Leadership Academy

Purpose
The Leadership Academy of The Missouri Bar was developed under the leadership of former Bar President Michael P. Gunn and Dana Tippin Cutler. The Academy encourages diversity among the leadership of The Missouri Bar by recruiting and targeting young or recent admittees (under 40 or less than 10 years of practice) to the Bar who are already outstanding leaders in their communities for participation in the program and a commitment to work for the Bar.

Participant Diversity
The academy, now in its 9th year, seeks diversity in gender, race, area of practice, and locality of practice. The academy program anticipates that bringing in attorneys from underrepresented arenas will broaden and strengthen The Missouri Bar.

Nominating Candidates
Academy participants are nominated by attorneys, their firms or coworkers, and local or specialty bars. Each class is limited to twelve or fewer members to ensure the goals of the program.

Training & Participation
The participants complete a leadership training portion of the program that includes an in-depth tour of The Missouri Bar Center in Jefferson City; meeting with various members of The Missouri Bar staff; meeting with Bar Committee Chairs; meeting with and attending meetings of the Board of Governors; and attending two full-day workshops regarding leadership styles. Travel expenses are paid by The Missouri Bar. They also develop a class community service project, which each member facilitates in his or her individual community.

Future Bar Involvement
At the end of the year, each member of the Academy commits to two additional years of active service in The Missouri Bar. Past Leadership Academy members are currently serving as YLS Council members, MoBarCLE volunteer speakers and authors, and active Missouri Bar committee members.

More Information
Anyone interested in learning more about the Leadership Academy should contact Michelle Coleman, Leadership Academy Coordinator, at 573-522-6748.