News & Press

Looking Ahead

I begin my first message as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents with deep gratitude to my friend, colleague, and predecessor, Dan Cotter. Over the past year, Dan has led with integrity, loyalty, and a steadfast commitment to our mission—often in turbulent times that took its toll personally and professionally. Yet, his leadership, counsel, and friendship have been a constant source of strength for me and for the NCBP. Dan, on behalf of all of us—thank you.

On August 8th, at our 75th Anniversary Awards Lunch in Toronto, Canada, I had the privilege of being sworn in as your President for 2025–2026. In a moment rich with tradition, fifteen former NCBP Presidents passed the gavel down the line until it reached my hands. I was humbled by the weight of that gavel—not for what it is, but for what it represents: 75 years of service, leadership, and the belief that together, we are better.

This year, we take up that challenge in a world that feels, at times, unsteady. The familiar rules are being rewritten—by technology, cultural change, and political uncertainty. The old maps don’t always guide us anymore. In moments like this, it is tempting to wait for the fog to lift before moving forward. But as leaders, we don’t have that luxury. Leadership today is about stepping forward even when the footing is uncertain.

Our task as bar leaders is not to have all the answers, but yet, to lead with clarity, trust, and purpose. That begins with our core values—the compass that will guide everything we do this year. Our Core Values are part of our NCBP Strategic Plan and support our Mission of “Empowering, connecting and inspiring bar leaders and organizations.”

Our values include:

Leadership
Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging
Collaboration
Technology and Innovation
The Well-Being and Independence of the Profession

Turning these values into action will define our year together; a year where…

We will build trust across differences. Trust is not just given; it is built by addressing our detractors with honesty, truth and by living our values. We must focus on building bridges.
We will make room at the table. Inclusion is not just diversity—it is creating a deep sense of belonging so that every voice strengthens the whole.
We will collaborate across boundaries. State lines, silos, and legal fields cannot limit us when the challenges we face are shared.
We will embrace innovation. Not because technology or AI demands it, but because the urgent needs of those we serve, require it.
We will champion well-being. Our profession’s future depends on caring for the people who care for justice.
We will deliver cutting-edge programming so that every NCBP event sends you home with practical tools you can use immediately.
We will strengthen partnerships—within the ABA, among your bars, with law schools, tech innovators, and the courts—because collaboration is our multiplier.
We will exemplify servant leadership by empowering others and building the next generation of leaders.
And we will lead by creating programs, podcasts and initiatives that embody our values, such as advancing the Rule of Law, protecting judicial independence and the independence of the profession, expanding access to legal services, and building unity among leaders.

Let me be clear, I do not believe our job is to simply run organizations. Our job is to lead a movement; a movement that doesn’t give up or give in, a movement that believes in justice, inclusion and innovation. A movement that knows we are stronger together, and a movement that dares to believe we can leave this profession stronger than we found it.

Together, with our mission, our vision and our values, we WILL lead the way.

-Patrick Palace
Servant Leader & NCBP President
Managing Partner, Palace Law

PRIVACY

National Conference of Bar Presidents | C/O ABA, 321 N Clark Street, FL17, Chicago, IL 60654 | www.ncbp.org

Message from Dan Cotter, NCBP 2024-25 President - August 5, 2025

Tue, 5 Aug 2025 16:30:00 GMT

It's Hard to Believe a Year Has Passed...

It’s hard to believe a year has passed since I began my term as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents. What a year it has been—unexpected in so many ways, challenging at times, but above all deeply rewarding.

When I stepped into this role, I framed our journey around the theme of the well-informed bar leader. That theme felt timely then—and feels even more urgent now. Over the past twelve months, we have witnessed sweeping developments across the legal profession: the accelerating impact of AI, renewed debates around DEI and affirmative action, intensifying scrutiny of the administrative state, ongoing attacks on mandatory bars, and heightened polarization around democracy and elections. Being well-informed has taken on a more urgent meaning.

