Tag: NAPABA

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Organizational Statement | Judicial Selection Process in New York

NAPABA is aware of a highly unusual development in the judicial selection process in the State of New York. It is our understanding that, for the first time in the state’s history, a local screening committee has declined to vote a sitting judge, Justice Doris Ling-Cohan, out of committee, thereby denying her the opportunity to seek re-election, with the effect of removing her from the bench. While we are also aware of press reports of potential changes in this development, to our knowledge, the decision of the screening panel has not been reversed, and Justice Ling-Cohan is not on the ballot for the November election. Justice Ling-Cohan is the first and only Asian Pacific American woman on the appellate courts of New York. This statistic is particularly striking, as Asian Pacific Americans make up 7.3 percent of the population of New York. We encourage our local affiliates, who are closest to the process and to the relevant players, to closely investigate and monitor the situation, and for the New York legal community to take every step necessary to ensure that judges are treated fairly and on the merits, and are given the opportunity to confront and respond to any expressed concerns or objections.

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

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of approximately 50,000 attorneys and approximately 75 national, state, and local Asian Pacific American 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 continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, 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 color in the legal profession.

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CLE Webinar, Sept. 20 | Self-Grooming for a Public Company Board Seat: An Intentional Approach

Have you ever wondered about what it might take for you to be invited to join the board of directors of a Fortune 500 company? If so, then please join us for a webinar designed to help you on that journey.

During this free one-hour session, you will get a behind-the-scenes peek at what goes on inside the corporate boardroom and learn how Fortune 500 company boards evaluate director, board and committee performance, and what they are primarily looking for in board member candidates. In addition, we will explore ideas on how to get noticed by decision makers.

Public companies are looking for highly analytical individuals like you who have what it takes to join and be strong performers on their boards of directors. With external pressures from institutional investors, proxy companies and others on public companies to increase the number of directors who are from outside the company (as well as upcoming guideline changes that reduce the number of corporate boards on which individual directors may concurrently serve), that need will continue to grow.

Led by Curtis Hom, the founding attorney of Innova Legal Group (and former SSF Committee co-chair and former board member of NAPABA and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, APAICS.org), this webinar is ideally suited for attorneys and other professionals who are serious about taking their careers to the next level and are committed to getting that done.

Curtis Hom works directly with boards of Fortune 500 companies on their annual director, board and committee performance evaluation processes. Drawing from a unique combination of real world experience and lessons learned from engaging in discussions and interviews with board members of public and private companies across different industries (as well as leading executive recruiters), Curtis Hom is willing to share his insights about the director selection process, evaluation criteria and what distinguishes finalists from other highly impressive candidates.

*CLE certificates offered only for current NAPABA members.

Register here

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PRESS RELEASE | NAPABA Applauds Nomination of Diane Gujarati to U.S. District Court – E.D.N.Y.

For Immediate Release
Sept. 13, 2016

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

WASHINGTON — Today, President Obama nominated Diane Gujarati to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. If confirmed, Gujarati will be the first Indian American to serve as an Article III federal judge in New York. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds her nomination and encourages the Senate to swiftly confirm her to the bench.

“Diane Gujarati has a long and distinguished record of service in the U.S. attorney’s office that prepares her to be an asset to the District Court for the Eastern District of New York,” said Jin Y. Hwang, president of NAPABA. “I urge the Senate to quickly confirm Ms. Gujarati to the district court.”

Ms. Gujarati is currently the deputy chief of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. An experienced litigator, she has been an assistant U.S. attorney for 17 years, and worked on a range of criminal prosecutions and appellate matters, including: economic, violent, narcotics, trafficking, and exploitation crimes.

Ms. Gujarati is an adjunct professor at the New York University School of Law and was previously a litigation associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell. She clerked for the Honorable John M. Walker, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University and Yale Law School.

NAPABA commends President Obama for nominating Ms. Gujarati to the bench. NAPABA thanks Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for recommending Ms. Gujarati to the White House.

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

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of almost 50,000 attorneys and approximately 75 national, state, and local Asian Pacific American 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 continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, 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 color in the legal profession.

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Did you know that the NAPABA Convention offers programming for current and prospective law students?

National Asian Pacific American Pre-Law Conference | Friday, Nov. 4 | 12–5 p.m.
The National Asian Pacific American Pre-Law Conference offers prospective law students the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the law school admissions process and the legal profession. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with current law students, admissions professionals, and attorneys in various practice areas. For more information on the pre-law conference and to register, please visit our website. Registration for the conference is free and will close on Oct. 21.

