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.
For Immediate Release: January 23, 2026 Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director
WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026 in Congress. The bill, if enacted, would ensure that all individuals have meaningful access to critical Federal services, regardless of English proficiency.
In March 2025, President Donald Trump revoked Executive Order 13166 and designated English as the official language of the United States. For nearly 25 years, EO 13166 required that every federal agency meet the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency when it delivers critical services. EO 13166 brought the full import of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits entities that receive federal funding from discriminating based on national origin, to life. NAPABA objected to the revocation of EO 13166 at the time and called on Congress to act in response. Following our advocacy efforts, NAPABA welcomes the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026, which would restore the key guarantees of EO 13166.
Language access is particularly important for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The majority of the Asian American community are immigrants. Nearly 32% of the community is limited English proficient. The Asian American population is comprised of over 50 different ethnicities and speak over 100 different languages. NAPABA has long championed linguistic access for AANHPI communities in the legal system, including through our groundbreaking report, which highlighted and provided recommendations on the state of language access in federal and state courts and agencies. Every individual deserves access to critical, federally funded services.
NAPABA is grateful to Rep. Grace Meng, the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, along with Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Daniel Goldman, for their leadership and introducing the Language Access for All Act of 2026. This action coincides with the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision in Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974), which recognized the right of English learners to participate meaningfully in public school education and served as a catalyst for language access throughout the Nation. We call on Congress to advance this legislation swiftly.
On November 25, 2025, AABANY’s Prosecutors and Student Outreach Committees joined the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA) to host an event called “Pathways to Careers in Government & Justice” at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. The hybrid program, available in person and via Zoom, brought together law students, early-career professionals, and seasoned public servants for a wide-ranging discussion about what it means to build a career — and answer a calling — within the criminal justice system.
The event opened with a warm welcome and participants enjoyed a delicious spread of food, featuring dumplings, fried rice, chicken wings, and noodles. The event then quickly moved into a dynamic panel conversation featuring prosecutors, judges, court attorneys, and representatives from major government agencies. Each speaker traced their path into public service, revealing how mentorship, curiosity, and unexpected opportunities shaped their careers. The following judges were also in the audience: Hon. Phyllis Chu, Hon. Danny Chun, Hon. Marilyn Go (Ret.), and Hon. Don Leo.
Panelist Hon. Frances Wang (Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term) described a childhood spent moving across Taiwan, Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and finally the United States. Adjusting to new cultures, learning English, and navigating unfamiliar schools, she found herself in a third-grade classroom where a teacher told her, “You ask a lot of questions. I think you’d make a good lawyer.” She had never heard the word lawyer before, but the encouragement stayed with her. Years later, that early spark grew into internships, mock trial competitions, prosecutorial work, and eventually a judgeship.
Her story echoed a theme that ran throughout the night: the profound and often quiet influence of mentors (teachers, supervisors, judges) who saw potential long before the speaker did. Many panelists noted that their career trajectories were not linear. They relied on mentors to clarify possibilities they did not know existed, whether in appellate litigation, regulatory enforcement, oversight and investigation, or judicial work.
William Wang (Assistant Attorney General, New York Attorney General’s Office) and Stephanie Pak (Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York) and Yi Liu (Senior Counsel, New York City Law Department) offered clear, accessible explanations of their bureaus and divisions, from affirmative litigation to labor and employment matters, and gave students a rare inside look at where public-sector lawyers can make a difference. Phil Hung (Deputy Commissioner, Department of Investigation) described DOI as “the city’s watchdog,” explaining how the agency investigates fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption across virtually every city entity. For many students, it was the first time seeing how interconnected the city’s justice and accountability systems truly are.
Stephanie Quon (Principle Court Attorney, Brooklyn Supreme Court – Criminal Term) described roles that receive less public visibility but are essential to making the courts and prosecutors’ offices function. She explained the intellectual rigor and responsibility that come with drafting decisions, researching complex legal issues, and supporting judges in high-stakes cases ranging from violent felonies to gang conspiracy, fraud, and bias-motivated crimes.
Grace Vee (Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office) shared her journey to becoming an Assistant District Attorney, which started from a brief externship at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office while she was still in college. What began as a two-week externship quickly became a defining experience. She spoke about how impressed she was by the dedication of the prosecutors, the sense of mission in the office, and the profound public service component of the work.