In moments of disruption, people still turn to lawyers—and to the institutions that support them—for clarity and guidance. Bar associations must remain trusted anchors. That means we, as leaders, must stay informed, agile, and engaged. You have done just that. I’ve seen it firsthand—in your questions, your collaboration, your innovation, your work. That is what makes NCBP so special: we learn together so we can lead better.

One of the true highlights of this year has been celebrating NCBP’s 75th anniversary. The gala is a powerful reminder of the legacy we carry—and the future we are shaping. It is also a moment to reflect on the strength of this community and how, over three quarters of a century, NCBP has been the place where bar leaders find tools, friendship, and purpose.

Speaking of well-informed, I am so happy that we launched a podcast, something I became better informed about through the passion and vision of others—every community has its challenges, but also its quiet strengths. Listening—really listening—can be one of our greatest tools as leaders.

I want to thank you for the trust you placed in me, for the conversations we’ve shared, and for the passion you bring to this work. I also want to express my deepest appreciation to the NCBP staff and our executive council, whose dedication makes everything we do possible.

As I hand off the gavel, I do so with enormous gratitude and optimism. Our profession, and the world around us, will continue to evolve—and not always in predictable ways. But with organizations like NCBP leading the way, I have no doubt that our nation’s bar leaders will rise to meet the moment.

Thank you for allowing me to serve. I look forward to continuing the journey—this time as a fellow well-informed bar leader.

With appreciation and friendship,

Dan Cotter
President, 2024–2025
National Conference of Bar Presidents

PRIVACY

National Conference of Bar Presidents | C/O ABA, 321 N Clark Street, FL17, Chicago, IL 60654 | www.ncbp.org

NCBP 2025-26 Secretary & Council Slate, Leading the Bar July episode, and more - July 15, 2025

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 20:29:00 GMT

NCBP Announces 2025-26 Secretary and Council Nominees

NCBP is pleased to announce the slate of Secretary and Executive Council member nominations, to be presented for election by the members at the NCBP Annual Business Meeting Luncheon on Friday, August 8, 2025 in Toronto. If you have not done so yet, there is still time to register for the Annual Meeting.

NCBP Secretary-Nominee

Russell S. Jones, Jr.
Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Past President
NCBP Executive Council Member, 2020 - 2023

NCBP Executive Council At-Large Nominees

	Teresa Beck National Conference of Women’s Bar Associations, Past President NCBP Program Committee Member
	Nancy Conrad Pennsylvania Bar Association, Past President NCBP Program Committee Member
	Jonathan Dunitz Maine State Bar Association, Past President NCBP Program Committee Member
	Samuel Edmunds Minnesota State Bar Association, Past President NCBP Program Committee, Past Member
	Melvin O. Shaw Iowa State Bar Association, Past President NCBP Membership Committee, Past Member

From Ballparks to Bar Leadership: Building the Legal Career that Fulfills You

In the second episode of NCBP's podcast, Leading the Bar, releasing Monday, July 21, Jeremy Evans—founder of California Sports Lawyer, past president of the California Lawyers Association, and NCBP Executive Council member—shares lessons from his journey helping lead the creation of CLA after the historic separation from the State Bar of California. He discusses the question of whether voluntary bar associations should focus on education and advocacy (over potentially political issues). He also encourages lawyers to embrace opportunities to pivot in their careers, sharing how his love of sports—including visits to all 30 Major League ballparks—shaped his career.

Listen to the Leading the Bar on Apple or Spotify. Find more information about the podcast, the hosts, and subscribe for updates on the NCBP website.

Register for 2025 ABA Forum on Building Access to Justice for All

Registration is now open for the 2025 ABA Forum on Building Access to Justice for All, taking place October 15-17 in Atlanta, GA. The 2025 Forum will provide unique educational training, networking opportunities, and support to access to justice commissions, IOLTA programs, lawyer referral programs, and others working to increase access to the civil justice system. Visit the ABA website to learn more about the individual conferences making up the Forum and to register.

