NAPABA Leads Broad Coalition to Defend Birthright Citizenship in the U.S. Supreme Court

Nearly 50 national, state, and local bar associations join NAPABA to oppose Executive Order 14160.

NAPABA recounts the historical significance of U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark.

NAPABA highlights the detrimental impact on the Asian American community if EO 14160 is upheld.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

NAPABA Welcomes the National Korean American Bar Association (NKABA) and the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) welcomes the National Korean American Bar Association (NKABA) as a National Associate and the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC) as an Affiliate of NAPABA.

Formed in 2025, NKABA is a national nonprofit professional organization representing Korean American attorneys and law students across the United States. NKABA supports the professional growth of its members through education, mentorship, networking, and business development opportunities, while partnering with regional and local Korean American bar associations to advance shared goals. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts, including research and amicus work, and serves as a national network fostering connection and collaboration among Korean American legal professionals.

“We are honored to be a National Associate and welcome the opportunity to partner with NAPABA in our mission to empower Korean American attorneys nationwide,” said Samuel Yu, President of NKABA. “We hope this affiliation inspires deeper collaboration, stronger advocacy, and a shared commitment to justice.”

Established in 2024, CALA OC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing, empowering, and elevating Chinese American contributions to the legal community and civic life of Orange County. CALA OC advances its mission by supporting professional development, expanding the influence of the Chinese American legal community, and celebrating and preserving cultural heritage.

“Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC) is excited to join NAPABA and its impressive national network, as we empower our members and elevate our community while navigating the moment in which we live, a pivotal inflection point in American history," said Amy Chen, President of CALA OC. 

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

NAPABA Supports the Language Access for All Act of 2026

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026 in Congress. The bill, if enacted, would ensure that all individuals have meaningful access to critical Federal services, regardless of English proficiency.

In March 2025, President Donald Trump revoked Executive Order 13166 and designated English as the official language of the United States. For nearly 25 years, EO 13166 required that every federal agency meet the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency when it delivers critical services. EO 13166 brought the full import of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits entities that receive federal funding from discriminating based on national origin, to life. NAPABA objected to the revocation of EO 13166 at the time and called on Congress to act in response.  Following our advocacy efforts, NAPABA welcomes the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026, which would restore the key guarantees of EO 13166.

Language access is particularly important for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The majority of the Asian American community are immigrants. Nearly 32% of the community is limited English proficient. The Asian American population is comprised of over 50 different ethnicities and speak over 100 different languages. NAPABA has long championed linguistic access for AANHPI communities in the legal system, including through our groundbreaking report, which highlighted and provided recommendations on the state of language access in federal and state courts and agencies. Every individual deserves access to critical, federally funded services.

NAPABA is grateful to Rep. Grace Meng, the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, along with Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Daniel Goldman, for their leadership and introducing the Language Access for All Act of 2026. This action coincides with the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision in Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974), which recognized the right of English learners to participate meaningfully in public school education and served as a catalyst for language access throughout the Nation.  We call on Congress to advance this legislation swiftly.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

NAPABA Applauds the Appointment of Justice Sanjay T. Tailor to the Illinois Supreme Court

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Justice Sanjay T. Tailor on his groundbreaking appointment to serve as a justice on the Illinois Supreme Court.

“Justice Tailor’s appointment marks a historic milestone in NAPABA’s mission for its members, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) lawyers, and their broader communities,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA.  “In 2022, NAPABA’s Portrait Project 2.0 found that only nine Asian American jurists served on state high courts, a number that remained constant until now. As the first Asian American to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court, Justice Tailor has broken barriers and serves as a beacon of achievement for our legal community and for anyone aspiring to such heights.”

Justice Tailor brings more than two decades of judicial experience to the Illinois Supreme Court. He has served for 23 years on Illinois’s trial and appellate courts, including as an Associate Judge and Circuit Judge and, most recently, as a Presiding Justice of the First District Appellate Court. Prior to joining the bench, he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County and practiced law in the private sector. Justice Tailor taught as an adjunct professor at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. He earned his B.A. from the University of Delaware and his J.D., with honors, from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

“Through his many leadership roles, including as the president of the Asian American Judges Association of Illinois, and through his engagement with NAPABA affiliates like the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA Chicago) and the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA Chicago), Justice Tailor has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and the community throughout his career,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “His groundbreaking appointment highlights the importance of continued efforts to ensure that those in the AANHPI legal community are recognized, supported, and elevated to positions of leadership across the country.”

“We are proud and thrilled to see Illinois become one of a small number of states that have a judge on its highest court who is Asian American,” said Stephen Lee, President of AABA Chicago.  “AABA formed decades ago in part to help Asian American attorneys become judges and to help our judiciary better reflect the people whom it serves, and this is a huge milestone not just for Justice Tailor and Asian American attorneys but for everyone.”

“The South Asian Bar Association of Chicago proudly congratulates Justice Tailor on this historic appointment as the first Asian and South Asian Justice to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court,” said Saman Haque, President of SABA Chicago. "This milestone reflects the strength of our justice system and the importance of representation. As a founding member of SABA Chicago, Justice Tailor has remained steadfast in his commitment to inclusion and equity, and to mentoring and encouraging attorneys to hone their craft. We celebrate this achievement and look forward to the lasting impact of Justice Tailor’s leadership and service.”

