Tag: NAPABA

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NAPABA Takes Action Following The Presidential Election

In the aftermath of this particularly divisive presidential election there has been profound concern, anxiety, and even fear about the future of our country based on a range of issues regarding hate crimes, xenophobic rhetoric, immigration, and other civil rights issues. In accordance with NAPABA’s non-partisan mission to assist the diverse Asian Pacific American legal community, NAPABA continues to work with members interested in political appointments, while speaking out on behalf of vulnerable populations, working with our partners on our policy priorities, and developing tools for our members and affiliates to take action. Steps taken include:

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House Passes Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II Vets

House Passes Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medal to Filipino World War II Vets

On November 30, following the Senate’s approval of this bill in July earlier this year, the House of Representatives passed a bill seeking to honor more than 260,000 Filipino-American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal. To read more about this event, click on the link in the title for a story by Stephany Bai and Charles Lam.

As stated in the article:

The medal would recognize the soldiers who responded to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s call-to-duty and fought under the United States flag during World War II. Those soldiers were promised military benefits, but that offer was retracted by the Rescission Act of 1946.

During NAPABA’s Annual Lobby Day on May 24, AABANY was represented by Past President Robert Leung and Issues Committee Co-Chair Chris Kwok. They met with Congressman Jerry Nadler’s Office and with David Greengrass, Legislative Assistant. Using Lobby Day as an opportunity to discuss the Filipino War Veterans of WWII Gold Medal, they reminded the Congressman that Filipino Americans were the second most populous Asian American subgroup and that passage of the bill would be very meaningful to the Asian American population. He subsequently voiced support of the bill.

AABANY is pleased by the news that the House of Representatives passed this bill, which now will go to President Obama for signature. We are gratified to know that after all these decades, these Filipino-American World War II veterans will get the honor and recognition they deserve for their service to America.

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Private Fund Advisers: An Overview of the Regulatory Landscape for the General Practitioner

NAPABA Solo & Small Firm Network Webinar Series 

Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 | 4 p.m. EST

Speakers | Justin Shigemi and Michael Spiro (Finn, Dixon & Herling LLP), and Brad Kruger (Ogier)

REGISTER HERE

Private fund advisers need to deal with a number of different federal and state laws and regulations, including the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, the Employees Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, state blue sky laws, and, in the case of offshore funds in the Cayman Islands, a number of Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) laws and regulations.

This webinar will provide an overview of the regulatory framework for private funds and how those regulations may apply in situations faced by the general practitioner.

Please e-mail Peter Sabido, co-chair of the SSF Network at [email protected] for any questions.

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association | 1612 K St. NW, Suite 510 | Washington, D.C. 20006 | www.napaba.org

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Statement of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL), the National Bar Association (NBA), the National LGBT Bar Association (LGBT Bar), and the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) on the Recent Increase in Hate-Motivated Violence and Harassment

For Immediate Release
Nov. 30, 2016

For More Information, Contact:
Brett Schuster, Communications Manager
[email protected], 202-775-9555

WASHINGTON — In the aftermath of this particularly divisive presidential election, there has been a surge of bias-motivated and hate violence across the nation targeting many groups, including Muslims, immigrants, women, members of the LGBTQ community, and African Americans. We call on lawyers across the country and our elected officials to denounce and take action against this hate.

The FBI recently released its annual hate crime statistics for 2015, which demonstrated a six percent increase in hate crimes and an alarming 67 percent surge in hate crimes targeting the Muslim American community in the past year. The Southern Poverty Law Center has recorded almost 900 cases of hate-based harassment and intimidation that occurred following the election including a large number targeting immigrants and taking place in schools and on college campuses.

As diverse bar associations, we have a unique opportunity to serve as voices for individuals and communities who are targeted based on race, religion, gender, gender identity, immigration status, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability. The recent increase in reported hate crimes is a salient reminder that we must work together to speak out against hate in all forms. As bar associations representing the interests of diverse lawyers around the country, we embrace the solidarity and strength of our robust communities and we are committed to our collective mission to serve as the voice of minority communities in the legal profession.

To assist our members who may be part of or work with communities affected by hate violence, we have created a Hate Crimes Resources Toolkit, which has information about reporting incidents, supporting community organizations, offering legal services, and coordinating with government agencies.

We call on our elected officials, in a letter to the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives, to denounce the rising tide of hate. We encourage them to take steps to combat these incidents and promote an inclusive America where all receive equal protection under the law.

As members of the legal profession, we have a special responsibility to ensure the continuity of our best legal traditions, and to defend and uphold our commitments to justice, fairness, equality, and the rule of law under our Constitution. As national diverse bar associations, we remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding equal rights, fighting discrimination and combating hate crimes to protect minority and underserved communities.

