Tag: aanhpi

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2024 NAPABA Convention: Punchlines and Punditry: Acclaimed Comedian and Keynote Zarna Garg and Gala Host Katie Phang are AANHPI Women Lawyers who are Scripting their own Headlines

Gala Keynote Speaker | Zarna Garg

NAPABA is thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker for the 2024 NAPABA Convention will be Zarna Garg.

A comedy trailblazing Indian immigrant mom from New York City, she masterfully infuses humor, wit, and fearless social commentary into her comedy special for Amazon Prime, “One in a Billion,” and her insightful podcast, “The Zarna Garg Family Show,” dissecting modern family dynamics. She headlined her sold-out Practical People Win tour and is the opener for comedy legends Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on their Restless Leg Tour. Zarna has also crossed over to the film world, starring in “A Nice Indian Boy.” Her comedy has been praised by The New York Times and Variety, and with appearances at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Tour and Netflix is a Joke Festival.

Zarna has firmly established herself as a staple in the comedy world. Boasting a devoted social media following of 2M+, she passionately advocates for change and representation in comedy.

Register for the 2024 NAPABA Convention and add the Gala, available for purchase a la carte!

Host | Katie Phang

We’re also excited to announce the dynamic MSNBC’s Katie Phang will be joining us as our Gala Host!

The host of “The Katie Phang Show” on MSNBC, she also serves as a Legal Contributor for NBC News/MSNBC, leveraging her significant trial experience to provide analysis and commentary on the latest legal issues across the globe. “The Katie Phang Show” sheds light on the intersection of law, politics and culture on the local and national levels.

She recently hosted MSNBC’s “The Culture Is: AAPI Women,” featuring a thought-provoking roundtable dialogue with seven Asian American and Pacific Islander women who are shaping American culture. She also writes columns for MSNBC Daily and previously co-hosted CNBC’s primetime show, “Money Court.”

She was a trial attorney and media relations/crisis management consultant who received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law after earning her B.A. in Political Science (with an International Relations concentration) from Yale University. As a Miami-based trial attorney, Phang was the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Phang & Feldman and she practiced law focusing on commercial litigation, family law, real estate litigation, hospitality litigation, and criminal defense & special investigations. Katie has been awarded the AV-Preeminent Rating in Litigation, Bankruptcy, Criminal Law, & Family Law, and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and Top Lawyer in Corporate and Business Law for several years.

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2024 NAPABA Convention: Apply for a Scholarship Today!

The NAPABA Convention offers one of the best values among legal education conferences—providing direct access to our extended community and opportunities to meaningfully connect with thousands of AANHPI attorneys. Participate in a multitude of program offerings, meetings, receptions, and initiatives aimed at advancing your personal and professional goals.

NAPABA recognizes, however, that attending the Convention can pose financial challenges to many of our members. Through our Convention and law student scholarship program, we offer financial assistance and access to the transformative NAPABA Convention. This opportunity is only open to active NAPABA members, like you, and we invite you to apply!

Learn more about our scholarships and eligibility requirements here

GENERAL CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIP
Closes August 6 at 8 pm ET

APPLY FOR A GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP

LAW STUDENT CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIP
Closes September 17 at 8pm ET

APPLY FOR A LAW STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP

QUESTIONS? Contact our Meetings Team at [email protected].

REGISTER FOR CONVENTION

Haven’t registered for the Convention yet? Now’s your chance! Register before August 20 to take advantage of the Early Bird Registration Rate.

REGISTER FOR #NAPABA24

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2024 Scholarship Opportunity – NAPABA Law Foundation Invites Eligible Students to Apply for the 2024 SAIL Scholarship (Deadline: July 1st, 2024)

SAIL Scholarship Now Accepting Applications! Deadline: July 1, 2024

NAPABA Law Foundation invites eligible students to apply for the 2024 SAIL Scholarship, made possible due to the generosity of Sharon and Ivan Fong.

