Say "Yes" to Leadership: A Conversation with Dana and Keith Cutler

Legal lions and TV judges Keith and Dana Cutler join Amanda Arriaga on the inaugural episode of "Leading the Bar," a new podcast from the National Conference of Bar Presidents designed to help lawyers engage and grow as leaders. With over 75 years of collective experience, the Cutlers, known for their roles on "Couples Court with the Cutlers" and "Cutler's Court," share their insights into the importance  of bar leadership for the health of the legal profession. Dana Cutler, the first Black woman president of the Missouri Bar, shares how profoundly she was able to advance her career by simply "showing up and saying yes." She discusses the challenges she faced in modernizing a bar association and implementing strategic operational initiatives. Keith Cutler, a past president of both the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Jackson County Bar Association, encourages  connecting with the next generation of lawyers and helping them use their passions to more effectively drive changes. Bar associations have a vital role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the constitution. Dana and Keith point out how leaders must represent the entire legal community, even those with differing opinions, to ensure inclusivity and preserve the bar's integrity. Their unique experience informs their practical advice on essential communication skills for every lawyer, emphasizing the power of active listening and responding with kindness to foster productive relationships. This episode is inspiring  and a reminder of the support available to young lawyers within the bar leadership  community.   Chapters/Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The Paramount Rule of Law and Our Democracy 02:14 - Why Get Involved in Bar Leadership: The Cutlers' Journey 04:00 - The Evolution of Bar Leadership: Engaging New Generations 07:27 - Presidential Challenges: Modernizing the Bar and Strategic Vision 16:14 - Navigating Hot Topics and Preserving the Bar's Integrity 24:55 - The Invaluable Role of NCBP: Support and Shared Solutions 28:22 - Judicial Wisdom: Communication and Relationships in Law 33:53 - Balancing Life and Law: Hobbies and Personal Passions 37:10 - Beyond the Bar: What the Cutlers Would Do