NATIONAL NAPABA ASIAN PACIFIC NAPABA AMERICAN BAR LAWYERLAWYER ASSOCIATION

Volume XIV No. 4 Fall 2008 Fulfilling A Dream: The Honorable Kiyo A. Matsumoto (E.D.N.Y.) IN THIS ISSUE by John C. Yang Fulfilling A Dream: The Hon. Kiyo A. Matsumoto (E.D.N.Y.) 1 he Honorable Kiyo A. Matsumoto knew she wanted to become a lawyer at an early Judge Kiyo A. Affiliate Profile: Tage, joking that her parents suggested it Matsumoto is Tennessee APABA 1 because “I argued so much as a kid.” the second Asian Pacific American More seriously, she says that she was female Article III President’s Message 2 inspired to become a lawyer because of Jurist. the injustices faced by her parents and learning how lawyers could make a The Legacy of Japanese American Profiling APA General Counsels 3 difference. Her decision to seek appoint- Internment ment to the bench was based on a desire There is no question that Judge NAPABA Welcomes to ensure equal justice under law. Judge Matsumoto’s parents – George Sidney Kanazawa as NAPABA’s Matsumoto is now in that position. On and Kimi Matsumoto – strongly New General Counsel 5 July 17, 2008, she was confirmed as a influenced her life. During World War II, district court judge for the United States her parents – American citizens by birth – NAPABA at 21: The Revolution District Court for the Eastern District of were among the group of over 120,000 Continues 7 New York. In doing so, she became only United States residents of Japanese the second Asian Pacific American female ancestry who were forced into internment Article III jurist, and the eighth Asian camps. Their families’ bank accounts Regional News 10 Pacific American federal district court were frozen, businesses and homes were judge currently active out of approxi- lost and they kept only the necessities that People in the News back page mately 850 federal judges nationwide. continued on page 6 Affiliate Profile: Tennessee Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Background • There are approximately 15,000 lawyers Philadelphia. That meeting helped bring To get an idea of where the Tennessee in the state of Tennessee. Of these, our 3 founders (Teresa Chan, Kaz Kikkawa, Asian Pacific American Bar Association approximately 50-60 are APAs. Put and Jon Stanley) together for the first time. (TAPABA) is in its development, and what another way, probably 4 of every 1,000 Sad to say, none of us knew each other it is like being an Asian Pacific American lawyers in Tennessee is an APA. before the Convention. Nevertheless, (APA) lawyer in Tennessee, consider these having witnessed the benefits of an Asian numbers. • Of the 50-60 APA lawyers in Tennessee, American bar association, we returned maybe 6 have been in practice more to Nashville inspired to work together • Tennessee has roughly 6 million residents, than 10 years. The large majority of to start one of our own. which makes it the 16th largest state in APA lawyers in Tennessee have been We began by searching through bar the country population-wise. For sake in practice less than 5 years. association member directories and law of comparison, the 3 most populated firm websites to find other local APA states are (36 million), Birth of TAPABA lawyers. We then contacted those persons (24 million), and New York (20 million). TAPABA formed as a direct result of to see if they were interested in helping the 2006 NAPABA Annual Convention in continued on page 8 191 President's Helen B. KimMessage

increased by 25% — from six APA active prohibited non-U.S. born people of color Article III judges to eight. With the hard from owning land. NAPABA also voted work and assistance of the NAPABA to oppose Proposition 8, a ballot initiative Judiciary Committee, both Amul Thapar in California which would eliminate the Dear NAPABA Members and Friends, (E.D.Ky.) and Kiyo Matsumoto (E.D.N.Y.) right to same-sex marriage in California It is hard to believe that nearly a full were confirmed by the United States despite the California Supreme Court's year has passed since the NAPABA Senate this past year. ruling that same-sex couples cannot be Convention was held in Las Vegas. NAPABA, along with the NAPABA denied the fundamental right to marry. In the past eleven months, NAPABA Law Foundation, also hosted two This year, our Board also spent much has accomplished a number of the goals diversity symposia focusing on the time and effort searching for and hiring from its new strategic plan and it has disproportionately low number of APA our new Executive Director, Tina made significant progress on many others. partners in large law firms, as compared Matsuoka. We now have five full-time For example, we have significantly to the number of associates. Many thanks staff members and one Americorps VISTA increased the number (47 to 57) and to the Minority Corporate Counsel volunteer of the highest caliber running diversity of our affiliates, and we have Association for giving us a grant that our national office in Washington, D.C. welcomed our first two South Asian made the symposia possible, and to Details of our numerous accomplishments affiliates, the South Asian Bar Association O’Melveny & Myers LLP and White & this year are included in NAPABA’s Year- of Northern California and the South Asian Case LLP, which hosted the two symposia. In-Review 2007-2008 that will appear in Bar Association of Southern California. NAPABA also worked with its the Annual Convention Program Book. With respect to NAPABA’s goal of affiliates to bring CLE and networking For more information, contact the increasing the number of Asian Pacific opportunities to you. In addition to our NAPABA office at 202-775-9555 or visit Americans on the federal judiciary, during annual regional conferences in the our website at www.napaba.org. this past year, the number of APA judges Northeast, Southeast and California this You are more than welcome to join year, we introduced, for the first time, us in our efforts. Please join us and see an annual regional conference in our what NAPABA has to offer. NAPABA NAPABA LAWYER Central Region, hosted by NAPABA- maintains over 30 standing committees Vol. 19 No. 4 Fall 2008 Minnesota Chapter. that serve the interests of its members. © National Asian Pacific NAPABA also completed its first We should have something for everybody American Bar Association survey of its national membership to learn and, if we don’t, we are more than happy EDITOR how we can better serve you. Thank you to form a committee that will serve you. Alexander C. Chae to the many members who completed our It has been an honor and privilege to EDITORIAL BOARD membership survey. serve you as NAPABA’s President this Lisa Westergaard • Alexander Lee Working with our Solo and Small Firm year, and I thank you for allowing me this Jennie Shi • Alex Sun Committee, NAPABA also compiled its opportunity. Meeting NAPABA members Koji Fukumura first national database of APA-owned law and community leaders throughout the Letters to the Editor (250 words of less), firms, many of which are solo and small country was certainly one of the best parts newsletter articles (500 words or less), Announcements (100 words or less) firms. This database is available on-line of the job. I hope to see you all in Seattle and change of address, may be emailed at www.napaba.org and should be a at NAPABA’s 20th Annual Convention. to [email protected]. valuable resource to clients and to our The opinions expressed in the membership. With warmest regards, NAPABA LAWYER are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect NAPABA In our continuing effort to promote policy or editorial concurrence. Publication of any written or graphical material justice, equity and opportunity for Asian or advertisement does not Pacific Americans, NAPABA recently constitute an endorsement. The editors reserve the right to edit, accept or reject voted to support passage of Amendment prospective materials or advertisements in #1, a ballot initiative in Florida that would accordance with their editorial judgment. finally remove the last of this Nation's Helen B. Kim NAPABA retains the copyright to this publication and its contents, unless antiquated and unconstitutional Alien otherwise indicated. Please contact Land Laws, historically discriminatory NAPABA for permission to reproduce any of its contents. measures adopted in the early 1900s that

192 Profiling APA General Counsels In 2006, NAPABA launched the 10 x 10 Initiative, with the goal of having 10 Asian Pacific American General Counsels of Fortune 500 companies by 2010. At that time, only six General Counsel of Fortune 500 companies were APA. By Fall 2007 there were 12 APA General Counsels of Fortune 500 companies. To celebrate crossing the historic milestone of over 10 APA General Counsels, NAPABA featured several of the 12 General Counsels. In our Election 2008 NAPABA Lawyer, NAPABA highlighted several more of these General Counsels and in this edition we are happy to present the profile for the remaining APA General Counsels, which completes our coverage of all the current Asian American General Counsels for Fortune 500 companies.

