Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
I recently returned from the American Bar Association Annual Meeting in Denver, which included meetings of both the National Association of Bar Executives and the National Conference of Bar Presidents. The highlight of the meeting for me was watching Julie Armstrong, the executive director of the Indianapolis Bar Association, receive the Bolton Award, NABE’s highest accolade, which is presented biennially to a bar executive who epitomizes the highest standard of professional excellence. The role of an executive director is pivotal in driving growth, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the smooth functioning of an organization. For more than 30 years, Julie has led IndyBar, proactively addressing the current and future needs of our members and ensuring that IndyBar continues to be the trend-setter among metro bars. Julie’s receipt of the Bolton Award is a well-deserved recognition of all her efforts.
Julie’s journey to becoming an award-winning executive director has been marked by dedication, innovation and a deep commitment to the mission of the IndyBar. Under Julie’s visionary leadership, IndyBar witnessed a series of transformative initiatives that have elevated its standing within the legal community. At the NABE and NCBP meetings, bar leaders from across the country commented on IndyBar’s activities, including Practice Builder, Diversity Job Fair and our In-House Counsel Symposium. During Julie’s tenure, IndyBar developed its Bar Leader Series — now in its 20th class turned Bench Bar into an annual must-attend event and ensured the future of the association through the expansion of the Indianapolis Bar Foundation.
Under Julie’s leadership, the association continually reviews the challenges facing lawyers to ensure IndyBar delivers the services needed for our members to practice successfully. Whether it was adapting to virtual operations during a global pandemic, finding a new headquarters to provide greater accessibility and member access, promoting professional development, or developing a comprehensive DEI plan, Julie consistently demonstrates adaptability, resilience and strategic thinking. Julie’s dedication to the legal community has impacted every member of IndyBar.
Among Julie’s best qualities is the ability to foster collaboration among members, stakeholders and partners. Julie excels in this aspect, creating an environment where legal professionals can connect, share insights and collaborate on initiatives that positively impact the legal field as a whole. She cares deeply about meeting the needs of each of our members and nimbly moves among lay leaders with different styles to ensure the goals of the organization are always met. It is little wonder that so many of us who have had the pleasure of working with her now call her friend.
Julie’s receipt of the Bolton Award reflects the admiration and respect garnered from peers, colleagues and the many lawyers and professionals who have witnessed the association’s remarkable growth and accomplishments under her stewardship. So great are her contributions to bar leadership that executive directors across the country emulate her, and IndyBar’s programming is considered the gold standard, often copied by other metro bars. The honor bestowed upon Julie Armstrong as the best bar professional is a testament to her exceptional leadership, innovation and dedication. Julie’s journey, marked by transformative initiatives and the ability to overcome challenges, serves as an inspiration to both aspiring and seasoned leaders within the legal community. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, Julie’s legacy of excellence will undoubtedly continue to shape and influence the future of bar associations and the legal profession as a whole. When you next see Julie, I hope you offer her both a congratulations and a thank you as her contributions have impacted us all.•
Please enable JavaScript to view this content.