NCBP Member Spotlight

Ray Williams

NCBP: Executive Council Member

The Missouri Bar: Past President

What would you choose as your personal theme song? One of my roles is as defense counsel in area treatment courts, so a Jelly Roll song titled “Winning Streak” has my attention recently. The key lines go, “Nobody walks through these doors on a winning streak,” but, with a lot of hard work and help from the team, a participant can walk out with a fresh start and a shot at winning going forward. I think that idea applies elsewhere too. Hard work and a great support system are essential for success.

How has NCBP helped you grow as a bar leader? Active participation in NCBP has allowed me to work with some of our nation's brightest and most creative bar leaders. Not only have I learned from their ideas and programs from the time when I was a state bar officer through my time on the NCBP Council, the relationships developed with other NCBP members provide an invaluable resource when bar leadership questions arise.

PRIVACY

National Conference of Bar Presidents | C/O ABA, 321 N Clark Street, FL17, Chicago, IL 60654 | www.ncbp.org

NCBP 75th Anniversary Swag, Summer Membership Promo, and more - July 1, 2025

Tue, 1 Jul 2025 17:17:00 GMT

Countdown to NCBP's 75th Anniversary Celebration

We’re just six weeks away from the NCBP 2025 Annual Meeting and the big celebration of NCBP’s 75th Anniversary! To celebrate this milestone, we have once again opened up NCBP 75th Anniversary merch store. If you missed grabbing some NCBP swag during the Midyear Meeting, now is your chance to rep and support NCBP for the 2025 Annual Meeting.

Choose between lightweight vests and jackets or cool off for summer with a baseball hat and t-shirt. Order by July 7 to have your items shipped to you in time to bring to the Annual Meeting.

We can't wait to see you in Toronto in August wearing your NCBP merch and celebrate our 75th anniversary in style!

Summer Savings on NCBP Membership

Don’t miss this chance to reconnect with your fellow bar leaders! Join or renew NCBP now as a bar organization or individual past president and get 50% off your 2025 dues — just use the promo codes below at checkout. Take action today so you can also take advantage of registering for the NCBP 2025 Annual Meeting in Toronto at the member rate (group hotel rates guaranteed only until July 3).

Promo Codes (offer expires September 30):

Organizational Members: ORG50%
Individual Members: PPC50%

ABA International Law Section: Call for Committee Leads

The ABA International Law Section seeks committee leaders for its International Legal Education and Specialist Certification Committee, whose mission is to connect legal academics with international law expertise, program directors, practicing lawyers, and bar leaders to develop training and specialist certification programs. The Section seeks creative, learners and leaders who would serve as the Section’s eyes and ears for cross border developments that would benefit from education initiatives, such as Tech Cred.

Nominations will be considered on a rolling basis until October 1, 2025, with a Committee Leader Orientation held on June 24 for those selected before then. Learn more here.

President's Page Feature: Reflections on a Rewarding Journey

“...I hit the jackpot several times over with my fellow officers being who they were — some of the most amazing, thoughtful, intelligent lawyers and leaders in West Virginia. Having a successful term came not from my individual accomplishments but, instead, came from our group efforts, including observing and working with those in leadership ahead.” - Shannon P. Smith, President, West Virginia State Bar

Take a moment to read President Smith's full president’s column, “Reflections on a Rewarding Journey,” from the spring 2025 issue of The West Virginia Lawyer. Rolling admissions are open for the Best of 2025 President’s Page Award. Read more about the submission guidelines and submit your article here.

We also encourage you to submit a Member Spotlight so we can highlight amazing leaders like yourselves!

PRIVACY

National Conference of Bar Presidents | C/O ABA, 321 N Clark Street, FL17, Chicago, IL 60654 | www.ncbp.org

Summer Membership Promo, NCBP Podcast is Live, and more - June 17, 2025

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:02:00 GMT

Summer Savings on NCBP Membership!

