Tag: NAPABA

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NAPABA Annual Lobby Day and Congressional Reception on May 19-20 in Washington, D.C.

NAPABA hosted its annual Lobby Day on May 19-20, 2026, bringing together members of their community from across the country to Washington, DC in a celebration and demonstration of the power of their bar during AANHPI Heritage Month. In meetings with congressional representatives and their staffers, attorneys, law students, and leaders from the NAPABA community advocated for advancing the civil rights of the AANHPI community, a fair immigration system, and defending the rule of law.

Highlights of Lobby Day Include:

Robust Representation

With participants hailing from over 20 states, and the District of Columbia, taking part in over 70 meetings with congressional offices on both sides of the aisle, NAPABA demonstrated its strength and its commitment to amplifying AANHPI voices in the halls of power.

Advocacy Training
Prior to the meetings, NAPABA held a training session featuring congressional staffers from both sides of the aisle who spoke with both expertise and passion about the bills their members have introduced or sponsored.  Attendees also heard from advocacy veterans on strategies and techniques to more effectively communicate NAPABA’s priorities and the needs of AANHPI communities and the legal profession.

Policy Priorities
Throughout multiple meetings, participants advocated for issues of importance to AANHPI communities and the legal profession. They focused on codifying longstanding language access protections for the millions of limited English proficient persons in the United States, including the significant portions of the Asian American immigrant populations, as documented by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. NAPABA stood up for access to counsel at various stages of the immigration and entry processes to the United States, and for judicial security in order to better support the rule of law.

Meaningful Engagements
Attendees met with numerous lawmakers and their staff, fostering meaningful dialogues, and building relationships that will be instrumental in advancing policy objectives. NAPABA Lobby Day participants skillfully articulated their positions, presented compelling arguments, and shared personal stories to humanize the issues that they face. On the evening before their training at their Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill, participants heard from leaders in their community directly, including NAPABA Trailblazers Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI) and S.E.C. Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda.

In a time of great uncertainty and a rapidly shifting policy landscape, NAPABA demonstrated the power of its members during a Lobby Day built around a unifying agenda of language access, a sensible and fair immigration system and support for the rule of law. Member-constituents braved the heat to visit engage with key Congressional offices across the Capitol complex and called on their elected representatives to support policies that advance their communities.  Lobby Day is another great reminder that NAPABA is the national voice of the AANHPI legal community, and that we can stand together for the betterment of our communities, for the rule of law we have dedicated our livelihoods to, and for the nation we cherish.

Visit NAPABA’s Advocacy Page here.

View NAPABA’s Organizational Statements here.

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NAPABA Applauds Judge Reynaldo Aligada’s Appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court

For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2026		Contact:
press@napaba.org

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Judge Reynaldo A. Aligada, Jr. on his appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Judge Aligada becomes the first Asian Pacific American justice in Minnesota’s history.

“Judge Reynaldo Aligada’s historic appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court marks a milestone for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal community and beyond,” said NAPABA President Joseph Yao. “As NAPABA’s Portrait Project 2.0 found, Asian American jurists are underrepresented on state high courts. Judge Aligada has broken barriers, and his appointment marks an incredible achievement for our legal community and beyond.”

Judge Aligada currently serves on Minnesota’s Second Judicial District Court. Prior to joining the bench, he served as First Assistant Federal Defender in Minneapolis and previously practiced at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP. He clerked for Judge Michael J. Davis of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Aligada earned his B.A. from Saint John’s University and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law, now the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

“Through his many roles in the community, including with the Community Outreach Committee of the Federal Bar Association and many bar associations like the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MNAPABA), Judge Aligada has demonstrated a deep commitment public service,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “His groundbreaking appointment highlights the importance of ensuring that those in the AANHPI legal community are recognized, supported, and elevated to positions of leadership across the country.”

