Tag: legal professionals

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AABANY Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee Reflects on a Changing Legal Landscape at June Virtual Networking Event

On Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the AABANY Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee hosted a virtual networking event. The event offered busy practitioners an accessible way to socialize and connect with fellow members directly from their home workspaces, offices, and for one of the attendees, even from abroad. The informal virtual setting encouraged the attendees to discuss whatever topic they liked, and soon the conversation flowed to one of the most pressing topics in the legal industry today: the rise of artificial intelligence.

Members shared how AI is reshaping the landscape of solo and small firm practice from multiple angles. A growing challenge has been managing client expectations. Clients increasingly arrive having already consulted a chatbot, presenting AI-generated summaries of their legal situation. Members noted that these outputs are often riddled with hallucinations: citations to laws that do not exist, statutes that are not applicable, or legal frameworks that have no bearing on the client’s actual circumstances.

The problem is not always as simple as the AI being flatly wrong. In some cases, AI tools do surface something relevant, but bury it beneath so much extraneous information that clients themselves struggle to identify what actually matters. This creates an additional layer of work for attorneys, who must not only address the legal issue at hand but also untangle the misinformation and misplaced confidence that clients bring with them into consultations.

The conversation also touched on what AI means for the next generation of legal professionals trying to break into the industry. As AI tools take on more of the research and drafting tasks that once served as entry points for new associates, new recruits face a shifting landscape where the traditional pathways into legal practice look increasingly uncertain.

The Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee looks forward to continuing these conversations at the next virtual networking session on Wednesday, July 16, 2026. Registration details can be found here. To learn more about the Committee and get involved, visit the Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee page.

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2026 NAPABA Convention Scholarship Program Applications Open Now!

Apply for a Scholarship Now!

Attending the 2026 NAPABA Convention is a powerful opportunity to advance your legal career, offering exclusive access to premier programs, industry leaders, and a robust network of legal professionals. We understand that the cost of attending may present a barrier for some. That’s why NAPABA offers a registration scholarship, exclusively for current NAPABA members, to help make participation possible.

The Convention Scholarship Program provides financial support in the form of a registration discount that may be applied toward a full or one-day Convention registration, as well as ticketed events. The scholarship program may not be used for travel reimbursements.

Only active NAPABA members are eligible for Convention scholarships. Join or renew your membership and then apply for the scholarship.

Learn More About Scholarships

General Scholarship

Deadline: July 28 at 8pm ET

Apply for the General Scholarship

Law Student Scholarship

Deadline: September 14 at 8pm ET

Apply for the Law Student Scholarship

Note: You may not apply for more than one Convention scholarship, e.g. law students may not apply for both scholarships.

Questions

View additional resources about the Convention or contact us at convention@napaba.org if you have any questions.

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NAPABA Welcomes the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers Western Chapter (FACL Western) and the Pasifika Attorneys Law Society (PALS)

For Immediate Release:Contact:
July 6, 2026press@napaba.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Continuing to expand its network and strengthen its representation across North America and the Pacific, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) welcomes the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers Western Chapter (FACL Western) as its newest affiliate and the Pasifika Attorneys Law Society (PALS) of Guam as its sixth national associate.

Founded in 2025, FACL Western is a nonprofit organization serving Asian Canadian legal professionals across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. As part of the broader Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers network, FACL Western advances advocacy, mentorship, professional development, and community engagement throughout Western Canada.

“FACL Western is thrilled to become an affiliate of NAPABA. For our members, this affiliation opens the door to a large community of mentors, peers, and leaders, along with the resources and opportunities that come with NAPABA’s network. What excites me most is collaborating with organizations facing similar challenges and learning from their experience while bringing our distinctly Canadian perspective to the table,” said Angad Bedi, President of FACL Western.

Established in 2025, PALS is a national organization dedicated to advancing the professional interests and representation of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander attorneys across the United States and its territories. The organization provides a dedicated professional home and network of peer support for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander legal professionals while promoting advocacy, collaboration, and partnerships with bar associations and community organizations nationwide.

“We share NAPABA’s belief that representation in the legal profession matters—not just symbolically, but structurally. This partnership gives our mission to elevate Pasifika voices a powerful platform, ensuring those once identified as statistically invisible will no longer be overlooked,” said Henry Aho & Puanani Norwood, Co-Founders of PALS.

“We are proud to welcome FACL Western and PALS into the NAPABA community,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA. “FACL Western reflects the continued growth of NAPABA’s presence throughout Canada, strengthening our cross-border community of Asian legal professionals. At the same time, PALS represents an important step forward in deepening representation and engagement for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander attorneys within our national network. Together, these organizations broaden the perspectives, leadership, and advocacy that make our community stronger.”