JAVADE CHAUDRI When asked whether or not he found as he goes about his professional life. Executive Vice President and General Counsel ethnicity to be a benefit and/or burden Mr. Chaudhri holds a bachelor’s for Sempra Energy to his professional career, Mr. Chaudhri degree from Yale College, a master’s confidently stated that he has always degree from the Yale School of Forestry & Mr. Chaudhri is Executive Vice found his ethnic heritage to be an Environmental Studies, and a juris doctor President, General Counsel and Chief advantage. He explained that “speaking degree from Georgetown University. He Environmental Officer for Sempra Energy, another language is like having another was born and grew up in Nairobi, Kenya a -based Fortune 200 energy- soul” – and so too are the benefits of and received his high school education at services company whose subsidiaries multiculturalism. Mr. Chaudhri further Strathmore College in Nairobi. provide electricity, natural gas and value- stated that as Asian Americans we are added products and services. Sempra uniquely privileged in that regard. SANDRA LEUNG Energy’s global business operations Mr. Chaudhri acknowledges that he Senior Vice President, General Counsel & include two major utility companies in was privileged to have the role models Corporate Secretary for Bristol-Myers Squibb California, Southern California Gas and mentors in the legal community that Company and San Diego Gas & Electric he had. He had intellectual and moral Ms. Leung, as Senior Vice President, Company, as well as natural gas giants as his professional role models General Counsel and Corporate Secretary infrastructure operations worldwide. when he first began practicing law in of Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) serves as Mr. Chaudhri is a member of the 1980 at Surrey & Morse in Washington, legal advisor to the Board of Directors and company’s six-person Management D.C. These role models were the named company executives, and is responsible Committee and is responsible for legal, partners Walter Sterling Surrey and for shaping the company’s legal strategy, corporate governance and compliance David Morse, both of whom were great both currently and prospectively. matters for Sempra Energy. He manages men whose lives intertwined with major Ms. Leung joined BMS in 1992 as a staff a department of over 70 lawyers. He events of the mid-20th century and each attorney in the litigation department. also serves as the company’s chief envi- of whom inspired him. After four years she became assistant ronmental officer, in which capacity he As a General Counsel for Gateway counsel and one year later, was named coordinates environmental policies and Inc., which was a Fortune 200 company, associate counsel. In 1999, Ms. Leung was the company’s expansive role in local, Mr. Chaudhri gained interesting and named acting general counsel in addition state and international climate change insightful perspectives on whether he has to her other duties and in 2007, she was activities. noticed any changes in the corporate named to her current position as senior Prior to joining Sempra Energy in 2003, culture that may have paved the way for vice president and general counsel. he served as senior vice president, general greater diversity. He believes that change, Before joining the company, Ms. Leung counsel and corporate secretary of including in the corporate setting, is slow spent eight years as a prosecutor in the Gateway Inc., the computer company. in coming. It has to be driven top down Manhattan District Attorney’s office and Until early 1999, Mr. Chaudhri was a and also from the bottom up. Companies was one of New York City’s first Asian partner in the Washington, D.C., office of that do not embrace diversity are doomed American female prosecutors. During her Winston & Strawn, where he co-managed to fail. He was proud to say that “Sempra time there, she was part of the original the international and technology practice Energy is a national leader in promoting special victims unit. groups. Prior to that, until 1993, Mr. diversity. It is part of our DNA.” Ms. Leung, a child of immigrant Chaudhri was a partner at the law firm One piece of advice that Mr. Chaudhri parents, grew up acutely aware of the of Jones Day, based in Washington, D.C. would like to share is that, in his experi- inequities her parents, relatives and their Law is Mr. Chaudhri’s second career. ence, there is no substitute for excellence friends endured because they did not He received a master’s degree from the and hard work. If one produces the best speak English well. As she listened to Yale School of Forestry & Environmental work and works hard, then he will have their everyday stories of frustration and Studies and worked as a scientist in this positioned himself for success. Everything sometimes, anger, she promised herself area. He then decided to become a else, positive or negative, is secondary. that she would, one day, speak for those lawyer because he concluded that he However, although there are no substi- who could not speak for themselves for could best affect change, including in tutes for hard work and excellence, he whatever reason. The stereotype that the third world, as a lawyer involved also emphasizes that one must keep a Asian women were passive and soft- in international transactions. sense of proportion and sense of humor spoken drove Ms. Leung to become a continued on page 5 193 Why you should go Blue if you want to go green.

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Her first job out of law school as Associate at Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & NAPABA Welcomes a prosecutor allowed her to “speak” for Walker LLP working on general business Sidney Kanazawa crime victims and defy stereotypes of and legal counseling on a wide range of Asian women. privately and publicly owned companies. as NAPABA’s New When asked whether she has found Before joining Paul Hastings, General Counsel her ethnicity to be a benefit or a burden Mr. Leung served as an associate at to her professional career, Ms. Leung Fotenos & Suttle, a smaller firm with stated that it has served as both, depend- large clients. He was at the firm from ing on the circumstance. She has never, 1995 until it dismantled in 1999. Mr. however, allowed others to define what Leung began his legal career in house at she is capable of based on her ethnicity. Allstate Insurance Company working as One thing that Ms. Leung stresses is a staff attorney on civil fraud litigation Sidney Kanazawa, the importance of mentors. She finds with their Special Investigation Unit. Partner at McGuire that the best mentors are often the When asked about whether he ever Woods LLC and new NAPABA informal ones. These people who have found ethnicity to be a benefit and/or General Counsel invested in her and her career not because burden to his professional career, Mr. they were paired together in a formal Leung replied “Both. A lot of doors have NAPABA is honored to welcome program, but because they had a good been opened to him based upon being Sidney Kanazawa as NAPABA’s new productive professional relationship. Asian. But there are also a lot of doors general counsel. Mr. Kanazawa is When asked what advice she would closed. On a macro level, everyone claims a partner at McGuire Woods LLP like to share with NAPABA members to be interested in increasing the number in . He has extensive Ms. Leung responded that she believes in of minorities at large law firms. However, experience maximizing the opportuni- surrounding herself with people smarter on a micro level, in the ordinary course ties and minimizing the dangers of than she but also to treat all people with of work from day to day, being Asian products liability, environmental, respect without regard to job title or prevented me from being included in intellectual property (including position. Nothing rankles her more than certain things. I believe this has more patents), regulatory, white collar crime, an attorney that takes out his bad day on to do with naturally gravitating towards construction, commercial, class actions, his administrative assistant. Additionally, those you feel are like you more than employment, banking, and other to those who aspire to be in management actively excluding those that are not.” disputes. Prior to joining McGuire positions, she advises that you be willing Mr. Leung acknowledged that the Woods, Mr. Kanazawa was a partner to do the hard work and bring good corporate culture has changed over the at Van Etten Suzumoto & Becket LLP, judgment and expertise to the table. Most years due to diversity. Since he has been Pillsbury Winthrop LLP and Lillick importantly, have great personal integrity in practice, the doors have opened up McHose LLP. Given his experience as and be someone people can trust. much wider for all minorities. He a partner of many law firms in many Ms. Leung earned her J.D. from Boston observed that in the past, minority attor- practice areas, Mr. Kanazawa will College of Law and her bachelor’s degree neys needed to work extra hard to be provide guidance to NAPABA on a from Tufts University. noticed and get places. But more and range of legal matters, including tax, more he sees that in addition to working corporate governance, employment, SIMON YEE SHING LEUNG hard, nowadays minority attorneys are contracts, and potential liability. General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for more vocal about their career and where In 2007, Mr. Kanazawa was selected SYNNEX Corporation they want to be and have a “go get it” by the publishers of Los Angeles type attitude. Magazine as one of Southern Mr. Leung, General Counsel and Mr. Leung embraces this new California's “Super Lawyers.” He is Corporate Secretary for SYNNEX approach and advises all young Asian an also an active member of the Corporation, a global business process American professionals to do so as well. American Law Institute and Japanese services company traded on the New He firmly believes that no one hands American Bar Association. Recently, York Stock Exchange, is responsible for anyone anything in life and that one must he spoke at the Inter-Pacific Bar oversight of all domestic and international be vocal and affirmative in managing Association on a panel titled, legal functions. This includes advertising, one’s own career. Even after his many “Representing Asian Clients in High antitrust, corporate compliance, securities, accomplishments and successes, he still Stakes U.S. Jury Trials.” risk management, litigation, management creates a list of things he wants to Mr. Kanazawa received of outside counsel, commercial contracts accomplish at the beginning of each his Juris Doctor from University of and licensing, M & A, Sarbanes-Oxley year and works hard to make sure he South California Gould School of compliance, intellectual property, real accomplishes each of those goals. Law and his Bachelors of Education estate, employment & labor, and general Mr. Leung holds J.D. from University from University of Hawaii. He is corporate governance and Board of of Minnesota Law School and a B.A. admitted into both the California Directors matters. He joined SYNNEX in degree University of California, Davis. and Hawaii Bar. 2000 and has been there since. Prior to joining SYNNEX, Mr. Leung was a Senior

