Mission of the Bar Leadership Institute

The ABA Bar Leadership Institute (BLI) is the American Bar Association’s premier leadership program. Through it, the ABA seeks to advance the legal profession and justice system by supporting the work of state, local, and specialty bars and their leaders. The program seeks to:

• Develop the leadership capacity of elected bar leaders and executive staff,
• Explore leaders’ complex roles and responsibilities, and promulgating exceptional organizational practices,
• Illuminate emerging trends among bar organizations, the legal profession and the justice system, and
• Encourage inter-bar cooperation.

Who attends the Bar Leadership Institute?

Presidents-elect, other officers on the leadership ladder, and executive directors/CEOs from:

• State and local bars
• National, state and local diversity bars
• National, state and local women’s bars
• National, state and local specialty bars

Chairs-elect, other officers on the leadership ladder, and staff directors from:

• ABA sections
• ABA Young Lawyers Division
• State and local bar young lawyer affiliates

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For questions, contact membership@napaba.org

Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy

The CBLA is a coordinated effort to strengthen the pipeline of bar association leaders by providing leadership training and professional development programs which will benefit current and future leaders of bar associations, and the legal profession overall.

The CBLA is an excellent opportunity to:

• Expand Your Network – Connect with influential leaders from NAPABA and top national bar associations.  
• Learn from Experts – Gain invaluable leadership insights from renowned professionals in an intimate, collaborative setting.  
• Sharpen Your Skills – Acquire the tools you need to lead effectively, whether in a local or national bar association.  
• Impact Your Future – Leave with the skills and confidence to organize, manage, and inspire in any bar leadership role.  
  

Application Requirements

• To be eligible for the program you must be an active member of NAPABA.
  
• Submission of your resume and online application

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For questions, contact membership@napaba.org

NAPABA Affiliate Leadership Series

Strengthen bonds, Deepen commitment, Maximize impact

The NAPABA Affiliate Leadership Series is an opportunity for affiliate leaders to equip themselves with the necessary tools to be able to effectively communicate, to learn how to best advocate for their communities, and how to position their affiliate organization for continued growth and success.

Over the course of the bar year, affiliate leaders will gain a clear understanding of local and national messaging points, state and local advocacy roles and limitations, and how to develop best practices to work together to create change. Each workshop will treat all attendees as an active participant, sharing his or her expertise and experiences while gaining valuable insights from others.

 

Previous Programming | Spring 2023 | Washington, D.C.

Panel I | What Does Advocacy Look Like?
Throughout history, AAPI lawyers have been called on to lead change and get justice for the community. In this program, we will introduce some basic advocacy campaign strategies bars can engage. We will discuss how affiliates can leverage NAPABA’s resources to accelerate their advocacy through two cases studies. Join leaders from Florida, as they share their 10-year campaign to overturn the Alien Land Law in Florida’s Constitution, and leaders from Texas, as they discuss their current campaign to oppose provisions of SB 147.

Panel II | How Does It Work: Judicial Nominations and Appointments
In this HDIW panel, learn how the judicial nominations and executive appointments process works from those on the ground and behind-the-scenes. We will discuss changes and realities in strengthening diversity at the state and federal level. 

Panel III | Boundaries of the Bar
Do you know what differentiates a bar association (501(c)(6) organization) from a typical nonprofit (501(c)(3) organization)? In this discussion, learn how your bar association has more flexibility to engage in advocacy than a typical non-profit. Panelists will discuss strategies that their bars have used to engage in coalitions, represent the community, and leverage their expertise to seek justice.

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For questions, contact membership@napaba.org