As the ISBA opens applications for its newest Leadership Development Academy Class, we take time to reflect on the experiences of other LDA class members. Below, learn about Traci Cosby’s experiences and takeaways from the program. The application for the 2020 LDA class is due Nov. 4. Learn more and apply here.

How has your career progressed during the time since you graduated LDA?
When I graduated LDA Class IV in 2015, I was a law clerk at the Indiana Supreme Court. I then moved to the City of Indianapolis Office of Corporation Counsel as Assistant Corporation Counsel – Litigation in January 2018. I have served as Deputy Chief Litigation Counsel for the City since May of this year. 

In what ways have you seen LDA impact your career?
The program has aspired me to pursue leadership roles within state and national bar associations as well as in my legal career. Because LDA focuses on developing leaders—not simply training attorneys—the five-month program offers valuable tools in developing leadership skills, such as team and consensus-building, and developing task-oriented goals. Organizations want active members who can contribute. Employees who balance professional demands while being active in local organizations are more likely to be promoted to management/supervisory level positions and appointed to sit on special committees and decision-making boards. In fact, it was noted to me that my leadership roles in the community played as important a part as my prior professional responsibilities when being considered for employment.

Do you still connect with anyone from your LDA class?
My LDA family stays connected—and I mean beyond the LDA Facebook page. Even though we don’t see each other on a monthly basis like we did in 2015, not only is it nice to personally know an attorney in all corners of the state, but we continue to support each other through life’s ups and downs. We celebrate job changes, relocations, marriages, and births. And even hold each other up through life’s my most difficult moments. My father passed away a couple of years after my LDA graduation. He was a Muslim living in California and I am Christian. I had no idea how to go about planning a service that would honor his faith and from so far away. I texted my LDA sister, Ala’a, who I had not spoken to in almost a year. She responded right away. She held my hand and walked me through what I needed to do. And when I apologized for not having stayed better in touch she simply responded, “There is no need for apologies among friends.”

What advice do you have for attorneys early in their careers?
Take advantage of the opportunities for growth, such as the LDA program, as they are made available to you. Far too often we forget that we are leaders in our community—not just attorneys on the job. It is a tremendous privilege to be members of the legal community and with that comes a responsibility to give back more than we have been given. The LDA empowers and equips you to do just that.

Why would you recommend LDA to new attorneys?
The strength of the LDA program is that it teaches you about yourself. It teaches you to identify the areas in which you add value and contribute to those around you beyond the meetings, contracts, billing, and briefing. It teaches you to be a better listener, a more compassionate leader, and a more well-rounded thinker by opening you to differing perspectives from around the state. In the end, the greatest value of being a part of the LDA program is impact that it has on you as a person. If you are looking to for an opportunity that will accelerate your professional opportunities while developing personal growth, look no further than the LDA.

Traci M. Cosby serves as Deputy Chief Litigation Counsel at the Office of Corporation Counsel.