The SAIL Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to an individual who will be a 2L student starting in the 2024 Fall Semester (current 1L students should apply) who has outstanding professional promise and leadership potential. Applicants will be evaluated for (a) academic excellence in their undergraduate school years and first year of law school, (b) leadership experience, (c) volunteerism or service in the public interest, (d) knowledge of social and cultural issues of any one or more AANHPI communities or commitment to making a significant impact on issues affecting one or more AANHPI communities, or both, and (e) commitment to “pay it forward.”

Award Amount: The NAPABA Law Foundation will award from the SAIL Scholarship Fund at least one $7,500 scholarship each year, half of which would be distributed to the recipient in his or her second year of law school and the remainder of which would be distributed to the recipient in his or her third year of law school, subject to the Scholar’s continued (i) strong academic performance and good character; and (ii) dedication to the concepts set forth in scholarship.

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Labor & Employment Law Committee Co-Sponsors AAPI Heritage Month Program on Asian Entrepreneurs Sharing Their Roots to Success

On May 14, 2024, AABANY’s Labor and Employment Law, Intellectual Property, and In-House Counsel Committees co-hosted a panel discussion entitled “Roots to Success: Navigating Commercial and Legal Terrain in Asian Small Business Ventures.”  The event was an opportunity for AABANY members to gather in celebration of May’s AANHPI/APIDA Heritage Month.

The event featured panelists Rachna Shah, Founder and General Counsel of External General Counsel LLC, Ayan Sanyal, Co-Founder of Kolkata Chai, and Lingfei (Teddy) Wu, Founder and CEO of Anytime AI. The event was moderated by Anushree Bagrodia, Vice President of Legal Americas of Mastercard and Co-Chair of AABANY’s In-House Counsel Committee.

The panelists shared their unique personal journeys that led them to start their businesses. They discussed the challenges that they faced when starting and growing their businesses and how they overcame these challenges, including how they navigate the legal issues that their businesses encounter. To tie the event back to AANHPI/APIDA Heritage Month, the panelists also shared the importance of embracing and celebrating their Asian heritage and supporting other Asian entrepreneurs and Asian owned businesses. We thank our distinguished panelists and moderator for sharing their time, perspectives, and insights. We also thank Littler Mendelson. P.C. for hosting the event at their New York City office.

To learn more about the Labor & Employment Law Committee please click here. To learn more about the Intellectual Property Committee please click here. To learn more about the In-House Counsel Committee please click here.

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AABANY Members Visit Capitol Hill During NAPABA Lobby Day

AABANY members pose in front of the U.S. Capitol at NAPABA Lobby Day 2024.

On May 22, 2024, AABANY members met with the staff of New York Senate and Congressional representatives in Washinton, D.C. at this year’s NAPABA Lobby Day. Each year, members of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) travel from across the United States to Washington D.C. and advocate on critical issues facing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

NAPABA and local bar association members discussed a number of issues with Congressional offices including legislation to address Anti-Asian Hate, Civil Rights, Immigration, and to support the confirmation of AANHPI judicial and executive nominees.

Wen Xue discusses alien land laws with Rebecca Lee, Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Grace Meng.

Wen Xue, Associate at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, discussed state bills barring Chinese nationals from owning real property and a federal bill to preempt those laws.  She shared, “Lobby Day is a great opportunity to meet and connect with people. I enjoyed the opportunity to see my fellow NAPABA colleagues in action, hear their words, and be inspired.”

Sandy Chiu, intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, stated, “Lobby Day continues to inspire and reengage me in the civic process, reminding me of our power as a collective NAPABA voice in shaping policy.”

Michelle Lee, Counsel for Stand with Asian Americans which advocates against workplace discrimination, discussed legislation to ensure AANHPI history is taught as part of American history. She stated, “As a first-time attendee of Lobby Day, I experienced a sense of empowerment and relevance as we advocated on behalf of our AANHPI community directly with our Senators’ and Representatives’ offices. Every lawyer should take advantage of this privilege especially when NAPABA makes the experience so seamless and collaborative.”

Nandar Win Kerr, Human Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Consultant and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Professional Development Committee, stated, “For the past three years, I have participated in NAPABA Lobby Day, transitioning from grassroots activism to high-level policy advocacy, a journey that seemed intimidating at first…. Engaging in NAPABA Lobby Day has enriched my sense of community and empowered me to contribute to collective advocacy efforts. Together, we strive to foster a peaceful, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable democratic society where everyone feels they belong.”