PALS and FACL Western join a community of over 90 local, state, regional, and national bar associations in the United States and Canada. Individual members of national associates and affiliates are entitled to discounted NAPABA membership and the benefits that accompany it. For more information about how to become a NAPABA national associate or affiliate, please visit our webpage and learn more here about the benefits of becoming a NAPABA member.  

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NAPABA Membership | Renew Now for Convention Access and Voting Eligibility

Two Important Membership Deadlines Are Approaching

You’ve been an important part of the NAPABA community, and we’d love to welcome you back as a member for 2026.

With Convention registration opening soon and voting eligibility deadlines approaching, now is the perfect time to renew your membership and continue enjoying the connections, opportunities, and benefits available exclusively to NAPABA members.

Why Renew Your NAPABA Membership?

Connect. Save. Grow.

  • Build meaningful relationships with attorneys, legal professionals, and law students across the country.
  • Save on Convention registration, leadership programs, networking events, and more.
  • Access exclusive opportunities, resources, and programs that support your professional success.

Convention Registration Opens June 16

NAPABA members receive exclusive access to Convention registration and housing beginning June 16, along with up to $600 in registration savings.

To ensure your membership is active when registration opens, we encourage you to join by June 15.

Voting Eligibility Ends July 1

Members who join by July 1, 2026, and meet NAPABA’s voting eligibility requirements will be eligible to vote in the 2026 Board of Governors election and help shape NAPABA’s future.

In order to vote, you must be licensed to practice law in the U.S. or Canada (or have previously been licensed and now retired), and you must have be a current NAPABA member in good standing on or before July 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.  Non-lawyer members (Law Student and Non-Attorney membership categories) are not eligible to vote.

If you are joining through a NAPABA affiliate or national associate, please contact membership@napaba.org to verify current dues and receive your membership discount code.

Questions? Contact us at membership@napaba.org.

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A Flavorful Finale: AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Wraps Up the Fiscal Year at CHILI

On Monday, March 16, 2026, the AABANY Intellectual Property (IP) Committee gathered for its final dinner of the 2025-2026 fiscal year at CHILI, a Michelin-recognized Sichuan restaurant in Midtown Manhattan.

The evening served as a festive conclusion to a productive year, bringing together a diverse mix of legal professionals—from seasoned IP attorneys, in-house and government attorneys, to law students—to network and reflect on the year’s achievements before the new fiscal year begins on April 1. The gathering offered the attendees, all AABANY members at different stage of their careers, an opportunity to share insights and forge connections that extend well beyond the courtroom or office. Conversations flowed easily between the fourteen attendees, from those who have spent decades navigating the complexities of intellectual property law to those just beginning to find their footing in the profession, creating a sense of mentorship and mutual inspiration. As the evening drew to a close, attendees departed with renewed energy and a shared sense of purpose, ready to carry the momentum of the past year into the promising opportunities that the new fiscal year is sure to bring.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this special evening. We look forward to many more meals, meaningful conversations, and moments of connection in the new fiscal year.

If you’re interested in future dinners, keep an eye on the AABANY calendar for upcoming events. To learn more about the IP Committee, visit their subpage on the AABANY website.

– Written by Ada Wang, AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Co-Chair

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Apply Now: New York Legal Education Opportunity Program (NY LEO) 2026 Cohort Applications

The New York Legal Education Opportunity Program is designed to prepare students entering law school with the tools needed for academic success in law school. Through an intense five-week summer program, NY LEO assists college graduates in acquiring the fundamental and practical skills necessary to succeed in law school. The NY LEO Program is administered by the Honorable Kathie E. Davidson, Dean of the New York State Judicial Institute and Salihah R. Denman, J.D., LL.M., Director of NY LEO. All classes and activities are administered and implemented at the New York State Judicial Institute. Students live on the Judicial Institute’s campus and participate in the program full-time. Experienced law professors provide instruction in first-year law school core courses as well as in legal research, writing and analysis. As part of the program, NY LEO Fellows will also have the opportunity to visit courts in session and meet with members of the judiciary and other legal professionals.

Since 2007, the NY LEO Program has assisted college graduates who are from groups traditionally underrepresented in the law in acquiring the fundamental and practical skills necessary to succeed in law school. The program is available to qualified candidates who are residents of New York State. 

The December 1st and January 1st deadlines have passed, but please see below for the spring dates of Cohort Interviews and their application deadlines:

To learn more about the NY LEO and how to apply visit  http://ww2.nycourts.gov/attorneys/leo.

