NCBP National Conference of Bar Presidents

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

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

This bonus episode of Leading the Bar features a special installment from the Austin Bar Association's Council of Firsts series, which spotlights trailblazing leaders who were the “first” to break barriers in their bar associations.

Amanda Arriaga talks to Robin Wolpert as she shares her journey as past president of NCBP and past president of the Minnesota State Bar Association. Recorded at the 2024 NCBP Midyear Meeting in Louisville, Robin discusses her background in political science and academia and how that has shaped her bar work today and her passion for democracy.

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

Strengthening relationships between the bench and the bar is essential to the health of our legal system and the effectiveness of professional collaboration, but achieving that alignment is not always straightforward.

Building on their plenary session at the 2026 NCBP Midyear Meeting, Judges Bridget Duignan and Ann Keele join Leading the Bar to go into greater depth on strategies for fostering stronger cooperation within bar associations among both lawyers and judges. They emphasize the importance of engaging in bar service as equals, elevating peers into leadership roles, and remaining grounded in the mission and purpose of the association.

Bridget and Ann also share their perspectives on the evolving role of women in the legal 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

This bonus episode of Leading the Bar features a special installment from the Austin Bar Association's Council of Firsts series, which spotlights trailblazing leaders who were the “first” to break barriers in their bar associations.

Amanda Arriaga talks to Tekey Wallace, Esq., as she shares her journey as past president of the Military Spouse JD Network and an NCBP Diversity Scholar. Recorded at the 2024 NCBP Midyear Meeting in Louisville, Amanda and Tekey discuss how the MSJDN supports the legal careers of military spouses.

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

At NCBP’s 2026 Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Amanda Arriaga sat down for an episode of Leading the Bar with conference speaker Michael Ariens, professor at St. Mary’s School of Law, for a deeper discussion on law, democracy, and ways to engage with the challenges we see in both the legal profession and our society at large.

They discuss the relevance of the Declaration of Independence as we celebrate its 250th anniversary and wrestle with the concepts of liberty and equality in the present day. Professor Ariens emphasized the vital role of legal professionals in strengthening the rule of law and fostering constructive, civil discourse when tackling difficult community issues. In addition, Amanda and NCBP President Patrick Palace recap the NCBP Midyear Meeting held in San Antonio.

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

American Bar Association President & NCBP National Conference of Bar Presidents Patrick Palace having some fun on stage taking a selfie at the Ncbp Midyear Conference in San Antonio

Six months into his presidency, Patrick Palace joins host Amanda Arriaga for a candid check-in on his leadership, priorities, and vision for the future. Patrick reflects on the path that led him to the practice of law and the values that continue to shape his work, especially his dedication to preserving the independence and integrity of the legal profession.

The conversation explores his efforts to create engaging, meaningful programs that make learning enjoyable for lawyers, as well as the mission behind the Leading the Bar podcast as a platform for thoughtful leadership. Patrick also discusses the Pledge to Preserve the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Judicial System and why this oath matters now more than ever: https://ncbp.org/page/NCBPPledge

Looking ahead, Patrick shares what’s next for the remainder of his term, including his hope to support regulators with resources and guidance, and preparing for the NCBP’s two upcoming conferences—the Midyear and Annual meetings.

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

This bonus episode of Leading the Bar features a special installment from the Austin Bar Association's Council of Firsts series, which spotlights trailblazing leaders who were the “first” to break barriers in their bar associations.

Amanda Arriaga speaks with Kathleen D. Wilkinson, Esq., a trailblazer in the legal profession. Kathleen shares her journey as past president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and past chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, as well as her experience becoming the first female president of the Villanova J. Willard O’Brien Inn of Court. Recorded at the 2024 NCBP Midyear Meeting in Louisville, this conversation explores leadership, breaking barriers, and the importance of mentorship in advancing diversity within the legal community.

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

Leadership doesn’t always come naturally; it is a skill developed through service, mentorship, and a deep commitment to others.

In this new episode of Leading the Bar, hosts Amanda Arriaga and Patrick Palace welcome Nate Alder, a longtime leader in multiple associations, including NCBP. Drawing on his many years of service, Nate shares insights that deepen our understanding of how to lead with humility and a genuine commitment to stewarding and elevating the next generation of leaders in the legal profession.

Nate Alder is a shareholder at Christensen & Jensen, where he litigates, tries, and resolves complex civil cases.

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