Judy M. Lam
Candidate for Secretary
Candidate Statement #1
Challenge and Opportunity Facing NAPABA
The time is ripe for NAPABA to more boldly advance opportunity and justice in the profession and in the APA community -- with its own agenda and in partnership with strong allies.
NAPABA has a large tent of members -- a multifaceted, multi-generational group from varying backgrounds. We are more than (and richer than) one profile or one perspective. From many perspectives, we forge consensus and common ground -- a chorus of strong and credible voices for elevating the discourse and advancing justice in a time of heightened conflict and fractured tribes. APA lawyers, particularly those in positions of power and influence, have the credibility to dramatically shape conversations about race and privilege, and to bridge gaps in understanding. In advancing NAPABA’s mission, we can propel more APA lawyers to succeed but also call for change within a system that remains unequal and unfair for many.
Secretary Position & My Experience
The Secretary must record NAPABA’s business and decisions. The minutes must be accurate and timely, and capture the context of the discussion. This role is even more critical now in times of uncertainty and change as the country (indeed, the world) is questioning the foundations of democracy and our priorities, and our interactions are increasingly virtual. New blood is important in any organization and particularly now as NAPABA transforms its governance structure and updates its Strategic Plan.
Diversity of opinion improves decision-making. A good secretary goes beyond being a scribe, to foster an atmosphere of important debate and dialogue, with majority and minority views, while acting ethically and responsibly.
Now, after 25 years of practice and service on many other boards, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAJC in Washington D.C, and Asian Pacific Women’s Center (a domestic violence shelter in Los Angeles), I can bring my experience and insights to help in a governance and executive role, as we carry forward NAPABA’s mission in this historic time.
Since 2003, NAPABA has been a vital part of my professional life. It has been extremely rewarding to collaborate with and learn from lawyers across many sectors around the globe. I can truly appreciate that we are not of one mind or one party, and that NAPABA is richer if we can embrace and unite many perspectives for the advancement of NAPABA’s mission. In co- chairing the 2010 convention (which increased attendance, sponsorships and revenue by 65- 70%), our host committee succeeded in expanding the NAPABA tent to reach lawyers from all
work environments, the judiciary, nonprofits and government lawyers, and with unprecedented corporate sponsorship. These are a few examples of my work in NAPABA:
- Co-chair, NAPABA Convention 2010, Los Angeles
- Co-chair, Real Estate Committee
- Conceived and organized NAPABA’s Real Estate Case Study in 9 host cities
- Co-chair, Branding Committee-- rebranded NAPABA logo and marketing
- Reimagined the Trailblazer Awards Reception, 2010
- Conceived and organized inaugural Community Service Day, 2010.
- Active in Solo & Small Firm Network including organizing panels for SSF Bootcamp and SSF webinars
- Organized and presented on many panels and programs on litigation, real estate, women’s leadership, ethics /professional responsibility, entertainment.
As a steward of NAPABA’s legacy, the Board must leverage and preserve its history while adapting to modern challenges. The Secretary is important to this responsibility. Since my first convention in 2003, I have worked for the advancement of women and minority voices, and for fairer treatment of women within NAPABA – even when speaking up was difficult and came at a price. Moreover, with enhanced knowledge from those experiences, I believe in standing up and ensuring there is integrity and transparency. I also believe in avoiding harm in the process. Like good jazz, we benefit from a mix of notes and energy, intensity and groove, sometimes intense and heated, but always a rich jam.
Candidate Statement #2
As the candidate for NAPABA Secretary, I will add my energetic participation and a seasoned perspective to a very talented board. Work on any board requires every individual to work on the team, not alone. I will start by deepening my relationships with the existing leaders and knowing NAPABA’s procedures, bylaws, Strategic Plan, and governing rules. As Secretary, I will work closely with the President and President-Elect to set the agenda and manage the meetings. I will call for candor and transparency. I will also stand for accountability and integrity by NAPABA leaders and representatives because they carry and exemplify NAPABA’s value and brand.
I will work to foster the thoughtful and respectful discussion that comes with board work. As a national voice, we can be a harmonious chorus for the work and the changes that need to be made for the betterment of the organization, and for the image and projection of APA lawyers. And to do so as transparently as we can.