That early exposure stayed with her. She went on to law school, determined to return to the Manhattan DA’s Office, and she did. Grace became an Assistant District Attorney and remained in the role for 30 years (just recently celebrating her 30th anniversary at the Manhattan DA’s Office), building a long, distinguished career grounded in community protection, ethical prosecution, and public trust. Her story demonstrated that the spark of public service can begin early, but its longevity is sustained by commitment, discipline, and a deep belief in the work. During Grace’s description of her journey, she thanked Judge Marilyn Go, also in attendance in the audience, as her mentor and role model. This moment was especially moving, showing how mentorship has passed on and created a lasting legacy of service within the legal community.
Grace’s narrative resonated particularly strongly with students, showing how a single moment — an externship, a mentor’s encouragement, a first exposure to courtroom advocacy — can set the foundation for a meaningful career.
Across all these narratives, one message stood out: there is no single path into public service, but every path requires integrity, courage, and a willingness to step forward.
As the conversation deepened, several speakers reflected on the unique role of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) attorneys in public-sector positions. They underscored that representation matters not only for visibility, but for trust. Many communities remain fearful or skeptical of government institutions; seeing people with shared histories and cultural understanding in these roles can make the legal system feel more accessible. Public-sector lawyers often become bridges between communities and the courts, between fear and understanding, between wrongdoing and accountability.
The panelists’ honesty about the pressures of the work, whether in sentencing decisions, overseeing investigations, or handling trauma-heavy prosecutions, imbued the discussion with realism and deep humanity. Their candor also reaffirmed that commitment to public service, despite its difficulty, remains a powerful way to shape the world with purpose.
A Visit from Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez: A Call to Serve
Midway through the evening, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stopped by to offer words that many attendees described as especially moving. He spoke frankly about the critical need for representation in public service, drawing on his own background as a Latino community member and prosecutor.
He emphasized that the justice system needs attorneys who reflect the diverse communities of New York, especially in moments of heightened distrust. “People are really afraid of government,” he said, noting that this fear is prevalent across Asian, Latino, Caribbean, and Black communities. DA Gonzalez emphasized that increased representation and participation of more minority community members would help address this issue.
DA Gonzalez stressed that losing talented young lawyers to the private sector would have consequences far beyond the walls of a single office. The public, he reminded everyone, depends on committed public servants who can build trust and foster accountability. His message was both caution and encouragement: stay, serve, and know that your presence matters.
Thank You to the Prosecutors Committee, Student Outreach Committee, Panelists, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
What distinguished this event was the sincerity running through every story, every piece of advice, and every reflection. The speakers did not simply outline career paths; they opened windows into the human experience of being a public servant. They spoke about challenges and doubts, but also about the moments that reaffirmed why they chose this work.
Hearing about the speakers’ individual stories made students and attendees realize that they could do it too, and witnessing their dedication, passion, and commitment to their jobs firsthand was definitely impactful. During the networking hour that followed, attendees lingered to ask questions, seek mentorship, and connect with speakers. It was clear that the event created not only opportunities, but possibilities.
AABANY extends its deepest gratitude to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, NAPIPA, DA Eric Gonzalez, the moderators, panelists, and all attendees. Pathways to Careers in Government & Justice illuminated the rich landscape of public-sector careers and reminded aspiring attorneys why representation, integrity, and service matter.
We look forward to continuing programs that uplift emerging leaders and strengthen the pipeline of dedicated AAPI public servants across New York.
To learn more about the Prosecutors Committee at AABANY, click here.
To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee at AABANY, click here.
Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director
WASHINGTON — On the day before Thanksgiving, blocks from the offices of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), an individual shot two members of the National Guard. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, tragically succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. NAPABA mourns the loss of Specialist Beckstrom and extends our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. We are holding Sergeant Wolfe, his loved ones, and the military community in our thoughts as he undergoes critical care.
We unequivocally condemn this horrific act of violence. Though a full investigation is pending, government officials revealed that the alleged perpetrator, who is now detained and faces criminal charges, arrived in the United States in 2021 from Afghanistan through a federal resettlement program.
The views from leaders at all levels play a powerful role in shaping how communities such as asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants are understood. The criminal acts of one individual should not be used to paint an entire community, especially those who have sought protection from this Nation. Casting aspersions does nothing to advance public discourse, and instead, it serves to fuel hate, a fact that is all too familiar to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.
