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Empowering the Next Generation of Legal Leaders
Step Into Your Future.
The Bar Leadership Institute (BLI) is more than a program — it’s a launchpad.
If you’re ready to grow your career, make a difference, and join a powerful network of Arizona’s top legal minds, your journey starts here. Through training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead, BLI empowers rising lawyers who will shape the future of our legal profession.
This selective eight-month program kicks off with a two-night retreat at the stunning Tubac Golf Resort and Spa. You'll connect with your class, dive into your leadership journey, and leave energized for the year ahead. It all begins with a welcome mixer on Friday evening under the Arizona sky.
Applications for the 2026 Class are NOW OPEN.
- Build powerful leadership skills through hands-on training.
- Connect with judges, senior attorneys, elected officials, and community leaders.
- Broaden your leadership reach and grow your professional influence.
- Gain lifelong access to a prestigious alumni network.
- Receive unparalleled insights from top Arizona legal professionals.
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.
All sessions are in the Phoenix metro area except for the two-night retreat in Tubac, AZ. If you live outside metro Phoenix, the State Bar will pay for accommodations and mileage reimbursement to attend sessions.
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 12-14, 2025 – Overnight retreat in Tubac, AZ
- October 10, 2025
- November 14, 2025
- No December meeting
- January 23, 2026
- February 13, 2026
- March 13, 2026
- April 17, 2026
- May 1, 2026 – 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 will be accepted until May 31, 2025. 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 July.
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 Graduating Class of 2025
Alexander Mallory
Hayden Hilliard
Harrison Rice
Jillian Bauman
Vineet Shaw
Madeline Mayer
Elizabeth Schmitt
Kaitlin Amos
Luan Gurra
Maura Hilser
Shannon Brien
Eric Wootton
Lelia Adams
Danielle Solomon
Christopher Channell
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 Janette Corral, Class of 2021, on her appointment to the Maricopa County Superior Court – April 16, 2025.
Congratulations to Laine McDonald, Class of 2015, on her appointment to the Pima County Superior Court – March 18, 2025.
Congratulations to Sandra Bensley, Class of 2016, on her appointment to the Pima County Superior Court – September 19, 2024.
Congratulations to Alison Bachus, Class of 2010, on her appointment as a United States Magistrate Judge – April 12, 2023.
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 Community Impact
Ph. 602.340.7309
E. Noah.Coakley@staff.azbar.org