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.

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/