The United States has taken on an obligation under domestic and international law to provide refuge to those fleeing persecution. This has particular resonance with the Asian American community. Nearly three million refugees from Southeast Asia fled conflicts in the 1970s, and new generations have arrived since. The protections offered by the United States as a leading signatory to the International Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol are critical to uphold.
Countless numbers of Asian Americans and others throughout history fled persecution for a better life in the United States. We need not turn our back on history or the generations seeking refuge. NAPABA has consistently supported the refugee resettlement program and this Nation’s long history of welcoming those seeking the protections of our country.
WASHINGTON — The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) proudly congratulates Eric Tung on his confirmation to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His elevation to the federal appellate bench marks a significant achievement—both for Eric Tung and for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal community.
“We are pleased to see Judge Tung ascend to the Ninth Circuit,” said NAPABA President Joseph Yao. “His extensive record as a public servant, appellate litigator, and former Department of Justice official demonstrates a deep commitment to the administration of justice. Having qualified AANHPI attorneys in lifetime judicial roles helps ensure our judiciary reflects the diversity of our nation and benefits from the full range of talent in our community.”
Eric Tung is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Jones Day, where he focuses on appeals and motions practice in commercial litigation. He has briefed and argued matters in federal and state courts nationwide, including the Ninth Circuit, D.C. Circuit, Seventh Circuit, Florida Supreme Court, and the California Court of Appeals. His clients span a range of industries, including telecommunications, energy, banking, real estate, construction, entertainment, and digital currency.
“Judge Tung is the first AANHPI nominated and confirmed during President Trump’s second term,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Judge Tung joins the bench at a time when representation of AANHPI jurists on the federal bench remains a vital goal for NAPABA. During his first term, President Trump confirmed 13 AANHPI Article III judges. We look forward to continuing our work to advance AANHPI representation on the federal judiciary.”
Eric Tung previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California and held positions at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., including serving as a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General. He also clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and the late Antonin Scalia.
NAPABA thanks President Trump for the nomination and the U.S. Senate for confirming him swiftly.
At the NAPABA Convention, you’ll experience unmatched opportunities to grow, connect, and be inspired. On Friday, November 7, join NAPABA for a plenary session featuring trailblazing leaders who will examine the key issues shaping the future of the legal profession.
This year’s plenary will spotlight the Portrait Project, NAPABA’s groundbreaking study of Asian Americans in the law, and offer candid insights on how the legal community can advance representation and leadership in a time of change.
Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from Justice Goodwin Liu, Sandra Leung, Kalpana Srinivasan, and Professor Ajay K. Mehrotra as they unpack the Portrait Project and share perspectives on the challenges facing our profession.
Secure your spot today—add this a la carte session to your Convention registration and be part of this vital conversation.
Sandra Leung Executive Vice President and General Counsel (ret.), Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Professor Ajay K. Mehrotra Moderator Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Diversity and inclusion efforts are facing mounting pressure. Across the nation, they face legal and political challenges across the board, whether in the government sector, the private sector, or on university campuses. The legal profession has not escaped the backlash. In its wake, the Portrait Project, supported by the American Bar Foundation and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), provides invaluable perspectives. It explores critical empirical research to explain why the Asian American legal community continues to face persistent barriers to advancement and endure underrepresentation in the top ranks of the profession.
NAPABA works to achieve optimal representation and visibility of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) attorneys in every facet and level of the legal field and beyond. But how do we pursue this goal in the current polarized atmosphere, where employee resource groups and affinity organizations face enormous pressures and where employers are wavering on commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Join us for a lively conversation with the architects of the Portrait Project and leaders of the legal profession to hear what the latest data tells us about the state of AANHPIs in the profession. Discover how their findings can cut through the heated political rhetoric to show a better understanding of the factors that have contributed to attrition and retention, and the policies and practices that can boost representation at the leadership levels.
Military & Veteran Service Award
During the Plenary Luncheon, we will also be recognizing this year’s Military & Veteran Service Awardee. This award honors NAPABA members who have served in the United States Armed Forces and demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing justice, supporting service members and veterans, and strengthening our community.
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (CA-36) U.S. House of Representatives
Applications are now open for NAPABA’s Leadership Advancement Program. This experiential program provides Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) attorneys a unique opportunity to develop and harness their leadership style and foster deep and lasting connections with their peers, including both in-house counsel and law firm attorneys.