NAPABA extends its sincere congratulations to Justice Sanjay Tailor and wishes him continued success in his service on the Illinois Supreme Court.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

MNAPABA and NAPABA Statement in Support of AANHPI and Immigrant Communities

MINNEAPOLIS / WASHINGTON – The Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MNAPABA) and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) stand firmly in support of the Asian Pacific American and the broader immigrant communities in Minnesota.  

On Wednesday, January 7, a federal immigration enforcement agent in Minneapolis shot and killed Renee Good. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. Press reports indicate that a federal investigation of the tragedy is underway.

The horrific shooting has exacerbated the existing fear and apprehension within immigrant communities across the state, especially as the national discourse recently turned to disparaging comments against immigrants and refugees in Minnesota and elsewhere across the country.  

On Friday, January 16, Kaohly Her – the mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota, and the first woman and first Asian American in the role – stated that her office “received reports of federal law enforcement officers going door-to-door asking people where the Asian people live right now in our very own city.”  

The allegations in these reports are immensely disturbing.  While the residents of Minnesota have the right to engage in First Amendment activities, and as the federal government increases its presence in the region, MNAPABA and NAPABA unequivocally oppose any instances of racial profiling by government enforcement agents, actions that are incompatible with the rule of law. Instead, such actions endanger the public and diminish trust in law enforcement.  

The Minneapolis–Saint Paul region has a vibrant Asian Pacific American community, including one of the largest Hmong populations in the nation. The diverse communities of immigrants and refugees add to the strength and rich tapestry of Minnesota.  Their dignity and constitutional rights must be respected.  

For additional information, please see MNAPABA’s supplementary statement, which can be found here.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

NAPABA Applauds the Confirmation of Judge John Truong to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Judge John Truong on his confirmation to serve as an Associate Judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

“Judge John Truong is a talented and experienced litigator who has deep ties to the D.C. legal community,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA. “With a long career in public service, coupled with his leadership in the community – including as a former president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area (APABA-DC) and a recipient of the NAPABA Best Under 40 Award in 2009 – Judge Truong will be an exceptional addition to the court that serves the Nation’s capital city.”

Prior to his confirmation, Judge Truong was Deputy Chief in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where he prosecuted fraud and misconduct cases. He has previously represented federal officials and agencies in civil litigation, prosecuted criminal offenses, and practiced at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Judge Truong also taught as an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University Law School. He clerked for Judge Ricardo M. Urbina of the U.S. District Court for D.C. and holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California, an M.A. from American University, and a J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law.

“Judge Truong is a role model for our legal community. His professional achievements reflect the values that NAPABA works to advance every day,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “We are confident that Judge Truong will continue to serve the community with distinction in this important role.”

NAPABA thanks President Trump for the nomination and the U.S. Senate for its confirmation of Judge Truong.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

Date: January 12, 2026

Contact:

Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

ICYMI: Coalition of Over 80 Asian American Advocacy Organizations Secure Removal of ‘China Initiative’ Language from House CJS Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON - Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC), the Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF), Stop AAPI Hate, Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) commend the removal of concerning report language from the House Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) appropriations bill that would have effectively re-established the discredited ‘China Initiative.’

In 2025, the House version of the bill’s accompanying report included language directing the Department of Justice to revive policies that previously led to the discriminatory profiling and prosecution of Asian American scholars and researchers. In response, 82 civil rights and Asian American advocacy organizations signed onto a letter in September 2025 opposing the language. The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) also led a bicameral letter to stop the effort, which was endorsed by 82 organizations.

This outcome is a result of this coordinated action. The problematic language was removed before final consideration, marking an important step toward protecting the integrity of U.S. research institutions and safeguarding scholars from unjust targeting.

Leaders from Advancing Justice | AAJC, AASF, Stop AAPI Hate, CAA, and NAPABA emphasized that the final language in the CJS materials reflects the power of collective advocacy and sustained engagement with policymakers. The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that national security policies are grounded in fairness, evidence, and due process, and do not undermine America’s values.

“We are encouraged to see that Congress listened to our concerns and removed language that sought to unfairly target Chinese American and Chinese immigrant scientists, researchers, and academics under the guise of national security,” said John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC. “At a time when anti-Asian hate levels remain at historic highs, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC remains vigilant against efforts to single out our communities. We will continue to elevate impacted voices and urge leaders to prioritize racial justice alongside the protection of our country.”

“This outcome reflects the power of sustained, collective advocacy thanks to our outstanding community of professors, scientists, and researchers. It sends a clear message that protecting American innovation and protecting people are not competing goals—they are inseparable,” said Gisela Perez Kusakawa, Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum. “The removal of this language is an important affirmation that national security policies must be rooted in evidence, fairness, and respect for American values and freedoms. Efforts to revive the China Initiative, whether in name or in practice, undermine trust, harm American research, and disproportionately endanger Asian American scholars, researchers, and scientists.”

“Asian American scholars and students should not be treated as national security threats simply because of who they are,” said Cynthia Choi, Co-Founder of Stop AAPI Hate and Co-Executive Director of Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA). “When the federal government permits and legitimizes programs rooted in racial and ethnic bias, it sends a dangerous message about who belongs in this country. We will be monitoring very closely and holding the government accountable to ensure these harmful policies are not revived in any form.”

Priya Purandare, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), said, “Lawmakers should address legitimate national security concerns carefully and thoughtfully. NAPABA is pleased to see that the most discriminatory language has been removed from the bill and will continue to monitor developments to ensure that the government will not initiate investigations and prosecutions based on broad generalizations and stereotypes of Asian Americans rather than on credible evidence of wrongdoing."

