The Importance of Leadership

The Chicago Bar Association understands that in the legal profession, “The secret to success is good leadership, and good leadership is all about making the lives of your team members or workers better.”  (Tony Dungy) The CBA developed the Leadership Institute to increase leadership skills among excellent lawyers and to enhance business development strategies which are essential in the ever more demanding practice of law.  

Leaders are essential to a law firm; they make the workplace better, attract clients and guarantee good work product.  “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, concerned citizens can change world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)  The Leadership Institute is directed at emerging leaders within Chicago's legal profession. 

The Institute features dynamic presenters on business generation, the importance of networking, critical thinking and provides opportunities to interact with other leaders, similarly situated in the legal profession. Leadership is a sought after talent; a quality not everyone has, “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” (Martin Luther King, Jr.)  


About the Institute

The Leadership Institute uses a small cohort model and includes professional development sessions featuring dynamic faculty, interactive skill building exercises and networking opportunities. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a graduation certificate. A complete list of meetings and topics for the 2020 program is listed below.

How to Apply

The 2020 Leadership Institute Program has been temporarily postponed in light concerns regarding COVID-19; however, we continue to accept applications for the 2020 class. A new schedule of activities will be posted once the Association's in-person programming resumes. Click here to download the 2020 Leadership Institute Application. 

Contact cle@chicagobar.org for more information or general inquiries about the program. 

2020 Institute Agenda

The 2020 Leadership Institute Program has been postponed in light of
concerns regarding COVID-19.  A new schedule will be posted once
the Association's in-person programming resumes.

Session I: What Kind of Leader Are You?


Leadership Institute Alumni Welcome Reception


Session II: The Foundations of Effective Leadership


 
Session III: Leveraging Your Network for Career Success



Session IV: Advanced Business Development Strategies 



Leadership Institute Graduation Reception



The Chicago Bar Association Annual Meeting





"The Leadership Institute allowed me an opportunity to step back and reevaluate myself and various aspects of managing teamwork, conflict, and leadership.  Participating in the course at this stage in my career was invaluable because I had the relevant context to apply the tools that we are being provided and to network with peers at similar stages in their careers." 

--Tanvi Patel, Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP, 2018 Leadership Institute Class

 




"The CBA Leadership Institute was a practical forum with interactive sessions that were designed to spark participants’ growth in team leadership, development of  a network, building a strong professional reputation and growing a book of business."

--Dan Buoniconti, Reed Smith, 2018 Leadership Institute Class