Tag: NAPABA

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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 bschuster@napaba.org.

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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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Join the NAPABA Post-Practice Network and Retired Direct Member Category

Join the NAPABA Post-Practice Network and Retired Direct Member Category

NEW | NAPABA Post-Practice Network and Retired Direct Member Category

This year, NAPABA will celebrate our 28th year as an organization. More and more of our earliest members are moving into a post-practice phase of life that some may refer to as “retirement.” In recognition of this, the NAPABA Board created a Post-Practice Network and Retired Direct Member category, whose goal is to develop, foster, and support a community of NAPABA members who are transitioning to or who have already transitioned to life beyond full-time legal work. Join as a direct retired member today and select the Post-Practice Network to receive network related news directly from the chair!

NAPABA’s first president, Hoyt Zia, has agreed to initially co-chair the Network. Although the first business meeting for those interested in the Network will follow the panel discussion Graying of NAPABA: Life Begins at ‘Retirement’ during the NAPABA Conference, any suggestions, ideas, and thoughts anyone may have about or for the Network are now invited, as are nominations and self-nominations, for suggested co-chairs of the Network. Please contact Hoyt Zia at hoytzia@yahoo.com.

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Board of Governors – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Board of Governors – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

NAPABA congratulates the newly-appointed at-large members and regional governors of the NAPABA Board of Governors for the 2016-18 bar years. They will be sworn into office at the 28th Anniversary Gala during the 2016 NAPABA Convention in San Diego.  

The following individuals were appointed by the NAPABA Board of Governors:

  • Barbara Lum of Thompson Hine LLP
  • Gary Zhao of SmithAmundsen LLC

Barbara and Gary join Charles Jung and Joseph Lee to make up the four at-large board members.

The following individuals were selected by their respective regions to serve as regional governors for two-year terms:

  • Rahat Babar of the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General | Northeast Region
  • Avanti Bakane of Gordon & Rees LLP | Central Region
  • Dainen N. Penta of Leahy Fjelstad Peryea | Northwest Region
  • Brian S. Sun of Hologic Inc. | Southern California Region
  • David Mesa of Sedgwick LLP | Northern California Region

*Felix Woo was incorrectly listed in the previous version. Felix was selected to be the Central California Regional Governor in 2015 and will continue to serve in that capacity in the next bar year.

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National Conference of Vietnamese American Attorneys – NCVAA & VABASC Networking Mixer During NAPABA Convention in San Diego

National Conference of Vietnamese American Attorneys – NCVAA & VABASC Networking Mixer During NAPABA Convention in San Diego

The National Conference of Vietnamese American Attorneys and the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Southern California cordially invite you to attend the:

NCVAA & VABASC Networking Mixer

during the 2016 NAPABA Conference

Location:   Salvucci’s, 935 J Street, San Diego 92101                    
*15 minute walk or 6 minute drive from Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Date:         Thursday, November 3, 2016: 7:30PM to 9:30PM

Heavy appetizers provided with no-host bar. 

For planning purposes, RSVP is preferred but not required. 

To RSVP, click on the link in the title.

If you have any questions, please contactDani Nguyen Franke at dfranke@paulplevin.com. For more information about the host organizations, visit www.ncvaa.org and www.vabasc.org.

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Registration – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Registration – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

T-Minus 5 Days Until the Advance Registration Deadline

Register here by Oct. 21 | Rates will go up by $200 in San Diego

The NAPABA Convention is less than three weeks away and you won’t want to miss the largest gathering of Asian Pacific American attorneys in the country! Check out some of our Convention highlights you have to look forward to below. A full Convention schedule can be found here.

Already registered for the Convention and see something you’d like to add to your agenda? Click here to modify.

Visit NAPABA Sponsor Exhibit Booths

NAPABA has partnered with firms and companies that want to meet you! Whether you are looking for career or networking opportunities, stop by their booths during the Convention. A complete list of NAPABA partners and supporters can be found here.

Microsoft Recruiting at 2016 NAPABA Convention in San Diego

Microsoft will be attending the NAPABA Convention in San Diego from Nov. 3-5,  and we are looking to connect with top talent who are at the Convention. Microsoft wants to reach out and see if you would be interested in learning more about the Microsoft legal department and potentially meet with us while at the Convention.

If you or someone you know might be open to connecting with us, please visit our Microsoft NAPABA landing page to provide a few details and we’ll be in touch.

