Leading the Bar Podcast - Legal Talk Network https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/ Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:31:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 Remembering the Promise of the Declaration of Independence https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2026/03/remembering-the-promise-of-the-declaration-of-independence/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:32 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=40494 At the NCBP’s Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Amanda Arriaga sat down with conference speaker Michael Ariens, professor at St. Mary’s School of Law, for a deeper discussion on law, democracy, and ways to engage with the challenges we see in both the legal profession and our society at large. They discuss the relevance of the Declaration of Independence as we celebrate its 250th anniversary and wrestle with the concepts of liberty and equality in the present day. Professor Ariens emphasized the vital role of legal professionals in strengthening the rule of law and fostering constructive, civil discourse when tackling difficult community issues. In addition, Amanda and NCBP President Patrick Palace recap the NCBP Midyear Meeting held in San Antonio.

 

Sign the Pledge:

NCBP Pledge – National Conference of Bar Presidents 

 

]]> Presidential Check-In – A Conversation with Patrick Palace https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2026/02/presidential-check-in-a-conversation-with-patrick-palace/ Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:00:58 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=40376 Six months into his presidency, Patrick Palace joins host Amanda Arriaga for a candid check-in on his leadership, priorities, and vision for the future. Patrick reflects on the path that led him to the practice of law and the values that continue to shape his work, especially his dedication to preserving the independence and integrity of the legal profession.

The conversation explores his efforts to create engaging, meaningful programs that make learning enjoyable for lawyers, as well as the mission behind the Leading the Bar podcast as a platform for thoughtful leadership. Patrick also discusses the Pledge to Preserve the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Judicial System and why this oath matters now more than ever.

Looking ahead, Patrick shares what’s next for the remainder of his term, including his hope to support regulators with resources and guidance, and preparing for the NCBP’s two upcoming conferences—the Midyear and Annual meetings.

Learn more:

]]> Discussion with Kathleen Wilkinson of the Pennsylvania Bar Association https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2026/01/discussion-with-kathleen-wilkinson-of-the-pennsylvania-bar-association/ Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:47 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=40322 This bonus episode of Leading the Bar features a special installment from the Council of Firsts series, which spotlights trailblazing leaders who were the “first” to break barriers in their bar associations.

In the next episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina president of the Austin Bar, talks to Kathleen Wilkinson, past president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and past chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association. She was also the first female president of the Villanova J. Willard O’Brien Inn of Court. This episode was recorded at the American Bar Association/National Conference of Bar Presidents meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

You can find Kathleen in the Philadelphia office of Wilson Esler.

To learn more about NCBP, visit https://ncbp.org

YouTube https://youtu.be/wuKaCJ-N1EU

]]> Leading with Purpose: Nate Alder on Service and Stewardship https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2026/01/leading-with-purpose-nate-alder-on-service-and-stewardship/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:00:09 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=40259 Leadership doesn’t always come naturally; it is a skill developed through service, mentorship, and a deep commitment to others. In this episode, Amanda Arriaga and Patrick Palace welcome Nate Alder, a longtime leader in multiple associations, including the NCBP. Drawing on his many years of service, Nate shares insights that deepen our understanding of how to lead with humility and a genuine commitment to stewarding and elevating the next generation of leaders in the legal profession.

Nate Alder is a shareholder at Christensen & Jensen, where he litigates, tries, and resolves complex civil cases.

]]> Discussion with Melissa Johnson, Past President of the San Diego Bar Association https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/12/discussion-with-melissa-johnson-past-president-of-the-san-diego-bar-association/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 12:00:52 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=40213 This bonus episode of Leading the Bar features a special installment from the Council of Firsts series, which spotlights trailblazing leaders who were the “first” to break barriers in their bar associations.

