Career Advancement
Engage in the broad range of programs that can enhance your professional and leadership skills. Whether you're just entering the legal profession, transitioning to a new practice, setting up your own firm or winding down your practice you'll find programs and services to assist you.
Explore any of the following career advancement opportunities available to all Current and Active members of The State Bar of Arizona:
The Bar Leadership Institute is an eight‑month leadership program of the State Bar of Arizona that develops rising attorneys through training, mentorship, community service, and professional engagement. To be eligible for the Bar Leadership Institute, members must be active, in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona and admitted to practice law for at least two years. It begins with a two‑night retreat in Tubac and continues with monthly sessions focused on leadership skills, ethics, communication, and civic involvement. Graduates commit to a year of service within the Bar or a related organization, joining a strong network of Arizona legal leaders.
The Board of Legal Specialization (BLS) is a program of the State Bar of Arizona that recognizes attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, skill, integrity, and professionalism in a specific area of law. Through a rigorous application, peer review, and examination process, the BLS certifies lawyers who meet high standards of experience and competence, helping the public identify qualified legal specialists and promoting excellence within the profession.
Certified Specialists must maintain their expertise through ongoing practice and continuing legal education, ensuring that their skills remain current and aligned with the evolving needs of clients and the justice system. Specialization practice areas currently include: Bankruptcy Law, Criminal Law, Estate and Trust Law, Family Law, Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Workers' Compensation Law.
The One‑to‑One Mentorship Program pairs a new lawyer with an experienced Arizona attorney for either six months or a year of individualized guidance. Mentors offer practical advice, professional insight, and support on everything from courtroom skills to career development and work–life balance. The relationship is tailored to the mentee’s goals, creating a confidential space to ask questions, build confidence, and navigate the early years of practice with a trusted advisor.
The Lawyer Down the Hall Program provides quick, informal access to seasoned attorneys who can answer real‑time questions about practice, procedure, ethics, and professional judgment. Instead of a long‑term pairing, mentees can reach out as needed — just like walking down the hall to ask a colleague for guidance. It’s designed for lawyers who want reliable, low‑barrier support without the commitment of a full mentorship match, especially solos, rural practitioners, and attorneys in small firms.
The State Bar of Arizona offers meaningful ways for members to contribute to the profession, build community, and shape the future of legal practice in our state. Whether you’re looking to share your expertise, strengthen your leadership skills, or connect with colleagues, there are many paths to get involved.
Members can serve on a Section Executive Council, helping guide programming, policy discussions, and outreach within their practice area. Attorneys may also apply to join a committee or working group, where they can collaborate on ethics, rules, professionalism, access to justice, and other initiatives that support the Bar’s mission.
For those who enjoy teaching or writing, opportunities include speaking on relevant topics for the CLE Department or contributing articles to Arizona Attorney Magazine. These platforms allow members to share knowledge, elevate emerging issues, and support the ongoing education of the legal community.
Getting involved strengthens the Bar, enriches the profession, and helps attorneys make a lasting impact on the legal community in Arizona.
The Career Center is your hub for professional growth within the State Bar of Arizona. Members can explore current job openings across a wide range of practice areas, from entry‑level roles to experienced positions in firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments. Whether you’re actively searching or simply keeping an eye on new opportunities, the Career Center makes it easy to stay connected to Arizona’s legal job market.
In addition to job postings, members can upload their résumés so employers can find them directly, expanding visibility and opening doors to new possibilities. The Career Center also offers practical resources to support your career development, including résumé‑writing tips, guidance on presenting your experience effectively, and articles designed to help you plan your next steps with confidence. It’s a one‑stop destination for attorneys looking to advance, transition, or refine their professional path within Arizona’s legal community.
Arizona College of Trial Advocacy
The Arizona College of Trial Advocacy is an intensive, five‑day workshop designed to significantly strengthen the courtroom skills of practicing trial lawyers. As the flagship program of the State Bar of Arizona’s Trial Practice Section, it offers hands‑on training in every major phase of trial work — including opening statements, direct and cross‑examination of witnesses, handling evidentiary issues, and closing arguments. Each participant prepares and presents a full practice case throughout the week, culminating in a half‑day mock trial with live jurors and judges.
The program is taught by leading trial lawyers and judges from across Arizona, providing individualized coaching, small‑group exercises, and detailed critiques of each participant’s performance. Enrollment is limited to ensure close faculty interaction, and all presentations are videotaped for feedback and skill development. For attorneys seeking concentrated, practical trial‑advocacy training from some of the state’s most experienced litigators, the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy offers a rare and highly valuable opportunity.