Equal Standing: Judges and Lawyers as Partners in the Bar | Leading the Bar

About this episode

Judges Bridget Duignan and Ann Keele discuss strategies for strengthening the relationship between judges and lawyers in the legal profession.

Strengthening relationships between the bench and the bar is essential to the health of our legal system and the effectiveness of professional collaboration, but achieving that alignment is not always straightforward. Building on their plenary session at the NCBP Midyear Meeting, Judges Bridget Duignan and Ann Keele join us to go into greater depth on strategies for fostering stronger cooperation within bar associations among both lawyers and judges. They emphasize the importance of engaging in bar service as equals, elevating peers into leadership roles, and remaining grounded in the mission and purpose of the association. Later, drawing on their experiences as women in leadership, Bridget and Ann share their perspectives on the evolving role of women in the legal profession. They reflect on shifting attitudes, and offer practical ways to support and empower women in law. They also provide a thoughtful vision of effective leadership—one rooted in inclusivity, intentional space-making, principled neutrality, and a steadfast commitment to the oath and ideals of the profession. To learn more about NCBP or to become a member, visit ncbp.org Subscribe to Leading the Bar…

People in this episode

Guests: Bridget Duignan, Ann Keele

Topics covered

• judicial collaboration
• bar associations
• women in leadership
• legal profession
• professional development

Keywords

• judges
• lawyers
• bar service
• women in law
• leadership
• professional collaboration
• NCBP

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NCBP, Legal Talk Network

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