NCBP National Conference of Bar Presidents

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San Antonio, TX
NCBP National Conference of Bar Presidents

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NCBP has been empowering, connecting and inspiring bar leaders and organizations for 75 years.

Come join us at our biennial conferences, listen to our podcast, Leading the Bar, or check out the other resources on ncbp.org.

11/02/2026

Every organization needs a strategic plan—a North Star that provides a steady, consistent focus for new ideas and major decisions.

In bar associations, where leadership changes hands each year and incoming presidents bring new goals and priorities, maintaining that long-term vision can be challenging. Leaders must learn to navigate these transitions while remaining grounded in the organization’s mission and guiding principles.

Amanda Arriaga and Juan Thomas welcome Priya Purandare, executive director of NAPABA, to Leading the Bar to discuss the importance of strategic planning in bar leadership. They explore how bar associations can balance fresh perspectives with long-term goals to advance their broader mission. They also discuss the impact of affinity bars and their advocacy efforts for both members and the communities they serve.

Never miss a conversation that matters by listening to Leading the Bar on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. All episodes are also available on the NCBP YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/-dto3l7a1rA

10/19/2026

One of NCBP’s goals is to elevate the voices of affinity bar associations, creating opportunities for leaders from diverse backgrounds to learn from one another and deepen their understanding of leadership within the legal profession.

Amanda Arriaga and Juan Thomas welcome Raquel Matas, President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), to explore the organization’s origins and progress as it approaches its 55th anniversary.

Raquel reflects on her own path to leadership and shares her vision for the HNBA’s future, including key initiatives planned during her presidency. She highlights the continued development of the HNBA Legal Academy and the organization’s ongoing efforts to support and empower the next generation of Hispanic legal professionals.

Never miss a conversation that matters by listening to Leading the Bar on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. All episodes are also available on the NCBP YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/x971Rrfha84?si=mHfQaP9m1ER_PIL4

10/05/2026

Americans have the right to vote, and protecting the integrity of our elections has become an increasingly pressing concern in communities across the country.

Amanda Arriaga welcomes Juan Thomas, NCBP President, Robin Wolpert, NCBP Past President, and Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General, to Leading the Bar to discuss the role of legal professionals in upholding the rule of law and doing their part to preserve free and fair elections.

Setting partisan politics aside, they explore the importance of understanding and applying the rule of law to protect voting rights. They also share practical strategies for engaging with local communities through education and support to help strengthen election processes.

Never miss a conversation that matters by listening to Leading the Bar on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. All episodes are also available on the NCBP YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/

09/21/2026

“To whom much is given, much will be expected.”

For leaders, that means embracing the opportunity to identify challenges in our communities and find meaningful ways to meet those needs.

Amanda Arriaga welcomes Sherie Edwards, President of the Nashville Bar Association and member of NCBP's Executive Council, to Leading the Bar for a conversation about the power of servant leadership and how bar leaders can inspire their members to engage, give back, and make a difference in their communities.

Never miss a conversation that matters by listening to Leading the Bar on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. All episodes are also available on the NCBP YouTube channel: youtube.com/watch?v=nNI1oMmvOBE&feature=youtu.be

08/17/2026

Good leaders encourage others to a high level of integrity, creating cultures of respect and examples of servant-hearted civic leadership.

At a challenging moment for both the country and the legal profession, lawyers have an important role to play in upholding the rule of law and persevering in civility and professionalism.

As Juan Thomas begins his term as president of NCBP, in the newest Leading the Bar episode host Amanda Arriaga welcomes him to discuss his vision for the year ahead, the responsibilities of bar leadership, and how lawyers can lead with purpose while contributing to the health of the profession and their communities.

All episodes of Leading the Bar can now be watched on NCBP's YouTube channel, or can still be listened to on Apple and Spotify. Make sure to subscribe to Leading the Bar, so you never miss a conversation that matters: https://ncbp.org/page/LeadingtheBar

08/03/2026

As his NCBP presidency comes to a close, Patrick Palace joins Leading the Bar host Amanda Arriaga to reflect on his time in office, the challenges of leading during a pivotal moment for the legal profession, his future plans, and the enduring importance of the rule of law.

