Fifteen Attorneys Chosen for Bar Leadership Program

PHOENIX — August 21, 2008 — The State Bar of Arizona has named 15 attorneys to its annual Bar Leadership Institute, a one-year program designed to foster the professional growth and enhance the leadership skills of a diverse group of Arizona attorneys

The attorneys participating in the class are:
* Wendy Akbar, Quarles & Brady LLP, Phoenix
* Jessica Benford, Ryley Carlock & Applewhite, Phoenix
* Flynn Carey, Gallagher & Kennedy PA, Phoenix
* Ann Marie Chischilly, Gila Indian River Community, Chandler
* Franci Fealk, Kutak Rock LLP, Scottsdale
* Jeffery Harmon, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Scottsdale
* Isaac Hernandez, Steptoe & Johnson LLP, Phoenix
* Mingyi Kang, Gust Rosenfeld PLC, Phoenix
* Jennifer Larson, Gust Rosenfeld PLC, Phoenix
* Tamara Mulembo, Pima County Public Defender’s Office, Tucson
* Zarinah Nadir, Arizona State University, Mesa
* Sonia Nayeri, Jones Skelton & Hochuli PLC, Phoenix
* Anita Simons, Pima County Attorney’s Office, Phoenix
* Michael Somsan, Community Legal Services, Phoenix
* Nina Targovnik, Community Legal Services, Phoenix

Beginning in September, the attorneys will attend monthly programs in leadership, ethics and career development. Throughout the year, participants will also have the opportunity to meet with judges, Congressional representatives, lobbyists and in-house counsel to experience the diversity of the legal profession.

Following completion of the first year, participants must commit to one year of participation in a State Bar committee or section and/or another bar association or community organization.