competitors, judges, or law students. We were all just a bunch of people who shared a profession, looking to learn and to support each other.”

Simeon Poles ’17, associate with DLA Piper, joined the Inn as a student. “The Inn quickly became a vital lifeline, connecting me with fellow alumni and keeping me engaged with the law school community,” he recalls.

For young alumni, the opportunity to connect with seasoned attorneys is one of the main draws. “It has allowed me to create a trusted network of professional colleagues who I can really on for advice, brainstorming, and comradery.” Maggie Barker Taylor ’22 says.

Poles applauds the Inn for being instrumental to its members’ career growth, whether you are seeking a placement for your first job out of law school, making a career switch or just looking to expand your network, all while maintaining a strong sense of Villanova closeness and pride: “Through Villanova’s enduring values of Veritas, Unitas, Caritas (truth, unity, love), I found a network that has opened countless personal and professional doors—many extending well beyond the Inn itself.”

A 25^th anniversary celebration will be held at the Villanova Law Inn’s opening meeting on September 9, 2025.

To learn more or join today, visit the Villanova Law Inn’s website.��