Andy Hahn Discusses Biases, Barriers, and the Bamboo Ceiling within the Asian American Legal Community
In an interview with Bloomberg last week, former AABANY President Andy Hahn examined the obstacles that face Asian Americans in the law, from high attrition rates and underrepresentation to pervasive stereotypes and biases. On the heels of Justice Goodwin Liu’s study, “A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Law,” the interview explored Andy Hahn’s own experiences, from his time as an army lawyer to his tenures as president of both AABANY and NAPABA, and how those roles have made Andy intimately familiar with the challenges of Asian Americans in the law. Despite large growth since the 1990s, the Asian American legal community faces gross underrepresentation today, from clerkships and judgeships to partner and management roles. This has led Andy to his own “crusade” to galvanize Asian Americans into participating in the law. Follow the link in the title to read the full article published in Bloomberg Law.
Andy’s work as a leader in the legal profession has not gone unnoticed, as the New York Law Journal recently honored him with the 2017 Distinguished Leadership Award. To read the press release congratulating him for this achievement, click here.
Serve the APA Community by Joining the AABANY Community Response Task Force
AABANY’s Issues Committee is pleased to invite you to join the newly formed AABANY Community Response Task Force!
The Community Response Task Force (CRTF) is AABANY’s answer to the rapidly changing legal landscape and the need for quick, effective, and coordinated responses to the emergent issues that affect our communities. AABANY is firmly committed to being a strong voice and steadfast advocate on behalf of the Asian-American/Pacific-Islander community. In the past several months, we have all been witness to sweeping changes that necessitated powerful legal responses. While there have been some great triumphs, there were often times when it was difficult to obtain information, to find ways to contribute, or to organize a response quickly enough to be effective.
The CRTF is specifically designed to address these needs. The CRTF will serve as a central clearinghouse for information and coordination – tailoring the alerts sent to each volunteer based on that volunteer’s preferences and the needs of the community. Alerts and actions will range from emergency legal services to direct non-legal service actions and from workshops to rallies.
Furthermore, the CRTF will not simply be a reactive body but we will seek to proactively research and prepare for issues on the horizon by reaching out to experts and formulating effective responses. We will also be reaching out and collaborating with other organizing bodies in order to present a more united and broad-based response to issues that affect our communities.
So, where does that leave you?
The CRTF is seeking first and foremost to create a database of willing, ready, and able volunteers, like you, who want be a part of the response. We will activate volunteers based on the subject area, the type of response, and the interests of each volunteer.
We are also looking for people to become members of the Task Force itself, helping to research and anticipate possible future issues, reaching out to experts and developing toolkits, and coordinating with
other organizations.
If you are interested, please fill out the this form or feel free to email us directly at crtf@AABANY.org
We keep all responses and information confidential in the Task Force Database. Information contained therein will not be shared with anyone outside of the Task Force and are solely for the purpose of organizing and coordinating Task Force activities.
To learn more about the Issues Committee, visit http://www.aabany.org/?page=154
NAPABA Opposes the RAISE Act
For Immediate Release
Aug. 4, 2017
For More Information, Contact:
Brett Schuster, Communications Manager
bschuster@napaba.org, 202-775-9555
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) opposes the RAISE Act (S. 1720), introduced by Senators Cotton (Ark.) and Purdue (Ga.). The bill would cut all legal immigration into the United States by half, impacting businesses and preventing the reunification of families. Notably, the RAISE Act, (1) curtails family-based visa programs, (2) makes a reduction in refugee admissions permanent, (3) slashes the number of green cards available, and (4) replaces employment visa categories with a point-based merit system that gives priority to individuals based on criteria including age, English proficiency, education, and economic factors.
“Commonsense immigration reform is necessary, but the RAISE Act keeps families apart, and undermines American businesses and their workforce needs,” said NAPABA President Cyndie M. Chang. “This bill reduces legal immigration, turns our backs on refugees, and rejects our core value of keeping families together. Nearly two-thirds of the Asian Pacific American community immigrated to the United States and we have long been targets of discriminatory immigration legislation. We stand against this bill.”
Nearly two-thirds of the Asian Pacific American community is foreign-born and 92 percent of Asian Pacific Americans are immigrants or have immigrant parents. Asian Pacific American families are diverse, having come to the U.S. to join their families to seek opportunity, or as refugees following humanitarian crises. The majority of these families came to the U.S. under employment-based visas and family-based visa programs that would be cut under this legislation. Further, these reductions would increase delays in the already long visa-backlog that continues to keep families apart.
The RAISE Act fails to address the real problems that plague the immigration system. NAPABA recognizes the invaluable contribution of immigrants to our country and urges Congress to reject this bill.
For more information, the media may contact Brett Schuster, NAPABA communications manager, at 202-775-9555 or bschuster@napaba.org.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of almost 50,000 attorneys and over 80 national, state, and local Asian Pacific American bar associations. Its members include solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal services and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government.
NAPABA continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, 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 color in the legal profession.
To learn more about NAPABA, visit www.napaba.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@NAPABA).
