NAPABA and SABA North America Statement in Response to SABA Chicago’s Leadership Change

WASHINGTON – [On October 19,] the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA Chicago), an affiliate of the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America) and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), announced that it learned about abhorrent, antisemitic comments, which were made on a social media account owned by the then-SABA Chicago president.  She is no longer president, and the president-elect of SABA Chicago has now assumed the presidency.

The legal profession is held to a high standard when it comes to our conduct, and our leaders are held to an even higher one.  Words that are infused with violence and antisemitism have no place in our public discourse.  SABA North America and NAPABA, in no uncertain terms, unequivocally condemn such abhorrent statements.  We stand against hate, no matter the form, and we are focused on building a community where respect, compassion, and dignity prevail.

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 60,000 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.

Contribute Your Expertise in a Meaningful Way: Become a NAPABA Co-Chair!

NAPABA committees and networks enable our members to gain access to a robust knowledge-sharing network of seasoned AANHPI professionals. NAPABA’s committees focus on substantive practice specialties or specific service areas, such as civic engagement. NAPABA’s networks encompass individuals with similar experiences, such as solo practice or military service. These peer-led groups serve as a networking community and enable members to learn best practices and stay on top of the latest legal trends.  

NAPABA is seeking committee or network co-chair recommendations from the membership to fill vacancies and we urge you to consider contributing your expertise and experiences in a meaningful way within NAPABA. Serving as a co-chair presents a unique chance to take up a leadership role within NAPABA, connect with AANHPI attorneys in your practice area or who share similar experiences, and enhance your professional profile. Many of our committee and network co-chairs have later served on NAPABA’s Board of Directors. 

Who can become a co-chair?

An appointee must: 

  • Have demonstrated proven leadership skills; 
  • Have demonstrated the highest standards of personal integrity and trust professionally and personally; 
  • Have personal and professional experience relevant to the goals/objectives of the Committee; 
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to the furtherance of the Committee’s goals, including leadership and pipeline development; 
  • Be a member in good standing of NAPABA or a NAPABA affiliate; and 
  • Be willing to serve for a six-year term.

What information do I need to provide?

We request applicants submit the following materials in a SINGLE PDF:

  • A Resume or similar material that demonstrates personal or professional experience relevant to the goal(s) and objective(s) of the committee or network.
  • A Statement of Interest demonstrating the following:  
  • Proven leadership skills in NAPABA, local NAPABA affiliates, or other professional activities
  • The highest standards of personal integrity and trust in all professional and personal activities
  • Additional details outlining your personal or professional experience relevant to the goal(s) and objective(s) of the committee or network not outlined in your resume.
  • Biography

Where do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click on the button below to start your application! The deadline to apply is Monday, September 18, 2023 at 5:00 pm ET.

Committees and networks with co-chair vacancies:

Committees

  • Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee 
  • Cannabis/CBD/Hemp Law & Policy Committee 
  • Civil Rights Committee 
  • Corporate Transactions Committee 
  • Data Privacy & Security Committee 
  • Dispute Resolution Committee 
  • Diversity and Inclusion Committee 
  • Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee 
  • Entertainment Law Committee 
  • Government Enforcement & Compliance Committee 
  • Immigration Committee 
  • Insurance Law Committee 
  • Litigation Committee 
  • Mass Torts & Class Actions Committee 
  • Pro Bono & Community Service Committee 
  • Real Estate Committee 
  • Tax Committee 
  • Trusts & Estates Committee 
  • Wellness Committee 

Networks

  • In-House Counsel Network
  • Law School Professors & Administrators Network 
  • LGBTQ Network 
  • Partners Network
  • Public Sector Network 
  • Solo & Small Firm Network

If you have any questions about our committees or networks or the application process, please contact [email protected].