The HNBA is an incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the interests of the more than 50,000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, and law students in the United States and its territories. From the days of its founding three decades ago, the HNBA has acted as a force for positive change within the legal profession. It does so by encouraging Latino students to choose a career in the law and by prompting their advancement within the profession once they graduate and start practicing. Through a combination of issue advocacy, programmatic activities, networking events and educational conferences, the HNBA has helped generations of lawyers succeed.

NAPABA is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of over 50,000 attorneys and over 75 national, state, and local bar associations. Its members include solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal services and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government. NAPABA engages in legislative and policy advocacy, promotes APA political leadership and political appointments, and builds coalitions within the legal profession and the community at large. NAPABA also serves as a resource for government agencies, members of Congress, and public service organizations about APAs in the legal profession, civil rights, and diversity in the courts.

The mission of the National Association of Women Lawyers is to provide leadership, a collective voice, and essential resources to advance women in the legal profession and advocate for the equality of women under the law. Since 1899, NAWL has been empowering women in the legal profession, cultivating a diverse membership dedicated to equality, mutual support, and collective success. If you are not already a member, please considering joining. NAWL welcomes the membership of individual attorneys, including private practice, corporate, academic, government and non-profit attorneys, and groups, including law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations. Learn more at www.nawl.org.

Founded in 1925, the NBA is the nation’s oldest and largest national network of minority attorneys and judges. It represents approximately 60,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students and has over 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and around the world. The organization seeks to advance the science of jurisprudence, preserve the independence of the judiciary and to uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession. For additional information about the National Bar Association, visit www.nationalbar.org.

Founded in 1973, the NNABA serves as the national association for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian attorneys, judges, law professors and law students. NNABA strives for justice and effective legal representation for all American indigenous peoples; fosters the development of Native American lawyers and judges; and addresses social, cultural and legal issues affecting American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

The National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender legal organizations. The LGBT Bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community in all its diversity.

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Press Release: Affinity Bar Associations Join APA Community Expressing Disappointment in Fox News Segment

For Immediate Release
Nov. 18, 2016

For More Information, Contact:
Brett Schuster, Communications Manager
[email protected], 202-775-9555

WASHINGTON — Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the National Bar Association (NBA), the National LGBT Bar Association (National LGBT Bar), and the National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) joined a national coalition of organizations expressing their indignation in the segment, “Watters’ World: Chinatown Edition,” and deep dissatisfaction in public statements that dismiss community concerns over the offensive nature of the segment.

In October, Fox News’ The O’Reilly Factor aired “Watters’ World: Chinatown Edition,” which featured Jesse Watters speaking with residents of New York City’s Chinatown — including some who do not appear to be native English speakers — with questions, many of which were only nominally related to the Presidential election and instead were based on racial and ethnic stereotypes.

“We found this segment to be highly offensive for its irresponsible use of these stereotypes and for its pejorative mischaracterization of Chinatown residents, immigrants, and limited English proficient communities,” said the presidents of the bar associations in a letter to Fox News.

“We join a coalition of Asian Pacific American organizations who call on Fox News to issue a written formal apology. We also encourage Fox News to take steps to increase understanding of implicit bias and to increase workforce diversity and inclusion,” said the presidents in their message.

HNBA Contact: Daniel Herrera: (202) 930-6805; [email protected]
NAPABA Contact: Brett Schuster: (202) 775-9555; [email protected]
NBA Contact: Lonita Baker: (502) 210-7062; [email protected]
NNABA Contact: Jennifer Weddle: (303) 572-6565; [email protected]
LGBT Bar Contact: Laura Hoch: (202)-637-7661; [email protected]

The HNBA is an incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the interests of the more than 50,000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, and law students in the United States and its territories. From the days of its founding three decades ago, the HNBA has acted as a force for positive change within the legal profession. It does so by encouraging Latino students to choose a career in the law and by prompting their advancement within the profession once they graduate and start practicing. Through a combination of issue advocacy, programmatic activities, networking events and educational conferences, the HNBA has helped generations of lawyers succeed.

NAPABA is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of over 50,000 attorneys and over 75 national, state, and local bar associations. Its members include solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal services and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government. NAPABA engages in legislative and policy advocacy, promotes APA political leadership and political appointments, and builds coalitions within the legal profession and the community at large. NAPABA also serves as a resource for government agencies, members of Congress, and public service organizations about APAs in the legal profession, civil rights, and diversity in the courts.

