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.
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 channels, our 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:
AABANY congratulates Muhammad Faridi, current AABANY member, President of the New York City Bar Association (NYCBA), and Partner at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, for receiving NAPABA’s 2024 Pro Bono Service Award. The award is well-deserved, recognizing Muhammad’s commitment to pro bono work within the legal profession as well as his dedication to the advancement and protection of civil rights. Though Muhammad had not originally expected to be able to accept the award in-person due to an ongoing jury trial, as luck would have it, his closing statements took place the day before the awards presentation. Thus, he was able to appear in-person at the 2024 NAPABA Convention in Seattle, Washington to be presented with the award during Saturday night’s Gala on November 9, even though right before he got the award, a video was played showing him apologizing for not being able to be there in person due to an ongoing trial. None of the honorees were permitted to speak after getting their awards, which made for a puzzling moment. Thanks to Muhammad for clearing up the confusion, and congratulations again!
When asked why pro bono work is so important to him, Muhammad emphasized that it allows him to support and uplift his community, saying: “It is becoming increasingly difficult in our country for people from my type of background to enter the profession. I think there are a lot of barriers … that have made it difficult for people from marginalized backgrounds to have the level of success that I have had. There are significant structural problems that exist in our system that prevents many people from realizing their potential … a lack of resources in our public schools … health related challenges in communities where marginalized people live … and more.” For Muhammad, pro bono service is a way to give back and show support to the people around him.
Raised by immigrant parents from Pakistan, from a young age Muhammad’s family played a deeply influential role on him. For one, they imparted upon him a deep appreciation and respect for the Islamic faith. He explained, “One thing that people don’t appreciate is the commonalities of the Islamic faith – decency, humanity, and justice. These are concepts that all of us share. In some ways, my faith is one way for me to try to live by those three principles. It’s my spiritual way of trying to embody and connect with them.” Muhammad remarked that he has tried to carry these ideals with him throughout his career and into all the work he does.
Muhammad’s family also instilled in him the ideal that “education is something that is transformational in nature.” Muhammad attended John Jay School of Criminal Justice, from which he graduated summa cum laude. He then attended CUNY School of Law, where, as a 1L, he served as a research assistant for the Death Penalty Committee of the NYCBA – an introduction to what would later become one of his core professional interests – and, as a 2L, he earned a diversity fellowship from the NYCBA’s Committee on Recruitment and Retention of Lawyers – which he continues to work on and improve to this day.
Following his graduation from law school, Muhammad clerked for the Honorable Jack B. Weinstein, a former judge in the Eastern District of New York, a position which he described as “probably the best legal job I have ever had in my career.” As a clerk, Muhammad had the opportunity to closely interact with Judge Weinstein, growing not just professionally, but also personally. He remarked, “The most profound way [Judge Weinstein] influenced me was to not be deterred by the notion that it is too difficult or impossible to effectuate meaningful change. He encountered so many barriers as a judge. The rules appeared very rigid [but] he was able to navigate through those rules in a very careful way to make sure that he was always able to dispense his notion of justice. That was illuminating.” Muhammad further reflected that Judge Weinstein was always accessible and “fun to be around,” saying that he has tried to emulate these qualities in his own career.
After his clerkship, Muhammad began working for Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP in its litigation department, where he is now a partner. Over the course of his career, he has represented clients as both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of industries, including financial services, pharmaceuticals, software, and manufacturing. Some of his most recent trial successes include securing a directed verdict on a statute-of-limitations defense, securing a $2 billion jury verdict, and securing a $1.84 billion settlement for his client midway through trial.
One of the most unique aspects of Muhammad’s career has been his ability to balance his professional work with his pro bono work. Ever since law school when he served as a research assistant for the NYCBA’s Death Penalty Committee, Muhammad has positioned himself as a strong opponent to the death penalty, representing a number of clients on death row. He recalled a particularly influential case he took on in 2016, in which his client had been on death row for eight years, saying: “We were dealing with some very challenging facts [but] were nevertheless seeking to spare that person’s life.” Though his client was ultimately executed after all the appeals processes had been exhausted, Muhammad reflected that he could “only hope that the attitude in our country changes to some degree.” Despite the heartbreaking nature of these cases, Muhammad has found immense meaning in them: “Many times you are dealing with people of the saddest backgrounds ever. These are some of the most marginalized people ever. These death penalty cases are in some ways an opportunity to give back to the community. It’s an uphill battle.”