Promo Codes (offer expires September 30):

Organizational Members: ORG50%
Individual Members: PPC50%

Listen to the First Episode of Leading the Bar

The first episode of NCBP's brand-new podcast, Leading the Bar: Empowering Lawyer Leaders, is now live!

Go listen to episode one where host and NCBP Executive Council member Amanda Arriaga chats with Dana and Keith Cutler, hosts of "Cutlers Court," about working together and bar leadership. Each month, either Amanda, fellow Council member Lynette Paczkowski, or NCBP President-elect Patrick Palace will hear stories from bar presidents and lawyer leaders about strategies, tools and insights for attorneys growing into leadership roles.

Find more information on the NCBP website, listen to the podcast trailer, and never miss an upload by subscribing to Legal Talk Network for updates. Leading the Bar is available on both Apple and Spotify.

NCBP Wants You to Serve on Committees

Want to be a part of advancing NCBP’s mission and strategic plan to empower, connect and inspire bar leaders? Check out what our committees do and apply by June 30 to join one or more of them. Only NCBP members are eligible to serve on committees but if you are not currently a member, it’s easy to join or renew!

“My time serving on NCBP committees has been worthwhile and rewarding. The staff is really involved and helpful, and the other volunteers are an extremely dedicated and committed group of people. I’ve served on many bar committees, and the NCBP group stands out as a particularly devoted group of bar leaders who are committed to building better bar organizations across the country.” -Trisha Rich, NCBP Program Committee Member; Past President, Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers

Hear and Share Your Bar's Civics Programs at the Annual Meeting

Bar associations across the country are stepping up to promote civic knowledge in their communities—and your bar can, too. Our democracy track workshop at the 2025 NCBP Annual Meeting on Friday, August 8, "Educating for Democracy: Bar Association Civics Initiatives," will feature a showcase of innovative civics education programs led by bar associations of all sizes and regions.

You'll hear directly from bar leaders who have developed and implemented successful initiatives, from school-based programs to public outreach campaigns. Panelists will share practical insights on how to launch or expand civics and democracy education outreach in your own bar, and there will be plenty of time for live discussion of additional programs. This session will run concurrently with other workshops on AI, wellness, and DEI, so start planning your Annual Meeting agenda today!

PRIVACY

National Conference of Bar Presidents | C/O ABA, 321 N Clark Street, FL17, Chicago, IL 60654 | www.ncbp.org

NCBP Podcast, Legal Mentoring Webinar Recording, and more - June 3, 2025

Tue, 3 Jun 2025 19:20:00 GMT

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NCBP Launches Podcast - Leading the Bar: Empowering Lawyer Leaders

NCBP is excited to announce that it is launching a brand-new podcast series this month, Leading the Bar: Empowering Lawyer Leaders, which will replace our existing webinar series 21st Century Lawyer. Hosted by NCBP Executive Council members Amanda Arriaga and Lynette Paczkowski and President-elect Patrick Palace, episodes of Leading the Bar will be released monthly. The first episode will premiere June 16, featuring a conversation led by Amanda with Keith and Dana Cutler. Amanda will chat with the Cutlers, who host “Cutlers Court,” about working together and bar leadership.

Leading the Bar will feature bar presidents sharing strategies, tools and insights for attorneys growing into leadership roles. Listen monthly for compelling stories the next generation of lawyer-leaders can use to develop skills, confidence, and vision to lead with purpose and integrity.

Subscribe to Leading the Bar so you never miss an upload. It will also be available to listen on Apple and Spotify. We are so thrilled to start this exciting journey into podcasts and hope you will join us.

May Legal Mentoring Webinar Recording

How can bar leaders shape the future of the legal profession through mentorship? If you missed NCBP’s May webinar last week, “Mentoring the Next Generation of Lawyers,” or if you just want to review what was shared, visit the NCBP 21st Century Lawyer page for the recording and resources. This program was planned in collaboration with the National Legal Mentoring Consortium , so the recording is being made public to both NCBP members and non-members. We encourage you to also fill out the evaluation so we can share feedback with the producers of this session.