Founded in 1925, the NBA is the nation’s oldest and largest national network of minority attorneys and judges. It represents approximately 60,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students and has over 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and around the world. The organization seeks to advance the science of jurisprudence, preserve the independence of the judiciary and to uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession. For additional information about the National Bar Association, visit www.nationalbar.org.

Founded in 1973, the NNABA serves as the national association for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian attorneys, judges, law professors and law students. NNABA strives for justice and effective legal representation for all American indigenous peoples; fosters the development of Native American lawyers and judges; and addresses social, cultural and legal issues affecting American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

The National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender legal organizations. The LGBT Bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community in all its diversity.

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Pro Bono General Counsel Program – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Pro Bono General Counsel Program – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

The NAPABA Pro Bono General Counsel Program seeks to provide organizations serving the Asian Pacific American (APA) community with access to high­-quality, pro bono legal advice and counsel that they cannot afford. The program is intended to help APA­-serving organizations promote good governance practices and comply with relevant laws and regulations. The General Counsel’s activities might include advising clients about maintaining tax­ exempt status, reviewing contracts, and ensuring compliance with fundraising regulations. We provide these services through the generous pro bono services of volunteer attorneys.

Interested organizations and volunteer attorneys should complete the designated application forms. Applications will be submitted to the database, and organizations will be provided an opportunity to interview and hire a volunteer attorney.

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Affiliate Grant Program – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Affiliate Grant Program – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

NAPABA recognizes the importance of affiliates and national associates at the local level as a support network for Asian Pacific American attorneys and communities and those interested in Asian Pacific American legal issues. The NAPABA Affiliate Grant Program was established to support affiliates and national associates in carrying out activities to further their missions and goals. The program offers affiliates and national associates the opportunity to receive funding up to $3,000 annually for projects related to membership development and pro bono activities.

Deadline: Dec. 20 – apply now!

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NAPABA Outraged by Trump PAC Spokesperson References to WWII Japanese Incarceration

In times of sweeping changes facing our nation, Americans of all backgrounds must come together to move this nation forward — not backwards. NAPABA condemns the comments about the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II made by Carl Higbie, a spokesman for the pro-Trump Great America PAC.                                    

During an interview with Megyn Kelly on the Nov. 16, 2016, taping of Fox News’ “The Kelly File” regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s plan for a Muslim registry system, Higbie argued in favor of a plan modeled after the highly controversial National Security Entry-Exit Registration System implemented after 9/11. In so doing, Higbie stated, “We’ve done it based on race, we’ve done it based on religion, we’ve done it based on region. We’ve done it with Iran back — back a while ago. We did it during World War II with [the] Japanese.”

These offensive and incendiary remarks invoked the distrust and xenophobia that led to the unjustifiable imprisonment of thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II, a time that is considered to be one of the darkest moments in American history, in order to justify current policy proposals. This is unacceptable and such intolerance has no place in our country. After a divisive election, we must move forward as one and not instill fear into our nation’s citizens.

The lesson of incarceration is that we cannot engage in discriminatory conduct and must oppose policies that profile and target the Muslim American community with hate and bigotry at its core.

We must work together to unite our membership and our nation and to find common ground for a better path forward. We must refuse to act based on fear and intolerance. As history has shown, such actions do not make our country safer and reject the basic tenets of what it means to be Americans.

For more information, the media may contact Brett Schuster, NAPABA communications manager, at 202-775-9555 or [email protected].

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Organizational Statement on the 2016 Presidential Election – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Organizational Statement on the 2016 Presidential Election – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is a non-partisan organization comprised of lawyers and leaders in both major political parties. As an organization, we have worked diligently with Presidents, Administrations, and Congressional members of both parties, on behalf of millions of Asian Pacific Americans nationwide.

On Tuesday, American voters elected Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States. NAPABA is committed to working with the President-elect and the new Congress to advance the interests of the Asian Pacific American community.

These are unique times. Our nation is at a critical juncture. Millions of Americans of good faith, of every stripe, and of both parties have expressed profound concern, anxiety, and even fear, about the tenor of the recent election, and about the future of our country. As members of the legal profession, we have a special responsibility to ensure the continuity of our best legal traditions, and to defend and uphold our commitments to justice, fairness, equality, and the rule of law under our Constitution.

In the aftermath of this particularly divisive election, we must work together to unite our membership and our nation and to find common ground for a better path forward. NAPABA embraces the solidarity and strength of our robust and diverse community and is committed to our mission to serve as the voice of the Asian Pacific American legal profession.

We will work with and engage President-elect Trump and his administration to unite the country and serve as a President for all Americans.

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