AABANY Members Visit Capitol Hill During NAPABA Lobby Day

AABANY members pose in front of the U.S. Capitol at NAPABA Lobby Day 2024.

On May 22, 2024, AABANY members met with the staff of New York Senate and Congressional representatives in Washinton, D.C. at this year’s NAPABA Lobby Day. Each year, members of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) travel from across the United States to Washington D.C. and advocate on critical issues facing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

NAPABA and local bar association members discussed a number of issues with Congressional offices including legislation to address Anti-Asian Hate, Civil Rights, Immigration, and to support the confirmation of AANHPI judicial and executive nominees.

Wen Xue discusses alien land laws with Rebecca Lee, Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Grace Meng.

Wen Xue, Associate at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, discussed state bills barring Chinese nationals from owning real property and a federal bill to preempt those laws.  She shared, “Lobby Day is a great opportunity to meet and connect with people. I enjoyed the opportunity to see my fellow NAPABA colleagues in action, hear their words, and be inspired.”

Sandy Chiu, intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, stated, “Lobby Day continues to inspire and reengage me in the civic process, reminding me of our power as a collective NAPABA voice in shaping policy.”

Michelle Lee, Counsel for Stand with Asian Americans which advocates against workplace discrimination, discussed legislation to ensure AANHPI history is taught as part of American history. She stated, “As a first-time attendee of Lobby Day, I experienced a sense of empowerment and relevance as we advocated on behalf of our AANHPI community directly with our Senators’ and Representatives’ offices. Every lawyer should take advantage of this privilege especially when NAPABA makes the experience so seamless and collaborative.”

Nandar Win Kerr, Human Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Consultant and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Professional Development Committee, stated, “For the past three years, I have participated in NAPABA Lobby Day, transitioning from grassroots activism to high-level policy advocacy, a journey that seemed intimidating at first…. Engaging in NAPABA Lobby Day has enriched my sense of community and empowered me to contribute to collective advocacy efforts. Together, we strive to foster a peaceful, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable democratic society where everyone feels they belong.”

Rachel Lee discusses civil rights legislation with Bre Sonnier-Thompson, Legislative Correspondent for New York Senator Chuck Schumer.

Rachel Lee, Associate at A&O Shearman, stated, “Lobby Day 2024 was another incredibly rewarding experience. Marching through the hallways of the House and Senate buildings with a team of like-minded AANHPI attorneys was a reminder that our democratic process requires hard work and advocacy and gave me hope that as a team we can serve as a voice on issues important to our often-forgotten community. Whether it’s an important election year or not, with or without prior lobbying experience, I strongly encourage our members to take part in this amazing program.”

NAPABA is the largest AANHPI grassroots membership association, representing the interests of over 80,000 lawyers, judges, law students and other legal professionals around the country. Approximately 90 local bar associations are affiliated with NAPABA.

Anna Mercado Clark, Partner at Phillips Lytle LLP, currently serves as President of NAPABA. She stated, “Lobby Day is the premier advocacy event for NAPABA and one of the most visible ways that we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We are proud to have gathered 150 members for a Congressional reception and 50 meetings with legislators from both sides of the aisle. It is so powerful to see so many AANHPIs roaming the halls of Congress. It sends the message that we are here, we matter, and we will not tire of pursuing issues of importance to our communities. Thank you, AABANY, for joining NAPABA and all you are doing to advocate for our communities and strengthen democracy. This work is more important now than ever.”

NAPABA President Anna Mercado Clark and Nandar Win Kerr attending the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception.
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA), Senator Mazie Hirono (HI), and Director of Domestic Policy Counsel Neera Tanden speak at the AANHPI Congressional Reception.

NAPABA Lobby Day coincides with the annual Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception. Several AANHPI congressional and administration officials spoke including Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA), Senator Mazie Hirono (HI), and White House Director of the Domestic Policy Counsel Neera Tanden.

Thanks to all the AABANY members who participated in Lobby Day this year, especially Vishal Chander, Issues Committee Co-Chair and Board Director, who submitted this report.

NAPABA Lobby Day Registration Deadline Extended

Register by Wednesday, May 1 at 8 pm ET

Have you registered for NAPABA’s 2024 Lobby Day, May 21-22, in Washington, DC? If not, we’ve extended the deadline for you to register.

This is our chance to advocate for issues that impact the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community with leaders on Capitol Hill. This year, we’ll be focusing on the following priority issue areas:

Anti-Asian Hate

  • Support legislation to preempt discriminatory alien land laws.
  • Support legislation to teach AANHPI history in K-12 education.
  • Support mental health resources in our community.
  • Oppose anti-Asian rhetoric.