Thursday

8 a.m.–3 p.m. | NAPABA Golf Tournament to benefit the NAPABA Law Foundation
Advance registration required. Registration has closed.

10 a.m.–4:50 p.m. | Specialty Programming (see schedule for details)

  • NAPABA Affiliate Leadership Summit sponsored by MUFG Union Bank
  • Solo & Small Firm Network Bootcamp presented by the Solo & Small Firm Network
  • International Law Symposium presented by the International Law Committee
  • Inaugural Women’s Leadership Workshop presented by the Women’s Leadership Network
  • Pro Bono Language Access Update and Forum presented by the Pro Bono and Community Service Committee

3–3:30 p.m. | First Time Attendees Meeting

First time attending a NAPABA Convention? This session is for you! Join us as seasoned NAPABA Convention-goers share the best ways to navigate and take advantage of all the ways in which you can network, engage, and connect with NAPABA and your colleagues.

3:45–4:45 p.m. | NAPABA Committee/Network Social

Meet with NAPABA Committee/Network Leaders and active members to learn how to maximize your involvement with a NAPABA council, affinity network, substantive law committee, and/or service committee. Learn what events committee leaders have planned during the Convention and how to participate!

5–7 p.m. | Welcome Reception featuring the Best Under 40 Awardees sponsored by DLA Piper

Join us as we kick-off the Convention in San Diego and honor the 2016 class of Best Lawyers Under 40 Award winners.

8–10 p.m. | Committee/Network Dinners Advance registration required. Register by Oct. 21.

8–10 p.m. | NAPALSA Bowling Social sponsored by the United State Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps

10 p.m.–midnight | Late Night Bowling at East Village Tavern & Bowl

Friday

6:30–7:30 a.m. | Early riser? Join us for a morning jog or yoga.

CLE Breakout Sessions including NAPALSA Programming

Earning CLE credit? Click here to view our accreditation chart and written materials for each panel.

  • 9–10:15 a.m. | CLE Breakout 1
  • 10:30–11:45 a.m. | CLE Breakout 2
  • 12–1:30 p.m. | Luncheon & Plenary Session | The Portrait Project: A Portrait of Asian Americans in the Lawsponsored by Duane Morris LLP
  • 1:45–3 p.m. CLE Breakout 3

2–5 p.m. | 2016 National APA Pre-Law Conference

FREE registration for prospective law students. Click here for more information.

3:30–4:45 p.m. | Committee/Network Business Meetings

5–6 p.m. | Committee/Network Receptions

6–7:30 p.m. | Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award Reception sponsored by Walmart

7:30–10:30 p.m. | NAPABA Partners/In-House Council Dinner Advance registration required. Please emailkbazaldua@mwe.com for more details.

8–10 p.m. | Judicial Council Dinner Advance registration required. Limited to bench officers.

8–10 p.m. | NAPALSA Reception sponsored by the United States Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps

11 p.m.–2 a.m. | Late Night Karaoke at Fluxx

Saturday

6:30–7:30 a.m. | Early riser? Join us for a morning jog or yoga.

8–9 a.m. | Women’s Leadership Breakfast & Plenary | Asian Pacific Americans in the Media

CLE Breakout Sessions including NAPALSA Programming

Earning CLE credit? Click here to view our accreditation chart and written materials for each panel.

  • 9:15–10:30 a.m. | CLE Breakout 4
  • 10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |  CLE Breakout 5
  • 12:15–1:45 p.m. | Luncheon & Plenary Session | An Informal Conversation with Asian Pacific American Federal Judges sponsored by Seyfarth Shaw LLP

2–4:30 p.m. | Tours (register by Oct. 21)

  • AleSmith Brewing Company Tour/Tasting
  • San Diego Asian Film Festival | Film Screening: Bad Rap
  • Old Town Trolley Tour
  • Walking Tour of Historic Balboa Park

2–4 p.m. | Committee/Network Business Meetings

2–4:30 p.m. | Real Property Case Study Advance registration required.

3–5 p.m. | Basketball Tournament Advance registration required.

4:30–6 p.m. | Thomas Tang Moot Court Reception & Presentation

5–6 p.m. | Committee/Network Receptions

6 p.m. | Doors open for Gala

6:30–10 p.m. | 28th Anniversary Gala Ticket is included with each full registration. Guest tickets may be added on for an additional $275.