NAPABA is also offering scholarships to pre-law attendees to defray the cost of travel and lodging. Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need and interest in attending the conference. Application for the scholarship is available on our website and will close on Oct. 31.

NAPALSA Conference | Nov. 3–6
Since 2002, the National Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (NAPALSA) Conference occurs in conjunction with the NAPABA Convention. Law students have the opportunity to attend workshops and events specifically catered to law students, as well as workshops and events at the general NAPABA Convention. The partnership gives law students the opportunity to develop skills as law students, future attorneys, and the chance network with and learn from current attorney from various sectors. Register for the NAPALSA Conference here.    

For questions/inquiries regarding the conference, please email Martina Chun at [email protected].

Registration for the 2016 NAPABA Convention will close on Oct. 21. NAPABA members save an additional $200 off the non-member rate. Not a member? Become a member today and save!

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Registration for the NAPABA Golf Tournament has been extended!

If you missed the registration deadline for the NAPABA Golf Tournament, now is your chance to register! The NAPABA Golf Tournament to Benefit the NAPABA Law Foundation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the beautiful Maderas Golf Club, ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top 100 public golf courses in America. The tournament will be played “shot gun” style in the scramble format with all foursomes teeing off at 8 a.m. Enter to win amazing prizes! The tournament will be immediately followed by an awards reception, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

Registration will close on Oct. 21. For more information or to sponsor the tournament, click here.

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Press Release: NAPABA Applauds Nomination of Abid R. Qureshi to United States District Court for the District of Columbia

For Immediate Release
Sept. 6, 2016                                                   

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

WASHINGTON — Today, President Obama nominated Abid R. Qureshi to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. If confirmed, Qureshi will be the first Pakistani American and Muslim American to serve as an Article III federal judge. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds his nomination and encourages the Senate to swiftly confirm him to the bench.

“Abid Qureshi is an experienced litigator with extensive commercial and pro bono experience who has the temperament and qualifications to ably serve as a judge for the District Court for the District Columbia,” said Jin Y. Hwang, president of NAPABA. “I urge the Senate to quickly confirm Mr. Qureshi to the District Court.”

Qureshi is a partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, where he chairs the Global Pro Bono Committee. He is the former co-chair of the firm’s Washington, D.C., Litigation Department where he managed the largest litigation department in the firm. He is a complex commercial litigator with a focus on False Claims Act, federal securities, health care fraud, and white collar criminal matters. He also handles complex internal corporate investigations.

Qureshi has been recognized by Super Lawyers and the National Law Journal for his excellence in the profession. He is a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School.

NAPABA commends President Obama for nominating Abid R. Qureshi to the bench. NAPABA thanks Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton for recommending Qureshi to the White House.

For more information, the media may contact Brett Schuster, NAPABA communications manager, at202-775-9555 or [email protected].

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of almost 50,000 attorneys and approximately 75 national, state, and local Asian Pacific American 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 continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, 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 color in the legal profession.

To learn more about NAPABA, visit www.napaba.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@NAPABA).

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NAPABA Prospective Partners Program Application Deadline | Sept. 15, 2016

Don’t miss out on this year’s Prospective Partners Program (PPP)! The PPP aims to increase the number of Asian Pacific American partners at major law firms through introduction, mentorship, and relationship building. In anticipation of the program’s seventh year, the PPP is inviting candidate applications and nominations to participate in PPP sessions taking place at the 2016 NAPABA Convention in San Diego.

For more information and to apply by Sept. 15, click here.

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Check out NAPABA Saturday programming featuring 18 CLE breakouts and two NAPALSA sessions!

Highlights:

  • Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast & Plenary Session | Asian Pacific Americans in the Media
    Popular media has an extensive reach into the American social fabric, shaping the cultural imagination and social framework in the present and for generations to come. Stereotypical depictions of Asian Pacific Americans are both perpetuated and challenged by the media, which plays a critical role in defining social norms that affect the status of women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups in society. This plenary promises to inspire as actors and legal scholars share experiences, challenges, and solutions surrounding issues of representation, diversity, and equity in the media.
  • Luncheon & Plenary Session | Informal Conversation with Asian Pacific American Judges
    Get a rare opportunity to listen in as four groundbreaking Asian Pacific American federal judges talk candidly and informally about life on the bench, what it means to be an Asian Pacific American judge, their path to the bench, and tips that these distinguished individuals have for both litigators and aspirants to the bench.  Representing geographic, racial/ethnic, gender, and political diversity, this session promises to provide an interesting and thought-provoking look into the progress made by Asian Pacific Americans in the judicial system.
  • Basketball Tournament
  • Networking Receptions
  • Intellectual Property Committee Reception generously supported by IMS ExpertServices and Mayer Brown
  • International Law Committee Reception
  • 28th Anniversary Gala
    Join us for NAPABA’s most anticipated event of the night! Black-tie optional and traditional/ethnic formal attire encouraged.  