NCBP Wants You to Serve on Committees

Want to be a part of advancing NCBP’s mission and strategic plan to empower, connect and inspire bar leaders? Check out what our committees do and apply by June 30 to join one or more of them. Only NCBP members are eligible to serve on committees but if you are not currently a member, it’s easy to join or renew !

“Serving on NCBP committees has been invaluable – it's like having access to a national brain trust of bar leaders. The collaborative programming work and cross-pollination of ideas from bars across the country has enriched my perspective immensely. I've brought innovative concepts and best practices back to San Antonio that have directly benefited our bar." 

--Nick Guinn, NCBP Program Committee Member
  President-elect, San Antonio Bar Association

President's Page Feature - "The Rule of Law is Good for Business"

“It is in this very arena—the protection and enforcement of property rights—that many of us hone our craft and fulfill our mission of fostering the rule of law.”

Take a moment to read State Bar of Montana President Toni Tease's president’s column "The Rule of Law is Good for Business" from the March 2025 issue of Montana Lawyer. Rolling admissions are open for the Best of 2025 President’s Page Award. Read more about the submission guidelines and submit your article here .

PRIVACY

National Conference of Bar Presidents | C/O ABA, 321 N Clark Street, FL17, Chicago, IL 60654 | www.ncbp.org

Apply for NCBP Committees & Council, Legal Mentoring Webinar, & More- May 20, 2025

Tue, 20 May 2025 19:26:00 GMT

Apply for NCBP Committees by June 30

Want to be a part of advancing NCBP’s mission and strategic plan to empower, connect and inspire bar leaders? Check out what our committees do and apply by June 30 to join one or more of them. Only NCBP members are eligible to serve on committees but if you are not currently a member, it’s easy to join or renew!

“Serving on NCBP committees has been invaluable – it's like having access to a national brain trust of bar leaders. The collaborative programming work and cross-pollination of ideas from bars across the country has enriched my perspective immensely. I've brought innovative concepts and best practices back to San Antonio that have directly benefited our bar." 

--Nick Guinn, NCBP Program Committee Member
  President-elect, San Antonio Bar Association

Apply for NCBP Executive Council or Secretary by May 30

If you are an NCBP member who wants to go beyond committee work and lead at the national level, consider applying for one of five at-large seats on the NCBP Executive Council, or for NCBP Secretary by May 30. Share your talents to help shape the next iteration of NCBP’s 2023-25 strategic plan to advance our mission to empower, connect and inspire bar leaders and organizations.

For more information about eligibility and the nominating process, Council expectations, and to submit an application, click here. Note that applicants for Council or Secretary must complete the Council/Secretary application and a separate committee application, both by May 30.

Register for May 27 Legal Mentoring Webinar

How can bar leaders shape the future of the legal profession through mentorship? Join a dynamic panel discussion at noon Central on Tuesday, May 27, hosted by NCBP’s 21st Century Lawyer Committee in collaboration with the National Legal Mentoring Consortium (NLMC), to explore effective, structured mentoring program models. Panelists will examine how organizations can implement these programs to foster professionalism, ethics, and community within the legal profession. Discover actionable strategies to promote mentorship and professional development for the next generation, strengthening the profession for years to come.

The program is free, but you must register to attend.

Share Your Innovative Civics Education Program with NCBP!

Has your bar or bar-related organization put on a civics education program in the last two years that is innovative and replicable? NCBP wants to know about it!

NCBP is planning a workshop at the 2025 Annual Meeting, August 7-9 in Toronto, where we will feature civics education programs from bars across the country. We would appreciate your help in putting together this session.

Please help us by taking a few minutes to provide information on your program here: loom.ly/15PilIk

Announcements

Member Spotlight - NCBP is filled with amazing leaders like you, and we want to highlight all our amazing members. Fill out the short questionnaire so your fellow NCBP members can get to know you.
Join us in Toronto to celebrate NCBP's 75th year and connect with other bar leaders at the 2025 NCBP Annual Meeting! Learn more and register here.

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