Leading the Bar

Every organization needs a strategic plan—a North Star that provides a steady, consistent focus for new ideas and major decisions. In bar associations, where leadership changes hands each year and incoming presidents bring new goals and priorities, maintaining that long-term vision can be challenging. Leaders must learn to navigate these transitions while remaining grounded in the organization’s mission and guiding principles. Amanda Arriaga and Juan Thomas welcome Priya Purandare, executive director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), to discuss the importance of strategic planning in bar leadership. They explore how bar associations can balance fresh perspectives with long-term goals to advance their broader mission. They also discuss the impact of affinity bars and their advocacy efforts for both members and the communities they serve.  Resources: https://www.napaba.org/ To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org

One of NCBP’s goals is to elevate the voices of affinity bar associations, creating opportunities for leaders from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another and deepen their understanding of leadership within the legal profession. Amanda Arriaga and Juan Thomas welcome Raquel Matas, President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), to explore the organization’s  origins and progress as it approaches its 55th anniversary.  Raquel reflects on her own path to leadership and shares her vision for the HNBA’s future, including key initiatives planned during her presidency. She highlights the continued development of the HNBA Legal Academy and the organization’s ongoing efforts to support and empower the next generation of Hispanic legal professionals.  Resources: https://hnba.com/ https://hnba.com/events/   To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org

Americans have the right to vote, and protecting the integrity of our elections has become an increasingly pressing concern in communities across the country. Amanda Arriaga welcomes Juan Thomas, Robin Wolpert, and Keith Ellison to discuss the role of legal professionals in upholding the rule of law and doing their part to preserve free and fair elections. Setting partisan politics aside, they explore the importance of understanding and applying the rule of law to protect voting rights. They also share practical strategies for engaging with local communities through education and support to help strengthen election processes. Juan Thomas is NCBP President. Robin Wolpert is a Past President of both NCBP and the Minnesota State Bar. Keith Ellison serves as Attorney General of the state of Minnesota.  To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org At the 2026 NCBP Annual Meeting, bar leaders and judges simulated an escalating rule-of-law crisis involving judicial budget cuts, political attacks, and threats against a judge. NCBP partnered with the Divided Community Project, the ABA Center for Bar Leadership, the ABA Center for Human and Right and the German Marshall Fund, with funding from The Carter Center Rule of Law Program, to conduct this exercise which prepared bars to cultivate trusted relationships, define roles, and build broad community coalitions in advance of crises. Read more about lessons learned: https://cdn.ymaws.com/ncbp.org/resour...  Since then, NCBP has curated election resources for bar leaders: https://ncbp.org/page/ElectionResources. To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit https://ncbp.org/.

“To whom much is given, much will be expected.” For leaders, that means embracing the opportunity to identify challenges in our communities and find meaningful ways to meet those needs. Amanda Arriaga welcomes Sherie Edwards for a conversation about the power of servant leadership and how bar leaders can inspire their members to engage, give back, and make a difference in their communities. To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org

As attorneys, we have a responsibility to confront injustice and uphold the rule of law. For some members of our profession, that commitment is deeply personal, shaped by family histories in which justice failed and corrupted laws were used as instruments of oppression. At the recent National Conference of Bar Presidents Annual Meeting, NCBP President Juan Thomas and Past Connecticut Bar President Monte Frank reflected on how their families’ experiences with persecution during Jim Crow and the Holocaust influenced their decisions to become lawyers and leaders. They share how those histories shaped their understanding of justice and strengthened their commitment to preserving the rule of law and protecting the principles upon which our legal system depends. To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org

Good leaders encourage others to a high level of integrity, creating cultures of respect and examples of servant-hearted civic leadership. At a challenging moment for both the country and the legal profession, lawyers have an important role to play in upholding the rule of law and persevering in civility and professionalism. As Juan Thomas begins his term as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents, Amanda Arriaga welcomes him to discuss his vision for the year ahead, the responsibilities of bar leadership, and how lawyers can lead with purpose while contributing to the health of the profession and their communities. To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org

As his presidency of the National Conference of Bar Presidents comes to a close, Patrick Palace joins host Amanda Arriaga to reflect on his time in office, the challenges of leading during a pivotal moment for the legal profession, his future plans, and the enduring importance of the rule of law. Patrick shares what it means to lead an organization made up of accomplished bar presidents from across the country, offering insights into the unique responsibility of guiding leaders who are deeply committed to the future of the profession. He also discusses the NCBP's Pledge to Preserve the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Judicial System, highlighting its role in strengthening, protecting, and advancing the legal community during a time of unprecedented challenges. To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org

Getting involved in bar leadership in the areas you're passionate about is a meaningful way to serve your fellow attorneys—and it can open the door to new leadership opportunities throughout your legal career. Jonathan Cole, Chair of the ABA House of Delegates, joins Amanda Arriaga and NCBP President Patrick Palace to reflect on his career of leadership, service, and advancing the legal profession. Jonathan shares insights from his journey through state bar, ABA, and NCBP leadership, highlighting the opportunities that shaped his career along the way. He also discusses the importance of maintaining civil discourse within bar associations, upholding the rule of law, and engaging in pro bono work to help expand access to justice.   To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org

Strong bar leadership begins with strong governance, and the Washington State Bar Association has set an example of both. Amanda Arriaga and Patrick Palace welcome Francis Adewale and Terra Nevitt to celebrate the WSBA's accomplishments and reflect on the leadership, collaboration, and strategic vision that have shaped their organization. Together, they discuss what makes effective bar governance, the importance of serving members and the public, how they encourage unity across political divides, and the lessons other bar associations can take from Washington State's success. To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org

What does it take to lead today's legal profession? In Season 2 of Leading the Bar, now also on VIDEO, we continue to explore what it takes to lead today's legal profession. Hear from bar presidents and other legal leaders as they discuss navigating challenges, driving innovation, strengthening their organizations, and preparing the profession for what's next. Through candid conversations and real-world experiences, each episode offers practical insights and fresh perspectives for attorneys looking to grow as leaders and make a lasting impact.