Beyond death penalty cases, Muhammad has involved himself in a variety of other pro bono work. In 2016, for example, he worked on Trump v. Hawaii, representing a union of federal asylum and refugee officers challenging government restrictions on the rights of refugees. He explained, “We had harkened back to some of the problematic episodes in our history …. In that case, we tried to restore the longstanding tradition of America providing a safe haven to those who are being persecuted.” He successfully challenged the laws and barriers preventing these persecuted individuals from realizing the American dream, describing it as a “fascinating case and one of the defining moments of my career.”
Perhaps Muhammad’s most significant endeavor thus far is serving as President of the New York City Bar Association. Having worked with the organization throughout his entire career in various leadership capacities, including as Chair of the Capital Punishment Committee, Chair of the Executive Committee, and Vice President, his election to the presidency seemed only natural. When asked how he plans to shape the organization’s path forward, he responded, “Our number one goal is to prepare for the future. Our profession is going through a fundamental change. Young lawyers are beginning to question the value proposition of many longstanding institutions. The questions that are being asked are profound and need to be asked, like what is the value of the bar association? Is this the most effective way for lawyers to network? The younger lawyers are questioning and exposing these inefficiencies. Thus, my number one priority is to make the newer generation of lawyers understand the importance of bar associations.” Indeed, Muhammad’s vision reflects a clear commitment to supporting the new generation of lawyers and to ensuring that bar associations evolve to meet the needs of the rapidly-changing legal profession.
Outside of the legal world, Muhammad has impacted the larger New York City community as an independent civil representative to the NYPD’s Handschu Committee, an organization that oversees compliance with the Handschu Guidelines, which regulate the NYPD’s policies and practices regarding investigations of political activity. As Muhammad described, the Committee ensures that “while law enforcement is able to fulfill its very important duty, the rights of New Yorkers are not violated in the process.” With his background of representing people from the Muslim community, and as a human rights advocate, Muhammad has found the Committee’s work to be important and rewarding, stating that the current law enforcement process “exists in a very thoughtful process and strikes the right balance” in part due to Handschu.
Furthermore, Muhammad has committed to strengthening and supporting the Asian American community in New York. He has attended various events as an active AABANY member for many years, and also served on the Board of Directors of the Muslim Bar Association of New York from 2009 to 2010.
Please join AABANY in congratulating Muhammad on receiving the NAPABA Pro Bono Service Award. To learn more about the award, please click here.
The 2024 NAPABA Convention in Seattle was a record-breaking event—over 3,400 attendees and 1,100 first-timers! Ours was the largest gathering of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) lawyers ever and remains cause for celebration and an achievement that will inspire us as we head into 2025.
During Convention, NAPABA members came together to connect, learn, grow, and celebrate the strength of our vibrant AANHPI community. Your presence, engagement, and enthusiasm were truly inspiring and left a lasting impact.
AABANY congratulates Manisha M. Sheth, past Board Director and AABANY member and Partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, for receiving NAPABA’s 2024 Women’s Leadership Award. The award is well-deserved, recognizing Manisha’s exceptional accomplishments as a lawyer and her leadership and advancement of women’s issues within the legal profession. Manisha’s work aligns with the values and mission of AABANY, making her an inspiring leader in the larger legal community. The award was presented at the 2024 NAPABA Convention in Seattle, Washington during Saturday night’s Gala on November 9.