First time in San Diego? Take a tour of the city through one of the activities below!

  • AleSmith Brewing Company Tour & Tasting | $30
    San Diego is one of the largest craft beer capitals in the U.S. Find out why with a tour and tasting at San Diego’s second oldest and award winning brewery, AleSmith Brewing Company. AleSmith has been recognized by consumers and critics alike as one of the world’s foremost craft brewing companies behind accolades that include medals won at prestigious national and international beer competitions as well as being named Small Brewing Company of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. (Tour includes transportation and tasting tickets).
  • Old Town Trolley Tour | $30
    Voted the “best way to see the city,” this private Old Town Trolley Tour will show you all the key sights during your limited time in San Diego. Hop aboard to explore such places as Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Coronado Island, Little Italy, the Gaslamp District and more. (Transportation provided.)
  • San Diego Film Festival Film Screening | $25
    NAPABA has partnered with the San Diego Asian Film Festival to sponsor a film screening. Film TBD. (Transportation provided.)
  • Walking Tour of Historic Balboa Park | $50
    Take an escorted historical walking tour at Balboa Park in San Diego. Balboa Park is a national treasure just waiting to be explored. The park, named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Nunez de Balboa, boasts trees planted by famous American gardener, Kate Sessions. Placed in reserve in 1835, it is one of the oldest sites in the U.S. dedicated to public recreational usage. Besides open areas and natural vegetation, it contains a variety of cultural attractions including museums, theaters, gardens, shops, and restaurants as well as the San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. (Transportation is included; comfortable walking shoes are suggested).

For a complete schedule of our Saturday programming and a look at what the rest of Convention has to offer, view the Convention agenda here.

Early-bird registration for the 2016 NAPABA Convention will close on Aug. 26. NAPABA members save an additional $200 off the non-member rate. Not a member? Become a member today and save!

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NAPABA Gives Back | Register for the Sunday Community Service Project

During each Convention, NAPABA gives back to the city that has hosted our attendees. This year, NAPABA has partnered with the San Diego Rescue Mission, an organization that is committed to ending homelessness and hunger.

Join Convention-goers as we prepare toiletry kits for San Diego Rescue Mission’s community dinner to be held on Nov. 19, 2016, where 2,000 people from the street will attend for a free turkey dinner. Attendees will also be assembling gifts for the men and women living at San Diego Rescue Mission’s Residential Recovery Programs.

Breakfast will be provided.  

For a more complete schedule of all of our Convention programs, view the agenda here.

Early-bird registration for the 2016 NAPABA Convention will close on Aug. 26. NAPABA members save an additional $200 off the non-member rate. Not a member? Become a member today and save!

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NAPABA Names White & Case LLP as Its 2016 Law Firm Diversity Award Recipient

WASHINGTON — The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) has named White & Case LLP as the 2016 Law Firm Diversity Award recipient. NAPABA created the Law Firm Diversity Award to recognize law firms that actively, affirmatively, consistently, and enthusiastically recruit, retain, and promote Asian Pacific American lawyers to equity partnership and firm leadership.

The award will be presented at the NAPABA Anniversary Gala at the 2016 NAPABA Convention in San Diego, California, on Nov. 5, 2016.

“White & Case is a distinguished industry leader when it comes to workplace diversity,” said NAPABA President Jin Y. Hwang. “To be regularly lauded by your peers as one of the nation’s leaders in diversity practices is extraordinary, and NAPABA celebrates White & Case’s constant devotion to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.”

White & Case is regularly recognized as a leader in diversity by various prominent benchmarking surveys. The Law360 Diversity Snapshot has ranked White & Case as the most diverse law firm with respect to lawyers of color in the United States in 2016, as well as ranking 3rd among the 10 best law firms for Asian Pacific American attorneys. The firm also currently holds, for the third consecutive year, the No. 1 position on The American Lawyer Diversity Scorecard as the most diverse firm in the U.S. in a 2016 survey of over 220 of the largest and highest-grossing law firms in the country.

Additionally, White & Case scored an eighth consecutive perfect score of 100 percent on the 2016 Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index that measures employers’ commitment to LGBTQ workplace issues. The LGBTQ-related policies and practices evaluated by the survey include non-discrimination policies, domestic partner benefits, and diversity training.

For more information, the media may contact Brett Schuster, NAPABA communications manager, at202-775-9555 or [email protected].

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