195 Fulfilling A Dream: The Honorable Kiyo A. Matsumoto (E.D.N.Y.) continued from page 1 they could carry with them to the intern- paternal grandfather both went to UC Asian American Bar Association of New ment camps. After World War II, finding Berkeley, and it was almost unquestioned York (AABANY), where she volunteered that the West Coast was still somewhat that she and her siblings would do the for mock interview workshops, and par- hostile to Japanese Americans, George same. At UC Berkeley, Judge Matsumoto ticipated on panels and as a judge for the Matsumoto helped establish the School studied journalism. Knowing that she Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition. of Architecture at North Carolina State wanted to go to law school, she saw University, and married Kimi, where four journalism as an excellent way to hone Applying for the Bench of their five children – four girls and one her skills in fact-finding, writing, and Judge Matsumoto had a strong boy – were born, with Judge Matsumoto maintaining the objectivity necessary to reputation in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. being the second eldest. be an advocate. After graduation, she So when a vacancy arose for a federal Although Judge Matsumoto generally worked as a paralegal before attending magistrate judge in the Eastern District has pleasant memories of her North Georgetown University Law Center. Judge of New York, Judge Matsumoto was Carolina childhood, she also remembers Matsumoto decided on Washington, D.C. encouraged to apply. Although she that segregation was still a fact of life because her parents urged her to go to applied, she was not selected. there. She recalled one particular instance graduate school outside of California Judge Matsumoto was not surprised. when her family and an African American to gain a broader experience. During law She knew that most applicants do not family went to the beach together. A school, Judge Matsumoto worked her first succeed on their first try. When another police officer at the beach told them that summer at the D.C. law firm of Covington opportunity arose, Judge Matsumoto they were not welcome, and asked them & Burling and continued to work there decided to apply again. She gives a lot to leave the beach immediately. She also part-time during her second and third of credit to Judges Go and Chin for remembered that her younger sister was years. During her second summer and encouraging her. “Their advice and once roughed up after being taunted for two years after law school, Judge guidance were invaluable.” This time, with racial slurs. Her parents cautioned Matsumoto worked at the Seattle law firm Judge Matsumoto succeeded and was against bitterness but encouraged their of MacDonald, Hoague and Bayless. She appointed as a Magistrate Judge in 2004. children to be conscious of prejudice chose Seattle because Judge Matsumoto Thereafter, a vacancy on the Eastern and injustice. Indeed, Judge Matsumoto expected to return to the West Coast, and District bench arose when a district judge remarked that her family had it much she thought that the Seattle environment took senior status. At first, Judge easier than others. would be an excellent place to live and Matsumoto had no intention of applying, The family eventually returned to start her career. but one morning, she received a call from California, where Judge Matsumoto’s a sitting judge on the Court, summoning father taught at the University of Moving to the Big Apple her to his chambers. Judge Matsumoto California, Berkeley and then started his After two years in Seattle, Judge “was very nervous going to see him; own architecture firm. Even in California, Matsumoto was looking for an opportunity I thought that I had done something her family faced discrimination when for hands-on litigation and trial experience. wrong.” Quite to the contrary, the judge trying to buy a house, occasionally being With many of her friends from law school encouraged her to apply for the vacancy. told that they were not allowed in certain in New York, she learned of a job opening Judge Go and Judge Chin likewise neighborhoods. in the United States Attorney’s Office in encouraged her to apply, but she was Judge Matsumoto gives much credit the Eastern District of New York. She enjoying her work as a Magistrate Judge. to her parents for instilling in her the interviewed, and, somewhat to her surprise, Judge Matsumoto said that a break- importance of equality, justice and the received an offer a few months later. through occurred at the 2006 NAPABA need for community involvement. Unlike Judge Matsumoto expected to be in New Convention in Philadelphia. At that many Japanese Americans of that period, York only for three years, and then return to Convention, the Judiciary Committee her parents talked to their children about the West Coast, but enjoyed her experiences hosted a roundtable discussion on increas- the internment, hoping that by discussing at the U.S. Attorney’s Office so much that ing diversity in the federal judiciary. the topic they could help prevent future she decided to stay. She worked her way Preet Bharara, counsel to Senate Judiciary mistakes. Around the dinner table, her up the U.S. Attorney’s Office hierarchy, Committee member Charles Schumer parents would talk about the “free becoming Deputy Chief, Chief of the (D-NY), was a guest speaker and pledged speech” movement on college campuses, Financial Litigation Unit, First Deputy Chief to work with NAPABA on this issue. fair housing, the civil rights movement and then Chief of the Civil Division. As Judge Matsumoto recalls in discussing and other social issues of the day. It was during this time that Judge the New York vacancy with Judge Chin, Although Judge Matsumoto admits that Matsumoto met Judge Denny Chin “Denny emphasized to me that you never some of these issues did not resonate with (S.D.N.Y.) and Magistrate Judge Marilyn Go know when these rare opportunities will her because she was still so young, she (E.D.N.Y.). Judge Matsumoto and Judge come along. Even if you are not sure the clearly grasped that her parents wanted Chin were fellow Assistant U.S. Attorneys time is right, you should go for it rather to create a better and more just society. (though in different districts). Judge Go had than face the uncertainty of whether the left the U.S. Attorney’s Office for private opportunity will arise again.” With that, College and Law School practice, and was representing co-ops, Judge Matsumoto decided to apply. The decision for college was a simple including the one where Judge Matsumoto Under the bipartisan arrangement one: Judge Matsumoto’s father and lived. Judge Matsumoto also joined the between the New York Democratic

6 Senators and the President, the recom- NAPABA at 21: The Revolution Continues – hosted by the mendation of Senator Schumer for this Asian American Lawyers Association vacancy was critical. Judge Matsumoto interviewed with Senator Schumer’s of Massachusetts screening committee and then with the Senator and Mr. Bharara. On November The Asian American Lawyers to honor AALAM’s 25th Anniversary. 15, 2007, the Senator announced his Association of Massachusetts Nicknamed “The Walking City”, recommendation of Judge Matsumoto (not coincidentally, during the NAPABA (AALAM) cordially invites you to Boston is home to numerous Convention). join us November 19-22, 2009 in internationally renowned historic Judge Matsumoto was formally Boston for the 2009 NAPABA 21st sites, cultural activities, colleges nominated by the President on March 12, Annual Convention: and universities, sporting events, 2008, and was confirmed unanimously by the on July 17, 2008. shopping, restaurants and nightlife, Senator Schumer showed his strong admi- “NAPABA at 21: The Revolution all within easy reach of the conven- ration for Judge Matsumoto by taking the Continues” tion site, The Westin Copley Place in somewhat uncommon step of speaking the heart of Boston’s trendy Back Bay on the floor of the Senate about her. He stated that he “was deeply impressed Join us in Boston, the “Cradle of area. We look forward to welcoming by her poise, intellect, temperament, and Liberty”, to celebrate and chart out you and your families to Boston! thoughtfulness.” He recognized that the continuing advancement of the For further information, please her confirmation was “historic,” given Asian American legal community as contact the Convention Host the relative lack of women and minority judges. Senator Schumer also cited statis- well as Asian American causes, and Committee Co-Chairs: tics provided by NAPABA regarding the number of Asian Pacific American judges, Victor Diune and “couldn’t agree more” with the ([email protected]) “enthusiastic support of . . . the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.” Peggy Ho Keeping It Real ([email protected]) In discussing the nomination, Judge Matsumoto is grateful for the role Jeffrey Hsi played by NAPABA, AABANY and their ([email protected]) members. She praised Judges Chin and Go and John Yang, Past President of NAPABA and Co-Chair of NAPABA’s Judiciary Committee, for “encouraging me to apply and providing such tremendous Back Bay, Boston support and guidance.” She noted that “Denny [Chin] and John [Yang] were immensely helpful. They knew the process, told me what I should expect, understand it more when we went to D.C. our extraordinary magistrate judges. I tip and were able to provide insights and for the Senate confirmation hearing,” but my hat to him.” He further stated that information even when nothing seemed added that her position as a judge was Judge Matsumoto is a “sheer delight, an to be happening.” She also has been less important to them than her maternal enormously competent lawyer and judge, touched by the friendliness of her role. A federal marshal who once and one of the nicest and most outstand- fellow Asian Pacific American federal observed Judge Matsumoto one morning, ing people I’ve come across for a long judges, many of whom have called urging her children to hurry and get time.” NAPABA could not agree more. or emailed to extend well wishes and ready for school, jokingly remarked to Congratulations to The Honorable Kiyo offer assistance. her husband that “she gets a lot more Matsumoto. With three kids at home ranging in respect around the courthouse than she age from eleven to seventeen and an adult does at home!” John C. Yang is a past President of NAPABA stepdaughter, one question that came to When Senator Schumer recommended and a Co-Chair of the NAPABA Judiciary mind was how the kids were reacting to the nomination of Judge Matsumoto, Committee. Judge Matsumoto’s new role as a district Chief Judge Raymond Dearle of the court judge and role model for the Asian Eastern District of New York stated that Pacific American community. Judge “I am so tickled the Senator has taken Matsumoto said that “they seemed to note of the obvious and selected one of

7 Affiliate Profile: Tennessee Asian Pacific American Bar Association continued from page 1 co-hosted by TAPABA and NAAAP-TN and featured a dim sum banquet a Fulin’s Restaurant in Brentwood, Tennessee. TAPABA Board Member Ling Guan deserves a lot of credit for helping organize this special event.