When asked about how she maintains an environment of fairness and equality within the workplace, Manisha highlighted three fundamental tenets. First, the need for merit-based advancement: though some aspects of the legal profession are subjective, others are not, like number of hours worked and win percentage. She emphasized a “culture of openness and transparency … because if people know how they are being evaluated and how they compare against their peers, that transparency creates a culture of performance-based advancement.” Second, the importance of treating others with respect and kindness – a simple, yet deeply important practice. And third, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to stand out, particularly by hiring and retaining diverse individuals and by ensuring that cases are fairly distributed.
One of Manisha’s particularly formative experiences in her early career came during her tenure as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 2003 to 2008. Manisha prosecuted defendants facing both misdemeanor and felony crimes, remarking that she felt “most proud of” the cases in which the defendant was a person with an education and the means to succeed, yet instead chose to pursue criminal activities. Many of her cases involved victims and witnesses who were reluctant to testify so Manisha quickly had to learn to “read and understand the emotional side of people … [because] sometimes people are nervous to talk to you … [and] there is a reluctance to tell you what happened.” Manisha reflected that this skill of making people feel comfortable continues to help her to this day, and has become one of her most important abilities as an advocate for her clients.
Wanting to shift her focus to the “world of complex civil litigation,” Manisha decided to switch from the public to private sector, moving to Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP in New York City in 2008. At the firm, one of her most important cases was representing the Federal Housing and Finance Agency, in a historic public private partnership. She described the case as “the case of a lifetime,” working to obtain recovery against 16 of the world’s largest financial institutions due to their misrepresentations in the offering documents for Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) by over 400 RMBS trusts. Manisha served as lead or co-lead counsel on nine of those cases, formulating and developing the FHFA’s arguments and trial strategies. This was one of the most significant court actions taken by any federal regulator since the advent of the mortgage crisis, and the single largest set of actions ever filed by a governmental entity. All but one of the cases settled, and Manisha and her team won over $22 billion for the American tax payer. Manisha noted that the case was especially valuable because she had the opportunity to represent the federal government in private practice.
Manisha then returned to public service as Executive Deputy Attorney General for the Division of Economic Justice at the Office of the New York Attorney General (OAG). She was responsible for managing nearly 250 attorneys and staff in six affirmative litigation bureaus – Antitrust, Investor Protection, Internet & Technology, Taxpayer Protection, Consumer Frauds & Protection, and Real Estate Finance. Manisha explained that one of her primary and most rewarding responsibilities was to “identify and set the enforcement priorities” for the Division. She was also responsible for deciding whether to open an investigation, developing and implementing case strategies, and resolving cases by trial or settlement. She particularly enjoyed the position because she was able “to address problems facing New York residents,” and, under her leadership, in the year 2018 alone, the Division brought in nearly $1.4 billion in recoveries.
When Manisha decided to return to Quinn Emanuel in 2019, the Firm’s founder, John Quinn, asked her to create and lead the firm’s Sexual Harassment and Employment Discrimination practice, thereby becoming the first AmLaw 100 firm to have a plaintiff-side practice. She was also asked to lead the Firm’s Government & Regulatory Litigation Practice.
One significant case that Manisha worked on as a leader of the Sexual Harassment and Employment Discrimination practice took place in 2020, where she represented two shareholders of L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret. After Manisha and her team read an expose in the New York Times, which revealed a culture of misogyny and toxicity at Victoria’s Secret, they served a books-and-records demand on L Brands, asking it to produce any documents relevant to the issue. When the company failed to adequately comply, Manisha, on behalf of her clients, filed a books-and-records action in the Delaware Chancery Court. L Brands quickly expressed interest in resolving the matter. She later reflected that “one of the most rewarding parts of the settlement was that the company agreed to extensive corporate reform.” This included revamping their sexual harassment reporting procedure, as well as an annual audit process for all employees and models. Manisha’s actions in this case had other unintended, yet positive results; she explained that though “the allegations were more about sexual harassment … [we revealed that] in the industry, models were homogenous … [consequently] there was a call for more diversity in the public image.” L Brands committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and using data metrics to ensure that those goals were met, creating a DEI Council and hiring an external DEI consultant.
