The 2023-24 session schedule is below. All sessions are in the Phoenix metro area except for the overnight retreat, which will be held in Tubac, AZ.
The Bar Leadership Institute is a selective program designed to train the next generation of Bar members and community leaders. Participants are provided with networking opportunities, training and education, community awareness and other skills necessary to benefit the diverse communities in which they work, live and serve.
The BLI has three components:
- Training and Education - Eight leadership training and legal practice education sessions beginning in September.
- Community Service Project - The class prepares and executes a community service project. Time will be set aside during the sessions for completion of most of the project, but participants may need to communicate or meet outside of the sessions.
- Service - Upon completion of the BLI, participants commit to one year of service in a State Bar section, committee or working group, or other professional association or community organization.
Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 4:30 p.m.
Please be advised that in the unlikely event a session is rescheduled students will be notified at least a month (and likely several months) in advance.
• September 9-10, 2023 – Overnight Retreat, Tubac, AZ
• October 13, 2023
• November 17, 2023
• No December meeting
• January 19, 2024
• February 23, 2024
• March 22, 2024
• April 19, 2024
• May 3, 2024 - Graduation
Applicants must be an active member in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona and admitted to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction for at least two (2) years. Eligibility is based on date of bar admission.
Applications are accepted May through June of each year. Applicants must complete an online application, which will be posted on the BLI webpage. Applicants must also submit at least one letter of recommendation that speaks to the applicant’s leadership skills, ability and potential. Applicants will be notified of their selection status in June.
The Bar Leadership Institute fee is $300. Fee waivers are available to those demonstrating financial need. Participants may request a fee waiver after acceptance into the program. The BLI Selection Committee reviews all fee waiver requests.
Participants receive up to two years of CLE credit. CLE credit will be uploaded to participant’s AzBar CLE tracking page.
CONGRATULATIONS to the incoming Class of 2023-2024
Emmanuel Antelo
Ida Araya
Julie Birk
Sarah De Oliveira
Casey Dempsey
Edgard Espiritu
Irania Fimbres-Ruiz
Laila Ikram
Yoonho Ji
Whitney Larson
Rezarta Mataj
Briana Ortega
Christine Ortega
Jesse Ritchey
Daniel Shudlick
Mickell Summerhays
Here's what graduates say about BLI:
"This program was an incredible opportunity to meet a wide variety of leaders in the Arizona legal community. What other program can offer you the leadership training and opportunity to network with Supreme Court Justices, general counsels and prosecutors in an intimate setting."
"There is nothing else like it. It expands our vision beyond our immediate work to remind/inspire us to consider ourselves not just as attorneys but as community leaders."
"The information and experience was invaluable. I have had many leadership doors opened because of this experience."
BLI in the News
Congratulations to Benjamin Taylor, Class of 2010, on his election as President of the Board of Governors – July 2023.
Congratulations to Jessica Sanchez, Class of 2013, on her election as President of the Board of Governors – July 2022.
Congratulations to Amanda Mancayo Parker, Class of 2019, on her appointment to the Maricopa County Superior Court - May 27, 2022.
Congratulations to Nicholas Knauer, Class of 2021, on his appointment as a Commissioner for the Pima County Superior Court – February 24, 2022.
Congratulations to Michael Valenzuela, Class of 2014, on his appointment to the Maricopa County Superior Court - March 11, 2022.
Congratulations to Janette Corral, Class of 2021, on her appointment as a Commissioner for the Maricopa County Superior Court - October 5, 2021.
Congratulations to Christian Bell, Class of 2019, on his appointment as a Commissioner for the Maricopa County Superior Court - February 3, 2020.
Bar Leadership Institute Turns 10 - Arizona Attorney Article
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact:
Noah Coakley
Chief of Staff & Director of DEI
Ph. 602.340.7309
E. Noah.Coakley@staff.azbar.org