The coalition will continue working with lawmakers and the federal government to promote policies that uphold civil rights and the rule of law.

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ABOUT ASIAN AMERICANS ADVANCING JUSTICE | AAJC

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC has a mission to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. 

ABOUT AASF

Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national nonprofit that promotes belonging, freedom, and equality for all. In response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments and profiling in the U.S., AASF has been a leading national voice fighting for the rights of Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars. AASF membership includes members from the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Science, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, in addition to past and current university presidents, provosts, vice provosts, deans, associate deans, and past and current department chairs.

ABOUT CHINESE FOR AFFIRMATIVE ACTION (CAA)

Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) was founded in 1969 to protect the civil and political rights of Chinese Americans and to advance multiracial democracy in the United States. Today, CAA is a progressive voice in and on behalf of the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We advocate for systemic change that protects immigrant rights, promotes language diversity, and remedies racial and social injustice.

ABOUT NAPABA

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement. 

ABOUT STOP AAPI HATE

Stop AAPI Hate is a U.S.-based coalition dedicated to ending racism and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAs & PIs). We strive to advance the multiracial movement for equity and justice by building power for our communities, working in solidarity with other communities of color, and advocating for comprehensive solutions that tackle the root causes of race-based hate. 

NAPABA Statement in Response to Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON - On the day before Thanksgiving, blocks from the offices of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), an individual shot two members of the National Guard. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, tragically succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. NAPABA mourns the loss of Specialist Beckstrom and extends our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. We are holding Sergeant Wolfe, his loved ones, and the military community in our thoughts as he undergoes critical care.  We unequivocally condemn this horrific act of violence. Though a full investigation is pending, government officials revealed that the alleged perpetrator, who is now detained and faces criminal charges, arrived in the United States in 2021 from Afghanistan through a federal resettlement program.

The views from leaders at all levels plays a powerful role in shaping how communities such as asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants are understood. The criminal acts of one individual should not be used to paint an entire community, especially those who have sought protection from this Nation. Casting aspersions does nothing to advance public discourse, and instead, it serves to fuel hate, a fact that is all too familiar with the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.  

The United States has taken on an obligation under domestic and international law to provide refuge to those fleeing persecution. This has particular resonance with the Asian American community. Nearly three million refugees from Southeast Asia fled conflicts in the 1970s and new generations have arrived since. The protections offered by the United States as a leading signatory to the International Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol are critical to uphold.

Countless numbers of Asian Americans and others throughout history fled persecution for a better life in the United States. We need not turn our back on history or the generations seeking refuge. NAPABA has consistently supported the refugee resettlement program and this Nation’s long history of welcoming those seeking the protections of our country.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

NAPABA, APABA South Florida, and APABA-TB Statement in Response to Eleventh Circuit Decision Upholding Florida’s Discriminatory Alien Land Law

WASHINGTON - This month, in a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit allowed a Florida law that imposes discriminatory housing restrictions to remain in effect while litigation continues.  

The law, SB 264, prohibits individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents and who are “domiciled” in China from purchasing property. The ban also applies to those from certain other countries, but it imposes greater penalties on Chinese buyers compared to others. In finding that none of the plaintiffs had standing to challenge the purchase restriction of the law, the court did confirm that SB 264’s restrictions did not apply to immigrants from China who reside in Florida and intend to remain in Florida indefinitely. But as to the plaintiffs who had standing with regard to the registration requirement and the affidavit requirement, the court upheld the requirement that certain property owners “domiciled in China” register their property with the state, and that anyone who buys property must attest in an affidavit that the purchase complies with SB 264.

While the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of South Florida (APABA South Florida), and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Tampa Bay (APABA-TB) welcome the court’s clarification that SB 264 does not apply to Chinese immigrants who live and intend to remain in Florida indefinitely, we are disappointed that the court left the law intact. As we have argued both in the district court and in the Eleventh Circuit, alien land laws like SB 264 are “stains on American history” and have “historically and consistently been struck down as invidiously discriminatory.” They promote discrimination against Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities and endanger these populations under the guise of national security concerns without evidence of actual malign conduct.

Further, we remain concerned about the court's reliance on the outdated and widely discredited decision in Terrace v. Thompson, 263 U.S. 197 (1923), which upheld Washington State’s alien land law that barred Asian immigrants from owning land. The U.S. Supreme Court cited the congressional ban on naturalization of Asian immigrants at the time as a "reasonable" justification to bar purchases of property. Terrace was wrongly decided in 1923, and it is still wrong today.

Despite this setback, our advocacy will continue. For over a decade, NAPABA and its affiliates, like APABA South Florida and APABA-TB, have led efforts to overcome Florida’s legacy of anti-Asian alien land laws. This includes when Florida became the last state in the United States over seven years ago to abolish such discriminatory language from its constitution, only to enact SB 264 in 2023. Throughout the country, NAPABA and its affiliates continue to fight these discriminatory measures through legislative advocacy and educating lawmakers and the wider public on the painful history and legal implications of wrongfully restricting the property rights of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

NAPABA Congratulates Eric Tung on His Confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) proudly congratulates Eric Tung on his confirmation to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His elevation to the federal appellate bench marks a significant achievement—both for Eric Tung and for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal community.