Patrick shares what it means to lead an organization made up of accomplished bar presidents from across the country, offering insights into the unique responsibility of guiding leaders who are deeply committed to the future of the profession. He also discusses NCBP's Pledge to Preserve the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Judicial System (https://ncbp.org/page/NCBPPledge), highlighting its role in strengthening, protecting, and advancing the legal community during a time of unprecedented challenges.

All episodes of Leading the Bar can now be watched on NCBP's YouTube channel, or can still be listened to on Apple and Spotify. Make sure to subscribe to Leading the Bar, so you never miss a conversation that matters: https://ncbp.org/page/LeadingtheBar

07/20/2026

Getting involved in bar leadership in the areas you're passionate about is a meaningful way to serve your fellow attorneys—and it can open the door to new leadership opportunities throughout your legal career.

Jonathan Cole, Chair of the ABA House of Delegates, joins Amanda Arriaga and NCBP President Patrick Palace on the newest episode of Leading the Bar to reflect on his career of leadership, service, and advancing the legal profession.

Jonathan shares insights from his journey through state bar, ABA, and NCBP leadership, highlighting the opportunities that shaped his career along the way. He also discusses the importance of maintaining civil discourse within bar associations, upholding the rule of law, and engaging in pro bono work to help expand access to justice.

All episodes of Leading the Bar can now be watched on NCBP's YouTube channel, or can still be listened to on Apple and Spotify. Make sure to subscribe to Leading the Bar, so you never miss a conversation that matters: https://ncbp.org/page/LeadingtheBar

07/08/2026

Listen to - and now watch! - the first episode of season two of NCBP's Leading the Bar podcast.

Strong bar leadership begins with strong governance, and the Washington State Bar Association has set an example of both. Amanda Arriaga and Patrick Palace welcome Francis Adewale and Terra Nevitt to celebrate the WSBA's accomplishments and reflect on the leadership, collaboration, and strategic vision that have shaped their organization. Together, they discuss what makes effective bar governance, the importance of serving members and the public, how they encourage unity across political divides, and the lessons other bar associations can take from Washington State's success.

Subscribe to Leading the Bar so you never miss a conversation that matters, and you can also find us on Apple and Spotify: https://ncbp.org/page/LeadingtheBar. And watch the new episode on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y-n7F-Pmpo

Be sure to also check out the trailer for season two on NCBP's Youtube channel. There's lots more to come as we continue to explore what it takes to lead today's legal profession.

06/01/2026

In certain capacities, artificial intelligence is quite capable of doing quality legal work.

It may enhance a lawyer’s workflows, provide new opportunities for access to justice, assist in legal research—the possibilities seem innumerable. So, should we be fearful of its potential? Are we all out of a job? In the newest episode of Leading the Bar, Amanda Arriaga and Patrick Palace welcome Ed Walters to talk through the ethics and opportunities lawyers must consider in the age of AI. Ed focuses on the important role bar associations should play in the lives of all attorneys and highlights the need for thoughtful leadership for AI use as we move into the future.

Subscribe to Leading the Bar so you never miss a conversation that matters. You can also find us on Apple and Spotify. New episodes drop every 1st and 3rd Monday—don’t miss out! https://ncbp.org/page/LeadingtheBar

05/04/2026

In the 75-year history of NCBP, only 10 of its presidents have been female.

In this episode of Leading the Bar, Amanda Arriaga talks with two of these trailblazing women, Marna Tucker and Jennifer Parent, to hear their stories of leadership and inspire future generations of women as they pursue leading roles in law. They reflect on the challenges they faced on their paths to leadership roles, the mentors and moments that shaped their careers, and the importance of resilience in a historically male-dominated profession.

Subscribe to Leading the Bar so you never miss a conversation that matters. You can also find us on Apple and Spotify. New episodes drop every 1st and 3rd Monday—don’t miss out! https://ncbp.org/page/LeadingtheBar

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San Antonio, TX

Website

http://www.ncbp.org/

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