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AABANY Committees Come Together for GCs Uncorked

On September 30, 2025, AABANY hosted a special evening of wine tasting and live music at Saltwater NYC, a cozy coffee shop and wine bar co-owned by Sumeet Chugani, General Counsel at Cloaked. The packed event brought together senior in-house counsel and AABANY members for an intimate and engaging night of conversation and connection.

With curated wine selections and a relaxed ambiance, Saltwater provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of relaxed conversation, shared stories, and new connections among AAPI legal professionals and allies.

Thanks to the co-sponsoring AABANY committees; click to learn more about each one:

Thank you to Sumeet and the Saltwater staff for hosting a memorable and fun night.  We look forward to more events that foster connection within our vibrant community.

To stay informed about all upcoming events hosted by these committees, as well as other exciting AABANY events, we encourage you to visit the calendar on AABANY’s website for the latest information.

– written by Jeffrey Mok, AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Co-Chair and Board Director

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The 2025 NAPABA Convention is Your Place to Network

2025 NAPABA Convention

Your Chance to Network

The 2025 NAPABA Convention is your ultimate networking hub.

More than a conference, the Convention is where legal professionals from every stage of their career connect, collaborate, and cultivate lasting professional relationships. From committee meetings and receptions to informal meetups, you’ll find countless opportunities to exchange ideas, share best practices, and engage with peers who understand your work and your passion.

Explore the full range of our networking opportunities on the Convention agenda for countless ways to connect.

These peer-led groups—often organized around specific practice areas, career stages, or shared interests—are a direct line to knowledge-sharing networks and communities that can help you grow your practice, expand your client base, and stay ahead of emerging legal trends. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, partnership, or simply a supportive circle of colleagues, the NAPABA Convention is where those connections begin.

Early Bird Registration Ends Soon

You only have until 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, August 26, to lock in the Early Bird rate. That’s only one week away! Registering now means you’ll save $150 and secure your spot at an event you can’t miss.

Register for #NAPABA2025

For more information about the 2025 NAPABA Convention, please visit the Convention website.

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NAPABA Welcomes OKAABA as NAPABA’s Newest Affiliate

For Immediate Release:
Date: February 14, 2025

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Board of Governors has approved and welcomed the Oklahoma Asian American Bar Association (OKAABA) as an affiliate of NAPABA. Founded in 2024, OKAABA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the interests of Asian American attorneys and legal professionals in Oklahoma.  

“We are delighted to welcome the Oklahoma Asian American Bar Association to the NAPABA community,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “This addition to NAPABA underscores our unwavering commitment to empowering and advocating for the diverse communities within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations across the nation. OKAABA’s dedication to the legal profession, community service, and advocacy strengthens our shared mission to uplift the AANHPI community, and we look forward to building a meaningful and impactful partnership together.”  

“The Oklahoma Asian American Bar Association is thrilled to link arms with the NAPABA as we foster a sense of community, empowerment, and purpose,” said Jacqueline (Jacki) Phelps, OKAABA’s president. “OKAABA’s central purpose is rooted in the notion that there is unity in diversity, and, indeed, it is our diversity that gives us strength. As we all are currently navigating difficult and uncertain times, partnering with NAPABA amplifies that purpose as we work together to empower our communities both within the legal profession and without.”

The Oklahoma Asian American Bar Association joins a community of approximately 90 local, state, regional, and national bar associations in the United States and Canada that are affiliates and national associates of NAPABA. The affiliates hold certain voting rights under the NAPABA Bylaws, and individual members of the affiliates are entitled to complimentary NAPABA membership and the benefits that accompany it. For more information about how to become a NAPABA affiliate, please visit our webpage and learn more here about the benefits of becoming a NAPABA member.  

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 Congratulates President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect Vance

WASHINGTON – As reported by the Associated Press, Donald J. Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance, have earned a sufficient number of electoral votes to be the next President and Vice President of the United States. NAPABA congratulates them and is committed to working with the new administration and Congress to advance the interests of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing the interests of well over 80,000 AANHPI legal professionals. Our community is diverse, spanning across cultures, language, and political ideologies. NAPABA has worked diligently with presidents, administrations, and congressional members of both parties to advance the interests of our community.

As an organization of legal professionals, we bear a special responsibility to uphold the rule of law. NAPABA will continue to advance justice, with the AANHPI community at the forefront along with all communities of color, our values, and our policy positions. We must partner together, despite our political differences, for our country to achieve progress.

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