National Bar Association
Associate Advancement Academy for Excellence

In 2021, the National Bar Association (NBA), with support from the Arnold & Porter Foundation, launched an initiative to address the retention challenges facing diverse associates at the nation’s largest law firms, including AmLaw 200 firms. This effort led to the creation of the NBA Associate Advancement for Excellence Academy (“the Academy”).

The Academy is the NBA’s first professional development program of its kind, designed to support the advancement of associates within their first three years of practice at AmLaw 200 firms. In collaboration with the NBA’s Minority Partners Division, Young Lawyers Division, Commercial Law Section, and Corporate Law Section, the Academy delivers a tailored curriculum that refines critical skills, fosters meaningful professional relationships, and provides practical perspectives that support advancement and long-term success in BigLaw.

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About the NBA’s Associate Advancement Academy for Excellence

The Academy operates annually from October through June, with monthly workshops focused on education, networking, mentoring, and pro bono and community service. Participants, known as NBA Academy Fellows (“Fellows”), engage in regular check-ins with two assigned mentors: a law firm attorney and a corporate in-house counsel.

The 2026–2027 NBA Academy will include approximately 20 associates, with no more than two associates from any one firm.

Program Commitment

Fellows are expected to commit to attending at least three of the four designated NBA events during the program year:

  • NBA Academy Orientation
  • Commercial Law Section Conference
  • Corporate Law Section’s Gateway to Success
  • NBA Annual Convention

Academy Curriculum

The NBA Academy will address a range of topics integral to advancement in law firm practice, including:

  • The Anatomy of a Law Firm
  • Legal Research & Writing Skills Workshop
  • Transaction Skills Workshop
  • Accounting 101 & Corporate Basics
  • The Art of Business Development
  • The Client: In-House Legal Perspectives
  • Building Your Brand Externally
  • Building Your Brand Internally
  • Wellness: Physical and Mental
  • Doing Well While Doing Good: Successfully Integrating Pro Bono and Service into Firm Practice

How to Apply

Each applicant must submit the following materials by August 28, 2026 EXTENDED until September 4, 2026:

  • NBA Associate Advancement Academy Application –  Applicant Form
  • NBA Associate Advancement Academy Application – Firm Support Certification
  • Statement from the Firm Managing Partner, Office Managing Partner, or Practice Group Leader explaining why the firm recommends the applicant for the NBA Academy (no more than 250 words)
  • Current résumé
  • Letter of interest explaining why the applicant wishes to participate in the Academy

The application materials should be submitted as a single PDF to: AAACADEMY@NATIONALBAR.ORG