“Judge Aligada is a brilliant and skilled jurist and, importantly, a wonderful human being. These qualities, along with his background and experience, make him a phenomenal choice to serve as a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court,” said Valerie Narcy, President of MNAPABA. “This moment comes against the backdrop of a long and challenging history for AANHPI communities. From legislation excluding Chinese immigrants, to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, to anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, to the more recent actions against birthright citizenship, our community has often been left to wonder about our place in American society. Judge Aligada’s appointment is a reminder that our place is here and that our community is well-woven into the historic tapestry of Minnesota and this country.”

NAPABA extends its sincere congratulations to Judge Reynaldo Aligada and wishes him success in his service on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

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NAPABA Statement in Response to Shooting at White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner

For Immediate Release:

April 27, 2026

Contact:
press@napaba.org

WASHINGTON – On the evening of Saturday, April 25, an armed individual attempted to attack a dinner event hosted by the White House Correspondents’ Association in Washington, DC. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) unequivocally condemns this act of violence. We are grateful for the bravery, professionalism, and swift action of law enforcement, including the officer who was shot, and that the President and all those who attended the event are safe.

An investigation of the shooting remains pending. The U.S. Attorney announced that the perpetrator will face federal criminal charges, and the Acting U.S. Attorney General—at this preliminary stage—advised that the perpetrator likely targeted members of the administration, including the President.

The event was intended to celebrate the First Amendment. Though an investigation behind the motivations of this shooting is ongoing, our constitutional democracy and the rule of law depend on the peaceful resolution of our differences, whether through robust and vigorous debate, our institutions like the judiciary, or the ballot box. Violence, whether motivated by political animus, hate, or otherwise, is antithetical to our core values as a community and as a Nation.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. They foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.
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Know Your Rights: NAPABA Releases Multilingual Immigration Law Resources for AAPI Communities

NAPABA is proud to share a collection of multilingual immigration law resources designed to support the Asian American and Pacific Islander community (AAPI). The resources,  which are available here, address “What to Know at Home” and “What to Know at the Airport” in the event of interactions with immigration enforcement authorities.

Originally produced by experts at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the resources are now available in Chinese, English, Hindi, Hmong, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese—expanding access to critical educational information in the languages our communities speak and understand.

These complimentary materials are available to our members, our over 90 affiliate and national bar organizations, and to the public.

NAPABA is grateful to our national partners at the National Conference of Vietnamese American Attorneys (NCVAA), the National Korean American Bar Association (NKABA), the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA), and the Hmong American Bar Association for their generous time and efforts in ensuring quality and accuracy in the translations.

NAPABA and our partners are committed to providing timely educational resources for our members, affiliates, and the many vibrant AANHPI communities we all serve.

Click here to access Immigration Law Resources.

Questions? Please contact NAPABA’s Advocacy and Policy Team at advocacy@napaba.org.

Disclaimer: The information provided and in any associated attachments is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. It is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not establish, an attorney-client relationship. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances and may not be used to avoid penalties under law.

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AANHPI Heritage Month Congressional Reception hosted by NAPABA

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | Washington, DC

Join NAPABA, NAPABA members, and community leaders from across the country to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at NAPABA’s Congressional Reception!

This widely attended event will bring together Members of Congress, their staff, and leaders in the AANHPI community. Previous speakers have included Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Judy Chu, and CAPAC Chair Grace Meng.

This event is free and open to the public!

Don’t miss this opportunity to network with peers and connect directly with policymakers from both the Senate and the House.

Register for the Congressional Reception

For any questions about the reception, please email the NAPABA Lobby Day Team at lobbyday@napaba.org.

Want to join NAPABA for the full Lobby Day experience? Find out more!

