CALL Mission

Our mission is to cultivate, empower and inspire a diverse class of lawyers to realize their full leadership potential. Lawyers will participate in a series of collaborative and experiential programs focused on developing their unique leadership skills and motivating them to put these leadership skills to work in our community.

Who can apply?

CALL is open to attorneys who have been in practice for 5-15 years and who graduated law school between 2010 and 2020.

CALL participants are required to attend each of the following sessions and complete a class service project. Sessions are all-day, unless otherwise indicated.

2026 dates are TBD.

• January - Welcome to CALL and Leadership through Service
  • This session will serve as an introduction to the CALL program, steering committee and class. Class members will also begin planning their service project.
• January - Inclusive leadership
  • The class will meet at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center for exercises focusing on equity, inclusivity and privilege.
• February - Leadership through self-awareness and mutual understanding
  • This overnight retreat in Lexington, KY explores how developing an understanding of each lawyer's unique leadership style can be utilized to meet the needs of each leader's diverse constituents.
• March - Effective leadership through inspirational communication
  • Participants will engage in interactive activities to improve their ability to communicate ideas clearly and inspire others. This session is designed to empower attendees to leverage communication as a powerful tool for effective leadership.
• April - Exploring leadership through ethics, justice and values
  • This session, hosted at The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, will explore the relationship between personal values, professional ethics and our system of justice.
• May - What's next? Putting leadership skills into action
  • This program pulls together and summarizes the leadership concepts developed in each of the previous programs and seeks to inspire and empower each member of the class to put their unique leadership skills into action. This session will be followed by the induction ceremony and class dinner.

Tuition and Fees

• CBA Members 
• Non-Members

A limited amount of scholarship funds are available. Tuition covers all program expenses, including admission fees, meals and lodging in Lexington. Some sessions will also qualify for Ohio and Kentucky CLE credit. Tuition is due prior to the first session.

How to Apply

2026 applications will be available in early September. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and applicants will be notified on a rolling basis. If you have questions or need assistance, contact Kate Lawrence. Apply using the online form below or download the application.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

CALL Steering Committee

Co-Chair - Hon. Donte Johnson, Hamilton County Municipal Court

Co-Chair - Neil Fairweather, Murphy Landen Jones PLLC

Hon. Stephanie Bowman, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio

Ashley Burke, Burke & Pecquet LLC

Eugene Droder III,TQL

Lisa McPherson, Cincinnati Bar Association

Lauren Morrison, Hamilton County Law Library

Jaci Overmann, Dollar Tree

Barkha Patel, Pro Bono Partnership of Ohio

J. Phenise Poole, Fifth Third Bank Legal Department

Molly Russell, Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati

Brian Thomas, Fifth Third Bank Legal Department

Elizabeth Tull-Laureano, Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio