NAPABA Condemns President Trump’s Revocation of Language Access Guarantees for Federal Programs and Activities

NAPABA Condemns President Trump’s Revocation of Language Access Guarantees for Federal Programs and Activities

For Immediate Release:Date: March 2, 2025Contact:
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – For nearly 25 years, Executive Order 13166 required that every federal agency meet the needs of limited English proficient (LEP) individuals when it delivers critical services. It similarly required those that received federal funding, such as non-profit organizations as well as state and local governments, to guarantee that LEP individuals had meaningful access to their services. EO 13166 brought the full import of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits entities that receive federal funding from discriminating based on national origin, to life. This meant that a Mandarin-speaking LEP individual, for example, could access life-sustaining government entitlement programs or a Vietnamese speaker could receive legal services from a non-profit organization. Those guarantees are now called into question.

Yesterday, President Donald Trump revoked EO 13166 through an executive order. The brunt of setting aside EO 13166 will be borne by the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. NAPABA unequivocally condemns this action.

The majority of the Asian American community are immigrants. Nearly 32% of the community is limited English proficient. The Asian American population is comprised of over 50 different ethnicities and speak over 100 different languages. NAPABA has long championed linguistic access for AANHPI communities in the legal system, including through our groundbreaking report, which highlighted and provided recommendations on the state of language access in federal and state courts and agencies.  

The executive order, which also purports to designate English as the official language of the United States without the consent of Congress, places an unnecessary obstacle for LEP individuals within the AANHPI community who need and deserve to access critical, federally funded services. We call on Congress to engage in appropriate oversight over the Administration’s unwarranted action and strengthen the protections of Title VI.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

2025 NAPABA Convention Call for Programs

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2025 NAPABA Convention Call for Programs

Deadline to Submit: March 14, 2025 at 8:00 pm ET

Beyond our outstanding CLE sessions, the NAPABA Convention offers specialty programming designed to provide hands-on, in-depth learning from top experts. These immersive workshops go beyond the basics, equipping participants with practical skills and actionable insights to advance their careers.

We’re seeking proposals for these dynamic specialty tracks:

  • International Law Symposium – Dive into global legal topics like IP, national security, and dispute resolution with diplomats, judges, and business leaders. Presented by the International Law Committee on Thursday.
  • Young Lawyers Workshop – Designed for early to mid-career attorneys, tackling real-world challenges like work-life balance and career growth. Presented by the Young Lawyers Network on Thursday.
  • Solo & Small Firm Boot Camp – Tailored for solo and small firm practitioners, covering business development, firm expansion, and legal strategy. Presented by the Solo & Small Firm Committee on Thursday.
  • Law Student Workshop – A two-day boot camp helping law students develop essential career skills through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions.

Have an idea? Submit a proposal and bring your expertise to Denver! Learn more, check out FAQs, and review a model proposal.

2025 BAAAGC x NAPABA Celebration Honors More Than 200 Bay Area Asian American General Counsel

For Immediate Release:

For Immediate Release:
Date: February 28,2025

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and the Bay Area Asian American General Counsel network (BAAAGC) were proud to celebrate and honor the achievements of more than 200 Bay Area Asian American general counsel, a historic high, at this week’s 2025 BAAAGC x NAPABA Celebration. The event, which was held on February 27, 2025, in San Francisco, honored the leaders of the legal departments of a diverse range of companies and organizations including nationally and globally recognized brands such as AMD, Bill.com, Broadcom, Coinbase, Databricks, Google DeepMind, Impossible Foods, Instacart, Juniper Networks, Recology, Reddit, Ross Stores, SurveyMonkey, Unity, VF Corporation, and many more.   

“The 2025 BAAAGC x NAPABA Celebration demonstrates the incredible progress that the Bay Area Asian American in-house legal community has made to break through barriers that have long stymied advancement to the top echelons of the legal profession, as we have long identified in our Portrait Project,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA. “NAPABA is grateful to this group of incredible Bay Area lawyers who truly are global leaders for their companies, their industries, and our bar.” 

“BAAAGC is incredibly proud of this landmark achievement,” said BAAAGC Co-Chairs Irene Liu, Thomas Chow, and Stephen Mar. “In 2017, we celebrated the milestone of reaching 100 Bay Area Asian American general counsels. It is encouraging to see that our numbers have more than doubled since then, and we look forward to seeing that growth accelerate.” 

With nearly 450 attendees, the celebration acknowledged a remarkable milestone for Asian American general counsel and the important role that bar organizations such as NAPABA’s Northern California and Bay Area affiliates (including Community Sponsors: Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area, Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley, Filipino Bar Association of Northern California, and the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Northern California) play in fostering mentorship, learning, connections, and professional development to ensure that Asian American lawyers have equal opportunity to serving in leadership roles.   

All net proceeds from the event, generously sponsored by leading national firms and companies, are earmarked for two worthy causes. First, they will support the next iteration of the Portrait Project of Asian Americans in the Law, which is the ground breaking, systematic account on how Asian Americans, including in-house counsel and law firm lawyers, are situated in the legal profession. Second, the proceeds will create the Bay Area Asian American General Counsel Summer Public Interest Fellowship at UC Berkeley School of Law to support the work of law students supporting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. 


The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

Applications Open for the 2025-2026 Leadership Advancement Program

Deadline to Apply: March 17, 2025

Applications are now open for NAPABA’s Leadership Advancement Program. This experiential program provides Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) attorneys a unique opportunity to develop and harness their leadership style and foster deep and lasting connections with their peers, including both in-house counsel and law firm attorneys.

This exclusive, year-long experience is designed to transform rising AANHPI attorneys into bold, confident leaders.

This isn’t just another leadership program—it’s your chance to:

  • Discover your leadership style, sharpen your strengths, and understand your weaknesses
  • Master the art of communication, listening, and influence
  • Overcome challenges with confidence and strategic thinking
  • Connect with 24 peers who will become your advisors, champions, and lifelong community

This is YOUR time. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and power, don’t wait! Spots are limited so take the first step into becoming the leader you’re meant to be by submitting your application.

The program is designed for developing mid-career AANHPI attorney leadership skills. Enrollment in the program is limited to 24 participants, with an even balance between IHC and law firm attorneys. All NAPABA members are encouraged to apply, although the selection committee will focus on the following criteria this year:

  • Law firm candidates: preference for candidates with between six and 10 years of experience.
  • In-house candidates: preference for a minimum of three to four years of IHC experience, with six to 10 years of overall practice experience.

NAPABA Welcomes OKAABA as NAPABA’s Newest Affiliate

For Immediate Release:
Date: February 14, 2025

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Board of Governors has approved and welcomed the Oklahoma Asian American Bar Association (OKAABA) as an affiliate of NAPABA. Founded in 2024, OKAABA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the interests of Asian American attorneys and legal professionals in Oklahoma.  

“We are delighted to welcome the Oklahoma Asian American Bar Association to the NAPABA community,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “This addition to NAPABA underscores our unwavering commitment to empowering and advocating for the diverse communities within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations across the nation. OKAABA’s dedication to the legal profession, community service, and advocacy strengthens our shared mission to uplift the AANHPI community, and we look forward to building a meaningful and impactful partnership together.”  

“The Oklahoma Asian American Bar Association is thrilled to link arms with the NAPABA as we foster a sense of community, empowerment, and purpose,” said Jacqueline (Jacki) Phelps, OKAABA’s president. “OKAABA’s central purpose is rooted in the notion that there is unity in diversity, and, indeed, it is our diversity that gives us strength. As we all are currently navigating difficult and uncertain times, partnering with NAPABA amplifies that purpose as we work together to empower our communities both within the legal profession and without.”

The Oklahoma Asian American Bar Association joins a community of approximately 90 local, state, regional, and national bar associations in the United States and Canada that are affiliates and national associates of NAPABA. The affiliates hold certain voting rights under the NAPABA Bylaws, and individual members of the affiliates are entitled to complimentary NAPABA membership and the benefits that accompany it. For more information about how to become a NAPABA affiliate, please visit our webpage and learn more here about the benefits of becoming a NAPABA member.  

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

NAPABA | Taking Action in 2025

Dear NAPABA Community,

Before the start of this new year, I wrote to you and shared not only my gratitude for an incredible 2024, but also our commitment to advance NAPABA’s mission heading into 2025. Though we are merely two months into the new year, we have already witnessed several developments that impact NAPABA’s work and the broader Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

On his first day in office on January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued executive orders that jeopardized the constitutional guarantee of citizenship for all persons born in the United States, the right to seek asylum, the refugee resettlement system, and the LGBTQ+ community, among others. NAPABA swiftly condemned these actions, which ran counter to our values. Since then, the federal government has enacted a slew of policies, which have already drawn significant concern for the rule of law, in addition to attacks on lawful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives both within the federal government and the private sector.  

When it comes to our values, our words of disagreement are not enough. NAPABA is charged to promote justice and equity for the AANHPI community. My team is closely monitoring developments from the federal government, and we are working with stakeholders, coalition partners, policymakers, and others to respond appropriately.

NAPABA is prepared to act. I have outlined below, in broad strokes, our intended course of action and how you can get involved. In the coming weeks and months, and with your partnership, we plan to meaningfully support our community and actively counter policies that detrimentally affect the AANHPI community.

I. Direct Support for NAPABA Affiliates and National Associates

NAPABA stands ready to deliver financial support to our affiliates and national associates for their work in the community. As leaders in their respective regions, affiliates and national associates can act as trusted messengers delivering pivotal information and services to their members and broader AANHPI communities. We will prioritize projects that speak to the challenges today: for example, educational seminars on the state of immigration, pro bono initiatives to support heightened immigration needs of the Asian American population, funding language translations for educational materials and resources, and local and state advocacy efforts that align with NAPABA values and positions. To apply for funding, please visit our website.

Building on the work of the NAPABA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, we plan to create toolkits for our affiliates and national associates. They will include resources to advance the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and immigration resources such as hosting naturalization clinics and the creation of attorney directories that address priority areas like immigration law.

II. NAPABA Engagement with Policymakers

The NAPABA Policy Team leads our engagement with stakeholders and policymakers at the federal and state levels. We advance our policy priorities, whether it be in our opposition to anti-Asian hate and discriminatory alien land law policies to our support for voting rights. Now, as our engagement will necessarily go deeper, we are investing in an expansion of our Policy Team.  

Plus, the planning is well underway for our upcoming Lobby Day, which is scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, in Washington, DC. As the largest AANHPI advocacy effort on Capitol Hill, NAPABA Lobby Day will bring our members from across the Nation to the halls of Congress to demonstrate not only the strength of our community, but also to advance the critical issues facing the AANHPI community. Our members will meet with Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle to highlight the causes important to us and our communities. Your voice is pivotal. For more information on Lobby Day and to register, please visit our website.

III. Narrative Change and Education
In the coming weeks and months, NAPABA will highlight how recent actions from the federal government not only impact our communities, but also the critical role that the AANHPI communities played in the development of the rights that we cherish today. Whether it be on birthright citizenship, the right to asylum and the refugee resettlement program, or the barriers that our community faces in the legal profession, NAPABA will uplift those stories and our history, which are intertwined with the fabric of American life today. Please be on the lookout through our social media channelsour website, and email for additional educational resources and programming. These efforts will be on top of the multitude of informative programs during the Nation’s largest convening of legal professionals: the NAPABA Convention in Denver, Colorado, on November 6-8, 2025.

NAPABA has an exceptionally talented and enthusiastic full-time staff, but we cannot carry out our work without you. The strength of NAPABA is comprised of passionate and energetic volunteers like you. As I mentioned above, here are some ways where you can get involved:

  1. Submit a CLE Program Proposal for the 2025 NAPABA Convention. Submission. deadline is March 14, 2025.
  2. Register and participate in NAPABA Lobby Day on May 20-21, 2025.
  3. Join a NAPABA Committee and Network to engage with professionals in your practice area or who share your affinity.
  4. Register and attend the 2025 NAPABA Convention. Registration opens in June 2025.

Lastly, we want to hear from you with any suggestions. Please don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected] with your thoughts.

Regardless of the challenges, NAPABA remains focused on the work ahead, and I hope that you will join us in the journey.

Very truly yours,


Priya Purandare
Executive Director

Intellectual Property Committee Hosts Dinner at Chili Restaurant on April 24

On April 24, a vibrant Wednesday evening in the heart of New York City, the Asian American Bar Association of New York’s Intellectual Property Committee convened again for the beloved recurring dinner, this time at Chili, nestled on 13 E 37th St. The event brought together members and friends of the IP Committee for an evening of Szechuan food, networking, and good conversation.