“We are pleased to see Judge Tung ascend to the Ninth Circuit,” said NAPABA President Joseph Yao. “His extensive record as a public servant, appellate litigator, and former Department of Justice official demonstrates a deep commitment to the administration of justice. Having qualified AANHPI attorneys in lifetime judicial roles helps ensure our judiciary reflects the diversity of our nation and benefits from the full range of talent in our community.”

Eric Tung is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Jones Day, where he focuses on appeals and motions practice in commercial litigation. He has briefed and argued matters in federal and state courts nationwide, including the Ninth Circuit, D.C. Circuit, Seventh Circuit, Florida Supreme Court, and the California Court of Appeals. His clients span a range of industries, including telecommunications, energy, banking, real estate, construction, entertainment, and digital currency.

“Judge Tung is the first AANHPI nominated and confirmed during President Trump’s second term,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Judge Tung joins the bench at a time when representation of AANHPI jurists on the federal bench remains a vital goal for NAPABA. During his first term, President Trump confirmed 13 AANHPI Article III judges. We look forward to continuing our work to advance AANHPI representation on the federal judiciary.”

Eric Tung previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California and held positions at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., including serving as a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General. He also clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and the late Antonin Scalia.

NAPABA thanks President Trump for the nomination and the U.S. Senate for confirming him swiftly.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

 NAPABA Trailblazer Sandra Leung to Receive ABA Spirit of Excellence Award

WASHINGTON - The American Bar Association's Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession has announced that past NAPABA President Sandra Leung will receive the 2026 Spirit of Excellence Award. Each year, the ABA honors lawyers who have excelled in their fields and who have demonstrated an abiding commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Earlier this year, NAPABA announced Sandra Leung as a recipient of its highest honor, the Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award, in recognition of her achievements, commitment, and leadership in paving the way for advancement of other Asian Pacific, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander lawyers.
 
An accomplished attorney, prosecutor, C-suite advisor, and champion for justice, Sandra Leung has broken down barriers in a distinguished career that saw her become the first Asian American woman to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, and the first Asian American and the first woman to serve as general counsel for the global biopharmaceutical giant Bristol Meyers Squibb. As one of ten children born to Chinese immigrant parents who operated a Chinese restaurant in Stamford, Connecticut, and whose neighbors had circulated a petition in an attempt to block her family from moving in, Sandra Leung has displayed a lifelong commitment to speaking up for those facing inequality and prejudice.  

“Sandy Leung has blazed trails and set a remarkably high standard of achievement and excellence for our bar,” said NAPABA President Thy B. Bui. “Not only has she walked the talk in terms of her dedication to uplifting attorneys of all backgrounds in the legal profession, but her unapologetic public commitment to diversity and justice has been an inspiration for me as president of NAPABA and for so many others.” 

Over more than a three-decade long career at Bristol Meyers Squibb, Sandra built and led a world class team of approximately 200 attorneys and 480 professionals across 35 countries. Among her many accomplishments, she takes greatest pride in her unwavering commitment to nurturing diverse talent at every level of the profession—beginning with the BMS internship program she helped cultivate and which has now been aptly renamed the Sandra Leung Program on Law and Leadership in recognition of her enduring impact. 

In addition to her tenure at Bristol Myers Squibb, Sandra has devoted her time, energy, and expertise to advancing the mission of numerous nonprofit organizations. She served on NAPABA’s Board of Governors from 2021 to 2024 and as NAPABA President from 2022 to 2023, where she worked to strengthen and expand the organization’s reach. 

"Sandy's deep commitment to our bar and the legal profession derives from a lifetime of advocacy for diversity and underserved communities," said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. "I am grateful to Sandy for her leadership in not only guiding NAPABA with steady wisdom through a tremendous period of growth but also her dedication to advancing AANHPI lawyers and the communities they serve.” 

Also receiving the 2026 Spirit of Excellence Award are:

• Hon. Marcella Holland, Circuit Administrative Judge, Baltimore City (ret.);
• Loren Kieve, Principal, Kieve Law Offices;
• Rosevelie Márquez Morales, Chief Inclusion Officer, Hogan Lovells;
• Hector Villagra, Vice President of Policy Advocacy and Community Education, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF).
  

The 2026 Spirit of Excellence Awards will be presented during a ceremony at the 2026 ABA Midyear Meeting on February 7, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of more than 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students, as well as over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. Founded in 1988, NAPABA promotes justice, equity, and opportunity for APA legal professionals and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.  We foster professional development, advocacy, and community involvement.

NAPABA Congratulates John Truong on Nomination to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the nomination of John Truong to serve as Associate Judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. 

“John Truong is an experienced litigator and long-time NAPABA member, including being honored with the NAPABA Best Under 40 Award in 2009,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA. “His distinguished career, commitment to public service, and deep ties to the D.C. legal community, including his leadership with the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area (APABA-DC), make him exceptionally qualified to serve on the Superior Court. His confirmation would not only add a fair and experienced jurist to the bench, but also further the representation of AANHPI judges in our courts.”

Truong is Deputy Chief in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where he prosecutes fraud and misconduct cases. He has previously represented federal officials and agencies in civil litigation, prosecuted criminal offenses, and practiced at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Truong also teaches as an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University Law School. He clerked for Judge Ricardo M. Urbina of the U.S. District Court for D.C. and holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California, an M.A. from American University, and a J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law.

“John embodies the best of our legal community. His professional achievements and commitment to justice reflect the values that NAPABA works to advance every day,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “We are proud to support his nomination and confident he will serve with distinction on the Superior Court.”