Rachel Lee discusses civil rights legislation with Bre Sonnier-Thompson, Legislative Correspondent for New York Senator Chuck Schumer.

Rachel Lee, Associate at A&O Shearman, stated, “Lobby Day 2024 was another incredibly rewarding experience. Marching through the hallways of the House and Senate buildings with a team of like-minded AANHPI attorneys was a reminder that our democratic process requires hard work and advocacy and gave me hope that as a team we can serve as a voice on issues important to our often-forgotten community. Whether it’s an important election year or not, with or without prior lobbying experience, I strongly encourage our members to take part in this amazing program.”

NAPABA is the largest AANHPI grassroots membership association, representing the interests of over 80,000 lawyers, judges, law students and other legal professionals around the country. Approximately 90 local bar associations are affiliated with NAPABA.

Anna Mercado Clark, Partner at Phillips Lytle LLP, currently serves as President of NAPABA. She stated, “Lobby Day is the premier advocacy event for NAPABA and one of the most visible ways that we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We are proud to have gathered 150 members for a Congressional reception and 50 meetings with legislators from both sides of the aisle. It is so powerful to see so many AANHPIs roaming the halls of Congress. It sends the message that we are here, we matter, and we will not tire of pursuing issues of importance to our communities. Thank you, AABANY, for joining NAPABA and all you are doing to advocate for our communities and strengthen democracy. This work is more important now than ever.”

NAPABA President Anna Mercado Clark and Nandar Win Kerr attending the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception.
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA), Senator Mazie Hirono (HI), and Director of Domestic Policy Counsel Neera Tanden speak at the AANHPI Congressional Reception.

NAPABA Lobby Day coincides with the annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception. Several AANHPI congressional and administration officials spoke including Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA), Senator Mazie Hirono (HI), and White House Director of the Domestic Policy Counsel Neera Tanden.

Thanks to all the AABANY members who participated in Lobby Day this year, especially Vishal Chander, Issues Committee Co-Chair and Board Director, who submitted this report.

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NAPABA Applauds the Confirmation of Judge Dena M. Coggins to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

For Immediate Release: 
Date: May 22, 2024 		Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate confirmed Judge Dena M. Coggins to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. 

“NAPABA congratulates Judge Dena M. Coggins on her confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “We are pleased to have supported Judge Coggins’ nomination, and we are thrilled that she has been confirmed during our annual NAPABA Lobby Day, where our members are in Washington, DC to demonstrate not only the strength of our community but also to advance the critical issues facing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community with leaders on Capitol Hill.”

Judge Dena Michaela Coggins is the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court of the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, having served in that position since 2023 and as a Superior Court judge since 2021. Judge Coggins was previously an Administrative Law Judge with the State of California’s Office of Administrative Hearings, in the General Jurisdiction Division from 2018 to 2021 and the Special Education Division from 2015 to 2017. Between her positions as an Administrative Law Judge, Judge Coggins served as a supervising attorney and hearing officer at the State of California Victim Compensation Board from 2017 to 2018. From 2013 to 2015, she served as a Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary for the Governor of California. Prior to her state government service, Judge Coggins worked as an associate at Downey Brand L.L.P. from 2012 to 2013 and at Morrison & Foerster L.L.P. from 2007 to 2012. Judge Coggins received her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2006, and her B.S. from California State University, Sacramento in 2003.

“This is the second judge from our community to be confirmed during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “President Biden’s record-breaking 36 AANHPI judges confirmed include 23 AANHPI women, the most women. We thank President Biden for nominating Judge Coggins and Senators Padilla and Butler for supporting her nomination.”

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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.
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NAPABA Applauds the Confirmation of Judge Sanket J. Bulsara to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York


For Immediate Release: 
Date: May 15, 2024 		Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate confirmed Judge Sanket J. Bulsara to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

“NAPABA congratulates Judge Sanket J. Bulsara to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “An experienced U.S. Magistrate Judge since 2017, Judge Bulsara is an active member of NAPABA and our affiliate, the Asian American Bar Association of New York. We are pleased to have supported Judge Bulsara throughout the confirmation process.”