Civil Rights

  • Support the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
  • Support the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Support funding for legal services and public defenders.

Immigration

  • Support the right to counsel for individuals navigating the immigration system.
  • Protect the rights of asylum seekers.

Judicial and Executive Nominations

Don’t delay. Make sure your voice is heard and register by May 1!

NAPABA Announcement: NAPABA Community Service Corps Makes History at Unity March

NAPABA is proud to have been an organizational partner for the Unity March this past Saturday [June 25], the first large mobilization of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) on the National Mall that brought people of all backgrounds together who care about advancing socioeconomic and cultural equity, racial justice, and solidarity. Executive Director Priya Purandare was quoted in the Washingtonian for this historic event. We thank our members who attended and volunteered in the summer heat. Your presence contributed to a larger movement, and we are grateful for all you do! If you missed the event or any remarks, a full livestream of the Unity March is available for viewing here.

Community Service Corps | #NAPABAinAction

The mobilization came at the 40th anniversary of Vincent Chin’s murder, a critical turning point for the AAPI community. Chin’s murder, and the fact that his killers faced no jail time, highlighted the lack of a strong national voice for AAPIs within this country’s legal system. The case galvanized the community to action and this led to NAPABA’S founding in 1988 to give voice to values of justice, equity, and opportunity for AAPIs. Since that time, NAPABA has been strongly committed to civil rights advocacy.

We now stand at another turning point in history with the current rise in hate crimes targeting diverse communities. To take action and harness the power of our membership, we launched the NAPABA Community Service Corps to provide opportunities for NAPABA members to act for impact at the local and national levels. NAPABA Community Service Corps opportunities include hate crimes assistance and election protection efforts to fill the needs of the community.

NAPABA needs your help to form a national infrastructure of members committed to strengthening our communities. Will you join #NAPABAinAction? Learn more here and sign up on the Volunteer Now tab!

Register for the 2021 NAPABA Convention: One Spectacular Convention, Two Ways to Participate


Click here to register.

The 2021 NAPABA Convention is offering more than 50 programs, including networking receptions, CLE sessions, Thursday specialty programming, and plenaries featuring high-profile experts on today’s top issues. 

Have it your way and attend either in-person at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, DC, December 9-12 or with our virtual pass where you can tune in live for our plenary sessions, the Trailblazer Award Reception, and 33rd Anniversary Gala, and watch CLEs on-demand all from the comfort of your home or office. With the flexibility of attending in-person or virtually, NAPABA can provide a personal experience based on your professional needs. Whether you’re looking to earn CLE credit, grow your business, or connect with others, you can customize your Convention experience to match your goals.

Register by the early bird deadline of Friday, October 8, and be entered into a raffle to win free registration for the 2022 NAPABA Convention.


Thursday Specialty Programming

Developed by NAPABA committees and networks, we are proud to present specialty programming on Thursday of Convention week. This series of workshops is designed to provide experiential learning opportunities in an immersive and interactive environment. Specialty programming allows participants to delve more deeply into issues with experts in the field beyond what may be possible during a general CLE session.

International Law Symposium | 1:00 – 3:45 pm
 
This year’s International Law Symposium will focus on how to succeed in an international legal career and the cultural issues in international dispute resolution.

Solo & Small Firm Boot Camp | 1:00 – 3:45 pm
The Solo & Small Firm Boot Camp provides programming that is specifically tailored to the needs of solo and small firm practitioners, as well as those interested in starting a solo or small firm practice. This year’s programming will focus on social media marketing tips for small firms and how automating law practices will reduce stress and deliver exceptional customer service.

Women’s Leadership Workshop | 1:00 – 5:00 pm 
The 2021 Women’s Leadership Workshop will explore the potential pitfalls of the new hybrid workplace, how to mitigate the fall out, and how to make the benefits of a hybrid office work for you. We will focus on skills and perspectives necessary for women who have just started out their careers, women changing jobs and navigating a new organization remotely, and those responsible for leading teams remotely. Get what you need to shine on-line and in person in this new hybrid work world!

To learn more about what these specialty programs have in store for you at the Convention, click here!


Special Note
NAPABA is strongly committed to the safety and well-being of our members and guests at the Convention. Please review our full COVID-19 Safety Protocol including requirements for entry into the Convention. Additionally, please review our full cancellation and registration transfer policy. Registration for the Convention will close on Monday, December 6, 2021, at 11:59 pm ET. Registrations after this date, including walk-in or onsite registration, will not be permitted under any circumstance.   

