17th Annual HSBA Leadership Institute

Fostering Growth & Leadership

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.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

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.

APPLICATION CLOSED - CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES

VIEW SESSION SCHEDULE

ABOUT THE FELLOWS

VIEW REPORTS

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.

Session Schedule

Friday, May 9, 2025	Orientation / Meet the Bar / Principles of Leadership
Friday, June 13, 2025	Community Leadership
Friday, July 11, 2025	We the People
Friday, August 8, 2025	Doing the Right Thing
Friday, September 12, 2025	Meet the Bench
Friday, October 10, 2025	Equal Justice for All
Friday, November 14, 2025	Corporate Hawaii
Friday, December 5, 2025	Digesting Leadership

*HSBA Leadership Institute may revise the schedule to accommodate speaker schedules and site visits. Participants will be notified of any changes as soon as feasible. Sessions will be held remotely or in-person depending on federal, state and/or municipality public health guidelines and policies. Neighbor Island attorneys are encouraged to apply. Airfare will be reimbursed.

DOWNLOAD PDF

What Participants Say

“Participating in the HSBA Leadership Institute Fellowship Program has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. The program offers well-designed workshops that help Fellows identify and develop their professional and leadership skills, led by community leaders who candidly share their insights, expertise, and experiences. Most rewarding, however, was the opportunity to get to know my co-Fellows, who I now regularly rely on for counsel, friendship, and inspiration. I would highly encourage interested candidates to apply.”

“Just this week, a high school junior aspiring to become an attorney interviewed me on her career day. She asked, ‘What role does the law play in servant leadership?’ What has always resonated with me are the words, stories, and experiences shared by the powerful speakers and leaders the Leadership Institute offered. Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald spoke of how every morning he proudly put on his Judiciary badge — employee number #### — as he prepared to serve the people. Retired Judge Riki May Amano spoke about integrity and the importance of your reputation. Through the Leadership Institute, leaders speaking to future leaders help create servant leaders in our practice of law.”

“The Leadership Institute’s well-planned program provides Fellows—who bring with them a wide range of life and legal experiences—opportunities to learn valuable personal, interpersonal, and career skills from proven leaders in both the private and public sectors through panel presentations and group discussions. As a result, with each inducted class of Fellows, the Leadership Institute evolves exponentially as an ever-growing and diversified network of contacts, mentors, colleagues, and most importantly, friends. As a Fellow, I learned skills that will be crucial to my future development as I undertake my newest and most exciting position as partner at Coates Frey Tanimoto & Gibson, AAL, LLLC.”

“The HSBA Leadership Institute program allowed me to learn from and interact with effective current and future leaders in our community—an opportunity that should not be passed up.”

“Since the inaugural class of 2009, many Fellows have gone on to become judges, state directors, law firm partners, and in-house counsel. A few brave Fellows have even opened their own practices. It won’t be long before we see a bar president who got their start in the Leadership Institute!”

“Coming from a criminal law background, I had little to no interaction with anyone outside that realm. The Leadership Institute introduced me to community leaders in both legal and non-legal settings. Beyond the networking opportunities, it also helped me develop the tools to be a better leader. When I was a Fellow, I served as Vice President of the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association and was the projected President of the organization. The Leadership Institute sessions gave me a deeper understanding of what truly makes a leader. We heard from community leaders about what leadership meant to them and the strategies they employ when guiding some of Hawai‘i’s most influential organizations. The lessons I learned as a Fellow now help me as I navigate my role as President of HFLA.”

“Participating in the HSBA Leadership Institute program opens the door to meet esteemed judges, lawyers, and key figures in the legal community, and to learn their viewpoints and tips for success. It is one of the best opportunities a lawyer can experience in their legal career.”

“However you choose to use your law degree, the HSBA Fellows Program will give your career a boost by connecting you with top leaders in the profession.”