This exclusive, year-long experience is designed to transform rising AANHPI attorneys into bold, confident leaders.
This isn’t just another leadership program—it’s your chance to:
Discover your leadership style, sharpen your strengths, and understand your weaknesses
Master the art of communication, listening, and influence
Overcome challenges with confidence and strategic thinking
Connect with 24 peers who will become your advisors, champions, and lifelong community
This is YOUR time. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and power, don’t wait! Spots are limited so take the first step into becoming the leader you’re meant to be by submitting your application.
The program is designed for developing mid-career AANHPI attorney leadership skills. Enrollment in the program is limited to 24 participants, with an even balance between IHC and law firm attorneys. All NAPABA members are encouraged to apply, although the selection committee will focus on the following criteria this year:
Law firm candidates: preference for candidates with between six and 10 years of experience.
In-house candidates: preference for a minimum of three to four years of IHC experience, with six to 10 years of overall practice experience.
WASHINGTON – Recently, President Donald Trump named Mark T. Uyeda as the Acting Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Acting Chairman Uyeda. He is the first Asian Pacific American to serve as a Commissioner on the SEC and to lead the SEC.
“Over the course of two decades, Acting Chairman Uyeda has built an impressive track record of expertise and commitment to public service,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA. “Dedicated public servants like Mark T. Uyeda are critical to safeguarding the integrity of our nation’s financial system.”
Acting Chairman Uyeda has served as an SEC Commissioner since 2022. His distinguished service spans over fifteen years as a career public service attorney, including in senior leadership at the SEC, as Securities Counsel on detail to the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, roles at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Labor, and key positions in government and private practice.
Acting Chairman Uyeda earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from Georgetown University in 1992 and his law degree with honors from Duke University in 1995, where he was a member of the Duke Law Journal. The child and grandchild of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II, he has been an active member of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander legal community, including serving as a past president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area (APABA-DC). In 2023, NAPABA awarded him with the prestigious Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award.
### 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.
WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate confirmed Judge Mustafa Kasubhai to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Judge Kasubhai is the first Asian American Article III judge in the District and the first American Muslim to serve within the Ninth Circuit.
“NAPABA congratulates Judge Mustafa Kasubhai on his confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA. “A 2018 NAPABA Trailblazer, Judge Kasubhai represents the best and brightest of our profession and membership.”
Judge Mustafa Kasubhai has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Oregon since 2018. Previously, Judge Kasubhai served as a Circuit Court Judge in Lane County, Oregon, from 2007 to 2018. Prior to his appointment to the state bench, Judge Kasubhai served on the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board from 2003 to 2007. From 1997 to 2003, Judge Kasubhai worked in three different private practice roles—as a solo practitioner, as a partner at Kasubhai & Sanchez, and as an associate at Rasmussen, Tyler & Mundorff. Judge Kasubhai received his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1996 and his B.S. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1992
“President Biden has nominated 42 AANHPIs to Article III courts, and 38 have been confirmed,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “We thank President Biden for nominating and Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley for supporting Judge Kasubhai’s historic nomination.”
### 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.
Karis Consulting Group provides community organizing, strategic advising, and coalition-building support for Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations to empower the voice and capacity of the community. Interns will provide support for client work in a variety of sectors, gaining valuable community organizing skills and building relationships with top leaders in the nonprofit and government sectors. Individuals of all ethnicities and backgrounds located in the US are encouraged to apply.
About Karis Consulting Group (KCG)
Karis Consulting Group’s mission is to advance equity and empower communities to thrive by activating diverse voices and engaging in meaningful civic participation.
Internship Responsibilities
Interns will be expected to have strong administrative and communication skills.
Event Planning: Plan outreach, prepare memos, draft invitations, support fundraisers, manage logistics
Office Administration: Create/update spreadsheets, use office tools and Google Suite to manage tasks
Graphic Design: Design flyers using Canva
Communication: Draft emails, take meeting notes, strong writing and verbal skills for internal communication with firm and external stakeholders
Social Media/Podcast: Create social media posts
Compensation
Interns will receive $15 an hour.
Requirements
Applicants are expected to submit a resume, cover letter, and references (none from family members).
Open to high school graduates, college students, and graduate students
Interns are expected to work 10-15 hours per week. How you break up those hours can be discussed.
Interns must be located in the US but can work virtually (preference for DC or New York).
Application deadline is November 27, 2024 by 11:59 PM ET.