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association | 1612 K St. NW, Suite 510 | Washington, D.C. 20006 | www.napaba.org
NAPABA Supports Congressional Effort to Honor Chinese American Veterans
For Immediate Release
Aug. 1, 2017
For More Information, Contact:
Brett Schuster, Communications Manager
bschuster@napaba.org, 202-775-9555
WASHINGTON — The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) endorses the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act introduced by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), Congressman Ed Royce (R-Calif.-39), and Congressman Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-33). This bipartisan bill formally recognizes the thousands of Chinese Americans who fought alongside fellow Americans during World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal. In a letter shared with Congress, NAPABA highlighted how “Chinese Americans, both men and women, played a significant role for the United States in the Second World War… For over half a century, Chinese Americans have gone unrecognized for their courage and selfless sacrifice. NAPABA has supported similar legislation in the past and unequivocally endorses this legislation to finally grant Chinese World War II veterans the honor they deserve for their courage and valor.”
NAPABA encourages Members of Congress to join their colleagues in co-sponsoring this Bill to honor our veterans. By supporting this legislation, NAPABA acknowledges the importance of promoting equity and justice for Asian Pacific Americans. NAPABA thanks Senators Duckworth and Shelby, and Congressman Royce for their leadership in raising awareness of the sacrifices that Chinese Americans have made for the United States.
For more information, the media may contact Brett Schuster, NAPABA communications manager, at 202-775-9555 or bschuster@napaba.org.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of almost 50,000 attorneys and over 80 national, state, and local Asian Pacific American bar associations. Its members include solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal services and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government.
NAPABA continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, 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 color in the legal profession.
To learn more about NAPABA, visit www.napaba.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@NAPABA).
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association | 1612 K St. NW, Suite 510 | Washington, D.C. 20006 | www.napaba.org
Reappointment of Federal Public Defender Lisa Peebles
The current term of office of Federal Public Defender Lisa Peebles, Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York is due to expire on October 24, 2017. The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is considering the reappointment of Ms. Peebles to a new four year term of office and has determined that she appears to merit reappointment subject to public
notice and opportunity for public comment. The Federal Public Defender provides federal criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §3006A(g)(2)(A) and, upon reappointment, the incumbent would continue to exercise his/her authority. Members of the bar and the public are invited to submit comments for consideration by the
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit regarding the reappointment of Federal Public Defender Lisa Peebles to a new term of office. All comments will be kept confidential and should be directed to:
Karen Greve Milton
Circuit Executive
U.S. Courts for the Second Circuit
40 Foley Square
New York, NY 10007
Comments must be received no later than September 11, 2017.
Scholarships – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Scholarships – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
NAPABA strives to keep the Convention affordable for our members and offers one of the best values among legal education conferences. Scholarships may be used towards Convention registration, airfare, lodging, and/or ground transportation. Apply for a scholarship today to defray the cost of Convention!
- Convention Scholarship Application | Deadline: August 9, 2017
- Jung Foundation/NLF Public Interest Scholarship Application | Deadline: August 21, 2017
- 1L Convention Scholarship Application | Deadline: October 5, 2017
*Available only to students entering 1L Year. 1L students may not apply for both a 1L Scholarship and a Convention Scholarship. - Pre-Law Conference Scholarship Application | Rolling
Click the link in the title for further information.
Attorney Emeritus Program
Through the Attorney Emeritus Program, New York attorneys fifty-five years of age or older, both retired and still practicing, give back to their communities and to the courts through pro bono service. These attorneys have earned the status of Attorney Emeritus under the New York State Unified Court System, and their experience, guidance, and service benefit over 1.8 million pro se litigants, to the relief of both low-income individuals in the community and the court system itself. To become an Attorney Emeritus, you must have at least 10 years of experience, be in good standing as an attorney, and commit to a minimum of 60 hours of pro bono service. By working through Attorney Emeritus Program providers, Emeritus Attorneys can earn up to 15 CLE credits, and legal malpractice insurance is provided through the legal service organization for which they volunteer. Emeritus Attorneys empower their communities in a variety of ways, from legal assistance and information to providing full representation.
Enroll to become an Attorney Emeritus at anytime, or opt to do so the next time you receive your attorney registration form! Click the link above to apply, or for more information.
What’s Keeping Asian-American Lawyers From Ascending The Legal Ranks?
What’s Keeping Asian-American Lawyers From Ascending The Legal Ranks?
“In 1872, 13-year-old Hong Yen Chang came to the U.S. to be groomed as a diplomat. He earned degrees from Yale University and Columbia University’s law school, and passed the bar exam.”
For more than a century, Asian Americans have faced obstacles and biases in law and government, as evidenced by the dearth of Asian Americans who hold state and federal clerkships and judgeships today. Stereotypes and a lack of role models in government, among other factors, must be addressed by the APA legal community to move forward.
For more information, check out the study “A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Law,” recently published by NAPABA and Yale Law School. Through rigorous data and scholarship, California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu and his team highlight the disparities that face Asian Americans in the law today.
Click this link to read the study: https://www.apaportraitproject.org/
