About the Leadership Institute:
The Leadership Institute is a comprehensive leadership development program designed by the Ohio Women's Bar Foundation to serve three critical purposes: preparing women attorneys for leadership roles and enhancing the capabilities of those already leading, creating a robust professional network among cohort members, and addressing the unique challenges women face in legal practice.
The 2025-2026 Curriculum:
The program features six comprehensive sessions, each with themes centered around our three core purposes: preparing and enhancing leadership capabilities, building professional networks, and addressing the unique challenges women face in the legal profession.
Cohort members will earn at least 12 Ohio CLE credits through expert panels led by recognized leaders in their fields, interactive workshops, and structured networking opportunities.
The Leadership Institute Cohort:
The Leadership Institute operates on a selective cohort model, bringing together a diverse group of accomplished women attorneys from across Ohio. This intimate learning environment fosters deep professional relationships, peer-to-peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving. The cohort structure ensures that members not only learn from expert instructors but also from each other's varied experiences and perspectives, creating lasting connections that extend well beyond the program's completion.
Program Commitment:
The program kicks off with the Leading the Way event the night before our first session. Cohort members will attend six full-day (8:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.) sessions held monthly, with four held in Columbus, one in Cleveland, and one in Cincinnati.
Each session concludes with a reception hosted by the venue firm, bringing together the Leadership Institute cohort with attorneys and guests invited by the host firm to further expand networking opportunities.
Our Mission:
Our mission is to advance women attorneys into leadership positions, promote diversity and inclusion in legal leadership, provide cohort members with a supportive professional network, and empower them to navigate the unique challenges they face in the legal profession, creating a transformative experience that elevates both emerging and established leaders.
Eligibility:
The Leadership Institute is open to women in the State of Ohio with a minimum of five (5) years’ experience practicing law. All cohort members must be active members of the Ohio Women’s Bar Association. Non-members may purchase a membership at the end of their application.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
2025-2026 Session Dates:
Leading the Way: September 18, 2025
Session 1: September 19, 2025
Session 2: October 17, 2025
Session 3: November 14, 2025
Session 4: January 9, 2026
Session 5: February 6, 2026
Session 6: March 6, 2026 *Graduation Ceremony
Tuition Cost:
Tuition and OWBA Membership Fee: OWBA Membership Annual Dues: $75
Tuition:
General: $2,000 | Government & Non-Profit Attorneys: $1,000
OWBF Public Service, Solo and Small Firm Scholarship:
We are pleased to offer a scholarship to one qualified candidate from a government agency, non-profit organization, or a solo or small firm (10 or less attorneys) that covers the candidate’s tuition fee. The purpose of the scholarship is to ensure the participation of a woman lawyer who may otherwise not have the ability to participate. If you wish to be considered for this scholarship, in addition to the Leadership Institute Application, please attach a personal statement (approximately 300 - 500 words) addressing the following: How participating in the OWBF Leadership Institute will impact you, personally, as well as your practice; What you hope to learn by participating in the Leadership Institute; and Financial need.
Financial Assistance:
If you do not qualify for the government/non-profit rate but need financial assistance, please indicate this in your application for consideration.
We want all qualified attorneys to feel comfortable applying regardless of their financial circumstances. Please don't let cost be a barrier to your participation.
Leadership Institute Tuition Scholarship to promote Diversity and Inclusion by Marilyn McClure-Demers.
This scholarship is intended for an individual that brings a unique perspective to the practice of law as a result of their diverse background, which is defined by race, ethnicity, religious background, disability, geographic location, and/or professional segment of practice. The scholarship will offer full tuition to a qualified candidate of diverse background, and ensure the participation of a woman lawyer who may otherwise not had the ability to participate. This may include government lawyers, solo-practitioners, minorities, and members of other under-represented groups.
If you wish to be considered for a Diversity Scholarship, in addition to the Leadership Institute Application, please attach a personal statement (approximately 300 - 500 words) addressing the following:
The cost of tuition includes:
Admission for one (1) to the Leading the Way Award Celebration
Workshops and Trainings
Executive Coaching
360 Leadership Assessment Tools
Leadership Institute Power Breakfast Series
Receptions, and
Mentorship Opportunities.
*Cohort members are responsible for costs associated with travel to and from host locations and any associated hotel stays. These costs are not included in the cost of tuition.
To learn more about the Leadership Institute click here!