• In July 2008, TAPABA President Kaz Kikkawa was selected to serve on the Tennessee Bar Association’s Committee for Racial and Ethnic Diversity. This is a newly formed standing committee of the Tennessee Bar Association. Members include the current and former Presidents of the TBA, USDC Magistrate Judge Tu Pham, and several other prominent attorneys from across the state. TAPABA's Mentoring Happy Hour with Vanderbilt Law School Students. Appearing left to right are: John Dong, Diqing Yu, Cherry Xi, Lei Gao, Siew-Ling Shea, Kaz Kikkawa, Shilina What’s in-store for the rest of 2008 and Chatterjee-Brown, Kyong Choi, Anjlee Khurana, Yungbi Jang and Ling Guan. 2009? TAPABA is not going to be a “large form an Asian American bar association. • In March 2008, TAPABA members scale” organization for many years to Once we assembled a core of 9, we enlisted began working with the newly forming come because our pool of potential mem- the help of NAPABA’s North Carolina and Tennessee chapter of the National bers is so relatively small. But considering Georgia affiliates to help guide us through Association of Asian American we basically have a handful of members the formalities of starting a 501(c)(6) bar Professionals (NAAAP-TN) to help and an annual budget of less than $1,000, association. Our first slate of officers and develop a united network of Asian we have done a lot so far, and we’re board members included Teresa Chan professionals in Tennessee. hoping to do even more in 2009. We are (President), Jon Stanley (Vice President), in the process of re-starting our mentoring Kaz Kikkawa (Secretary), Ling Guan • In April 2008, TAPABA and the program at Vanderbilt Law School and we (Treasurer), Grace Yang, Reiko Fukushima, Vanderbilt chapter of APALSA co- expect to host another career panel there Siew-Ling Shea, and Shilina Chatterjee- presented a career panel that was open this year as well. Another one of our Brown. Sam Choy from the Georgia Asian to all Vanderbilt Law students entitled, many goals for 2009 is to develop a more Pacific American Bar Association also par- “How to Get The Job Offer You Want significant presence in Western Tennessee ticipated in our inaugural board. On May and Succeed Once You Get There.” (Memphis). 1, 2007, TAPABA was officially formed. The discussion was kicked off by We faced some hurdles in our first APALSA President Curtis Chow, and Last but certainly not least, TAPABA has few months. Our President Teresa Chan Kaz Kikkawa moderated the discussion been selected to host the 2009 NAPABA and two other board members each with panelists Jon Stanley (Bridgestone- Southeast Regional Conference. The made painful decisions to return to their Firestone), Shilina Chatterjee-Brown conference will take place in Nashville respective home states to be closer to (Tennessee Regulatory Authority), on March 27-28, 2009. We’re planning family. (Despite moving back to Bob Wood (Diversity Committee something truly special – so we hope you Sacramento, California, however, Chairperson of Boult Cummings can come and join us there. Details will Teresa Chan has stayed very active Conners & Berry) and Charles be posted on our website as they develop. with TAPABA and is single-handedly Williamson (Hiring Partner from Waller responsible for creating and maintaining Lansden Dortch & Davis). The panel Kaz Kikkawa is the President of TAPABA. our website: www.tapaba.org.) was sponsored by Boult, Cummings, He is Senior Counsel with HCA practicing Conners & Berry. in the areas of health and managed care law. Making An Impact In December 2007, Kaz Kikkawa • In May 2008, TAPABA members Ling stepped in as TAPABA’s Interim-President. Guan, Seth Yu, Mark Nobles, and Kaz And so far, 2008 has been a great year. Kikkawa presented a panel discussion to State Farm employees on “Doing • In February-March 2008, TAPABA Business With the Asian Community In developed and launched a mentoring Tennessee.” State Farm asked TAPABA program with the Vanderbilt University for this presentation after seeing Law School’s chapter of the Asian Pacific TAPABA’s website. The event was one American Law Students Association. of State Farm’s diversity initiatives – TAPABA Board Members Shilina to celebrate National Asian Heritage Chatterjee-Brown and Kyong Choi Month. deserve much credit for helping develop and organize this effort. • In June 2008, TAPABA held its First Annual Meeting at Fulin's Restaurant in first annual banquet. The event was Brentwood, Tennessee (co-sponsored with NAAAP-TN). 198 ©2004 Anheuser-Busch, Inc., St. Louis, MO

199 Sacramento Atlanta Seattle Philadelphia Regional News Da Washington D.C. Boston CALIFORNIA (SAN FRANCISCO) REGION For more information: (again). On September 18th, over 150 NewThe Asian American Bar Association AABAYork - Asian American Bar Association attorney and law students attended of the Greater Bay Area (AABA) hosted a of the Greater Bay Area: aaba.bay.com APABA’s festive Joint APA Bar Mentorship Brunch on September 21st at Associations’ 2nd Annual Attorney-Law Orrick in San Francisco. On September APBA SV - Asian Pacific Bar Association Student Welcome Mixer. 23rd, it presented a panel “Careers of Silicon Valley: apbasv.org APABA is organizing a small group Beyond the Partner Track” at the Quadrus to travel to Washington, D.C., from Conference Center in Palo Alto. FBANC - Filipino Bar Association of December 12-15th, to attend a swearing-in The Asian Pacific Bar Association of Northern California: fbanc.org ceremony on December 15th to the Silicone Valley (APBA SV), along with United States Supreme Court Bar before the Diversity Committee of Santa Clara KABA - Korean American Bar Association the Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. County Bar Association, on August 5th, Northern California: kabanc.org A breakfast or brunch with one of the presented the 2008 Minority Bar and Supreme Court Justices in a small group Summer Associate mixer at Fenwick & SABA - South Asian Bar Association - setting is also in the works. West in Mountain View. On August 7th, Northern California chapter: The Japanese American Bar APBA SV presented a talk by David southasianbar.org Association (JABA) hosted a legal Codell on Marriage Equality in California: clinic at the Little Tokyo Service Center Developments in Legislation and VABANC - Vietnamese American Bar in Los Angeles on September 27th. Litigation sponsored by Orrick and Association of Northern California: Volunteer attorneys were on hand to co-sponsored by Asian Pacific Islander vabanc.org address a variety of issues including Justice Coalition, KABA, Rainbow immigration, family law, trusts and Committee, SABA, VABANC, and CALIFORNIA (LOS ANGELES) REGION wills, contracts, small claims/litigation, Women’s Lawyers Committee. The The Asian Pacific American Bar landlord-tenant, and consumer rights. On APBA SV Scholarship/Diversity Awards Association of Los Angeles County October 16th, JABA honored Holly Fujie, Dinner was held on October 20th. (APABA) recently signed onto an amicus new California Bar President, at its annual The Vietnamese American Bar brief in support of the litigation to remove meeting to be held at Empress Paviolion Association of Northern California Proposition 8 (the anti-marriage equality Restaurant in Chinatown. (VABANC) co-hosted the National ballot measure) from the ballot on equal The Philippine American Bar Conference of Vietnamese American protection grounds. APABA board mem- Association (PABA) presented its Attorneys, “Building New Bridges,” ber Al Valencia, along with Cliff Davidson pro bono legal clinic in historic Filipino in San Francisco from August 15-16th. at Proskauer Rose, helped write the brief. town on October 4th. The clinic, which The Filipino Bar Association of Consistent with APABA’s long-standing is co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific Northern California (FBANC), with the support for the freedom to marry, APABA American Legal Center (APALC), includ- Asian Law Caucus, hosted its 15th Annual signed onto the brief along with other ed lawyers with expertise on the topics Caucus Classic on September 6th, at the legal and civil rights groups. of immigration law, employment law, Metropolitan Golf Course in Oakland. On June 25th, APABA held a meet and criminal deportation, trusts and estate On September 18th, FBANC held its greet to celebrate Phyllis Cheng’s appoint- planning, family law, and elder abuse law. Annual Attorney-Law Student Mixer at ment as Director of the State’s Department On October 14th, PABA hosted its