Within Quinn Emanuel, Manisha has worked to retain and support diverse individuals by ensuring that they are staffed on her matters and by serving as a mentor to summer associates each year. She has found Quinn Emanuel to be a very welcoming environment, particularly because of the Firm’s supportive leaders, saying, “The culture at Quinn is very casual and very collegial … people are always willing to help each other out … we have fun practicing together.”
Throughout her career, Manisha has also committed to strengthening and supporting the Asian American community. She served on the Board of AABANY from 2016-2019, and has attended various events as an active AABANY member. Manisha is also an active member of SABANY, previously serving on their Board of Directors from 2013 to 2015.
Please join AABANY in congratulating Manisha on receiving the NAPABA Women’s Leadership Award. To learn more about the award, please click here.
WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association proudly announces that the 2024 NAPABA President’s Award will be presented to Nancy P. Lee, Wendy C. Shiba, and Priya Purandare—three pioneering women leaders. Their transformative work has significantly impacted the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community and the legal profession over the last four decades.
The NAPABA President’s Award is given annually to individuals or entities who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the AANHPI community.
“Throughout my career, I have worked to empower women and the AANHPI community. As my presidency comes to a close, I have selected three women who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for years and set a high bar for all to follow. They have left an indelible mark not just on me but our organization and the profession as well,” said NAPABA President Anna Mercado Clark. “Former NAPABA Presidents Nancy P. Lee and Wendy C. Shiba, and NAPABA Executive Director Priya Purandare have each worked to advance and mentor women in the profession and have created a more inclusive NAPABA. I am pleased to recognize them with the 2024 President’s Award.”
Nancy P. Lee, 6th President of NAPABA (1994-95), 4th President of NAPABA Law Foundation (NLF), and NAPABA Trailblazer, is an experienced nonprofit and corporate governance attorney. Lee’s efforts through the formative years to lead the strategic vision and planning for NAPABA and its foundation and her concurrent service as chair of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, established the foundation for the AANHPI community and our organization to have the voice we have today.
Wendy Shiba, 24th President of NAPABA (2012-13) and NAPABA Trailblazer, is a retired C-suite executive and continues to serve as NAPABA’s representative to the ABA’s House of Delegates and Standing Committee on Bar Activities and Services, Presidential Appointments Committee, and Vice Chair of the Committee on Rights of Women on the ABA Section on Civil Rights and Social Justice. A mentor to many NAPABA woman presidents, Shiba’s influence and guidance have elevated NAPABA’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier professional organizations.
Priya Purandare, NAPABA Executive Director and longest-tenured staff member in the organization’s history, has transformed and led NAPABA by expanding programs, diversifying funding sources, doubling its budget and reserves, and growing its membership—now representative of 80,000 AANHPI legal professionals. A nationally recognized voice for the AANHPI legal community, she has advised three presidential administrations on judicial nominations, hate crimes, and other critical issues of importance to our community.
NAPABA congratulates Nancy P. Lee, Wendy C. Shiba, and Priya Purandare as this year’s President’s Awardees. The work of each awardee has made our community stronger. The award will be presented on Saturday, November 9, during the Gala at the 2024 NAPABA Convention in Seattle.
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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.
While you’re planning the social functions you’ll attend at the 2024 NAPABA Convention, don’t forget to think about your CLEs! We’ve taken out the guesswork by curating a list of various CLE tracks depending on your interest. Check out all of the different tracks below to see which pique your interest. Visit our agenda for the complete description of each session. Then, register for the Convention so you don’t miss out on these CLE offerings!
CIVIL RIGHTS TRACK
This year’s Civil Rights track offers a vital and timely exploration of legal issues affecting the AANHPI community. Through historical narratives, contemporary case studies, and expert discussions, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to advocate for justice and equity in their professional practice and beyond.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION TRACK
This track provides a crucial examination of the challenges and opportunities facing DEI initiatives in the current legal and political climate. By addressing the broad impacts and drawing on diverse experiences, attendees will gain valuable perspectives and tools for advancing representation and inclusion within the legal profession and beyond.