NAPABA thanks President Trump for the nomination and urges the U.S. Senate to consider the nomination swiftly. 

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

WASHINGTON - The 2025 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) President’s Award will be presented to Susman Godfrey LLP. The award recognizes the firm’s steadfast commitment to uplift the legal profession and the rule of law in the United States.

The NAPABA President’s Award is given annually to individuals or entities who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to NAPABA and the broader legal community.

“I am proud to confer the President’s Award to Susman Godfrey LLP,” said NAPABA President Thy Bui. “As both a legal professional and civil rights organization with a core commitment to diversity and upholding the rule of law, NAPABA knows the vital importance of standing up against the wave of attacks against the legal community and upholding our values. Susman Godfrey LLP not only shares our commitment but also lives it. I am thrilled to commend the firm for its unwavering focus to defend the legal profession and the rule of law when it mattered the most.”

Susman Godfrey LLP is a nationally leading boutique litigation law firm founded in Houston, Texas. Today, with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle, the firm has a reputation as one of the “nation’s most impressive – and most feared – litigation boutiques.” Kalpana Srinivasan, a 2014 recipient of the NAPABA Best Under 40 Award, and Vineet Bhatia lead the firm as managing partners.

Earlier this year, the current Administration issued an executive order against Susman Godfrey LLP and endeavored to strip the firm’s ability to function. The executive order, among other things, criticized the firm’s espousal of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. It also disagreed with the firm’s work pertaining to elections. For example, in April 2023, Susman Godfrey LLP secured a $787.5 million settlement for its client, Dominion Voting Systems, to resolve Dominion’s claim of defamation against a prominent media outlet for its statements pertaining to the 2020 presidential election.

Susman Godfrey LLP challenged the executive order, and in June 2025, the firm succeeded when the District Court permanently enjoined the executive order. The court found that the executive order amounted to “unlawful retaliation…for activities that are protected by the First Amendment, including [the firm’s] representation of certain clients…and its expression of its beliefs regarding diversity.” An independent judiciary, as the court recognized, presumes an “informed, independent bar,” which is a “necessity for the rule of law.”

We agree. The firm, in advancing those principles, currently represents the American Bar Association in a lawsuit against the current Administration that challenges the unwarranted attacks against lawyers and law firms.

NAPABA congratulates Susman Godfrey LLP as this year’s recipient of the NAPABA President’s Award, which will be bestowed on Friday, November 7, 2025, during the President's and Trailblazer Awards Reception at the 2025 NAPABA Convention in Denver, Colorado.

NAPABA Applauds Ninth Circuit Decision Upholding Birthright Citizenship

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the U.S. Court of the Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s decision pausing Executive Order 14160 nationwide. In State of Washington v. Trump, the court ruled yesterday that EO 14160, which would deny citizenship to children born of parents who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents, violates the plain language of the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. It also concluded that a nationwide injunction was warranted to award the states challenging EO 14160 complete relief.

“We are grateful that the court recognized what NAPABA has argued from the beginning—EO 14160 undermines the constitutional promise of an equal claim of citizenship to all persons born in the United States and runs against nearly 127 years of history, precedent, and practice,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA.

NAPABA and a coalition of its affiliates filed an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit (along with the First Circuit and the Fourth Circuit) and explained that EO 14160 distorts the holding of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898). Wong Kim Ark upheld the conferral of citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents under the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. The brief underscored this precedent’s historical significance and the role of Asian Americans in shaping our nation’s foundational immigration and civil rights precedents.

“If implemented, EO 14160 would exact disproportionate harm on the Asian American community,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “The question of a child’s citizenship in the United States ought not to be dependent on the stature or circumstances of their parents. Nor should it turn on whether a child is born in one state versus another. For the guarantees of the Fourteenth Amendment to be vindicated, birthright citizenship must apply to all children across the United States. We are grateful that the court agreed.”

The Ninth Circuit recognized Wong Kim Ark’s precedential weight. Despite the harsh legal environment for Chinese Americans living in the 19th century under the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Geary Act, Wong Kim Ark, a young Chinese American who was born in San Francisco to noncitizen parents, "acquired United States citizenship by birth.”

The U.S. Constitution demands that the same must be true for children born today. Consistent with the Citizenship Clause’s plain language, EO 14160 must ultimately be set aside.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

NAPABA Statement in Response to Justice Department Guidance Following Revocation of Language Access Guarantees

WASHINGTON - Over four months ago, President Trump revoked Executive Order 13166 and purportedly designated English as the official language of the United States. It marked a dramatic setback for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities will bear the brunt of such misguided action. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) immediately condemned the revocation.

For nearly 25 years, Executive Order 13166 served as a cornerstone of the federal government’s commitment to civil rights. It required that every federal agency meet the needs of LEP individuals when it delivers critical services. It similarly required those that received federal funding, such as non-profit organizations as well as state and local governments, to guarantee that LEP individuals had meaningful access to their services.  

On July 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice released guidance to implement the revocation of Executive Order 13166. It has rescinded all prior guidance to recipients of federal funding pertaining to the protections of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and suspended all existing LEP guidance. It emphasizes English-only operations without accounting for the need for LEP individuals to access critical, life-sustaining services.

The new guidance further deepens the harm caused by the revocation of Executive Order 13166. It undermines decades of progress to make government and federally funded programs more accessible. Rather than a core requirement for non-discriminatory compliance, the new guidance weakens the legal framework to combat national origin discrimination, which is prohibited by Title VI, and treats language access as merely discretionary.