Lobby Day Details

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NAPABA to Host Webinar Previewing Supreme Court Case on Birthright Citizenship

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) will host a webinar titled “SCOTUS Oral Argument Preview: Who is Allowed to be a U.S. Citizen? Defending Birthright Citizenship and the Role of Asian American History” on Thursday, March 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

The program will preview the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments in Trump v. Barbara, a case addressing the scope of birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment. On April 1, 2026, the Court is scheduled to hear arguments concerning Executive Order 14160, which declared that only children born to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents would automatically receive citizenship at birth. The executive order immediately faced legal challenges across the country.

NAPABA joined a broad coalition of bar associations in filing amicus briefs opposing the order. The March 26 webinar will discuss NAPABA’s role in defending birthright citizenship in the lower federal courts and before the Supreme Court, as well as the broader legal and historical context surrounding the issue.

The panel will feature Professor Beth Lew-Williams, Director of the Program in Asian American Studies and Professor of History at Princeton University. Professor Lew-Williams is the author of The Chinese Must Go: Violence, Exclusion, and the Making of the Alien in America (Harvard University Press, 2018), a widely acclaimed work examining the history of anti-Chinese violence and exclusion in the United States.

Also joining the discussion is Wendy M. Feng, Counsel at Seyfarth Shaw LLP and lead outside counsel for the legal team representing NAPABA in the litigation. The program will be moderated by Edgar Chen, NAPABA Special Policy Advisor.

Together, the panelists will examine the legal arguments in Trump v. Barbara, the historical foundations of birthright citizenship, and the role Asian American legal history plays in shaping contemporary constitutional debates.

Registration for the webinar is free and open to the public. Click here to learn more and register for the event.

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Advocate for the AANHPI Community with NAPABA at Lobby Day

May 19-20, 2026 | Washington, DC

Registration is open for NAPABA’s Lobby Day, and we want your voice!

Each year, NAPABA brings the AANHPI legal community to Capitol Hill to advocate directly with Congressional leaders and elevate the issues impacting our communities. Lobby Day is a powerful opportunity to turn your commitment into action and ensure your perspectives are heard and represented at the national level.

Why Participate?

  • Engage directly with Members of Congress and their staff
  • Receive advocacy training and issue briefings to prepare you for Capitol Hill
  • Connect with AANHPI attorneys and leaders from across the country
  • Represent and elevate your community’s voice at the national level

Register for Lobby Day

Learn More About Lobby Day

Stipend Applications Open

NAPABA is committed to ensuring that Lobby Day is accessible to members from all backgrounds and career stages. To support this goal, we offer limited travel and lodging support for active members who would otherwise face financial barriers to attending. Click the button below to learn more and apply for a stipend. The deadline to apply for a stipend is Tuesday, March 17, at 8:00 pm ET.

Apply for a Stipend

Your Lobby Day Social Media Toolkit

As part of Lobby Day, NAPABA will equip you with the tools and resources you need to be an effective advocate and share your participation in this important event. After registering, be sure to use our toolkit to share on your social media channels and invite others to join you.

Access Your Social Media Toolkit

For any questions about Lobby Day, please email the NAPABA Lobby Day Team at lobbyday@napaba.org.

To participate in Lobby Day, you must be an active NAPABA member. Become a NAPABA member today!

Join or Renew Today

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NAPABA Welcomes the National Korean American Bar Association (NKABA) and the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC)

For Immediate Release: February 19, 2026
Contact: Maureen Gelwicks, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) welcomes the National Korean American Bar Association (NKABA) as a National Associate and the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC) as an Affiliate of NAPABA.

Formed in 2025, NKABA is a national nonprofit professional organization representing Korean American attorneys and law students across the United States. NKABA supports the professional growth of its members through education, mentorship, networking, and business development opportunities, while partnering with regional and local Korean American bar associations to advance shared goals. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts, including research and amicus work, and serves as a national network fostering connection and collaboration among Korean American legal professionals.

“We are honored to be a National Associate and welcome the opportunity to partner with NAPABA in our mission to empower Korean American attorneys nationwide,” said Samuel Yu, President of NKABA. “We hope this affiliation inspires deeper collaboration, stronger advocacy, and a shared commitment to justice.”