annual Thelen in San Francisco, and on October of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). bowling night at the trendy Jillian’s in 18th, it held the Fall Picnic. Phyllis shared her plans to mark the 50th Universal City. The Korean American Bar Association anniversary of DFEH, the largest state The South Asian Bar Association of of Northern California (KABANC) civil rights entity in the country. On July Southern California (SABA-SC) started celebrated the achievements of Professor 17th, APABA presented a panel discussion its new term with its Fall Networking Donna Ryu on September 18th at the for law students on preparation for on- Mixer on August 21st. The event was a UC Hastings Skyroom in San Francisco. campus interviews at Chop Suey in Little huge success with over 50 people in On September 27th, KABANC held a Tokyo. On August 7th, APABA held its attendance! SABA-SC also sponsored the Mentorship BBQ at Lindley Meadows. Annual Membership Meeting and Joint API Bar Law Student Welcome Mixer On October 11th, it hosted a Golf Reception. Many of their new and long- on September 18th. Representatives from Tournament at Metropolitan Golf in time members attended in the beautiful the local area Asian Pacific American bar Oakland. The International Association courtyard of the new Chado Tea Room at associations were present to introduce of Korean Lawyers Annual Conference the Japanese American National Museum. themselves and their respective organiza- was held from September 11-14th at the This past August, the most eagerly antici- tions. Over 120 people attended the Radisson Hotel in Philadelphia. pated event, APABA’s Annual Softball event including a host of law students. The South Asian Bar Association- Tournament with 9 teams participating SABA-SC subsequently hosted the screen- Northern California (SABANC) held from APABA, the Asian Pacific American ing of the documentary “Divided We its monthly South Bay Luncheon on Public Defenders, the Japanese American Fall”. Winner of more than a dozen September 17th at Pho Viet in San Jose. Bar Association, the Korean American Bar international awards, “Divided We Fall” The South Bay Luncheon is held every Association, the Latino Prosecutors documented incidents of racism and 3rd Wednesday of the month. On Association, the Mexican American Bar fear that gripped the Sikh community September 20th, SABANC held its Annual Association, the Pilipino American Bar following the September 11, 2001, terrorist Picnic and BBQ at Coyote Point in San Association, the South Asian Bar attack. The screening was followed by a Mateo. The SABA-NC Foundation hosted Association, and the Southern California panel discussion. In conjunction with a Halloween fundraiser on October 30th Chinese Lawyers Association. Asians for APABA, SCCLA, JABA, KABA and PABA, in San Francisco – its First Annual Sa-booo Miracle Marrow Matches conducted a SABA-SC hosted an evening with Holly Soiree, which raised funds for public bone marrow donor drive during the tour- Fujie, the new interest fellowships for law students. nament and KABA took home the title President. The event will be hosted and

1910 Sacramento Atlanta Seattle PhiladelphiD Washington D.C. Boston sponsored by Wilson Elser Moskowitz their inaugural Annual Dinner & Association of Sacramento (ABAS) NewEdelman & Dicker LLP on October 2nd. Installation York of Officers at the Japanese continued with its strong community SABA-SC, along with other Asian Friendship Garden in Balboa Park, San service activities and its representation on American bars in California, signed on Diego. The keynote speaker was civil the Sacramento County Bar Association, earlier this year to support the amicus brief rights and community leader Angela Oh Asian Bar of California, the Unity Bar, and in support of marriage equality. SABA-SC and the mistress of ceremonies was local Operation Protect and Defend, to name a recently re-affirmed its endorsement in news anchorwoman Lee Ann Kim. Over few. Last year, ABAS began a legal clinic opposition to Proposition 8 regarding 120 people attended, including members for My Sister’s House, a safe haven for marriage equality. of the judiciary, local law firms and bar battered Asian Pacific Islander women The Southern California Chinese associations, and local area law schools. and children. The legal clinic proved to Lawyers Association (SCCLA) was Chief Judge Irma E. Gonzalez, United be a much needed service – every Tuesday honored by the Los Angeles Chinatown States District Court, Presiding Judge night, women are lined up to talk to any Service Center as a Community Partner Kenneth So, Judge Patricia Cowett, Judge of the four dedicated volunteer ABAS at the Service Center’s September 26th Lillian Lim and Judge Larry Stirling, of attorneys –Lee No, Steve Tsuyuki, Victoria Annual Awards Banquet. The Service the California Superior Court. The event Searl, and Dee Brown. The ABAS legal Center is a non-profit community organi- was highlighted by a Korean drum group clinic has done such great work that My zation that provides health, education, and a Taekwondo demonstration. KABA- Sister’s House awarded ABAS with its legal and direct services to Los Angeles’ SD also welcomed its newly elected board. Organization of the Year Award. ABAS Chinatown community. For the past 30 Carol M. Lee from the U.S. Attorney’s was also awarded a Certificate of years, SCCLA has partnered with the Office serves as KABA-SD’s next Recognition from the California Service Center to provide a holiday gift President. She is joined by Vice President Legislature, which was presented by basket and toy drive program for the Amanda Harris, Seltzer Caplan McMahon Assemblyman Dave Jones. Service Center’s clients, as well as a Vitek, Secretary Susie Yoo, Mintz Levin, ABAS continued to have an extremely monthly legal clinic. SCCLA President Treasurer Michael Han, DLA Piper. busy fall season! In October, there was and NAPABA partner Paul S. Chan KABA-SD was recently approved no shortage of ABAS-hosted events. accepted the award on behalf of SCCLA. as a 501(c)(3) organization and it looks ABAS hosted a law school mixer with The Taiwanese American Lawyers forward to its second year of incorpora- the McGeorge School of Law APALSA Association (TALA) held its 14th Annual tion and hosting more events in the students on October 2nd. On October 8th, Installation Dinner on October 17th. New upcoming year. ABAS held its quarterly speaker series State Bar President, Holly Fujie, served as On August 21st, the Orange County luncheon with Dean Kevin Johnson of the the evening’s Keynote Speaker. Asian American Bar Association UC Davis School of law as its featured The Ventura County Asian American (OCAABA) held its summer joint mixer speaker. On October 12nd, ABAS held its Bar Association (VCAABA) held its 3rd with local bars (the Orange County annual golf tournament at Turkey Creek Annual Tennis Open at the Pacific Tennis Hispanic Bar Association, the Orange Golf Club, ABAS’s largest fundraiser of Club in Westlake Village on October 19th. County Trial Lawyers Association and the year. On October 30th, ABAS hosted Orange County Women Lawyers). the Unity Bar Dinner at the Radisson CALIFORNIA (ORANGE COUNTY/SAN On September 6th, the Orange County Hotel, in conjunction with La Raza, Wiley DIEGO) REGION Korean American Bar Association Manuel Bar Association, SacLegal, South In July, the Filipino American Lawyers (OC KABA) held a Breakfast Roundtable Asian Bar Association, and Women of San Diego (FALSD), represented by at Pacific Whey at Crystal Cove Lawyers of Sacramento. ABAS’s featured their President, participated in the annual Promenade to promote networking guest speaker was the Honorable Ed Chen conference of local bar leaders at the San and discussion of legal and professional of the U.S. District Court, Northern Diego County Bar Association, where issues among its OC KABA members. District of California. On November 8th, bar leaders discussed various issues Throughout September and October, ABAS and its running teams – the ABAS affecting membership in their respective OC KABA members participated in Legal Eagles and ABAS Legal Beagles, organizations, means of organizational “Law Suits,” a professional clothing drive participated in the annual My Sister’s improvement, and how to collaborate in conjunction with UC Irvine Women’s House 5k Fun Run in beautiful Land Park more with one another. In September, Law Society. in downtown Sacramento. FALSD members participated in Mock On September 4th, Pan