In the News: Jennifer Wu Discusses Importance of Intentional Culture Building in Fostering Law Firm Growth

In a recent feature on the American Bar Association’s Law Practice Today podcast titled “How to Build a Successful Law Firm That Feels Like Family,” Jennifer Wu, Founding Partner of Groomsbridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, shared her firm’s unique approach to fostering a long-term, family-like culture within their law practice. Wu is a patent litigator, a Director on the AABANY Board, and formerly Co-Chair of AABANY’s Women’s Committee. 

In the podcast, hosted by Terrell A. Turner, CPA, Wu emphasizes the importance of providing honest feedback to junior attorneys as a means of building the long-term, familial culture at her firm. 

“What we do better at our firm is that if I’m going to be rowing in this boat with you forever, maybe I’m going to give you tips on how to hold your oar or how to steer the boat or how to put on your life jacket. There’s really not a benefit to me holding back in my feedback and telling you later, because we’re going to be in this together for a long time, you might as well know now in a kind way, in constructive feedback, what I really think,” she said.

Additionally, Wu highlights the societal shift from a distinct separation between work and family life to the blending of the two in the workplace, which she incorporates to the firm’s values and her commitment to making the practice of law a joyful and fulfilling experience. 

To listen to the full episode, click here.

NAPABA Welcomes the National Korean American Bar Association (NKABA) and the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC)

For Immediate Release: February 19, 2026
Contact: Maureen Gelwicks, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) welcomes the National Korean American Bar Association (NKABA) as a National Associate and the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC) as an Affiliate of NAPABA.

Formed in 2025, NKABA is a national nonprofit professional organization representing Korean American attorneys and law students across the United States. NKABA supports the professional growth of its members through education, mentorship, networking, and business development opportunities, while partnering with regional and local Korean American bar associations to advance shared goals. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts, including research and amicus work, and serves as a national network fostering connection and collaboration among Korean American legal professionals.

“We are honored to be a National Associate and welcome the opportunity to partner with NAPABA in our mission to empower Korean American attorneys nationwide,” said Samuel Yu, President of NKABA. “We hope this affiliation inspires deeper collaboration, stronger advocacy, and a shared commitment to justice.”

Established in 2024, CALA OC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing, empowering, and elevating Chinese American contributions to the legal community and civic life of Orange County. CALA OC advances its mission by supporting professional development, expanding the influence of the Chinese American legal community, and celebrating and preserving cultural heritage.

“Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC) is excited to join NAPABA and its impressive national network, as we empower our members and elevate our community while navigating the moment in which we live, a pivotal inflection point in American history,” said Amy Chen, President of CALA OC.

“We are proud to welcome NKABA and CALA OC into the NAPABA family,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA. “These organizations exemplify the leadership, collaboration, and dedication to community that define and strengthen our growing national network.”

NKABA and CALA OC join a community of over 90 local, state, regional, and national bar associations in the United States and Canada. Individual members of national associates and affiliates are entitled to discounted NAPABA membership and the benefits that accompany it. For more information about how to become a NAPABA national associate or affiliate, please visit our webpage and learn more here about the benefits of becoming a NAPABA member.