EMERGING AREAS/TECHNOLOGY TRACK
Dive into the dynamic intersection of law, technology, and diversity initiatives, focusing on the rapidly evolving sectors of digital health, artificial intelligence (AI), and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Attendees will explore the legal, ethical, and practical challenges these fields present, equipping legal professionals with the insights and strategies necessary to navigate and lead in these innovative areas.
INTERNATIONAL LAW TRACK
Gain a fresh understanding and learn from peers about cutting-edge issues in international law. This track explores the complex interplay between U.S. immigration policies and tax planning for foreign entrepreneurs and investors, focusing on the upcoming presidential elections and recent regulatory changes. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how evolving immigration policies may impact global mobility programs and the critical tax considerations for foreign stakeholders in U.S. business entities.
LAW STUDENT WORKSHOP TRACK
The Law Student Workshop offers law students the tools and insights needed to navigate the intersection of law and technology, explore diverse career paths, and build a strong professional network. By understanding these critical areas, students will be better prepared to transition into the legal profession and achieve success in their future careers.
MENTAL HEALTH TRACK
This CLE track aims to empower legal professionals to confront mental health challenges head-on, particularly within diverse communities. By understanding the impact of stigma, addressing systemic issues, and advocating for meaningful change, participants will be better equipped to support themselves and their peers, contributing to a healthier and more inclusive legal profession.
PRACTITIONER EXPERTISE TRACK
This CLE track provides a comprehensive overview of critical and emerging legal issues, offering attendees the knowledge and tools needed to navigate complex legal environments effectively. From protecting trade secrets and managing financial distress to understanding new regulations and international arbitration trends, participants will gain valuable insights to enhance their practice and adapt to the evolving legal landscape.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRACK
This CLE track is designed to equip legal professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers. By participating in interactive pitch sessions, learning advanced networking strategies, exploring leadership paths, and understanding media communications, attendees will gain practical tools and insights to navigate their professional journeys and achieve their career goals.
SOLO & SMALL FIRM TRACK
This CLE track is designed to guide solo and small firm practitioners through two pivotal aspects of modern legal practice: harnessing advanced technology and automation to scale operations and mastering the art of personal branding in the digital age. Gain insights into optimizing workplace culture, using AI and automation effectively, and creating a compelling personal brand that stands out in a crowded market.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP TRACK
This year’s workshop will provide insights into the shadow side of perfectionism, signs that it is harming our potential, and strategies for unlearning the habits that get in the way of our career progression. Explore the psychology that underlies perfectionist tendencies, learn ways to challenge our operating assumptions, and design actionable steps so that waiting for the “perfect” time, method, or set of circumstances doesn’t get in the way of our achieving the lives and careers you want.
YOUNG LAWYERS TRACK
The Young Lawyers Workshop is an empowering and enriching experience designed to equip young lawyers with essential skills and knowledge for a successful legal career. Join this year’s workshop for comprehensive guidance on adapting to post-pandemic work environments and managing career transitions within the legal field. By mastering these elements, you will be better prepared to navigate the complexities of modern legal practice and advance your career with strategic foresight and confidence. Join us to enhance your understanding and skills in these critical areas, setting the stage for continued professional success and growth.
Want to see what else is happening? View our schedule to see the sessions and panels we’ve already added.
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!
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.
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!
Application Deadline: Friday, August 18 at 8:00 pm ET
If you are a senior associate or of counsel at a major law firm who is approaching consideration for partnership, the NAPABA Prospective Partners Program (PPP) is designed for you. PPP is hosted on Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 10 during the 2023 NAPABA Convention and you are invited to apply for this exclusive program.
Here are the top four reasons to apply:
• Meet senior in-house counsel and general counsels. • Fine tune your pitch and receive real-time feedback from decision-makers who hire attorneys. • Network and form meaningful connections with similarly situated attorneys on the cusp of partnership. • Gain mentorship from a partner at a different law firm and get a fresh perspective on your career trajectory.
Are you ready to boost your career? Apply for the PPP by 8:00 pm ET on Friday, August 18.
