Two premier ABA leadership development opportunities are now open for registration and applications! NAPABA members are encouraged to take advantage of these programs, consistently recognized for cultivating dynamic and effective bar leaders. Early-bird registration is available for both initiatives.
Bar Leadership Institute (BLI)
Chicago, IL | March 11–13, 2026
Designed for incoming bar leaders and presidents-elect, BLI offers training on governance, strategic planning, and bar leadership fundamentals.
A joint initiative of NAPABA and national affinity bar partners, CBLA is an immersive leadership academy for attorneys dedicated to bar service and community impact.
These programs provide unmatched professional development, peer networking, and pathways to strengthen leadership within the legal profession. NAPABA encourages interested members to review eligibility details and submit applications early.
Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2024 | 11:59 pm ET
We are thrilled to invite you to apply for the 2025 Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) – an exclusive, transformative experience designed to elevate aspiring and current bar leaders like you! The CBLA will take place in the heart of Washington, D.C., from June 29 – July 1, 2025. This is your chance to accelerate your leadership journey and connect with fellow bar leaders from across the country.
Why Apply for CBLA?
This isn’t just another leadership program – it’s a game-changing opportunity to take your career to the next level:
Expand Your Network – Connect with influential leaders from NAPABA and top national bar associations.
Learn from Experts – Gain invaluable leadership insights from renowned professionals in an intimate, collaborative setting.
Sharpen Your Skills – Acquire the tools you need to lead effectively, whether in a local or national bar association.
Impact Your Future – Leave with the skills and confidence to organize, manage, and inspire in any bar leadership role.
Spots are limited! Apply today to ensure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.
Eligibility Requirements
Be an active member of NAPABA
Complete a two-part application process, including a virtual component
The Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) is a joint initiative of the American Bar Association, its Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession and the Commission on Disability Rights, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the National LGBT Bar Association, the National Native American Bar Association, and the South Asian Bar Association of North America. Together, we aim to empower and prepare leaders to shape the future of the legal profession. Our coordinated effort is designed to strengthen the pipeline of bar association leaders through leadership training, professional development training, and networking.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to develop, connect, and lead in the legal world. We can’t wait to see you in Washington, DC!
The American Bar Association’s (ABA) Commission on Racial and Ethic Diversity in the Profession announced that the 2022 Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) will be held June 26-28, 2022, in Chicago.
The CBLA is a joint initiative between the ABA, its Commissions on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession, Disability Rights, NAPABA, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the National LGBT Bar Association, the National Native American Bar Association, and the South Asian Bar Association of North America.
The CBLA is a coordinated effort to strengthen the pipeline of diverse bar association leaders by providing leadership training and professional development programs, which benefit current and future leaders of bar associations and the legal profession. This summer, the CBLA will host several programs spotlighting issues in the legal profession and diverse communities.
Application details to come. Click on the flyer for more details.
On June 29, Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) Board Director and Real Estate Committee Co-Chair Margaret Ling moderated the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) Opening Program titled: “Effective Marketing, Advocacy and Public Relations Strategy.” The panelists for the event were Edgar Chen, Esq., National Policy Director for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA); Elia Diaz-Yaeger, Esq., President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA); Tricia “CK” Hoffler, Esq., President of the National Bar Association (NBA); and Dinesh Kumar, Esq., Vice President of Public Relations for the South Asian Bar Association (SABA) of North America. The panelists discussed the role of minority bar associations in facing widespread social and political issues as well as the unique voice of advocacy that minority bar associations can utilize. The discussion also explored different ways of reaching membership through websites, newsletters, and other methods.
AABANY thanks Karl Riley, the Chair of the CBLA, for organizing the panel event as well as ABA for hosting the discussion at such a critical moment for the Asian-American community.
Apply for the seventh annual Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) in Denver, Colorado from June 23 to 25, 2019. The CBLA is a collaborative effort among the American Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Bar Association, National Native American Bar Association, and NAPABA. The CBLA will strengthen the pipeline of diverse bar association leaders through leadership training and professional development programs.
The CBLA is intended for up-and-coming bar leaders who have been in practice for 5-15 years and have served as officers of a NAPABA affiliate and/or chair/co-chair of a NAPABA committee.
Apply for the fifth annual Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) in Minneapolis from June 25-27, 2017. The CBLA is a collaborative effort among the American Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Bar Association, National Native American Bar Association, and NAPABA. The CBLA will strengthen the pipeline of diverse bar association leaders through leadership training and professional development programs.
The CBLA is intended for up-and-coming bar leaders who have been in practice for 5-15 years and have served as officers of a NAPABA affiliate and/or chair/co-chair of a NAPABA committee.
Applications are now available for the fifth annual Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) in Minneapolis on June 25-27, 2017. The CBLA is a collaborative effort among the American Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Bar Association, National Native American Bar Association, and NAPABA. The CBLA will strengthen the pipeline of diverse bar association leaders through leadership training and professional development programs.
The CBLA is intended for up-and-coming bar leaders who have been in practice for 5-15 years and have served as officers of a NAPABA affiliate and/or chair/co-chair of a NAPABA committee.
Deadline to submit an application is Friday, May 12 at 8 p.m. EDT.
Applicants will be asked to submit a brief essay of 250-500 words, a CV/resume, and two letters of recommendation.
More information about the program can be found on the CBLA website. Please contact CBLA Steering Committee member Gary Zhao with any questions at gzhao@salawus.com or at 312.894.3377.
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association | 1612 K St. NW, Suite 510 | Washington, D.C. 20006 | www.napaba.org
NAPABA is currently seeking applicants for the fourth annual Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) in Seattle, Washington, from June 26-28, 2016 (Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning).
The CBLA is intended for up-and-coming bar leaders who have been in practice for 5-15 years and have served as officers of a NAPABA affiliate and/or co-chair of a NAPABA committee. It is a collaborative effort among the American Bar Association, Hispanic National Bar Association, National Bar Association, National Native American Bar Association, and NAPABA. Beginning this year, the National LGBT Bar Association has joined as a collaborative partner. The purpose of CBLA is to strengthen the pipeline of diverse bar association leaders through leadership training and professional development programs. This is an excellent opportunity to foster collaborative relationships across national bar associations at the local or regional level, share best practices, and develop potential business opportunities and friendships.
If you have attended a previous CBLA, please consider joining us at CBLA this year for robust alumni programming.
Deadline to submit an application is Friday, May 13 by 8 p.m. EDT.
Applicants will be asked to submit a brief essay of 250-500 words; a CV/resume; and two letters of recommendation, at least one of which should be from a NAPABA member.
More information about the program can be found on the CBLA website. Please contact CBLA Steering Committee member Daniel Sakaguchi with any questions at dsakaguchi@ArmstrongTeasdale or at 314-342-4178.
