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SCAJ Leadership Academy

 

The South Carolina Association of Justice is excited to announce a new opportunity for our members. This year, we will launch the SCAJ Leadership Academy and are currently accepting applications for our inaugural class of 2025. We will be accepting no more than 12 applicants per year to ensure everyone selected to participate has a full and enriching experience while building personal relationships within their group.

The Academy will offer a comprehensive exploration of leadership skills, tailored to the unique challenges faced by attorneys. It is also designed to help fine-tune essential skill sets that can directly benefit you and your practice. The Leadership Academy will include six sessions that offer in-depth training in several topics including the power of storytelling in advocacy with juries and decision makers, high stakes negotiations, insights from legal leaders, and how to shape and influence the legislative agenda.

Who should apply?

 

Any current SCAJ members who have a passion for involvement and leadership in their communities, workplace and/or profession are encouraged to apply. Space is limited... APPLY NOW!

 

"Through the Leadership Academy, the 2025 class will emerge as stronger, more effective leaders, equipped to uphold SCAJ’s mission of serving justice and protecting the rights of the individual."

Apply Online!

2025 Academy Sessions

Session 1: Set the Course | The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy

Date: Thursday, Jan 23rd
Location: TBD
  • Explore how compelling storytelling can enhance advocacy, connect with juries, and influence decision-makers.
  • Craft narratives that resonate with different audiences.
  • Study the role of emotion and authenticity in effective storytelling.

Session 2: Leadership | Insights from SC Legal Giants

Date: Thursday, Feb 27th
Location: Charleston, SC
  • Inspirational lessons from the careers of legendary figures in the South Carolina legal profession.
  • Key takeaways from their most significant cases and decisions.
  • Insights into maintaining integrity and resilience in the legal field.

Session 3: Navigating High Stakes Conversations

Date: Friday, March 28th
Location: Greenville, SC
  • Develop skills to handle high-stakes, emotionally charged conversations with clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel.
  • Techniques for managing difficult dialogues with empathy and assertiveness.
  • The role of active listening and effective communication.
  • Strategies for de-escalating conflicts and reaching resolutions.

Session 4: Understanding and Shaping the SCAJ Legislative Agenda

Date: Thursday, April 24th
Location: Columbia, SC
  • Influence legislation and advocate for policies that align with the values and the mission of SCAJ to advocate for fairness under the law.
  • A day at the General Assembly learning about the process and meeting with legislative leaders.
  • Conversations with SCAJ lobbyists exploring legislative agenda and strategies.

Session 5: Living Beyond Burnout

Date: Thursday, May 15th
Location: Aiken, SC
  • Review the principles of resilience and wellness as foundational elements of professional and personal success.
  • Understanding resilience as a sustainable approach to long-term well-being.
  • The role of self-care in maintaining peak performance and preventing burnout.
  • Strategies for integrating resilience practices into daily routines and professional life.

Session 6: Mastering Board Governance

Date: Summer 2025
Location: TBD
  • Training in effective board governance, emphasizing the role of legal professionals in guiding organizational leadership.
  • Fundamentals of board governance and fiduciary duties.
  • Strategies for effective board participation and leadership.
  • Navigating challenges in board dynamics and decision-making.
 

SCAJ Leadership Academy
Online Application

Please complete the following application for the upcoming 2025 Inaugural Class of the SCAJ Leadership Academy. Applications will be due by November 1st. All applications will be confidentially reviewed by the SCAJ Leadership Academy Selection Committee, and the final list of successful applicants will be announced by November 30th.

    Applicant Information:

    * = Required

    *First Name

    *Last Name

    Nicknane

    Street Address

    *City

    State

    ZIP

    *Email

    *Phone #

    School:

    *Law School Name

    *Year of Graduation

    Work:

    Work Address

    *Work Email

    *Total Years of Practice

    Associations:

    Are you a member of any associations?

    General Information:

    *How did you hear about the SCAJ Leadership Program?

    *Where do you see SCAJ as an organization in 5-10 years?

    *What skills would you like to develop during the Leadership Academy?

    *Please list two people and their contact information that we can contact for a professional recommendation for your application:

    Is there anything else the selection committee should know about you or your application?

    Meet the Coach

     

    Jes Averhart is the founder of Jes & Co. specializing in stakeholder engagement and leadership development. Jes advises executive leadership on growth strategies and talent development. Her cross-industry corporate engagement includes companies within Research Triangle Park and the American Underground, a Google for Startups Tech Hub (aka, the “Startup Capital of the South” by CNBC).

    Learn More About Jes

    Other Ways to Contact Us

    Physical Address

    1901 Gadsden Street
    Columbia, SC 29201

    Mailing Address

    PO Box 11557
    Columbia, SC 29211

    Call Us

    Phone: (803) 799-5097

     

    Email Us

    e-mail: kenny@scaj.com