We continue to call on Congress to engage in appropriate oversight over the Administration’s unwarranted actions and pursue legislative actions to strengthen and expand the protections of Title VI.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

NAPABA Calls for Full Funding of Hate Crimes Prevention

WASHINGTON - This week, NAPABA joined over 25 organizations led by The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and urged the Committee on Appropriations of both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to prioritize funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations legislation for hate crime prevention. The current federal budget proposal contemplates the complete elimination of hate crimes prevention funding.
 
Hate crimes are on the rise in the United States, and the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community is all too familiar with the escalation of hate. Congress must ensure robust funding for prevention programs so that federal, state, and local governments can effectively prevent and track hate crimes. The coalition requested that nearly $130 million be allocated to several critical programs that promote better responses to hate crimes and improve reporting and preparedness. 
 
Our work to eradicate hate must continue. NAPABA calls on Congress to join in this effort and allot appropriate funds in FY 2026.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

NAPABA Applauds Nomination of Eric Tung to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the nomination of Eric Tung to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Tung is a nationally respected litigator with a record of public service and experience at the highest levels of the legal profession.

“Eric Tung is an exceptional nominee whose distinguished career demonstrates a commitment to the law,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA. “From his time at the U.S. Department of Justice to his clerkships on the U.S. Supreme Court, Tung brings unparalleled experience to the federal bench.”

Tung is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Jones Day, where he focuses on appeals and motions practice in commercial litigation. He has briefed and argued matters in federal and state courts nationwide, including the Ninth Circuit, D.C. Circuit, Seventh Circuit, Florida Supreme Court, and the California Court of Appeals. His clients span a range of industries, including telecommunications, energy, banking, real estate, construction, entertainment, and digital currency.

Tung previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California and held positions at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., including serving as a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General. He also clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and the late Antonin Scalia.

“Eric Tung has excelled in every facet of the legal profession—as a prosecutor, government lawyer, private practitioner, and judicial clerk,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “His breadth of experience makes him a compelling choice for the Ninth Circuit.”

Tung earned his J.D. with high honors from the University of Chicago Law School in 2010, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif, named a Kirkland & Ellis Scholar, served as Managing Editor of the University of Chicago Law Review, and received multiple writing awards, including the Joseph Henry Beale Prize and the Bell, Boyd & Lloyd Award. He received his B.A. in Philosophy from Yale University in 2006.

NAPABA thanks President Trump for the nomination and urges the U.S. Senate to consider the nomination swiftly.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

NAPABA Statement in Response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc.

WASHINGTON - Today, in the cases involving challenges to the executive order that limits birthright citizenship, the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the scope of the preliminary injunctions that can be available to pause the executive order before a final judgment can be rendered. This discrete, preliminary issue will now return to the district courts for them to craft an injunction that, in the Court’s view, is no “broader than necessary to provide complete relief to each plaintiff with standing to sue.” The Court did not address the constitutionality of the executive order.  

In the meantime, as the parties litigate over the scope of the injunctions, and as three federal courts of appeals evaluate the substantive challenges to the executive order, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) reaffirms the principles that underlie our amicus briefing to the courts that Executive Order 14160 must be set aside.  

First, EO 14160 upends the Fourteenth Amendment’s promise of an equal claim of citizenship to all persons born in the United States. Under the plain text of the Fourteenth Amendment and longstanding historical precedent, EO 14160 is patently unconstitutional.  

Second, EO 14160 distorts the holding of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898).  As we explained in our amicus brief, the Court upheld the conferral of citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents under the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. The brief underscored the historical significance of this precedent and the role of Asian Americans in shaping our nation’s foundational immigration and civil rights precedents. 

Lastly, if EO 14160 is implemented, disproportionate harms would result for Asian American communities. In the United States, 65% of Asian American adults are immigrants. Asian immigrants account for a substantial percentage of the overall immigrant population, with 17% of all undocumented immigrants having Asian ancestry and more than 88% of individuals holding H-1B visas. Under EO 14160, children of these categories of immigrants would be excluded from citizenship, despite being born, raised, and educated in the United States and despite knowing no other country of allegiance. 

The question of a child’s citizenship in the United States ought not to be dependent on the stature or circumstances of their parents. Nor should it turn on whether a child is born in one state versus another. For the guarantees of the Fourteenth Amendment to be vindicated, birthright citizenship must apply to all children across the United States.  

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

NAPABA and MNAPABA Condemn Attacks on Minnesota Lawmakers 

WASHINGTON - In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 14, an armed perpetrator shot two Minnesota state legislators and their respective spouses in the suburbs outside of Minneapolis. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, died. State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, survived and sustained injuries from the attack. The Governor of Minnesota called the events “an act of targeted political violence.”

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MNAPABA) unequivocally condemn these horrific attacks. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victims along with the people of Minnesota.

Our democracy must not tolerate acts of political violence. They are antithetical to the core values of our community and our Nation. The rule of law demands the peaceful resolution of our differences, whether it be through our institutions like the courts or at the ballot box. Despite the intensity of our public discourse, we cannot forget our common humanity.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

NAPABA Welcomes Two New Affiliates: Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers – Québec Chapter (FACL-QC) and the Seattle Chinese Bar Association (SCBA)

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) has approved and welcomed the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers – Québec Chapter (FACL-QC) and the Seattle Chinese Bar Association (SCBA) as affiliates of NAPABA.