Established in 2024, CALA OC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing, empowering, and elevating Chinese American contributions to the legal community and civic life of Orange County. CALA OC advances its mission by supporting professional development, expanding the influence of the Chinese American legal community, and celebrating and preserving cultural heritage.

“Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC) is excited to join NAPABA and its impressive national network, as we empower our members and elevate our community while navigating the moment in which we live, a pivotal inflection point in American history,” said Amy Chen, President of CALA OC.

“We are proud to welcome NKABA and CALA OC into the NAPABA family,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA. “These organizations exemplify the leadership, collaboration, and dedication to community that define and strengthen our growing national network.”

NKABA and CALA OC 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 Annual Lobby Day and Congressional Reception on May 19-20 in Washington, D.C.

In observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPIHM), please join NAPABA on May 19-20, 2026 in Washington, DC for NAPABA’s annual Lobby Day.

At Lobby Day, the NAPABA community travels from across the United States to the Nation’s capital 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 (AANHPI) community with leaders on Capitol Hill. Let’s bring our collective voice to the halls of Congress.

Lobby Day activities and events include:

  • Training
  • Hill Visits
  • Debrief Reception
  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception.

Congressional Reception

NAPABA members and community leaders from across the country will gather from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET for a Congressional Reception recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event will bring together Lobby Day participants, members of Congress and their staff, as well as leaders from the AANHPI community.

For the full Lobby Day schedule, click on this link: Schedule

NAPABA Lobby Day Eligibility

Please note that only active NAPABA members or active members of NAPABA affiliates are eligible to participate in Lobby Day. To become a NAPABA member, click here.

Questions? Email lobbyday@napaba.org.

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Upcoming NLF Fellowship and Scholarship Opportunities

The NAPABA Law Foundation offers many ways to advance your legal journey and strengthen your connection to the legal community. Be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming deadlines!

2026–2028 Community Law Fellowship

Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15, 2026, 5 pm ET

About the Fellowship:

This two-year fellowship supports early-career attorneys as they gain hands-on legal experience at a nonprofit or community-based organization. The Fellowship provides:

  • A $60,000 annual salary, paid directly to the host organization
  • Health and fringe benefits provided by the host
  • A $10,000 completion bonus for the Fellow
  • Opportunities to work on behalf of underserved communities and grow as a public interest leader

Details and Instructions
2026-2028 Fellowship Application

Han C. Choi Scholarship

Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026, 5 pm ET

About the Scholarship:

The NAPABA Law Foundation has partnered with the Choi Family to create the Han C. Choi Scholarship to honor a NAPABA Trailblazer, mentor, and leader who embodies grit and courage in the face of great adversity. The Scholarship Fund will benefit a 1L or 2L law student who exhibits academic excellence, leadership, volunteerism, mentorship experience, and demonstrates an interest in AAPI civic issues. Special consideration will also be given to applicants who have been adversely affected by cancer (as a survivor, or family member of a victim or survivor).

2026 Application

Fred T. Korematsu Summer Fellowship

Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026, 5 pm ET

About the Fellowship

In partnership with the Fred T. Korematsu Institute, NLF will be accepting applications for the Fred T. Korematsu Summer Fellowship Program. The program will provide $6,000 to a law student for a meaningful summer internship at a public interest organization. The fellow will work to further Fred T. Korematsu’s legacy as a civil rights pioneer. Initial funding was provided by Parkin Lee and The Rockefeller Group.

2026 Application Guide

2026 Application

SAIL Scholarship

Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 5 pm ET

About the Scholarship

The SAIL Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to an individual who will be a 2L student starting in the 2026 Fall Semester (current 1L students should apply) who has outstanding professional promise and leadership potential. The amount awarded is $7,500, split equally over 2 years.  

FAQ

2O26 Application

Questions? Contact NAPABA at nlfstaff@napaba.org.

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