In the next episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina president of the Austin Bar, talks to Melissa Johnson, Past President of the San Diego Bar Association and Executive Council member of the National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP). This episode was recorded at the American Bar Association/ National Conference of Bar Presidents meeting in Louisville, Kentucky. To learn more about NCBP, visit https://ncbp.org

]]> Women Leading the Way: Conversations with NCBP Trailblazers https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/12/women-leading-the-way-conversations-with-ncbp-trailblazers/ Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:41 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=40143 The National Council of Bar Presidents has had only 10 female presidents in its 75-year history, but women have become increasingly prominent in leadership in recent decades. In this episode, Amanda Arriaga speaks with three of the NCBP’s female presidents about their leadership experiences and their efforts to advance diversity within the profession. They underscore the importance of leaders cultivating strong relationships and acting as a source of encouragement and support for those who follow in their footsteps.

  • Kay Hodge served as NCBP President from 2007-2008 and was also its first Asian president. She is also a Past-President of the Massachusetts Bar Association.
  • Mary Torres served as NCBP President from 2009-2010 and was its first Hispanic female president. She was also the first Hispanic female President of the New Mexico Bar Association. 
  • Karol Corbin Walker served as NCBP President from 2012-2013 and was its first African American female president. She was also the first African American President of the New Jersey State Bar Association. 
]]> Bar Leadership in Action: Wellness, Technology, and the Rule of Law https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/11/bar-leadership-in-action-wellness-technology-and-the-rule-of-law/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:00:21 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=40087 At ClioCon 2025, Patrick Palace sat down with bar leaders from across the country to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing bar associations and their members today.

Jonathan Dunitz shares his deep commitment to promoting wellness and destigmatizing mental health and substance use challenges within the legal profession. Drawing on his own experiences with depression as an attorney, Jonathan offers a personal and insightful perspective, along with practical strategies and resources bar associations can implement to support their members.

Next, Kevin Plachy highlights his bar association’s research into technology adoption and understanding among legal professionals. He presents key findings from the Washington State Bar Legal Technology Task Force’s survey,  Embracing Change: Strategic Roadmap for Washington’s Legal Profession in a Time of Technology Disruption, and offers actionable advice for how bar associations can help their members embrace and adapt to technological change.

Finally, John Mudd discusses fostering bar community and transcending cultural and political divides. He shares how the State Bar of Montana works to uphold professional ethics and the rules of professional conduct—ensuring that lawyers honor their oaths to protect both the rule of law and the people they serve.

  • Jonathan M. Dunitz is Counsel at Verrill’s Portland, Maine office and is a Past President of the Maine State Bar Association. 
  • Kevin Plachy is Director of Advancement at the Washington State Bar. 
  • John Mudd is Executive Director of the State Bar of Montana.  
]]> Good Governance – Continuity, Culture, and Change https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/11/good-governance-continuity-culture-and-change/ Mon, 03 Nov 2025 12:00:05 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=40020 Strong governance keeps a bar association thriving through generations of leadership. In this episode, host Amanda Arriaga sits down with leaders from the Allegheny County Bar Association to explore how their thoughtful leadership, strategic planning, and commitment to mission and values has brought lasting success.

Executive Director Dave Blaner, Assistant Executive Director Thomas Petropoulos, President Amy Coco, Immediate Past President Regina Wilson, and President-Elect Daniel Fitzsimmons share how their organization has built a culture of stability and innovation. As Mr. Blaner prepares to retire in the summer of 2026, he, Mr. Petropoulos and the leadership of the Bar association discuss the multi-year leadership transition process that has prepared the association for seamless continuity as they move into the future.

From maintaining financial health to deeply investing in legal community relationships, this conversation highlights how the ACBA continues to grow and adapt while staying true to its mission—proving that effective governance is both an art and a long-term investment in the bar’s legacy.

]]> Discussion with Juan Thomas, Past President of the National Bar Association and President Elect of NCBP https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/10/discussion-with-juan-thomas-past-president-of-the-national-bar-association-and-president-elect-of-ncbp/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:00:01 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=39944 This bonus episode of Leading the Bar features a special installment from the Council of Firsts series, which spotlights trailblazing leaders who were the “first” to break barriers in their bar associations.