FACL-QC, a leading voice for Asian Canadian lawyers and law students in Québec, has played a crucial role in advancing equity, diversity, and access to justice within the legal profession.

“This partnership represents a shared commitment to fostering a supportive network for Asian Canadian legal professionals,” said FACL-QC President Kim Nguyen. “Through collaboration with NAPABA, we look forward to amplifying our collective voices and strengthening our impact on the legal landscape across North America.”

SCBA, founded in 2019, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the Chinese legal community in the greater Seattle area. Through its focus on mentorship, advocacy, legal education, and cultural celebration, SCBA has built a strong, inclusive platform for attorneys, law students, and community leaders.

“The Seattle Chinese Bar Association (西雅图华人律师协会) is honored to join NAPABA as its newest affiliate,” said SCBA President Sally Shi. “This affiliation will significantly expand opportunities for our members while strengthening the collective voice of Asian American legal professionals nationwide. We are excited to collaborate with NAPABA’s remarkable community of 80,000 attorneys, judges, and legal scholars to advance justice and representation across our profession.”

“We are thrilled to welcome FACL-QC and SCBA into the NAPABA family,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA. “We look forward to working together to advance our shared mission of supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander attorneys nationwide.”

FACL-QC and SCBA join a community of over 90 local, state, regional, and national bar associations in the United States and Canada. The affiliates hold certain voting rights under the NAPABA Bylaws, and individual members of the affiliates are entitled to complimentary NAPABA membership and the benefits that accompany it. For more information about how to become a NAPABA affiliate, please visit our webpage and learn more here about the benefits of becoming a NAPABA member.   

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

 NAPABA Statement in Response to the Shooting in Washington, DC

WASHINGTON - Last night, mere hours after the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) completed its annual Lobby Day event and only a few blocks away in Washington, DC, an individual shot and killed two employees of the Israeli Embassy outside of the Capital Jewish Museum. According to press reports, the two diplomats, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, attended a reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee and focused on humanitarian diplomacy. Federal law enforcement described the shooting as anti-Semitic violence.

NAPABA mourns the loss of two young lives and unequivocally condemns this act of hate. We stand with the Jewish American community and with the families of the victims.

The conflict in the Middle East and the resulting humanitarian devastation are a tragedy.  But we must not forget our common humanity. The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community is no stranger to hate—whether in the form of anti-Asian hate, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, or any other act of bigotry. Hate must be rejected in all its forms, and our work to eradicate hate continues.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

 NAPABA Mourns the Passing of Justice David H. Souter

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Justice David H. Souter, who passed away yesterday. Justice Souter served on the Supreme Court of the United States for 19 years.

“Justice Souter’s devotion to public service defined his life,” said NAPABA President Thy Bui. “From a small law firm in Concord, New Hampshire, to the highest court in the land, he left an indelible mark on the Nation’s jurisprudence. On behalf of the entire NAPABA community, we celebrate his legacy and send our condolences to his loved ones.”

Justice Souter graduated from Harvard College, studied as a Rhodes Scholar, and graduated from Harvard Law School. After practicing at the firm of Orr and Reno, Justice Souter joined the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, ultimately rising to become the New Hampshire Attorney General in 1976. Two years later, the governor of New Hampshire appointed Justice Souter to the state trial court bench. In 1983, Justice Souter joined the New Hampshire Supreme Court, and in 1990, President George H.W. Bush nominated him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination unanimously. Only two months later, President Bush nominated Justice Souter to the U.S. Supreme Court, and the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination by a vote of 90 to 9. Justice Souter retired from the Court in 2009.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

ABA Names Justice Maryka Omatsu and Judge Holly Fujie as Recipients of the 2025 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award 

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is proud to announce that this week, the American Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession has named NAPABA members Justice Maryka Omatsu and Judge Holly Fujie as recipients of the 2025 Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. Each year, the Commission honors up to five outstanding women lawyers who have achieved professional excellence and paved the way for other women in the legal profession.

Justice Maryka Omatsu is an icon of the Asian Canadian bar who, in 1993, set the stage for others to follow in her footsteps as the first Canadian woman of East Asian descent to be appointed as a judge in the entire country. She began her legal career in the 1970s as a human rights and environmental rights attorney who represented First Nations communities and held numerous prestigious appointments, including as Chair of the Ontario Boards of Inquiry and later Chair of the Ontario Human Rights Appeals Tribunal.

A third generation Japanese Canadian born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Justice Omatsu’s parents were incarcerated by Canadian authorities during the Second World War in a manner similar to the Japanese American experience. Justice Omatsu rose to nationwide prominence as a key leader of, and counsel for, the National Association of Japanese Canadians Redress negotiating team, who helped secure an historic human rights settlement between the Canadian Government and affected Japanese Canadians for their mistreatment during the war. In early 2006, Justice Omatsu set forth a vision for a Canadian analog to NAPABA and led the creation of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL).  In 2013, NAPABA conferred Justice Omatsu with its Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award.

“Justice Maryka Omatsu continues to inspire and open doors for women in the legal profession and to do so across the largest land border in the world–serving as a role model for lawyers in both Canada and the United States,” said NAPABA President Thy Bui. “Through her distinguished career, towering achievements, and tenacious and proactive advocacy, she has secured lasting, systemic positive change for Canadian women on the bench, in the legal profession, and beyond.”

