What is the Leadership Forum?

The mission of the Memphis Bar Association’s Leadership Forum is to:

• Develop the leadership skills of attorneys in their early years of practice;
• Empower those attorneys to use their leadership skills to make greater contributions to the Memphis community and the legal profession;
• Model and practice the highest standards of the legal profession; and
• Encourage diversity in the practice of law and the building of relationships among attorneys of diverse backgrounds.

How does the Leadership Forum Work?
At a full-day retreat in September, participants are introduced to leadership concepts and get to know one another.  Monthly sessions from October through April explore topics such as communication skills, conflict resolution, balancing work & life, and public trust & confidence in the judicial system.  The sessions are held at various locations throughout the city (Bridges, MIFA, National Civil Rights Museum) so participants can become acquainted with the services and programs provided by community organizations.  Sessions are scheduled from noon until 4:00 p.m. and lunch is provided. Participants are required to attend the retreat and miss no more than two of the monthly sessions. The Forum concludes with a graduation ceremony in May. In addition, the participants are divided into small groups, each of which is charged with developing and implementing a community service project.

The "Award-Winning" Leadership Forum
In a survey conducted by the ABA Division for Bar Services in January of 2008, the Leadership Forum was rated the #1 service/benefit provided by the Memphis Bar Association.  The Leadership Forum received an E. Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award from the ABA in 2006 as a model professionalism program.  When asked to rate the most important things they learned from their experience, graduates have said: 

•  “The Leadership Forum helped encourage me to pursue leadership roles and taught me practical leadership skills that make me more effective in these roles.”
• “How much impact one person can make.”
• “Forming lasting relationships with a great group of young leaders.”
• “Greater understanding and appreciation of the Memphis legal community.”
• “A reminder that what lawyers do and how they do it really does make a difference in the community.”

Who is Eligible?
Any Memphis Bar Association member who will be in his/her third to eighth year of practice during the Forum may apply. Class size is limited to 25. Participants will be selected to insure diversity in terms of practice area, type of practice, size of firm, law school attended, race, and gender.

What is the Cost?
Tuition is $550, which covers 25 hours of CLE credit, lunches, and printed materials. A limited number of scholarships are available. Contact Anne Fritz at the MBA afritz@memphisbar.org to receive a scholarship application.

How Do I Apply?
Click here to download an application for the 2009-2010 term or call 901.527.3573 to have one mailed or faxed to you. Applications are due by 5 pm on August 14, 2009. The Steering Committee will review applications and select the participants by August 21, 2009.  For more information, contact Anne Fritz at 901.527.3573 or afritz@memphisbar.org.