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Looking Ahead
 I begin my first message as President of the National Conference of Bar Presidents with deep gratitude to my friend, colleague, and predecessor, Dan Cotter. Over the past year, Dan has led with integrity, loyalty, and a steadfast commitment to our mission—often in turbulent times that took its toll personally and professionally. Yet, his leadership, counsel, and friendship have been a constant source of strength for me and for the NCBP. Dan, on behalf of all of us—thank you.
On August 8th, at our 75th Anniversary Awards Lunch in Toronto, Canada, I had the privilege of being sworn in as your President for 2025–2026. In a moment rich with tradition, fifteen former NCBP Presidents passed the gavel down the line until it reached my hands. I was humbled by the weight of that gavel—not for what it is, but for what it represents: 75 years of service, leadership, and the belief that together, we are better.
This year, we take up that challenge in a world that feels, at times, unsteady. The familiar rules are being rewritten—by technology, cultural change, and political uncertainty. The old maps don’t always guide us anymore. In moments like this, it is tempting to wait for the fog to lift before moving forward. But as leaders, we don’t have that luxury. Leadership today is about stepping forward even when the footing is uncertain.
Our task as bar leaders is not to have all the answers, but yet, to lead with clarity, trust, and purpose. That begins with our core values—the compass that will guide everything we do this year. Our Core Values are part of our NCBP Strategic Plan and support our Mission of “Empowering, connecting and inspiring bar leaders and organizations.”
Our values include:
- Leadership
- Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging
- Collaboration
- Technology and Innovation
- The Well-Being and Independence of the Profession
Turning these values into action will define our year together; a year where…
- We will build trust across differences. Trust is not just given; it is built by addressing our detractors with honesty, truth and by living our values. We must focus on building bridges.
- We will make room at the table. Inclusion is not just diversity—it is creating a deep sense of belonging so that every voice strengthens the whole.
- We will collaborate across boundaries. State lines, silos, and legal fields cannot limit us when the challenges we face are shared.
- We will embrace innovation. Not because technology or AI demands it, but because the urgent needs of those we serve, require it.
- We will champion well-being. Our profession’s future depends on caring for the people who care for justice.
- We will deliver cutting-edge programming so that every NCBP event sends you home with practical tools you can use immediately.
- We will strengthen partnerships—within the ABA, among your bars, with law schools, tech innovators, and the courts—because collaboration is our multiplier.
- We will exemplify servant leadership by empowering others and building the next generation of leaders.
- And we will lead by creating programs, podcasts and initiatives that embody our values, such as advancing the Rule of Law, protecting judicial independence and the independence of the profession, expanding access to legal services, and building unity among leaders.
Let me be clear, I do not believe our job is to simply run organizations. Our job is to lead a movement; a movement that doesn’t give up or give in, a movement that believes in justice, inclusion and innovation. A movement that knows we are stronger together, and a movement that dares to believe we can leave this profession stronger than we found it.
Together, with our mission, our vision and our values, we WILL lead the way.
-Patrick Palace
Servant Leader & NCBP President
Managing Partner, Palace Law
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