Bar Leadership Institute #BLI2024
Program Purpose and Overview
Purpose
- Develop their personal leadership potential and skills to become a leader in the Bar/Foundation;
- Become aware of leadership opportunities with the Bar/Foundation and the greater Charlotte community;
- Consider pressing Bar and community issues with peers and presenters of the highest caliber; and
- Develop a spirit of lasting collegiality with their fellow participants.
Program Overview
Participation in the Bar Leadership Institute (BLI) includes 15 hours of CLE credit, facilitation and individual coaching by leadership consultant Dave Newell, a two-day retreat, registration at the Bar & Foundation's annual Bar Leadership Dinner and Graduation Reception.
Those 15 hours of CLE credit are offered over the course of six sessions featuring special guests. CLE credit is only awarded to those in attendance. Make-up work is required to graduate from BLI but does not count as CLE credit. Session topics include the following:
- Leading Through Listening: Applying the Art of Listening to Leadership
- Leading Through Story: How Stories Offer Influence and Insight
- The History and Future of Practicing Law in Mecklenburg County
- The Role of Race and Poverty on Mecklenburg's Past and Future
- Diversity and Inclusion in Mecklenburg County's Legal Community and Justice System
- Leading Through Relationships
Past presenters have included Bar and civic leaders, law professors, and judges. Most importantly for many BLI alum, the BLI offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with fellow BLI participants.
Upon completion of the program, participants are encouraged to reflect on the BLI experience and to consider potential avenues of leadership within the Bar & Foundation, the participant's firm or organization, and the community. In an effort to further participants’ impact, each member of the class is expected to engage in the work of the Bar or the Foundation (through, for example, committee membership, section leadership, etc.) beginning in the upcoming fiscal year.
Applications and Selection Criteria
Applications
The application opened on September 6, 2023 and closed October 18, 2023
Download the BLI Application Checklist
Selection Criteria
- Commitment and motivation to serve in positions of leadership;
- Up-to-date on MCB Member Dues
- A record of public service and service to charitable organizations;
- A minimum of three years practicing law;
- The ability to attend all sessions, including the weekend retreat; and
- The willingness to engage meaningfully in the work of the Bar and/or the Foundation following graduation from the BLI.
For questions or more information, contact MCB Associate Executive Director Meghan Tinkham at mtinkham@meckbar.org.
Program Dates, Tuition, and CLE Credit
2024 Program Dates/Times (Subject to Change)
Activity | Date/Time | Location |
Application Opens | Wednesday, September 6, 2023 | MeckBar.org |
Application Deadline | Friday, October 6, 2023 | MeckBar.org |
Acceptance Notification | November 2-3, 2023 | |
Bar Leadership Dinner | Thursday, January 25, 2024 (5:30-8pm) | The Terrace at Cedar Hill |
Retreat Day 1 | Friday, January 26, 2024 (8:30am-5pm) | Conference Center at Whitewater Center (Outdoors & Indoors) |
Retreat Day 2 | Saturday, January 27, 2024 (8:30am-5pm) | Mahlon Adams Pavilion, Charlotte (Indoors) |
Session 1 | Wednesday, February 7, 2024 (5:30-8pm) | Dilworth Neighborhood Grill |
Session 2 | Wednesday, February 21, 2024 (5:30-8pm) | Dilworth Neighborhood Grill |
Session 3 | Wednesday, March 6, 2024 (5:30-8pm) | Dilworth Neighborhood Grill |
Session 4 | Wednesday, March 20, 2024 (5:30-8pm) | Dilworth Neighborhood Grill |
Session 5* | Wednesday, April 10, 2024 (3:15-6pm) | Bus tour and presentation. *Note earlier start time. |
Session 6 | Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (5:30-8pm) | Dilworth Neighborhood Grill |
Graduation | Wednesday, May 1, 2024 (6-9pm) | The Hamilton |
All BLI programming for 2024 will be live and in-person. Dates, times, and locations (including virtual contingencies) are subject to change at the BLI Committee's discretion.
Individual Coaching Sessions
Two (2) One-Hour Sessions as Scheduled with BLI Facilitator Dave Newell.
Program Tuition
All qualified MCB members are encouraged to apply. The total tuition for participation in the BLI is $1,100, of which $100 must be paid by the participant. The remaining $1,000 may be paid by the participant or by the participant's employer. If accepted, payment is due before the program kicks off and may be paid online or by check (payable to the Mecklenburg County Bar). Financial assistance may be available to those working in the non-profit sector, but is limited and awarded at the discretion of the BLI Committee. If you are interested in financial assistance, indicate in the application the amount you are requesting. A payment plan may also be available.
Continuing Legal Education Credit
It is expected that 15 hours of CLE credit will be awarded to BLI participants who complete the program. Of those hours, 7.5 are ethics hours and 7.5 are general hours. CLE credit is only awarded to those in attendance, missed sessions will not be awarded CLE credit. Make-up work is required to graduate from BLI but does not count as CLE credit.
BLI Alumni
Bar Alumni and the Class of 2024 at the Kick-Off Dinner on January 25, 2024.