Asian Lawyers Interviews at the University of San Diego of San Diego (PALSD) held a Welcome CENTRAL REGION School of Law and FALSD co-hosted the Reception for First Year Law Students The Asian American Bar Association Corporate Counsel informative networking at California Western School of Law, of Greater (AABA-GC) had its mixer event, “Views From In-House,” Thomas Jefferson School of Law, and the installation reception on July 24th at which was held at QUALCOMM, Inc. University of San Diego School of Law Trump Hotel and Towers. All officers The Korean American Bar Association hosted by Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear. and board members were sworn-in by the of San Diego (KABA-SD) just completed Illinois Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald its first year as an organization. Highlights CALIFORNIA (EASTERN CALIFORNIA/ and five Asian judges, namely, Hon. Maria from the past year include an event featur- LAS VEGAS) REGION Kuriakos Ciesil, Hon. Israel Desierto, Hon. ing Judge Tammy Ryu, the first Korean The Asian Bar Association of Las Sandra Otaka, Hon. Lynn Kawamoto, and American female judge appointed to the Vegas (ABALV) held its October General Hon. Neera Walsh. The keynote speaker California judiciary, a career panel event Meeting on, October 8th. ABALV will be was Illinois Director of Veteran’s Affairs L. at USD School of Law and volunteering rolling out its new mentoring program Tammy Duckworth who shared her at the Women’s Resource Fair in March. for members. experiences of serving the army and being On September 19th, in conjunction After a brief respite from hosting a an Asian American. It was the largest with the Korean American Coalition of successful NAPABA Regional Conference installation that AABA has had since its San Diego (KAC-SD), the KABA-SD hosted in Sacramento last June, the Asian Bar continued on page 12 1911 Regional News continued from page 11 founding with over 300 people who at each local law school in connection and the New York University School of attended by members, leaders of various with that law school’s APALSA chapter. Law to give a presentation about bar organizations from Chicago area, And NAPABA-MN will send out special AABANY and why law students should members of the judiciary and dignitaries invitations to our senior members to join. AABANY met the Asian Pacific who also were guest speakers. Attorney attend a special board meeting at the American law school associations at General Lisa Madigan gave the welcom- local restaurant where it was first formed these schools and had the opportunity to ing remarks during the reception, and 20 years ago. With strong law student introduce AABANY to a new crop of Alderman Robert Fioretti read a resolution attendance at these board meetings, Asian American law students who will presented to the City Council of the City NAPABA-MN is confident that it will soon become members of the profession. of Chicago to the group. connect up-and-coming members of On August 8, AABANY hosted the The AABA-GC Community Outreach our community with the more senior NAPABA Affiliates Dinner at Todai in Dinner was held on October 15th. Leaders colleagues. NAPABA-MN will also be midtown Manhattan, to welcome NAPA- from each of the Asian communities holding a winter retreat and hosting a BA members and officers who were in (Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, new lawyer’s reception in early 2009. New York City to attend the ABA Annual Filipino, and Pakistani) were invited to Meeting. discuss the role of AABA in the Asian NORTHEAST REGION On August 11, AABANY, together community including but not limited In July and August and into with Visiting Nurse Service of New York, to issues such as, voter registration, September, the Asian American Bar presented a Community Seminar entitled pro-bono legal clinic, community service, Association of New York (AABANY) and “Protect Your Assets and Learn to How political endorsements, hate crime, its Student Outreach Committee worked to Finance Long Term Care” at the domestic violence and others.Mr. Charlie in overdrive to make sure that the law stu- Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Jung, president of Korean Association of dents were getting the proper attention Association in Chinatown. Chicago, graciously sponsored the event. and support as they entered the interview On August 14, AABANY, together On July 24th, the Asian American Bar season and the job market. On July 29th, with some fifty other community groups, Association of Kansas City (AABAKC) AABANY hosted its first basic interactive co-sponsored a candidate forum in celebrated its 3rd Annual Dinner with networking skills workshop, presented by Flushing, New York, for State Assembly over 170 guests at the InterContinental Board Member and Past President Chris candidates Grace Meng and Ellen Young, Hotel in Kansas City, . The din- Chan, at New York Law School. This running in Assembly District 22, home to ner featured keynote speaker, Jimmy Lee, workshop was designed to show law one of the largest Asian American popula- the former Executive Director of the White students the basic ins and outs of meeting tions in New York City. House Initiative for Asian Americans and people at functions and how to make the On August 20, the Prosecutors’ Pacific Islanders, and current Managing proper connection and impression so that Committee hosted an outing to catch the Director of the U.S. Asian Business law students would feel comfortable at Staten Island Yankees in action at the Council. Mr. Lee presented his remarks any networking function to go up to Richmond County Bank Ball Park. to a sold out crowd that included notable strangers and start to building their pro- On September 18, AABANY, together guests such as the Hon. Richard Teitelman fessional networks. In August, AABANY with the Association of Chinese American – Missouri Supreme Court, the Hon. hosted two sessions of Mock Interview Physicians, organized a fundraiser to help Laura Stith – Missouri Supreme Court, the and Resume Writing Workshops, first on rebuild a hospital in Sichuan Province Hon. Duane Benton – U.S. Court of August 9th at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, that was destroyed during the earthquake Appeals for the 8th Circuit, the Hon. Eric and then on August 13th at Dewey & in May. The event, which was held at Ahuja – Missouri Court of Appeals, the LeBoeuf. AABANY then hosted a third Asia Roma in Chinatwon and dubbed Hon. Thomas Newton – Missouri Court of session, focusing on call-back interviews “Karaoke for a Cause,” raised over $5000 Appeals, Charlie Harris – President of the on August 28th, at McDermott Will & towards the effort to rebuild the hospital. Missouri Bar, Gigi Mateo – President of Emery. All sessions were well attended On September 23, AABANY joined the Asian American Chamber of by law students and panelists included with the National Employment Lawyers’ Commerce, and Dean Gail Agrawal from Judge Marilyn Go of the Eastern District Association (NELA) and other minority the University of Kansas School of Law. of New York, and Lauren Rasmus, bar associations to host a free CLE Thanks to donations from sponsors, Director of Legal Recruiting at Dewey & program on Tackling National Origin including Sprint Nextel Corp., Garmin, LeBoeuf. Among the mock interviewers Employment Discrimination. Held at Zurich North America, Ameristar Casino, volunteering their weekend and evenings Cardozo Law School, the event attracted the Missouri Bar, the University of to prepare and advise the law students a large number of attendees. Missouri – Kansas City, the University of was Judge Kiyo Matsumoto of the Eastern On September 27, AABANY, together Kansas and the Asian American Chamber District of New York. with Catholic Charities Community of Commerce, AABAKC presented two On September 3rd, AABANY’s Services and Empire Justice Center, scholarships to deserving law students. Prosecutors’ Committee presented a presented a free legal seminar on Paths to Next year, AABAKC will incorporate the program on “The Ins and Outs of Immigration and Government Benefits at Annual Dinner as part of NAPABA’s Interviewing at the DA’s Office” and the Ling Sing Association in Chinatown. Central Regional Convention. provided advice to law students who are The Asian Pacific American Lawyers The NAPABA Minnesota Chapter contemplating careers in the public sector Association Of New Jersey (APALA/NJ) (NAPABA-MN) has spent the last few as prosecutors. held its third annual interviewing work- months following up on its activities in On September 19th, AABANY present- shop on August 11th. The event was connection with the Central Regional ed its second basic interactive networking sponsored by the law firm, Sills Cummis Conference. Because of the lessons skills workshop, this time at Brooklyn & Gross, P.C. and featured guest speaker learned about the need for special out- Law School, to a large group of students Scott Murray, the co-chair of Sills reach to students and more senior from Brooklyn Law School and other law Cummis’s diversity committee, as well as members and because of the time and schools in New York. a member of the firm’s hiring committee, expense spent on the Central Regional On September 8 and 17, AABANY who spoke to law students and attorneys Conference, NAPABA-MN is trying a few made the rounds at St. John’s University on interviewing tips. Law students were different outreach activities this year. Law School, New York Law School, afforded the opportunity to practice NAPABA-MN will hold board meetings Fordham Law School, Touro Law Center interviewing techniques during mock

