The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) is accepting applications for attorneys to be part of its new Leadership Academy. Applications will be accepted from Sept. 23 to Oct. 18, 2019. The Leadership Academy is designed to “enhance the professional careers of young, diverse members of the Illinois Bar.”
ISBA President David B. Sosin told the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin that even though lawyers learn valuable skills in law school, they’re not being taught leadership skills. By establishing the Leadership Academy, the ISBA is filling an education gap and preparing young lawyers to be future leaders.
This year, a maximum of 20 participants will be selected from a pool of ISBA and self-nominations. The ISBA aims to achieve diversity among participants. Participants from all backgrounds will be considered. This includes attorneys from big to solo firms, in the private and public sector, from broad practice areas and locations throughout Illinois.
To qualify for the program, participants must be an ISBA member with 3 to 10 years of practice experience. Additionally, all participants are required to pay the $750 tuition and attend all of the sessions. Many of the sessions qualify for MCLE and PMCLE credit.
Leadership Academy sessions include:
Session 1: Laying the Foundation
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019
Session 2: Continuing Professional Development
Friday, Jan. 24 – Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020
Session 3: Diversity & Inclusion
Friday, Feb. 21, 2020
Session 4: A Session with the Supreme Court & Legislators
Tuesday, March 10 – Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Session 5: Brand Building & Executive Presence
Friday, April 17, 2020
Session 6: Graduation
Thursday, June 18 – Saturday, June 20, 2020
Upon completion of the program, participants will be appointed to a section council or committee of their choice.
Participants accepted into the program will be notified by early November 2019.
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