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Family Law Attorney Ann Keele Leading the Bar podcast - Equal Standing: Judges and Lawyers as Partners in the Bar

April 2026

Leading the Bar

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Strengthening relationships between the bench and the bar is essential to the health of our legal system and the effectiveness of professional collaboration, but achieving that alignment is not always straightforward. Building on their plenary session at the NCBP Midyear Meeting, Judges Bridget Duignan and Ann Keele join us to go into greater depth on strategies for fostering stronger cooperation within bar associations among both lawyers and judges. They emphasize the importance of engaging in bar service as equals, elevating peers into leadership roles, and remaining grounded in the mission and purpose of the association.

Later, drawing on their experiences as women in leadership, Bridget and Ann share their perspectives on the evolving role of women in the legal profession. They reflect on shifting attitudes, and offer practical ways to support and empower women in law. They also provide a thoughtful vision of effective leadership—one rooted in inclusivity, intentional space-making, principled neutrality, and a steadfast commitment to the oath and ideals of the profession. 

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Founded in 1966 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hall Estill is a full-service law firm with clients ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to traditional family businesses, as well as nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurial start-ups and individuals. More than 150 legal professionals work in the firm at offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Denver and Northwest Arkansas, assisting a diversified base of local, regional, national and international clients.

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