Barrister Leadership Program

Open to attorneys with ten or fewer years of practice, the Barrister Leadership Program develops leadership skills, provides networking opportunities with leaders in the central Ohio legal community and advises on building a successful law practice and career.

The program, which runs from January through August each year, consists of classroom sessions, interactive exercises, small group projects, community service, and networking/social events. Applications are available in late August and are typically due back to the selection committee in mid-October.

Sample Program Overview

January:

• Flourishing as a Lawyer: Communication is Key

February:

• Networking Night
• Communication and Personality Styles

March:

• Getting Involved in the Community (Board Service, etc.)
• Special Social Event

April:

• Community Service Project
• Advocacy - Life is One Big Negotiation

May:

• Choosing Your Path
• Networking Night

June:

• Business Development/Marketing
• Community Service Project

July:

• Mental Health/Finding Your Place in This World/Keeping Things Together

August:

• Bar Leadership/Secrets to Success
• Graduation Event

Small Groups

A large part of the Barrister Leadership Program is developing professional, social, and altruistic skills, as well as a strong personal network of colleagues. To help, all participants are assigned to a small group.

Outside of the monthly sessions, community service projects and social events scheduled by the program coordinator, small groups are asked to get together at least once during each month of the Program. Groups meet for breakfast, coffee, lunch, happy hour, etc. Some groups a CBA event together while others volunteer at a community service or pro bono event.

Representatives from each group give a brief report at monthly meetings and many of the groups go on to maintain a regular meeting schedule well after members have graduated from the Barrister Leadership Program.

Questions?

For more information about the Columbus Bar's Barrister Leadership Program, please contact Donna Sweet at (614) 340-2030 or donna@cbalaw.org. 

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  "My small group was invaluable. My group provided insight into other areas of the law, as well as how to manage various personal and professional issues as they arise. Not to mention, I met three people who I truly consider not only colleagues, but friends. Overall, applying to the program was one of the best moves of my professional career. It helped guide my professional interests and involvement, while developing leadership skills that will undoubtedly assist me in my career. Rather than taking my word for it, I encourage you to apply and find out for yourself!"

  Samuel MarcellinoBLP Class, 2018

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  "The Barrister Leadership Program was a wonderful chance not only to hear from various speakers in a small-group setting, but also to meet and learn from my colleagues, who are doing amazing things. The program covers a broad range of topics that any young lawyer faces – from communicating at work, building a network, to community service. I still keep in touch with other participants from my year, and it was a great way to get more involved with the CBA and get to know a diverse group of new lawyers who are facing the same types of issues."

  Alexis PreskarBLP Class, 2018

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  "My time in the Barrister Leadership Program was reflective. The monthly sessions encouraged me to think outside the box about career and board service opportunities. I also bonded with lawyers in fields outside of my own, who I now call upon for advice in their area of expertise. All young lawyers in the Columbus area who want to advance in their careers should seriously consider participating in this program"

  Aracely TagliaventiBLP Class, 2018

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  "It was an honor to participate in the Barrister Leadership Program. I had the opportunity to network and become close friends with the other individuals in the Leadership Program and also with the speakers. The CBA did an excellent job in selecting speakers who spoke to us on both a professional and personal level. The speakers did a great job in pushing us to evaluate ourselves personally and showing us how to use our strengths and weaknesses in our professional growth. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to further develop their connection to the Columbus legal community and to develop their personal and professional goals!"

  Sara KatzBLP Class, 2019

Davide Cugini
Cugini Law

Elizabeth Lindgren
MPW Industrial Services

Elizabeth Day
McKinlay Law Offices, LLC

Gareth Whaley
Isaac Wiles & Burckholder LLC

Kalia Taylor
The Nigh Law Group, LLC

Katelyn Street
K Street Law LLC

Louisa Edzie
Columbus City Attorney 

Madison Mackay
Joslyn Law Firm

Megan Murphy
DHL Supply Chain

Mitchell Stith
Scott Scriven LLP

Samantha Lewis
Onda LaBuhn

Sidney Fimiani
Amundsen Davis