In this  episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina president of the Austin Bar, talks to Juan Thomas, past president of the National Bar Association and President-elect of the National Conference of Bar Presidents. (NCBP). This episode was recorded at the American Bar Association/ National Conference of Bar Presidents meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, and includes a new introduction by Amanda Arriaga and Patrick Palace, NCBP President.

To learn more about NCBP, visit https://ncbp.org

]]> Discussion with Carl Smallwood, Director of the Divided Community Project at Moritz Law School and the first African American President of the Columbus Bar Association https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/09/discussion-with-carl-smallwood-director-of-the-divided-community-project-at-moritz-law-school-and-the-first-african-american-president-of-the-columbus-bar-association/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:00:38 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=39805 This bonus episode of Leading the Bar features a special installment from the Council of Firsts series, which spotlights trailblazing leaders who were the “first” to break barriers in their bar associations.

In this episode of the Council of Firsts, Amanda Arriaga, first Latina president of the Austin Bar talks to Carl Smallwood, Director of the Divided Community Project at Moritz Law School and the first African American President of the Columbus Bar Association. This episode was recorded at the American Bar Association/National Conference of Bar Presidents meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

To learn more about NCBP, visit https://ncbp.org

For more information about the Divided Community Project, visit https://go.osu.edu/dcp.

To contact Carl directly, you can find him at smallwood.21@osu.edu.

For more resources about DCP’s democracy work, visit https://go.osu.edu/dcpdemocracy or Speaking Out to Strengthen the Guardrails of Democracy.

For information about the American Bar Association’s Task Force and Advisory Commission on American Democracy, visit https://ambar.org/democracy.

For additional resources about the rule of law, the World Justice Project can be found at https://worldjusticeproject.org/

]]> Your Questions, Answered: Bar Leaders at NCBP https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/09/your-questions-answered-bar-leaders-at-ncbp/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 11:00:06 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=39777 Bar leaders care deeply about the mission and values of their associations, but no leader has it all figured out. In this special episode following the NCBP Annual Meeting, a panel of bar leaders tackles the real, pressing questions submitted by you, their peers, at the conference. Amanda Arriaga welcomes Patrick Palace, Lynette Paczkowski, and Robin Wolpert to share candid perspectives on understanding member needs, navigating political tension, managing leadership transitions, leading across diverse regions, and much more. This thoughtful conversation offers honest insights into many of the complexities of modern bar leadership.

]]> Leadership in Action: How Bar Involvement Shapes Legal Careers https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/08/leadership-in-action-how-bar-involvement-shapes-legal-careers/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:00:59 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=39635

In this collaborative episode from the National Conference of Bar Presidents’ Leading the Bar podcast and the Chicago Bar Association’s @theBar podcast, host Amanda Arriaga talks with Dan Cotter, Trisha Rich, and Jonathan Amarilio about the impact of bar leadership on their professional lives. The conversation explores how bar associations serve as a springboard for career development, mentorship, and service to the legal community. From initial involvement to holding top leadership positions, each guest offers insights into why giving back through bar service has been both personally and professionally meaningful.

Dan Cotter just completed his term as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and is a Past President of the Chicago Bar Association.
Trisha Rich is the First Vice President of the Chicago Bar Association and served as co-host of the @theBar Podcast for many years.
Jonathan Amarilio is Treasurer of the Chicago Bar Association and co-founded the @theBar Podcast.
]]> Celebrating 75 Years of NCBP https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/08/celebrating-75-years-of-ncbp/ Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:00:25 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=39626 In this special episode of Leading the Bar, we celebrate 75 years of the National Conference of Bar Presidents with outgoing president Dan Cotter and incoming president Patrick Palace. Host Amanda Arriaga leads a conversation about the evolving role of bar associations and the enduring mission of NCBP to empower, connect, and inspire legal leaders. They explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing bar leaders today—from defending the rule of law amid growing politicization to bridging generational divides and embracing innovation. Dan and Patrick share candid insights on leadership, community-building, and how bar associations can remain vital in our rapidly changing legal landscape. 

