AABANY Congratulates Manisha M. Sheth on Receiving the 2024 NAPABA Women’s Leadership Award

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.

2024 NAPABA President’s Award: A Celebration of Three Women Leaders

For Immediate Release:
Date: September 9, 2024
Contact:
Maureen Gelwicks, Deputy Executive Director

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.

NAPABA 2024 Convention: Register Today to Take Advantage of our CLE Offerings

Early Bird Rate Ends on August 20 at 11:59 pm ET

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.

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

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! 

Boost Your Career at the NAPABA Convention

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.

APPLY NOW

2023 NAPABA Convention| Early Bird Registration Opens June 15

2023 NAPABA Convention

November 9-12, 2023 | Indianapolis, IN

Register Now

Building relationships. Connecting with old friends. Finding inspiration. The NAPABA Convention is more than a conference. It is a critical platform to learn about cutting-edge areas in the law and to explore your unique path to professional success.

Join us in Indianapolis this year, where we will also act on core NAPABA values, such as supporting the LGBTQ+ community, the immigrant community, and opposing ill-advised policies that adversely impact the broader AANHPI community.

Early bird registration, housing, and scholarship opens June 15, 2023, and this is your chance for the best deal you will not want to miss.

Housing and A La Carte Options
Early bird registration lets you be first in line to take advantage of our special hotel rates and lets you purchase a la carte plenaries and gala tickets! A room block has been secured at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, the Convention host hotel, and Courtyard Indianapolis Downtown from November 9-12, 2023 for Convention attendees. The unique booking link will be provided to you AFTER you register for the 2023 NAPABA Convention.

To enhance your Convention experience and put you in control of your schedule, the Friday and Saturday Plenary Luncheons and the 35th Anniversary Gala will be available for purchase a la carte. To attend these ticketed events, you must add them to your registration for an additional fee.

Questions?
You can find additional resources about the Convention and Indianapolis on our website, but if you have additional questions, contact us at [email protected].

AABANY Descends on Las Vegas for the NAPABA Convention

From Nov. 3 through 6, NAPABA held its National Convention in Las Vegas at the Cosmopolitan, for three days of programming, meetings, plenary sessions and the 34th anniversary Gala capping things off on Saturday night.

AABANY members and friends once again came out in large numbers, with nearly 100 people signed up for AABANY’s WhatsApp group, organized by Co-VP of Programs and Operations Beatrice Leong. The group’s members updated each other on programs they planned to attend, made lunch and dinner plans, and connected with each other about various receptions, parties and events around Las Vegas.

Many bonds were made and strengthened among AABANY attendees over the course of the Convention, and many new connections were made with the approximately 2800 registered attendees from around the country.

We congratulate all the awardees and honorees recognized at the Convention, with special shout-outs to the following AABANY honorees:

  • Kathy Hirata Chin, Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award
  • Jeffrey Mok, Best Under 40
  • Christina Lee, Partners Network In-House Counsel Network Diversity Leadership Award

We also congratulate AABANY Platinum Sponsor Allen & Overy on receiving the Law Firm Diversity Award.

The AABANY Trial Reenactment Team presented its latest production, “From ‘Tokyo Rose’ to the ‘China Initiative’: Espionage and AAPIs” on Friday afternoon, Nov. 4, to a capacity audience. We were privileged to be joined by Brian Sun, attorney for Wen Ho Lee, who shared his personal recollections from that landmark case in which a Chinese-American scientist was wrongly accused by the US government of divulging US nuclear secrets to China.

Many AABANY members and leaders spoke on several programs throughout the Convention. If you are among them, thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Please send us your photos and, if possible, a short recap about your program. You can send it to [email protected].

Congratulations to Sandra Leung, NAPABA’s new President, and Anna Mercado Clark, NAPABA’s new President-Elect. Both were sworn in by the Hon. Denny Chin, together with the entire NAPABA Board, during Saturday night’s Gala.

Thanks to NAPABA for putting on a great Convention, which included many first-time attendees. By all accounts, everyone had a wonderful time, learned a lot, forged new connections and renewed existing ones. We look forward to more great things to come in the next year!

Important Deadlines Coming Up for the 2022 NAPABA Convention

The Countdown is On!

3 Months Until the 2022 NAPABA Convention! #NAPABA22

Are you ready to join us this November in Las Vegas for the largest annual gathering of Asian American and Pacific Islander legal professionals? This unforgettable event is the opportunity to discover meaningful insights, grow your network, and bolster your legal knowledge alongside diverse thought leaders.

Early Bird Prices End in Two Weeks

Register for the NAPABA Convention by August 23 at 11:59 pm ET for the lowest rate possible and save up to $150 off the cost of the advance registration rate.

To put you in control of your Convention experience, the Plenary Luncheons and the Gala Dinner are available for purchase a la carte–add these ticketed events to your registration cart for an additional fee.

Registration and housing are now connected: unique booking links to NAPABA’s available room blocks are provided in your confirmation email AFTER you register for the Convention.

REGISTER NOW

Convention Scholarship Applications Due Tuesday

The NAPABA Convention offers one of the best values among legal education conferences. To further support our membership, scholarships are available to defray registration, airfare, lodging, and/or ground transportation expenses. Members are urged to apply for scholarships by August 9 at 8 pm ET. Law student scholarships are also available and applications are due September 30.

Learn more about the scholarships and eligibility requirements here.

Have questions or need more information about the Convention and why you should attend? Visit our website or email us.

NAPABA Prospective Partners Program Application Deadline Extended until September 15

Prospective Partners Program (PPP)

Application Deadline Extended Until September 15

The deadline to apply for the NAPABA Prospective Partners Program (PPP) has been extended! PPP aims to increase the number of Asian American and Pacific Islander partners at major law firms through introduction, mentorship, and relationship building. In anticipation of the program’s eleventh year, the PPP is inviting candidate applications and nominations for participation in PPP sessions taking place at the 2021 NAPABA Convention in Washington, D.C., from December 9-12, 2021.