Learn more about the Bar Leadership Institute at hillsbar. com.
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Bar leadership Institute Co-Chairs: AmandaAllen – BayAreaLegalServices, JoeMonte – KubickiDraper, JakeProudfoot – MoffittCancerCenter & AustinWalker – BleakleyBavolDenman & Grace
Wearethrilledtokick-off thehCbayearby welcomingabrand-new classoffuturecommunity andbarleaders.
September has become synonymous with kick-offs— autumn, football, and the start of the school year, just to name a few. The HCBA Bar Leadership Institute( BLI) is no exception. As co-chairs for the 2025-26 BLI cohort, we are thrilled to kick-off the HCBA year by welcoming a brand-new class of future community and bar leaders.
The BLI was established to identify and develop attorneys who demonstrate a strong commitment to professional excellence and civic engagement. The program offers participants a unique opportunity to enhance leadership skills, broaden professional networks, and deepen involvement in the HCBA, the legal field, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
Throughout the program year, BLI participants take part in a series of monthly modules which emphasize leadership development, public service, and the inner legal workings of local government, professional sports organizations,
world-renowned medical facilities and more.
To get a glimpse of what the incoming class has in store, this year’ s co-chairs reflected on their own recent experience as members of the 2024-2025 BLI cohort: Austin Walker, Associate at Bleakley Bavol Denman & Grace, shared,“ I enjoyed participating in BLI because it provided rare and valuable access to Tampa’ s business leaders and accomplished professionals, which allowed me to learn from their experiences and gain insights that will help guide my own growth and advance my legal career.” Jake Proudfoot, Staff Attorney at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, noted,“ Participating in BLI is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows members to network with future leaders and gain valuable insight into the legal profession and how it fits in the wider Tampa Bay community.”
Joseph Monte, Junior Shareholder at Kubicki Draper, agrees,“ BLI is truly transformative. The blend of professional development and authentic discussions with community leaders opens doors to new perspectives.” Amanda J. Allen, Staff Attorney at Bedke Veterans Law Center at Bay Area Legal Services, reflected,“ What I enjoyed most about the Bar Leadership Institute was the relationships we were able to build with our fellow classmates. It’ s a small enough group that you can really connect with one another. And because it brings together such a diverse crosssection of practice areas, you end up forming friendships with attorneys you might never have had the chance to meet otherwise.” By fostering leadership, professionalism, and a strong sense of service, the BLI plays a vital role in strengthening the local legal
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Learn more about the Bar Leadership Institute at hillsbar. com.
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