Apply to the NAPABA 2019 Leadership Advancement Program!

 Apply today for the 2019 Class!
Washington, D.C. | July 19-21, 2019

NAPABA’s Leadership Advancement Program is a year-long program to develop mid-career Asian Pacific American attorneys’ leadership skills, while providing an opportunity to foster genuine relationships with peers within the profession, especially between in-house counsel (IHC) and law firm attorneys. This year, the first part of the program will be held in Washington D.C. The program will commence with a weekend of team-building and leadership training from Friday, July 19 through midday Sunday, July 21. The first two days will consist of leadership assessments, training on understanding and improving your leadership style, team building, and better understanding your career vision to help support you in pursuing career goals, including addressing the unique hurdles facing Asian Pacific Americans. The last half-day is devoted to launching team-based community projects that will allow participants to forge meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships. 

NAPABA’s Leadership Advancement Program (LAP) is distinct from the In-House Counsel Summit (IHC Summit). NAPABA’s LAP is a professional and personal development program for mid-career IHC and law firm attorneys through leadership skills development, candid and open dialogue, and relationship-building. The IHC Summit is offered only to IHCs looking for professional leadership development and opportunities in association with NAPABA 20/20 initiative focused on career advancement for APA in-house counsel.

Applications for NAPABA’s LAP program will be accepted through May 13 at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Apply now!

Enrollment

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: this year’s program will prefer 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

NAPABA will provide the trainers, program materials, venue, and in-program meals. If accepted, attendees will be expected to commit $100 as a program fee and provide their own travel to Washington, DC and accommodations, if required.

Tentative Schedule

Fri., July 19 
Leadership Assessment and Team Building: The program will consist of leadership exercises, assessments, and team-building. 

Sat., July 20
Leadership Training: The program will consist of leadership training sessions aimed at helping attorneys achieve the highest level of leadership and success in law firms and corporations. 

Sun., July 21
Community Project (Half-day): Participants will design a community project that will encourage team-building and leadership development throughout the year.  

To learn more about NAPABA’s Leadership Advancement Program, please visit https://www.napaba.org/page/19_LeaderWorkshop or email Leadership Advancement Program Chair, Charles Jung

NAPABA Lobby Day 2016

NAPABA Lobby Day 2016
Washington, D.C. | May 23-24, 2016

Join us for NAPABA Lobby Day 2016, which will be held in Washington, D.C., from May 23-24, 2016. This event is an opportunity for NAPABA members from across the country to educate members of Congress and congressional staffers on issues of importance to the Asian Pacific American community. Lobby Day also gives members an active role in promoting NAPABA’s mission of advocating for justice, equity, and opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans.

Participants will meet with legislators and voice their perspectives on a range of topics. As a participant, you will be given all the information and materials you need to meet with legislators on Capitol Hill. Registration for Lobby Day includes a webinar training session and on-site training so that all participants are prepared for meetings with congressional members and staffers.

Registration for Lobby Day  

  • Stipend Applications | March 21, 2016
    • Stipends are available for NAPABA direct members traveling to Lobby Day from out-of-town.
      • A stipend application is included in the Lobby Day Registration page.
  • Register for all events and apply for a stipend online on the NAPABA website.

Hotel | Book by April 22, 2016, for a discounted rate

  • NAPABA has secured a room block through Hyatt Place Washington, D.C./U.S. Capitol. 
    • Rate: $189 single/double plus applicable taxes & fees.
      • Once the NAPABA block is filled additional rooms will be available at a rate of $239/night.
  • Book your hotel by April 22 here.

All application and registration materials can be found here.

ILF 2016 Civic Fellowship Application Deadline Extended until February 15!

ILF 2016 Civic Fellowship Application Deadline Extended until February 15!

The International Leadership Foundation (ILF), a Combined Federal Campaign-approved non-profit (#24372), is pleased to announce that the application for the 2016 Civic Fellowship Program has been extended until February 15, 2016. Every year, ILF’s selection committee identifies approximately 30 outstanding Asian Pacific American (APA) college students to spend eight to ten weeks interning at a federal agency in Washington D.C. during the summer.

Students accepted into the program are known as Civic Fellows and they will attend weekly leadership seminars on Capitol Hill, learn networking skills and gain valuable, firsthand working knowledge of the American system of government. Fellows are responsible for their own travel, housing and living expenses. Upon completion of the program, Fellows will receive a stipend of 2,000 dollars.

