www.loubar.org 6 Louisville Bar Briefs IMPROVING ACCESS Lead. Serve. Excel: The Return of the LBA Leadership Academy Lisa M. Murray The LBA has reinstated its Leadership Academy, a structured professional development initiative originally launched in 2006. After a multi-year hiatus, the program returns with a renewed focus on preparing mid-career attorneys for leader- ship roles in law, business and civic life. The Academy is designed for attorneys with four to ten years of practice. This career stage is critical: practitioners have accumulated substantive experience but are still defining their long-term trajectory. The program addresses this transitional phase by offering targeted instruction in leadership competen- cies and facilitating strategic professional connections. Curriculum Structure The Academy’s curriculum is segmented into modules that build essential leadership skills. Topics include: • Strategic planning and team building • Ethics and professionalism in leadership • Business development strategies • Community engagement and social responsibility • Technology and innovation in legal practice • Change management and diversity integration Each session is designed to be practical, incorporating case studies, interactive exercises and direct engagement with com- munity leaders. The program emphasizes applied learning over theoretical instruction. New Partnership with Leadership Louisville This year, the Academy introduces a partnership with Leader- ship Louisville, integrating a session from its “Leading Better” program. This collaboration expands the Academy’s scope by exposing participants to leadership methodologies validated across multiple sectors. Addressing a Professional Development Gap The Academy’s absence created a noticeable void in regional legal training. Demand for its return reflects a broader rec- ognition that leadership development must be intentional and structured. Informal mentorship and passive learning are in- sufficient for preparing attorneys to assume leadership roles. The need is underscored by demographic trends. According to the American Bar Association’s 2023 Profile of the Legal Profession, more than half of practicing attorneys in the United States are over the age of 50. Succession planning is no longer optional. Firms, nonprofits and civic institutions require a pipeline of attorneys equipped to lead. Impact of Remote Work on Mentorship The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work adoption, which, while operationally effective, diminished opportunities for informal mentorship. A Harvard Business Review study found that remote employees are 25 percent less likely to receive informal mentoring. In a profession that relies heavily on apprenticeship models, this reduction in spontaneous pro- fessional exchange has long-term implications. The Academy’s in-person format is a deliberate response to this challenge. Leadership and Business Development Leadership development is directly correlated with business outcomes. Thomson Reuters’ 2022 Law Firm Business Lead- ers Report found that firms investing in leadership training report stronger client relationships and improved associate retention. The Academy equips participants with skills that en- hance internal team dynamics and external client engagement. Graduates gain competencies in communication, team inte- gration and strategic networking. These skills contribute to firm performance and position attorneys for civic leadership roles, including nonprofit board service and bar association committee participation. Networking and Relationship Building The Academy’s in-person structure is intentional. Face-to-face interaction fosters trust and accelerates relationship develop- ment. According to the Conference Board’s 2024 Leadership Development Survey, 73 percent of executives identify rela- tionship building as the most critical leadership competency. However, it is also the skill most weakened by virtual-only environments. LEADERSHIP ACADEMY LEAD. SERVE. EXCEL. Join the LBA Leadership Academy to sharpen your leadership skills, engage with prominent legal and community leaders and tackle critical professional issues. Designed for attorneys with 4-10 years of experience, this program offers valuable insights into ethics, service and professionalism while connecting you with local non-profits. Applications open from Tuesday, October 7 - Friday, November 21. Available at www.loubar.org. Apply now to be part of a network dedicated to guiding our legal community with integrity and purpose. Program sponsorship available. Contact Lisa M. Murray at [email protected] for more details or any questions. The Louisville Bar Association Leadership Academy: Building ethical, professional and charitable leaders since 2006. (Continued on next page)
