Leadership Academy

"The AAJ Leadership Academy is truly transformational. Growth is an ongoing journey, and this experience provided invaluable insights into ourselves and how we navigate both our personal and professional lives through a new lens. It fostered a supportive environment where we built lifelong relationships and grew together - as leaders - in a safe space. For anyone ready to lead with impact, I highly recommend the AAJ Leadership Academy—come prepared for the challenge"

"Being in Leadership Academy taught me a great deal about myself and how to better navigate the leadership positions I have in my firm, in my State, and at AAJ. The connections and friendships you make are invaluable, and the opportunity to learn from so many different perspectives is what makes the program special. I've also never been in an environment that actually stressed the benefits of taking care of yourself and the importance of that has made a big difference in my life and in my practice."

" Leadership Academy gave me the clarity to see the difference between a manager and a leader and provided me with the skills, strength, and validation to be a true leader in my own voice. Best of all, I now have a circle of incredible like-minded advocates I can confide in and grow with. This experience was a privilege I encourage everyone to take advantage of."

"AAJ's Leadership Academy was a transformative experience that provided me with powerful insight into my leadership style. More importantly, it equipped me with the necessary skills and instilled the confidence to lead authentically. The greatest takeaway for me has been the camaraderie built with a network of exceptional, like-minded leaders who serve as a source of ongoing support and inspiration. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to take their leadership potential to the next level."

"My participation in AAJ’s Leadership Academy was an invaluable experience that exceeded my expectations. Leadership Academy allowed me to discover the type of leader that I am and how I show up in various spaces, and better understand how my leadership style impacts others. I have a deeper appreciation for those who I interact with and now have additional tools that I can use to bridge our differences and make more meaningful relationships. I feel wiser and a stronger leader not just as an attorney, but as person. One of my biggest takeaways from Leadership Academy was the relationship that I created with the other 17 members of my class. We have stayed connected and are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. I highly recommend Leadership Academy to everyone, you will not regret it."

“I have a newfound sense of confidence in my ability to be an effective leader. I made powerful friendships that I know will last a lifetime and am excited to use all the knowledge I gained during the Academy to help AAJ meet its goals.”

“Some of the strongest relationships that I have with professional colleagues were formed through the Leadership Academy experience. I am thrilled to have gained so many new friends through this experience.”

“I began implementing the skills I took away from our sessions immediately and it has had a profound effect on my profession and personal relationships.”

“If you care about the future of AAJ and moving us forward against some powerful adversaries, I say apply. What you learn will help AAJ grow as an organization and help you grow as an advocate fighting for people. What you learn in a short time will last a lifetime.”

“The networking and friendships alone is worth the price of admission. Additionally, it is a great first step towards becoming a true leader both within and outside of AAJ. Perhaps most importantly, it offers you a chance at self-discovery and revelation.”

“In order to attain a level of peak performance in your chosen practice of law, it is of utmost importance that you are able to relate well with your staff, manage your time efficiently, manage the inevitable stress in a healthy fashion, and obtain a work/life balance that will keep you thriving as you continue zealously representing your clients. The AAJ Leadership Academy arms you with these vital intangibles and unlocks your true potential to succeed.”

“I cannot recommend Leadership Academy highly enough. Not only did I learn critical skills on how to lead and manage others, the intimate structure of the class created lifelong friendships with my fellow Leadership Academy graduates and AAJ staff.”

“Leadership Academy was the highlight of my year. I learned so much more than I’d expected. You learn through self-assessments, group work, and lots of discussion how what your strengths are, and more importantly, how different approaches all have value. It’s a structured program that manages also to be free flowing and incredibly fun. And the best part was meeting my fellow LA 5 classmates (the best class) – we hit it off immediately, and are still in constant contact. The support you will get from your classmates is like nothing else. I cannot recommend this program enough – it’s a absolute gift.”

“AAJ Leadership Academy was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I learn invaluable leadership skills but I met people that I will consider close friends for the rest of my life. It was such a rewarding experience.”

“Leadership Academy is something I wish that every person could experience because it reshaped how I connect and interact with others. As a result of this experience, I am more resilient, I am more focused on what matters, and I am more committed to building relationships to effect positive change.”

“Leadership Academy taught me to be a better person, leader, and team player. It helped me understand how my values, background, and personality shape my decision-making, as well as the decision-making of others, in a way that has made me a more effective motivator, influencer, and supervisor. Understanding that not all leaders lead in the same way, or are influenced in the same way, has been key to developing critical leadership and influencing skills in working with clients, attorneys, judges, juries, and staff. But most of all, I walked away from the program with a greater confidence and an incredible set of new and long-lasting friendships with some of the most unique, diverse, and incredible people I will ever meet.”

“AAJ’s Leadership Academy may be the single most important thing that you can do to increase your effectiveness as a leader and as an attorney. The skills imparted provide a basis for personal and career development with lessons that enhance clarity, prevent burnout, and stoke the flames of enthusiasm. The process of Leadership Academy is transformative. I am so grateful for having had this opportunity, and to become a part of an amazing group of attorneys.”

“The Leadership Academy was an extremely enlightening experience. It challenged my norms and forced me to become more self-aware. Through the exercises and fostering environment, the academy encouraged an openness to new ideas and provided tools to utilize in working with others who share different beliefs and qualities. While I believe the Leadership Academy has taught me ways to become a better leader in the work place and organization settings, I think the skills gained are simply most valuable in life.”