In this collaborative episode from the National Conference of Bar Presidents’ Leading the Bar podcast and the Chicago Bar Association’s @theBar podcast, host Amanda Arriaga talks with Dan Cotter, Trisha Rich, and Jonathan Amarilio about the impact of bar leadership on their professional lives. The conversation explores how bar associations serve as a springboard for career development, mentorship, and service to the legal community. From initial involvement to holding top leadership positions, each guest offers insights into why giving back through bar service has been both personally and professionally meaningful.

Dan Cotter just completed his term as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents and is a Past President of the Chicago Bar Association. 

Trisha Rich is the First Vice President of the Chicago Bar Association and served as co-host of the @theBar Podcast for many years. 

Jonathan Amarilio is Treasurer of the Chicago Bar Association and co-founded the @theBar Podcast.

In this special episode of Leading the Bar, we celebrate 75 years of the National Conference of Bar Presidents with outgoing president Dan Cotter and incoming president Patrick Palace. Host Amanda Arriaga leads a conversation about the evolving role of bar associations and the enduring mission of NCBP to empower, connect, and inspire legal leaders. They explore the evolving challenges and opportunities facing bar leaders today—from defending the rule of law amid growing politicization to bridging generational divides and embracing innovation. Dan and Patrick share candid insights on leadership, community-building, and how bar associations can remain vital in our rapidly changing legal landscape. 

Jeremy Evans, founder of California Sports Lawyer and past president of the California Lawyers Association, joins Amanda Arriaga and Lynette Paczkowski on the second episode of Leading the Bar, the podcast from the National Conference of Bar Presidents designed to help lawyers engage and grow as leaders.

Evans shares insights from helping lead the creation of CLA after its historic separation from the State Bar of California, explaining why voluntary bar associations are uniquely positioned to focus on education and advocacy. He reflects on how his passion for sports—including visiting all 30 Major League ballparks—helped shape his career, and encourages lawyers to think deeply about their goals and embrace the courage it takes to pivot.

Evans also discusses how bar leaders can stay connected to their members, avoid mission drift, and balance the personal and professional benefits of volunteer leadership. This episode offers practical lessons for any lawyer interested in building meaningful relationships, creating positive change, and leading with purpose.

California Lawyers Association: http://calawyers.org/
California Lawyers Foundation: https://calawyersfoundation.org/
California Sports Lawyer: https://www.csllegal.com/
National Conference of Bar Presidents: https://ncbp.org/

Legal lions and TV judges Keith and Dana Cutler join Amanda Arriaga on the inaugural episode of "Leading the Bar," a new podcast from the National Conference of Bar Presidents designed to help lawyers engage and grow as leaders. With over 75 years of collective experience, the Cutlers, known for their roles on "Couples Court with the Cutlers" and "Cutler's Court," share their insights into the importance  of bar leadership for the health of the legal profession.

Dana Cutler, the first Black woman president of the Missouri Bar, shares how profoundly she was able to advance her career by simply "showing up and saying yes." She discusses the challenges she faced in modernizing a bar association and implementing strategic operational initiatives. Keith Cutler, a past president of both the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Jackson County Bar Association, encourages  connecting with the next generation of lawyers and helping them use their passions to more effectively drive changes.

Bar associations have a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the constitution. Dana and Keith point out how leaders must represent the entire legal community, even those with differing opinions, to ensure inclusivity and preserve the bar's integrity. Their unique experience informs their practical advice on essential communication skills for every lawyer, emphasizing the power of active listening and responding with kindness to foster productive relationships. This episode is inspiring  and a reminder of the support available to young lawyers within the bar leadership  community.

Chapters/Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: The Paramount Rule of Law and Our Democracy

02:14 - Why Get Involved in Bar Leadership: The Cutlers' Journey

04:00 - The Evolution of Bar Leadership: Engaging New Generations

07:27 - Presidential Challenges: Modernizing the Bar and Strategic Vision

16:14 - Navigating Hot Topics and Preserving the Bar's Integrity

24:55 - The Invaluable Role of NCBP: Support and Shared Solutions

28:22 - Judicial Wisdom: Communication and Relationships in Law

33:53 - Balancing Life and Law: Hobbies and Personal Passions

37:10 - Beyond the Bar: What the Cutlers Would Do 

Bar presidents share strategies, tools and insights for attorneys growing into leadership roles. Learn from real stories of growth, crisis management, and innovation in NCBP's Leading the Bar podcast. Listen monthly for compelling stories the next generation of lawyer-leaders can use to develop skills, confidence, and vision to lead with purpose and integrity.