Judge Sanket J. Bulsara has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York since 2017. From January 2017 to May 2017, Judge Bulsara served as the Acting General Counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he had been the Deputy General Counsel for Appellate Litigation, Adjudication, and Enforcement since 2015. Prior to that, Judge Bulsara worked at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr L.L.P. as an associate from 2005 to 2008, a counsel from 2009 to 2011, and a partner from 2012 to 2015. For six months between 2007 and 2008, he served as a Special Assistant District Attorney at the Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney’s Office, and he worked as an associate at Munger, Tolles & Olson L.L.P. in Los Angeles, California from 2003 to 2004. Judge Bulsara served as a law clerk for Judge John G. Koeltl on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York from 2002 to 2003. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, cum laude, in 2002 and his A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1998.

“AANHPIs are the fastest growing racial and ethnic demographic in the country. NAPABA is grateful that President Biden and the United States Senate advanced a record-breaking 35 confirmed AANHPI judges,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “NAPABA will continue our work to build the pipeline of judicial candidates, particularly in Districts and Circuits where there are growing AANHPI populations without representation.”

NAPABA thanks President Biden for nominating Judge Bulsara, and we thank Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for supporting his nomination.

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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.

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NAPABA Applauds the Nomination of Judge Meredith A. Vacca to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York


For Immediate Release: 
Date: May 8, 2024 
Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden nominated Judge Meredith A. Vacca to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. If confirmed, Judge Vacca would be the first Asian American and woman of color to serve in the Western District, which includes Buffalo, Rochester, and Elmira.

“NAPABA applauds President Biden’s historic nomination of Judge Meredith A. Vacca,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “Active in the AANHPI community, Judge Vacca, a NAPABA member, is a board member of the Asian American Judges Association of New York. If confirmed, she will serve in a District, particularly the city of Buffalo, with rapid Asian American growth where the population change surpassed New York City this past decade.”

Judge Vacca has been a judge on the Monroe County Court since 2021 and an Acting Justice on the New York State Supreme Court since 2023. Judge Vacca previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office in Rochester, New York from 2007 to 2020. From 2005 to 2007, she worked as an associate at Hamberger & Weiss LLP. Judge Vacca received her J.D. from the University of Buffalo School of Law in 2005 and her B.A. from Colgate University in 2002.

“President Biden has nominated 40 AANHPIs to Article III courts, and 34 have been confirmed—more than any President in history,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “As we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month, we thank President Biden for nominating and Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for supporting Judge Vacca’s historic nomination.”

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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.

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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! 

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NAPABA Partners Summit

August 29-30 | New York, NY
Application Deadline: May 15 at 8 pm ET

The application for the 2024 NAPABA Partners Summit is open! 

The NAPABA Partners Summit is an interactive program designed to deepen relationships and bolster the collective impact of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) law firm partners. Participants will collaborate on issues facing AANHPI partners, strategies to successfully lead and progress within law firms, and how to forge meaningful connections with the next generation of AANHPI partners. This program is hosted in parallel with the In-House Summit, providing law firm partners an opportunity to expand their network and demonstrate support for current and former public company senior and experienced in-house AANHPI attorneys who seek to elevate into general counsel positions at Fortune 1000 companies. Content of the Partners Summit is designed for partners from large law firms. 

Partners Summit programming will begin at lunch time on Thursday, August 29th and conclude at lunch time on Friday, August 30th. There will be a joint reception with In-House Counsel Summit attendees the evening of Thursday, August 29th. 

Participation in the 2024 Partners Summit is open to law firm partners who meet the following criteria:

  • NAPABA Member
  • Experienced Law Firm Partner in a leadership position at firm 
  • Demonstrated leadership within and commitment to NAPABA

The deadline to apply is May 15 at 8 pm ET so make sure your application is in before time runs out. 

Eligibility requirements and more information: napaba.org/page/partnerssummit. We hope to see you at the 2024 Partners Summit in New York! 
NAPABA | 1612 K St. NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20006 | www.napaba.org
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