MISSION AND GOALS: LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
The Leadership Institute aims to foster a bar serving the legal needs of Oregon’s diverse communities and to develop bar leadership by enhancing the personal development and leadership skills of lawyers from diverse backgrounds. The goals of this highly selective program are to:
1. Cultivate cohort's personal development through increased self-awareness, authentic leadership, confidence building (executive presence/allyship), and resiliency.
2. Facilitate cohort's gaining practical leadership skills.
3. Build bar and civic leaders who can navigate in diverse communities.
4. Benefit bar groups and community organizations through impactful access-to-justice-based projects.
5. Build a robust leadership alumni program.
6. Create a sustainable, well-supported program.
7. Encourage and enhance engagement with Oregon legal, business, and civic communities.
MISSION AND GOALS: OSB DIVERSITY & INCLUSION DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Oregon State Bar is to serve justice and the public interest by promoting respect for the rule of law, by improving the quality of legal services, and by increasing access to justice. The bar is committed to serving and valuing its diverse community, to advancing equality in the justice system, and to removing barriers to that system.
The Diversity & Inclusion Department serves the OSB's mission by striving to increase the diversity of the Oregon bench and bar to reflect the diversity of the people of Oregon, by educating attorneys about the cultural richness and diversity of the clients they serve, and by removing barriers to justice.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications and supporting documentation must be completed and received by 5:00 p.m. on December 12, 2025.
Questions regarding the Leadership Institute or application can be directed to: JB Kim, OSB Director of Diversity & Inclusion: jbkim@osbar.org
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must have practiced law for not less than three years and for not more than 9 years as of January 1, 2026 based upon first admission to any state bar. Petitions may be made to adjust or waive these requirements. For example, an applicant’s first bar admission date might exceed the nine-year limit due to having left the practice of law for a period of time, and this information should be included in the personal narrative portion of the application.

In an effort to achieve diversity among the participants, qualified individuals from groups underrepresented in the bar, from different backgrounds, large and small law firms, the private and public sectors, different practice areas, and different areas of the state are encouraged to apply. Each class will consist of no more than 20 participants.
MANDATORY ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Participants are expected to attend the sessions in their entirety, including the final Cohort Recognition and Project Presentation. Currently, the Institute format is planned for in-person. It is anticipated that some sessions will involve a group dinner and/or overnight travel. Sessions will typically be held in Portland and Tigard. Overnight sessions are planned for one session in Salem. Depending upon the state’s in-person group meeting conditions, the format of any session may change to virtual.

As part of the program, each cohort will develop a project or projects designed to address issues related to access to justice. In addition, cohort members are encouraged to make a one-year commitment to community service following completion of the sessions, which may include volunteering for an OSB committee or section, or other community organization or nonprofit.

Applicants should apply only if they are able to attend all sessions, participate in the cohort project development, and fulfill the community service project.
TUITION
Tuition for the Leadership Institute is $1200.00. This amount is due by January 15, 2026. Tuition includes overnight accommodations and meals at the Institute Orientation Retreat, any group meal events, and mileage reimbursement for Institute sessions that take place more than 60 miles (one-way) from a cohort member’s home or office, whichever is closer. Under certain circumstances, cohort members may be eligible for reimbursement of supplemental overnight accommodations.

Tuition assistance is available based on ability to pay. Please see the last page of the application for additional information.
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE COHORT SCHEDULE* (February – October 2026)
An in-person format is planned for all sessions and will be held at a Portland metro location, unless otherwise indicated. Remote options will be utilized when required for Covid safety, and locations are subject to confirmation. CLE credit will be applied for when appropriate. Approximately 15 credits are expected for the duration of the program.

Session 1: February 12 – 14, Salem, OR (Overnight stay)
⮚ Thursday, February 12, 4 pm – 8 pm, BOG reception
⮚ Friday, February 13, 9 am – 8 pm, Legislative session, Road to the Bench, Group dinner
⮚ Saturday, February 14, 9 am - 4 pm, Orientation, Continued

Session 2: April 17 (Portland, OR) and April 18 (Tigard, OR)
⮚ Friday, April 17, 10 am -4 pm, Mentoring and Conflict Resolution
⮚ Saturday, April 18, 9 am - 4 pm, Communication/Public Speaking

Session 3: June 5 (Portland, OR) and June 6 (Tigard, OR)
⮚Friday, June 5, 10 am - 4 pm, Becoming a Leader
⮚Saturday, June 6, 9 am - 4 pm, Practical Leadership Skills

Optional: July 30 – August 2 (Bend, OR) Potential opportunity to volunteer at OLIO

Session 4: September 18 (Portland, OR) and September 19 (Tigard, OR)
⮚Friday, September 18, 10 am - 4 pm, Board Development
⮚Saturday, September 19, 9 am - 4 pm, Career Planning

Session 5: October 21 (Portland, OR)
⮚Wednesday, October 21, 11 am – 1 pm, Cohort project presentation and recognition
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Your application must contain the following:
(1) A completed application form signed by the applicant
(2) A resume (not to exceed two pages).
(3) Optional: up to two letters of recommendation, addressing any of the qualifications included in your application and/or your potential for leadership. Letters of recommendation can be sent separately from the application but must be received by the application deadline.

It is an applicant’s responsibility to submit a complete application. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Demographic information will be redacted from application materials before submission to the selection committee, as required by law. Your application materials will be evaluated in the following manner:
● Personal Narrative (clarity, persuasiveness, and alignment with the LI and D&I Department missions) – 50%
● Community Involvement – 20%
● Contributions to the Legal Profession (e.g., participating in CLE events, writing articles, mentoring) – 20%
● Overall Application Packet – 10%

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