1912 interview sessions conducted by practicing World Trade Center bombing from prison, 9th a reception for a visiting group of attorneys from throughout the state, many in 1997. Mr. Patel recently represented Cambodian arbitrators and lawyers of whom are involved in the hiring process Jose Padilla, who was accused of plotting from the Cambodian Arbitration Council, of their own firms or business to detonate a so-called “dirty bomb” and an independent body established in entities. Each mock interview was fol- was the first American citizen in the war Cambodia in 2003 whose function is lowed by a critique. Thirty law students against terrorism to be held as an enemy to resolve collective labor disputes that and attorneys attended, and the event combatant without charges inside the U.S. could not be resolved by conciliation. was considered a resounding success. or access to a lawyer. Mr. Patel shared his Continuing with AALAM’s goal of APALA/NJ wishes to express its gratitude experiences in representing Mr. Padilla in increasing connectivity with other to the sponsor, Sills Cummis, each attorney an effort to preserve every citizen’s right diversity bar associations and furthering that volunteered to assist with the work- to counsel. AALAM’s goal of fostering a greater unity shop, and each law student who attended. On October 8th, APABA-PA collaborat- of purpose, on September 24th, AALAM On September 15th, APALA/NJ held ed with the Asian American Legal officers joined other officers and members its 3rd Annual Golf Tournament at the Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF), of the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Glen Ridge Country Club in Glen Ridge, to offer a CLE program to train attorneys Boston Bar Association and other diversity New Jersey. Very generous support and on voting rights laws and to request that bar associations in Massachusetts for the sponsorship were provided from, among these attorneys provide between 3 and 12 first Diversity Bar mixer of the season, at others, Mercedes Benz, HSBC, Provident, hours and pro bono legal services by the Parris Lounge in historic Faneuil Hall, Stark & Stark and Ballard Spahr. Mayor monitoring the Presidential elections of steps from the Freedom Trail. Jun Choi attended and Michael Mu, an November 4th. As AALAM enters its 25th year in Asian American Sports Agent from On September 25th, APABA-PA hosted 2009, we’re thrilled to have the honor Tennessee, was the Keynote speaker. The its annual law student reception. A record and privilege to host the 2009 NAPABA event was organized and executed by the number of law students attended the recep- Convention in Boston. We look forward Golf Committee: Shereen Chen, Eugene tion sponsored by Morgan Lewis. Students to a fantastic 2008 convention in Seattle, Huang, Moly Hung, Jin Hwang, Ed Kiel, from all are law schools were in attendance, and to advancing our shared goals further David Kwon, Carlos Manalasan, Khizar including Rutgers-Camden University in 2009. Sheikh, Will Shih, Florelee Wan, Eric Wei School of Law, Temple University James E. On August 21st, the Connecticut and Dave Yoon. This year’s Co-Chairs Beasley School of Law, University of Asian Pacific American Bar Assocation were Eugene Huang and Moly Hung, and Pennsylvania School of Law, Villanova (CAPABA) held a special Open next year’s Co-Chairs will be Florelee Wan University School of Law, Drexel Membership Meeting sponsored by and Carlos Manalasan. It was another University College of Law, and Widener Jackson Lewis LLP for the installation successful event. University School of Law. of the new Officers and Board of On September 26th, APALA/NJ Fall has just begun and the Asian Directors. The new officers are: Tanya A. Immediate Past President, E. Michael American Lawyers Association of Wolanic, President; Douglas Hirai, Angulo, received the Professionalism of Massachusetts (AALAM) is already off President-Elect; Calvin K. Woo, Vice the Year Award at the New Jersey State Bar to a busy start in September. On President; Cecilia Zhang Stiber, Vice Association luncheon held in New September 4th, members of AALAM, President of Communications; Jaclyn Brunswick. the Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Leung, Secretary and Robert Schulman, On October 2nd, APALA/NJ supported Philanthropy (AAPIP) and the Saffron Treasurer. The board includes the officers the annual MELA held by the Asian Pacific Circle, a local Asian giving circle, gathered and: Angel Feng, Immediate Past American Law Student Association of at a Boston restaurant for a social mixer President; Shirley S. Ma; Joe Khanna; Rutgers Law – Newark. On October 4th, to ring in the fall semester. Then on Susan Kim; The Honorable Nina Elgo; APALA/NJ hosted its Fall Picnic at September 8th, AALAM co-sponsored with An-Ping Hsieh; Amy Lin Meyerson; and Roosevelt Park, Edison, NJ – rain or shine. the Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Section Carlton S. Chen. The Fall picnic includes great food/drinks, of the Boston Bar Association and other On September 27th, CAPABA held fun and games for all ages and an opportu- diversity bar associations a civil rights its Annual Luau at the Lyman Orchards nity for the entire family to relax and enjoy reception, with Chief Justice Margaret H. Apple Barrel Market Field in Middlefield, each other’s company. Marshall of the Supreme Judicial Court of CT which involved an all-you-can-eat On October 17th, the Asian-Pacific Massachusetts as the guest speaker. On buffet, vouchers for fruit pies, and crafts American Bar Association of September 11th, members of AALAM for kids. Pennsylvania (APABA-PA) held its joined other members of the Boston area Annual Banquet. The proceeds from the legal community at the annual lunch of SOUTHEAST REGION Annual Banquet benefit The Judge William the Boston Bar Association. On August 13th, the Asian Pacific M. Marutani Fellowship, which is offered AALAM held its annual fall kickoff American Bar Association of South to Asian American first-year law students. event on September 16th, at the offices of Florida (APABA) hosted “Meet the It provides a stipend for an Asian Bingham McCutchen LLP in Boston. The Candidates.” Over 150 people attended, American Law student to enable him/her fall kickoff was well-attended by AALAM including more than 40 political and to take a summer internship position with members, ranging from some of AALAM’s judicial candidates (candidates for U.S. federal, state, or municipal government founding members to students from area Representative, Florida Senate and House offices/agencies (including the judiciary) law schools. At the kickoff event, AALAM of Representatives, Miami-Dade County or non-profit/public interest organizations previewed some of its fall events, such as Commission, Clerk of Court, Circuit and in the Greater Philadelphia area. Andrew AALAM’s efforts to help (with AALDEF) County judge, and school board). APABA G. Patel was the keynote speaker and was monitor election polls on Election Day. hosted the event to increase the Asian introduced by mistress of ceremonies, AALAM helped AALDEF organize training Pacific American community’s interaction Nydia Han, consumer investigative sessions for volunteers who will help with the political and judicial system reporter for WPVI-TV/6ABC. Mr. Patel, administer a multilingual voter survey and to help political