Adam Carlson legal education program reaches national finalist round

A film-based legal education program co-created by Walnut Creek attorney Adam Carlson was named one of three national finalists for the 2026 American Inns of Court Program Awards. The recognition puts JOKER: mens rea in contention for a top honor to be announced July 25 at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters: - JOKER: mens rea is getting national attention for turning a difficult legal topic into a teaching tool for judges, attorneys and other legal professionals. - The recognition spotlights how legal education programs can use storytelling to deepen discussion of criminal responsibility, competency and mental illness in the justice system.

What happened: - The American Inns of Court selected the Earl Warren American Inn of Court’s JOKER: mens rea as one of the top three legal programs in the country for the 2026 American Inns of Court Program Awards. - Attorney Adam Carlson of Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook helped create the program. - Carlson is based in Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook’s Walnut Creek practice. - The winners will be announced July 25 at the Inns of Distinction Gala at the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

The details: - JOKER: mens rea is a film-based educational program. - The program examines criminal responsibility, competency and the treatment of mentally ill defendants. - The format combines cinematic storytelling with legal education to encourage discussion of complex criminal justice issues. - Carlson said the goal was to present a difficult legal topic in a way that was engaging, thought-provoking and memorable. - Carlson said the American Inns of Court recognition is a tremendous honor and that the team values the role of storytelling in fostering deeper conversations about mental illness and the criminal justice system. - The American Inns of Court promotes professionalism, ethics, civility and legal excellence among bench and bar members. - The organization’s annual Program Awards recognize outstanding educational programs developed by Inns of Court across the country. - The Earl Warren American Inn of Court serves judges, attorneys, legal professionals and law students throughout the Bay Area through programming and mentorship.

Between the lines: - The finalist nod suggests that legal education judges innovation as well as substance. - The program’s film-based approach also signals a broader push to make professional education more memorable and accessible. - Carlson’s recognition beyond his litigation work reinforces his profile in legal education and professional development.

What's next: - The American Inns of Court will announce the award winners at the July 25 gala. - The finalist placement gives JOKER: mens rea a national platform before the final decision.

The bottom line: - Carlson’s program moved from a local legal education effort to a nationally recognized finalist, with the final award still to come.