]]> Jeremy Evans on Leadership, Breaking Away, and Knowing When to Pivot https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/07/jeremy-evans-on-leadership-breaking-away-and-knowing-when-to-pivot/ Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:00:24 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=39494

Jeremy Evans, founder of California Sports Lawyer and past president of the California Lawyers Association, joins Amanda Arriaga and Lynette Paczkowski on the second episode of Leading the Bar, the podcast from the National Conference of Bar Presidents designed to help lawyers engage and grow as leaders.

Evans shares insights from helping lead the creation of CLA after its historic separation from the State Bar of California, explaining why voluntary bar associations are uniquely positioned to focus on education and advocacy. He reflects on how his passion for sports—including visiting all 30 Major League ballparks—helped shape his career, and encourages lawyers to think deeply about their goals and embrace the courage it takes to pivot.

Evans also discusses how bar leaders can stay connected to their members, avoid mission drift, and balance the personal and professional benefits of volunteer leadership. This episode offers practical lessons for any lawyer interested in building meaningful relationships, creating positive change, and leading with purpose.

California Lawyers Association: http://calawyers.org/
California Lawyers Foundation: https://calawyersfoundation.org/
California Sports Lawyer: https://www.csllegal.com/
National Conference of Bar Presidents: https://ncbp.org/

]]> Say “Yes” to Leadership: A Conversation with Dana and Keith Cutler https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/06/say-yes-to-leadership-a-conversation-with-dana-and-keith-cutler/ Mon, 16 Jun 2025 11:00:57 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=39350 Legal lions and TV judges Keith and Dana Cutler join Amanda Arriaga on the inaugural episode of “Leading the Bar,” a new podcast from the National Conference of Bar Presidents designed to help lawyers engage and grow as leaders. With over 75 years of collective experience, the Cutlers, known for their roles on “Couples Court with the Cutlers” and “Cutler’s Court,” share their insights into the importance  of bar leadership for the health of the legal profession.

Dana Cutler, the first Black woman president of the Missouri Bar, shares how profoundly she was able to advance her career by simply “showing up and saying yes.” She discusses the challenges she faced in modernizing a bar association and implementing strategic operational initiatives. Keith Cutler, a past president of both the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Jackson County Bar Association, encourages  connecting with the next generation of lawyers and helping them use their passions to more effectively drive changes.

Bar associations have a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the constitution. Dana and Keith point out how leaders must represent the entire legal community, even those with differing opinions, to ensure inclusivity and preserve the bar’s integrity. Their unique experience informs their practical advice on essential communication skills for every lawyer, emphasizing the power of active listening and responding with kindness to foster productive relationships. This episode is inspiring  and a reminder of the support available to young lawyers within the bar leadership  community.

 

Chapters/Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: The Paramount Rule of Law and Our Democracy

02:14 – Why Get Involved in Bar Leadership: The Cutlers’ Journey

04:00 – The Evolution of Bar Leadership: Engaging New Generations

07:27 – Presidential Challenges: Modernizing the Bar and Strategic Vision

16:14 – Navigating Hot Topics and Preserving the Bar’s Integrity

24:55 – The Invaluable Role of NCBP: Support and Shared Solutions

28:22 – Judicial Wisdom: Communication and Relationships in Law

33:53 – Balancing Life and Law: Hobbies and Personal Passions

37:10 – Beyond the Bar: What the Cutlers Would Do 

]]> Leading the Bar Trailer https://legaltalknetwork.com/podcasts/leading-the-bar/2025/06/leading-the-bar-trailer/ Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:00:07 +0000 https://legaltalknetwork.com/?post_type=ltn_episodes&p=39305 Bar presidents share strategies, tools and insights for attorneys growing into leadership roles. Learn from real stories of growth, crisis management, and innovation in NCBP’s Leading the Bar podcast. 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.

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