“The experience is once in a lifetime,” said David Thompson, referring to the access he was given to judges, senators, state attorneys, and public defenders ­­– some of whom gave out their personal numbers in case any of the fellows wanted to “bounce an idea off.”

David Thompson, co-chair of the Bar’s Wm. Reese Smith, Jr., Leadership Academy Committee, knows firsthand how transformative academy participation can be for emerging legal leaders.

More experienced practitioners should encourage younger associates with leadership potential to apply, he says, adding it benefits both the individual and the firm, creating invaluable connections and opportunities across the state.