Attendees mingled, fostering connections and exchanging insights on the latest developments in intellectual property law. As guests exchanged stories and shared experiences, the room buzzed with excitement and energy. Seasoned practitioners offered guidance and wisdom to aspiring legal minds, while newcomers brought fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. It was a true testament to the diversity and richness of talent within the Asian American legal community.

To all who joined us for this unforgettable evening, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your presence and participation. To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, go here.

AABANY Members Participate in Multi-Bar Association Trivia Night at Jack Rabbit in Buffalo on May 14

On May 14, 2024, as part of AABANY’s efforts to expand its presence across the state, over a dozen current and prospective AABANY members participated in a trivia night against other bar associations in Western New York.

Although the three AABANY teams were not the most successful at trivia, they enjoyed networking and meeting new lawyers in the area at an event with approximately 50 new colleagues. Other participating organizations included NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers, WBASNY, Desmond Inn of Court, Mura Law, M&T Bank, and Hamberger & Weiss.

The event was so successful that AABANY is planning another one to take place later this year that will be open to more organizations. This event was led by Alysha Naik, AABANY Membership Director for FY25. To learn more about the Membership Committee, go here. Thanks to Alysha for helping to put the event together and for all the organizations that participated in this fun event.

2024 NAPABA Awards

Deadline to Submit Nominations | Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Join NAPABA in honoring outstanding attorneys and organizations that have made an impact in the legal profession within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific (AANHPI) communities by submitting a nomination for the 2024 NAPABA Awards!

Join us November 7-10 in Seattle as we celebrate them and all of our membership at the 2024 NAPABA Convention

Here are just a few of the awards we’re seeking nominations for. Visit our Awards page to see all of the awards, requirements, and information for application.

The NAPABA Military and Veteran Service Award recognizes individuals within the AANHPI legal community serving the U.S. Armed Forces as uniformed personnel, civilians or veterans and is meant to acknowledge AANHPI attorneys who exhibit the highest integrity, competency, and commitment to serving others, the AANHPI community, and their country and whose character and commitment reflect the highest standards of the Armed Forces. Last year’s recipient, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Song, has exhibited those qualities in his military and legal service. Learn more about Brian

The NAPABA Pro Bono Service Award recognizes an attorney or a team of attorneys for outstanding achievements in pro bono service that involved impact litigation to advance or protect civil rights or provided direct legal services to individuals in the furtherance of the administration of justice.

Last year’s honoree, Jennifer Wu, has shown her commitment to service in her client-centered approach and community leadership. Learn more about Jennifer.

The NAPABA Women’s Leadership Award recognizes the accomplishments of women lawyers and is presented to an individual who has achieved excellence in her field or who has demonstrated leadership and advancement of women or women’s issues.

Last year’s honoree, Jenny Ma, is an experienced litigator leading reproductive rights cases in state and federal courts. Learn more about Jenny.

The NAPABA Public Sector Leadership Award seeks to honor a NAPABA member in the public sector (government, non-profit, legal aid – federal or state) for their outstanding achievements in their legal profession.

Last year’s honoree, Jonathan Cruz, is the Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice. Learn more about Jonathan.


The NAPABA In House Counsel Diversity Leadership Award honors an in-house NAPABA member who has demonstrated leadership and a commitment towards supporting NAPABA partners and diversity in the legal profession.Last year’s honorees, Ivan Fong and Simone Wu, exemplify leadership. Learn more about both of them.

The NAPABA In-House Counsel Rising Star Diversity Leadership Award honors an in-house NAPABA member with 10 or less years of in-house experience who has demonstrated leadership and commitment towards supporting NAPABA partners and diversity in the legal profession.

Please note: To be considered in the selection process nominees must be a NAPABA member. A NAPABA membership helps legal professionals raise their professional profile by providing members with exclusive opportunities and national recognition through awards. Not a member? Learn more on how to become a member today! 

Celebrate 2024 AAPI Heritage Month with AABANY!

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month this year, AABANY is presenting or co-sponsoring several events this month. We hope to see you all there! Follow the links for more details, and please note the registration deadlines.

May 4, 2024

AABANY Presents: Bi-Monthly Pro Bono Clinic in Brooklyn

12:00 pm – 3:30 pm, Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc. 4101 8th Avenue 4th Floor Brooklyn, New York 11232.

