Application Deadline
Friday, June 30, 2023
Complete the information below.
The DAYL Leadership Class was created in 1997 and serves as a way to connect young lawyers who want to grow their leadership skills and who want to make a difference in their community and the bar. The DAYL Leadership Class provides opportunities for young lawyers to develop relationships with local city leaders, network with other young lawyers through group activities, and deploy their newly-honed leadership skills. By promoting leadership development within the bar association as well as within Dallas’s nonprofit and civic communities, the DAYL Leadership Class is able to provide a forum for identifying the many ways to give back to North Texas.
Led by a team of experienced Class Facilitators, including Dena DeNooyer Stroh, General Counsel with NTTA; Mark Melton, Partner at Holland & Knight; Rebekah Brooker, Partner at Scheef & Stone; Terry James, Terry A. James Law Firm, Riqui Bonilla, Principal at Fish & Richardson, and Ann Chao Sheu, Mpowered Journey, the DAYL Leadership Class experience will be a unique and beneficial experience for all young lawyers.
Over 850 lawyers have participated in the DAYL Leadership Class and have taken what they have learned to advance their careers, serve and lead non-profit and for-profit boards, serve in elected positions, and hold civic positions. Our alumni include judges, general counsels, law school professors, city leaders, and law-firm name partners. The DAYL Leadership Class has been emulated by bar associations across the state and the country and serves as a gateway for leadership among lawyers in the Dallas area.
Direct questions to Cherie Harris.
TUITION/FEES
There is a $450 administrative/enrollment fee ($575 if you plan to stay overnight at the retreat, which is strongly encouraged). This enrollment fee covers the program materials and all other expenses. If necessary, the $450 fee may be made in installments, with $150 due upon acceptance and the remainder due by September 15.
STIPEND AWARD
Stipend Award: We are excited to be able to offer two $300 stipends this year, in honor of DAYL Past President (2008) and former Leadership Class Facilitator Karen D. McCloud, who passed away in 2020. Please indicate your need on an additional page and include it with your application. The stipends will be given to individuals who have the desire to emulate Karen's zest for life and bar service.
REQUIREMENTS
Following an introductory happy hour, the class will meet for a mandatory overnight retreat, a series of lunch meetings, and several class activities over a course of seven months.
Once selected, Leadership Class members will:
- Meet each other and Class Facilitators at a Class happy hour;
- Attend the mandatory two-day DAYL Leadership Class Retreat;
- Participate in two class activities;
- Participate in four lunches featuring local and state leaders speaking on their personal experiences in leadership positions;
- Attend a Class concluding happy hour; and
- Organize a Leadership Class community service project.
Applicants must submit: 1) A one-page résumé, 2) a personal statement; and 3) a letter of recommendation from someone who has known you for at least two years.
The 2023 DAYL Leadership Class will meet as follows:
- Introductory Happy Hour
- Thursday, August 17, 2023, 6:30 - 8:00pm
- Mandatory Class Retreat
- Friday, August 25, 2023, 8am - 5pm (overnight optional); and
- Saturday, August 26, 2023, 8am – noon
- Class Activity
- Saturday, October 14, 2023, 9am - 2pm; and
- Saturday, January 27, 2024, 9am - 1pm
- Class Lunch Schedule (all will be from 11:30 am - 1:00pm)
- Thursday, September 14, 2023;
- Thursday, October 5, 2023;
- Thursday, November 16, 2023; and
- Thursday, January 11, 2024
- Concluding Class Happy Hour
- Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please complete the information below, attach a professional photo, and upload the following as one document:
1. Attach your one-page résumé, which shall include bar association, business/professional, and civic activities in which you have participated. List any awards or special recognitions you have received.
2. Provide a personal statement that describes: (a) what leadership means to you; (b) why you wish to participate in this program; and (c) how you expect to use your experience in this program.
3. Please provide a letter of recommendation from someone who has known you for at least two years.
4. If you are applying for the partial scholarship (up to two $300 scholarships available), please include a short paragraph on a separete page, expressing your request.