The 2025 NAPABA Convention was an unforgettable three days of inspiration, connection, and community, and now you can relive it all. We’re thrilled to share the official 2025 NAPABA Convention Photo Gallery, capturing the energy, excitement, and impact of our time together in Denver.
This year’s Convention was nothing short of extraordinary. Nearly 2,900 attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students helped make it the second-largest gathering in NAPABA history. We welcomed more than 800 first-timers, reached our highest sponsorship record ever, and filled every room with the unmistakable spirit of our community.
From forward-looking conversations on the Portrait Project to a dynamic Gala Keynote featuring Rich Ting and Katie Phang, the Convention showcased the trailblazers, innovators, and rising leaders shaping the future of our profession. But the moments that mattered most were the ones powered by you—your expertise, your engagement, and your commitment to lifting our bar to new heights.
Now you can revisit those moments, and if you haven’t had a chance yet, be sure to read and share our full 2025 Convention recap, a look back at the people, programs, and conversations that made this year’s gathering exceptional.
Here’s a recap of everything you might have missed!
Looking at social media posts from the Convention, we were pleased to see so many attendees share our feeling that NAPABA is a family, a group of friends and colleagues, and most importantly, a community. No matter the field, the level of experience, or geographic location, we are one NAPABA.
We’re excited to head into 2020 with you all, but first let’s look back at this year’s Convention!
New Year, New Leadership
Bonnie Lee Wolf was sworn in as NAPABA’s president. We are inspired by her vision for NAPABA and look forward to supporting her leadership!
Using History to Inform Our Future
Through a re-enactment and historical materials, we revisited the importance of Korematsu v. United States,
when Fred Korematsu challenged Executive Order 9066, which led to the
incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Individuals who
played key roles in the successful effort to overturn Korematsu’s
conviction in the 1983 case brought his story to life, connecting his
values of equity and human rights to the issues we face today.
During the Saturday plenary, an inspiring group of LGBTQ attorneys reflected on the Supreme Court decision in Lawrence v. Texas that opened the door for inclusion for diverse communities and laid the groundwork for marriage equality to become a right across the country. However, true inclusion is still a work in progress. Panelists offered their look at the future of diversity and inclusion for the LGBTQ community.
Celebrating 31 Years
At our Anniversary Gala, we celebrated 31 years of NAPABA by looking to
the future with a swearing-in of the 2019-20 NAPABA Board of Governors.
Comedian, actor and writer Sheng Wang hosted the gala and Chef Kristen
Kish and food critic Soleil Ho had a great conversation about identity,
self-worth and success.
2019 Award Winners
We were honored to recognize this year’s award winners at the 2019
NAPABA Convention. We’re proud to have so many distinguished members,
who inspire our work every day.
Trailblazer Awards
The Honorable Richard J. Chin. To see the award video, click here. Julia Markley. To see the award video, click here. Byung “BJay” Pak. To see the award video, click here. Debbie Leilani Shon. To see the award video, click here.
Debbie Leilani Shon. To see the award video, click here.
Best Under 40
Vanessa E. Candelaria | Attorney, Law Offices of Vanessa Candelaria Christina Chan | Assistant Attorney General, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General Nooree Lee | Associate, Covington & Burling LLP Cindy Lin | Partner, King & Spalding LLP Laurie Rose Lubiano | IP & Product Counsel, The Climate Corporation Catherine Y. Lui | Partner, Orrick LLP Jessica Nguyen | General Counsel, PayScale, Inc. Marc A. Pilotin | General Counsel, California Labor and Workforce Development Agency Sid Shenoy | Partner, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP Christopher Thana Sukhaphadhana | Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property, Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. Jerry Vattamala | Democracy Program Director, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund Johnny Wang | Partner, Stinson LLP Jovita T. Wang | Partner, Richardson Wright LLP Bryant Y. Yang | Assistant U.S Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office Bilal Zaheer | Partner, Locke Lord LLP
Partners Network In-House Counsel Awards
Diversity Leadership Rising Star Award
Laurie Rose Lubiano
Diversity Leadership Award
Michael C. Wu
NAPABA Gives Back
Thanks to everyone who joined us at our Community Service Project and Farewell Breakfast! We assembled over 200 care packages for the Asian Family Support Services of Austin. AFSS Austin is a nonprofit that helps Asian, immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault & trafficking.
A Message from NAPABA Law Foundation
The NAPABA
Law Foundation thanks everyone who donated during convention to support
NLF’s fellowships, scholarships, and the Thomas Tang National Moot Court
Competition.
Whether by buying a Fred Korematsu or Judge Denny Chin bobblehead, wagering at Casino Night, bidding on silent auction items, or using text-to-give during the Gala, these proceeds will be used to advance access to justice for our communities.
Speaking of the text-to-give, congratulations on breaking the system! It appears that so many people were jumping on their smartphones to donate that our vendor’s system crashed!
If you were unable to make a gift at Convention, you may donate via NLF’s website by clicking here. Remember, Harry Gee, Jr., and his family are matching the first $150,000 raised! Every dollar you donate will have double the impact!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Thank you to the amazing sponsors who supported the 2019 NAPABA Convention.
Premier Sponsor Walmart
Jade Sponsors Littler Microsoft Prudential
Platinum Sponsors Akin Gump Apple Baker Botts Comcast NBC Universal Goodwin Google McGuireWoods Nationwide Paul Weiss Seyfarth Shaw