For over four decades, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Holly Fujie has been a strong, vocal, and effective champion for, and mentor to, countless women and minorities in the legal profession. 

Judge Fujie was only the third woman and the first Asian American to serve as the President of the State Bar of California. Prior to joining the bench, she was a renowned litigator, handling complex litigation for a variety of clients, primarily in the financial services industry. Judge Fujie broke barriers as one of the first, Asian American women elected to equity partnership at major Los Angeles firm at a time when there were nearly no other Asian American women attorneys becoming law firm partners in California. 

She is Vice President of NAPABA’s Judicial Council and Co-Chair of the Multicultural Bar Alliance of Southern California. She serves on the Boards of the Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Alliance, the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles, and the California Judges Foundation, and previously chaired Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Judicial Advisory Committee for the Central District of California. In 2010 NAPABA bestowed its Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award on Judge Fujie. 

Throughout her career, Judge Fujie has individually mentored numerous women seeking to join and advance in the legal profession. But she believes that it is not merely enough to give advice to mentees but to actively do all she can to help them achieve success.

“Judge Holly Fujie continues to inspire and mentor so many in the California bar and across the country,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Her commitment to opening doors for women in the profession is matched only by her passion and dedication on a deeply personal level to ensuring that as many can succeed as possible.” 

Also receiving the Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award this year are:

• Anita S. Earls; Senior Associate Justice, North Carolina Supreme Court, Durham, NC 
• Bridget Marsh; Executive Vice President and General Counsel, LSTA, Inc., New York, NY
• Jami Wintz McKeon; Chair, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Philadelphia, PA

NAPABA congratulates all the recipients who will be honored during the ABA's Annual Meeting in Toronto on August 10. 

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

 NAPABA Leads Broad Coalition to Defend Birthright Citizenship in Court

Over 40 national, state, and local bar associations join NAPABA to oppose Executive Order 14160.

NAPABA corrects the federal government’s misreading of U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark.

NAPABA highlights the detrimental impact on the Asian American community if EO 14160 is upheld.

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and 43 of its affiliates and national associates from across the country joined forces to defend the fundamental constitutional guarantee of citizenship. Led by NAPABA, the coalition filed an amicus brief, which can be found here, with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in State of Washington v. Donald J. Trump.

The Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution promises every person equal treatment under the law. It also includes an equal claim of citizenship to all persons born in the United States, regardless of the stature or circumstances of their parents.

Executive Order 14160 upends that promise. It refuses to recognize the birthright citizenship of any child born in the United States to a mother who is lawfully present on a temporary basis, like those on work or student visas, and a father who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident.

In our amicus brief, NAPABA and the coalition highlight the core principles established in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898). The Court upheld the conferral of citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents under the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. The brief underscores the historical significance of this precedent, the role of Asian Americans in shaping our nation’s foundational immigration and civil rights precedents, and the disproportionate harms that EO 14160, if upheld, would visit upon Asian American communities.

EO 14160 distorts the holding of Wong Kim Ark. The federal government misreads the Court’s 1898 description of Wong’s parents as having a permanent residence in the U.S. Our brief explains this oversimplification by recounting the historical discrimination Chinese migrants faced in the late 19th century. Under this backdrop, their presence in the country was a far cry from the lawful permanency afforded to today’s green card holders. At that time, the Chinese immigrants were excluded from full participation in civic life and systematically denied the ability to integrate into American society. They faced mass violence and a cascading series of exclusionary laws designed to expel them. By drawing this parallel, NAPABA underscores how EO 14160 would disproportionately harm Asian American communities, echoing the same past exclusionary motives.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our exemplary legal team for their tireless work behind the brief, including Rahat N. Babar, who serves as NAPABA’s Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, Edgar Chen, who serves as NAPABA’s Special Policy Advisor, and Chris M. Kwok, who serves as co-chair of NAPABA’s Dispute Resolution Committee.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

NAPABA Condemns Executive Orders Undermining the Legal Profession

WASHINGTON - The legal profession is of constitutional significance. The right to counsel is fundamental, and the judiciary as a coequal branch of government is charged with peacefully resolving disputes that inevitably arise in a vast and complex nation. Undermining the legal profession undermines democracy.

Over the past few weeks, the Administration issued executive actions against three law firms: Covington Burling LLP, Perkins Coie LLP, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. These actions included the suspension of security clearances and a review and termination of government contracts. For two of the firms, the Administration limited their access to federal government buildings and interactions between the firms and government officials.

One executive order accused global law firms of having a role “in the destruction of bedrock American principles.” Another executive order described one of the law firm’s activities as “dishonest and dangerous.” The executive actions plainly expressed a displeasure with the firms’ representation of certain clients that the Administration disfavors. Some of the executive actions are now subject to litigation.

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) condemns these attacks. From the founding of this Nation, lawyers have represented clients regardless of their stature in society. NAPABA is the national voice of the Asian Pacific American legal profession. We promote justice and equality. Members throughout our community zealously represent their clients each and every day, including those at the three law firms. When attorneys are unable to represent their clients free from intimidation and threats, our profession and justice system are jeopardized.

NAPABA also rejects the calls for the impeachment of judges simply because of their rulings. As Chief Justice John Roberts shared recently, “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.” We agree.

For the NAPABA community, we ask you to engage and express our collective voice. Become a member. Join us at NAPABA Lobby Day. Attend the NAPABA Convention. Your leadership is pivotal.
 

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.