HSBA Leadership Institute

The practice of law is unique in Hawaii with its melting pot of cultures and rich history. The HSBA Leadership Institute is designed to foster professional growth and enhance leadership skills of future leaders from all areas of the Bar.


15th Annual Leadership Institute Session (11/3/23)

What is Leadership Institute?

The Hawaii State Bar Association Leadership Institute was developed in 2008 and 2009 as a result of the bar’s strategic planning process, in which leadership development became a key focus. The Institute encourages diversity among the leaders of the bar by recruiting and targeting members with 3-15 years of practice in Hawaii and have a keen interest in expanding their talents and services to the bar and community at large.

Who is Eligible?

Any HSBA attorney who is in good standing, has practiced 3-15 years in Hawaii and can commit to attend all sessions of the program. The selection process will be competitive, based on resume submissions and responses to the program application. Call for applications start early spring with an announcement of chosen fellows by April. Class size is limited to a maximum of 15 fellows.

How Does it Work?

Fellows will spend four hours per month interacting with presenters. Exact dates and times will be noted on the candidate agreement page. Each program is facilitated by bar members and will feature prominent leaders of the legal profession and the greater community. At the end of the program, each fellow is required to develop and undertake an approved project based on what has been learned and demonstrating their commitment to leadership.

Why Should I Apply?

The goal of the HSBA Leadership Institute program is to develop emerging leaders for the legal community and the HSBA; expose qualified lawyers to different aspects of the legal profession; build long lasting relationships; and help participants gain skills to become better lawyers and leaders. Committing to the program will benefit participants personally and professionally and prepare them for leadership opportunities and challenges, to include continued dedication to the HSBA Board, committees, sections and programs.

How Do I Apply?

The application packet for the 2024 Leadership institute is now available below and is due by April 5, 2024.

2024 Leadership Institute Application Packet

Interested in Learning More?

See program highlights and testimonials here OR contact Wendy Manago at [email protected].

ThinkTech Hawaii Presents: Life in the Law The Bar Association's Leadership Program

Paying it Forward on Leadership. Pat Mau Shimizu, Executive Director of the Hawaii State Bar Association, will help us understand the history and benefits of the HSBA Leadership Program and how it helps lawyer become leaders not only among the bar, but in the community.