10 p.m.–midnight | President’s Party

Sunday

Community Service Project and Farewell Breakfast

During each Convention, NAPABA gives back to the city that hosts 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. More than 2,000 people from the street will attend for a free turkey dinner. For every kit that we assemble, NAPABA will donate $5 to the San Diego Rescue Mission. Help us reach our goal of 1,000 kits assembled! Breakfast will be provided.

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Pitch Session Program – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Pitch Session Program – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Today is the last day for law firms to apply for the 2016 Pitch Sessions!

The 8th Annual Pitch Sessions bring together in-house counsel and attorneys from NAPABA’s Premier, Diamond, Jade, Platinum, and Gold-level sponsor firms, and solo and small firms practitioners, including those owned by women and minorities. Each session brings a unique opportunity for in-house counsel to meet one-on-one with well qualified attorneys from an array of practice areas, all of whom have demonstrated a commitment to their profession and NAPABA. Numerous business development pitches have successfully taken place over the years. Last year, in-house counsel from various Fortune 500 companies, including Target, NBC Universal, and Microsoft, participated in the Pitch Sessions. The Pitch Sessions will take place at the 2016 NAPABA Convention from Nov. 3-6 in San Diego.

Law Firm Participant Eligibility

  • Participants must be from a Premier, Diamond, Jade, Platinum or Gold-level sponsor firm OR from firms with 25 or fewer attorneys. Please email Priya Purandare at ppurandare@napaba.org if you are interested in sponsoring or upgrading your current level of sponsorship.
  • Solo and small firm practitioners (attorneys who work at law firms with 25 or fewer attorneys) must be individual Platinum level members of NAPABA (annual membership contribution of $500). Log in to your member profile to check your membership status or become a Platinum member by joining today!
  • Participants must be registered for the 2016 NAPABA Convention.

Although we encourage every in-house counsel participant in the Pitch Sessions program to meet with at least one eligible law firm participant based on their outside counsel needs, meetings with in-house counsel are not guaranteed. Participation in the program is based on in-house counsel selection of interested attorneys.

When will the pitch sessions take place and in what format?
In-house counsel and firm attorneys can determine the date, time, and length of the pitch sessions as long as it takes place on-site during the 2016 NAPABA Convention. Law firms may conduct the pitch with one person or a team from the firm dependent on your preference.

Is this a practice pitch?
No, in-house counsel will not view the pitch sessions as practice.

Will each in-house counsel have work to give out?
No. Because it is difficult for in-house counsel to predict their work needs, they are not required to have work to give out during the Pitch Sessions. But they will have full discretion to engage (or strongly recommend) outside law firms as needed.

To participate in this year’s Pitch Sessions, submit an application here.

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Organizational Statement | NAPABA Offended by Fox News Segment in Chinatown – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Organizational Statement | NAPABA Offended by Fox News Segment in Chinatown – National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

NAPABA Offended by Fox News Segment in Chinatown

For Immediate Release
Oct. 12, 2016

For More Information, Contact:
Brett Schuster, Communications Manager
bschuster@napaba.org, 202-775-9555

The leaders of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) were offended by the recent segment aired by the O’Reilly Factor where Jesse Watters visited New York City’s Chinatown and perpetuated offensive stereotypes about the Asian Pacific American community and treated Chinatown residents with rudeness and contempt.

“The use of racist stereotypes is irresponsible and perpetuates prejudice and bias,” said NAPABA President Jin Hwang. “As lawyers, we recognize the harmful impacts that racist stereotypes and bias can have on immigrants and limited English proficient communities. As Asian Pacific Americans, we have experienced firsthand the negative impacts of stereotyping, and we have witnessed the harms that occur when immigrants who speak only limited English are treated as less worthy than others of societal respect and kindness.

“We are truly appalled that Fox News, Bill O’Reilly, and Jesse Watters continue to defend their ill-advised attempt at humor. We hope that they will recognize that a skit perpetuating offensive stereotypes and mistreating immigrants is neither funny nor newsworthy. Fox News and all of the individuals involved must publicly apologize for their actions.

“The segment underscores the need for Asian Pacific American voices to be included in all industries.”

NAPABA encourages its members to join the over 21,000 people who have signed a national petition calling for an apology.

NAPABA will continue to engage with the coalition of Asian Pacific American groups working to demand appropriate responses from Fox News, Bill O’Reilly, and Jesse Watters.

Background:

For more information, the media may contact Brett Schuster, NAPABA communications manager, at 202-775-9555 or bschuster@napaba.org.

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.

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

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