Registration is closed for this event.

May 7, 2024

AABANY Presents: Asian Americans and the Law: The Constitution in Action

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, King & Spalding 1185 6th Ave New York, New York 10036.

Registration is closed for this event.

May 8, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: The Asian American/ Pacific Islander LGBTQ Struggle for Justice

12:30 – 2:00 PM, QUEENS SUPREME COURT 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, 2nd Floor Courtroom 25 Jamaica, New York 11435

Registration is closed for this event.

May 8, 2024

Crowell & Moring Hosts: Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and the Fight for Marriage Equality

5:30pm – 8:30pm, Crowell & Moring

Two Manhattan West 375 Ninth Avenue New York, New York 10001

This event is the New York premier of the latest AABANY Trial Reenactment.

Registration is closed for this event.


May 9, 2024

AABANY Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee Presents: How to Start Your Solo and Small Firm Part II

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

33 Whitehall St. Floor 8 New York, New York 10004

Registration is closed for this event.

May 10, 2024

AABANY’s Membership Committee Presents: Movie Night: Monkey Man

05/10/2024, New York

Registration is closed for this event.

May 14, 2024

AABANY Presents: May General Counsel Breakfast (Invitation Only)

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Registration is closed for this event.

May 14, 2024

AABANY Presents: Roots to Success for Asian Small Business Ventures

6:30 – 8:30 PM, Littler Mendelson P.C. 900 Third Avenue, Fl. 8 New York, New York 10022
Registration is closed for this event.

May 14, 2024

AABANY Military & Veterans Affairs Committee Presents: Group Outing to See An American Soldier
7:00 pm, Perelman Performing Arts Center

New York, New York 10006

Registration is closed for this event.

May 14, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: Multi-Bar Association Trivia Night at Jack Rabbit

6:00 pm Jack Rabbit

1010 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, New York 14222
Registration is closed for this event.

May 15, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: Trivia Night at Goldie’s Tavern
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Goldie’s Tavern

135 W 30th St New York, New York 10001

Registration is closed for this event.

May 16, 2024

AABANY Real Estate Committee Presents: “Fighting Real Estate and Deed Fraud in the Big Apple”

11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Virtual Click here to register by May 14 and find event details

Registration is closed for this event.

May 16, 2024

AABANY’s Membership Committee & Phi Lambda Fraternity Present: Networking Reception & Meet & Greet

When: May 16 2024
6 :00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Museum of Chinese in America
215 Centre St, New York, NY 10013

Registration is closed for this event.

May 19, 2024

March with AABANY – Third Annual NYC AAPI Heritage Parade

Noon
6th Avenue and 44th Street
New York, New York

Registration is closed for this event.

May 22, 2024

Annual Dinner 2024
Cipriani Wall Street
55 Wall Street New York, NY 10005

Registration is closed for this event.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

May 29, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: Hon. Randall T. Eng Award
12:45 – 2:15 PM

Appellate Division, Second Department

45 Monroe Place Brooklyn, NY 11201

Click here to register and find event details.

May 29, 2024

AABANY Co-sponsors: Franklin H. Williams Commissions AAPI Heritage Month Program

5:30 – 8:00 PM

Brooklyn Law School

Subotnick Conference Center, 205 State Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Click here to register and find event details.

May 29, 2024

AABANY Litigation Committee’s Quarterly Dinner

6:30 PM

Buddha Bodai

5 Mott St, New York, NY  10013

Click here to register and find event details.

May 30, 2024

AABANY Litigation Committee’s Quarterly Meeting

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Via Zoom

Click here to register and find event details.

May 30, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: AAPI Event with the Honorable Goodwin Liu

5:00 – 8:00 pm

BakerHostetler New York Office

45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY  10111

Click here to register and find event details.

May 30, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: Trial Reenactment: From ‘Tokyo Rose’: to the China Initiative”

6:00 – 9:00 PM

A&O Shearman

599 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022

Click here to register and find event details.

May 30, 2024

AABANY IP Committee Co-Sponsors: Fireside Chat with In-House Counsel

5:30 PM

Desmarais LLP

230 Park Ave, 25th Floor, New York, NY  10169

Click here to register and find event details.

May 31, 2024

AABANY Trusts & Estates Committee Presents: Monthly Meetings

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Via Zoom
Click here to register by May 29 and find event details.