and judicial candi- dubbed by New York Magazine as “the and help document voting issues on dates gain a greater understanding and terror suspect’s advocate,” defended Election Day in Massachusetts. In addition, appreciation for Asian Pacific American El-Sayyid Nosair, a convicted assassin AALAM co-sponsored with the concerns. Members and leaders of the suspected of masterminding the 1993 Massachusetts Bar Association on October continued on page 14 1913 NAPABA Regional News continued from page 13 Asian Pacific American community and experiences. The organization also Board of Governors APABA supporters arrived in force. published yet another issue of its award- 2007-2008 Present were a multitude of officers from winning newsletter and added Sarah South Florida’s preeminent Asian Pacific Hawk of Fisher and Phillips, LLP to its OFFICERS American community organizations Board. including the Asian American Federation President of Florida, the Organization of Chinese NORTHWEST REGION Helen B. Kim Americans, the Thai-American Congratulations to new affiliate to the Association, NANAY, the Muslim Bar Northwest Region: the Filipino Law President-Elect Association, the Center for Voter Association of Washington (FLOW). Andrew T. Hahn, Sr. Advocacy, and the Iranian Festival of Congratulations on your formation! South Florida. This was the first event of The Vietnamese American Bar Vice-President of Finance & Development its kind for Miami-Dade County’s Asian Association of Washington (VABAW) Joseph Juco Centeno Pacific Americans. celebrated its Fourth Annual Dinner on The Asian Pacific American Bar October 28th. The keynote speaker was Vice-President of Programs & Operations Association – District of Columbia Jerilyn Brusseau of PeaceTrees Vietnam, Bettina W. Yip (APABA-DC) headed into the summer who is also the creator of the Cinnabon months by competing in the annual D.C. recipe. Please visit www.vabaw.com for Vice-President of Membership Dragon Boat Festival for the second year more information and pictures. in a row on May 31-June 1st. Team The Asian Bar Association of Emily T. Kuo APABA-DC (“the Bakunawas”) won gold Washington (ABAW)’s final Mix N and bronze in the Division B races. On Mingle of the year was held on Vice-President of Communications July 10th, APABA-DC held its annual September 24th. Alexander C. Chae “Law Students Know Thy Career Options” event, which featured a panel SOUTHWEST REGION Secretary discussion by speakers from a private In Texas, the Asian American Bar Esther H. Lim law firm, a corporate in-house legal Association of (AABA) recently department, the government, and public held its 24th Annual Gala & Silent Treasurer interest. Students also had the opportuni- Auction. Despite Hurricane Ike’s Paul O. Hirose ty to meet and network with practicing devastating impact on the Houston attorneys at this event hosted by Jones community, more than 350 guests and Immediate Past President Day. The organization held its elections civic leaders came to support AABA. Phillip F. Shinn for the 2008-09 Board during the month A portion of the Gala proceeds were of June. The new officers were sworn-in donated to Hurricane Ike relief efforts Executive Director by the Honorable Eric T. Washington, in Houston. At the Gala, AABA presented Chief Judge of the D.C. Court of Appeals, its annual Impact Award to Daniel David Les Jin during APABA-DC’s annual Installation Hu, Deputy Chief of the Civil Division Tina R. Matsuoka Dinner, which was held on September of the United States Attorney’s Office for 17th at the National Press Club. Carol the Southern District of Texas and current REGIONAL GOVERNORS Lam, Vice President and Senior Counsel member of the AABA Board of Directors. at Qualcomm, Inc. and former United Mr. Hu is a past President of the AABA California (San Francisco) Region States Attorney for the Southern District and a past Chair and Founder of the Asian Billy Chan of California, delivered an inspiring Pacific Islander Section of the State Bar of and insightful keynote address about her Texas. AABA also recently held a FEMA California (Los Angeles) Region experience during and after her dismissal workshop for the Asian community, for Paul Estuar and that of six other United States both Vietnamese and Mandarin speakers. Attorneys in December 2006. On In Colorado, members of the Asian California (Orange County/San Diego) September 30th, APABA-DC held a Pacific American Bar Association of Region reception, hosted by Baker & McKenzie, Colorado (APABA) recently supported and attended APIAVote’s bi-partisan gala Marty B. Lorenzo in honor of Tina Matsuoka, NAPABA Executive Director. at the Democratic National Convention The Georgia Asian Pacific American held in Denver, Colorado in August. California (Eastern California/Las Vegas) Bar Association (GAPABA) recently Included among the distinguished Region formed a new committee to explore speakers was Senator Daniel K. Inouye Bryce K. Kunimoto meaningful ways for GAPABA to provide from Hawaii. legal and related services to the APA Central Region community in Georgia. That Committee Sumbal Mahmud has gotten off to a running start and recently organized a citizenship drive for eligible voters in the Atlanta area. Northeast Region Building on this momentum, the James P. Chou Committee hopes to organize a network of pro bono lawyers to provide services Southeast Region and specialty legal advice to APAs in the Paul T. Kim area. On another front, GAPABA held its Annual Summer Associate Reception Northwest Region for all summer associates in the Atlanta Alice L. Wong area. The event was well attended, and the participants enjoyed role playing (and spoofing) various summer associate Southwest Region Annie T. Kao 1914 Working together to make a difference.

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Former SABA-SC president Ajay Patel beenN named a “Southerne Californiaw sHamilton’s Commercial Litigation was selected to receive the State Bar of Super Lawyer” by Los Angeles Magazine Department, recently won a case before California President’s Pro Bono Award. since 2004 and one of the nation’s the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Each year, the State Bar presents nine “Best Lawyers Under 40” by NAPABA. Circuit on behalf of IKON Office Solutions. President’s Pro Bono Awards at its annual He is former President of the Korean In Paneccasio v. Unisource Worldwide Inc., meeting to individuals and law firms American Bar Association and is an et al., the Second Circuit affirmed the that have provided or facilitated legal executive committee member of the district court’s grant of summary judgment services to individuals or to legal aid Korean American Coalition. in favor of defendants, finding that organizations. This year, Ajay Patel This summer’s 2008 edition of the the termination of the plan, which was was one of the nine recipients being Chambers USA guide again ranked permitted under the terms of the plan, recognized in the corporate category Pillsbury Winthrop’s appellate practice, did not violate ERISA or the ADEA. for his exemplary work in providing co-led by Kevin Fong, as one of the John Encarnacion recently addressed pro bono services. twenty best in the nation, noting “clients newly naturalized citizens and provided The California Central Region affiliates praise team members for bringing new remarks on behalf of the Philadelphia recently voted to make Ekwan Rhow and creative perspectives to cases, Bar Association at the United States its next Regional Governor to NAPABA. highlighting the ‘efficiency with which District Court for the Eastern District Ekwan Rhow litigates and tries complex this is done.’” The Chambers rankings of Pennsylvania Naturalization Ceremonies business disputes. A 1991 graduate of are based on interviews with clients on September 18, 2008. Stanford University and 1994 graduate around the nation. The 2008 guide California (Orange County/San Diego) of Harvard Law School, Ekwan represents noted that Pillsbury Winthrop’s appellate Regional Governor Marty Lorenzo has companies, partnerhsips and individuals practice “is undeniably national in scope” expanded his service to the community in disputes involving contracts, securities, and “Kevin Fong is a standout name”! by becoming the General Counsel for the employment, intellectual property and Kay Kyungsun Yu, current President Asian Pacific Islander Scholarship Fund. other commercial matters. Ekwan has of APABA-PA and a partner in Pepper

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