“ILF has a stellar record of advocating for increased civic engagement and public service from the APA community,” said Chiling Tong, ILF’s Chief Executive Officer. “We need a greater representation of our community in government, and ILF’s goal is to train a new generation of successful leaders in their chosen fields and raise our community’s profile as engaged, American citizens who deserve to have our voices heard.”

Based on the interests and majors of selected Civic Fellowship candidates, ILF will work to place them with over a dozen federal agencies, as well as limited placements in Congressional offices and the White House. “The ILF works hard to foster bright young APA youth who wish to experience the inner workings behind this great country’s national government, and provides effective training classes to enhance leadership skills,” said Norman Mineta, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Secretary Mineta is also the honorary chairman of ILF, while the Honorable Elaine Chao serves as the honorary chairwoman.

Undergraduate students of APA heritage who are United States citizens and possess a GPA of 3.0 and above are eligible for this fellowship. Applications must be submitted by February 15, 2016. To learn more about or to submit an application, please visit our website at www.ilfnational.org.

Testimonials

“My ILF experience allowed me to explore and develop a passion for public policy. It helped me build my leadership skills, think introspectively, and meet other incredible, like-minded students from across the country. Though I am not studying political science, working in DC has inspired me to take policy classes and learn more about the public sector.”
Emily Zhen, Intern at U.S. Department of the Treasury, University of Pennsylvania

“My experience has left me with a stronger passion for public service. I feel better equipped to work within the larger institutional framework because its mandate closely aligns with my personal objectives…From the orientation to the final conference and gala, I was able to connect with and learn from amazing Asian Pacific American (APA) leaders and partners in the effort to increase APA civic and political engagement.”

Karim Farishta, Intern at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Inspector General (OIG), George Washington University

“I was able to have a once in a lifetime experience interning in Washington D.C. While interning, I was tasked with numerous projects– one of which included creating a food safety initiative. Overall, my time in D.C., was filled with endless opportunities that helped me grow both professionally and personally.”

Amy Muramoto, Intern at Food Security and Inspection Service (FSIS) at U.S. Department of Agriculture, University of Southern California

“I’m grateful to ILF for connecting me to the FAA. By working on several long term projects, I’ve grown both in patience and in my understanding of how important following protocol can be in a government environment.”

Samuel Kim, Intern at Federal Aviation Administration at U.S. Department of Transportation, Yale University

“I have always struggled with delegating tasks to others in leadership roles because I would think that I can accomplish the task more quickly and efficiently myself. Seeing how my supervisor was able to delegate tasks to others and to foster a sense of teamwork so effectively—which all contributed to the successful preparation of the event–was an inspiration for me to become a better team leader.”

Vy Tuong Luu, Intern at White House Initiative on Asian American Pacific Islanders, Stanford University

———————————————

This information has been provided by:

International Leadership Foundation
Fellowship Programs
1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW #700
Washington DC 20004
202-204-3019
www.ILFnational.org

NAPABA Lobby Day 2016

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NAPABA Lobby Day 2016

Washington, D.C. | May 23-24, 2016

Join us for NAPABA Lobby Day 2016, which will be held in Washington, D.C., from May 23-24, 2016. This event is an opportunity for NAPABA members from across the country to educate members of Congress and congressional staffers on issues of importance to the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. Lobby Day also gives members an active role in promoting NAPABA’s mission of advocating for justice, equity, and opportunity for APAs.

Participants will meet with legislators and voice their perspectives on a range of topics. As a participant, you will be given all the information and materials you need to meet with legislators on Capitol Hill. Registration for Lobby Day includes a webinar training prior to Lobby Day as well as onsite training the day of, so that all participants are prepared for meetings with congressional members and staffers.

Registration
Register for all Lobby Day events here.
Deadline to register is April 13, 2016.  
*Please note: some events have early deadlines.

Stipend
Stipends are available for NAPABA direct members traveling to Lobby Day from out-of-town.
Deadline to submit an application is March 21, 2016.
*Stipend application is included in the Lobby Day Registration page.

NAPABA U.S. Supreme Court Bar Group Admission
Apply to be admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar and join NAPABA members for a group swearing-in ceremony and Supreme Court Tour.
All application materials and processing fee must be submitted to the NAPABA office by Feb. 24, 2016.

Congressional Reception
In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, NAPABA will be hosting a Congressional Reception. The reception will bring together Lobby Day participants, members of Congress and their staff, and leaders in the APA community. This event is open to the public, including NAPABA members who are unable to participate in Lobby Day.

Hotel
NAPABA has secured a room block through Hyatt Place Washington DC/U.S. Capitol.
Rate: $189 single/double plus applicable taxes & fees.

More 2016 Lobby Day information can be found here.