I strongly embrace the message of NAPABA for All. This unifying message appeals to all of us to bring our best contributions, and to aspire to be better at what we do and what we bring to NAPABA. There is enough opportunity and work for all of us. That has been my experience within NAPABA and I will work hard to preserve that.
I was fortunate to learn from many in NAPABA, to gain leadership training and to become a leader of many initiatives and programs. All of this propelled my motivation and my career. Because NAPABA has grown so much in the last 20 years, I will be vigilant to see the NAPABA experience from the eyes of a newcomer and work to ensure they can access the opportunities and growth experiences that I have enjoyed through this fine organization.
The current moment is calling on the world to open our eyes to bias and privilege. We have a lot of privilege and a lot of need in our community. NAPABA’s good work to address these issues will rise to meet this moment, joining our strong voices with those of our Asian and non-Asian partners. As a woman on the board, and someone who has been vocal about diversity, fairness and equity, and particularly for women, I will amplify on this work, and speak up and take action when it is needed.
Candidate Bio
Judy M. Lam is a litigator, trial lawyer and partner of Maynard Cooper & Gale, handling complex commercial and real estate disputes for a variety of businesses and entrepreneurs. Her early roots in Hong Kong and Los Angeles prepared her to appreciate multiple perspectives and to bridge gaps in understanding and in conflicts. She is also an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association and FINRA.
Judy has practiced in large and small firms. In a surprising move, Judy led her 100% minority- owned litigation boutique in Los Angeles to join forces with Maynard Cooper & Gale, a prominent southern firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, which opened its Los Angeles office in 2018. Judy co-chairs the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Judy has been active on boards serving education, the arts, and the law, especially access and opportunity for immigrants, women lawyers and building allyship with male lawyers, including Occidental College, Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association, Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Alliance and Asian Pacific Women’s Center (domestic violence shelter), including guiding it through a merger with another local agency.
For NAPABA, Judy has co-chaired the NAPABA Convention in Los Angeles in 2010, the Real Estate Committee, Real Estate Case Study, and Branding Committee. She has been recognized as a Super Lawyer, Woman of Influence in Real Estate, NAPABA’s Best Under 40, and awarded the Alumni Seal Award from Occidental College. She also serves on committees for the ABA Center for Professional Responsibility and the American College of Mortgage Attorneys.
Endorsements
- Submit an affiliate endorsement here.
- Submit an individual endorsement here.
- Endorsements will be posted Monday, Wednesday, and Friday by 12 p.m EDT.
NAPABA Affiliate Endorsements
| Affiliate Name |
| Japanese American Bar Association |
| Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Alliance |
| Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York |
| National Filipino American Lawyers Association |
| Asian American Bar Association of New York |
| Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Silicon Valley |
| Vietnamese American Bar Association of Northern California |
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Individual Endorsements
*All work or organizational affiliations disclosed are for identification and disclosures purposes only, and do not constitute endorsements by those institutions.
| Name |
Company* |
| Ireneo Reus III |
The Reus Law Firm |
| Annette Kwok |
Cronos Group Inc. |
| Riya Kuo |
Culver City, CA |
| Ryan Iwasaka |
GreenbergGlusker LLP |
| Sandra Yamate |
Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession |
| Alan Tse |
Jones Lang LaSalle |
| Sandra Chan |
Santa Barbara, CA |
| Diana Iorlano |
Iketani Law Corporation |
| Gina Shishima |
Norton Rose Fulbright LLP |
| Parkin Lee |
New York, NY |
| Joan Haratani |
Morgan Lewis |
| Jim Goh |
Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP |
| Fiona Ong |
Shawe Rosenthal LLP |
| Shirley Wei Sher |
The Law Office of Shirley Wei |
| Linda M. Weidman | Marriott International Inc. |
| Ruthe Ashley |
American Canyon, CA |
| Dale Minami |
San Francisco, CA |
| Carolynn Beck |
Goldstein & McClintock LLLP |
| Bryant Yang | Los Angeles, CA |
| Masahiro Takeda | Wine of Japan Import, Inc. |
| Aimee Contreras-Camua |
Pircher, Nichols & Meeks LLP |
| Jeffrey Hsi |
Wolf Greenfield & Sacks PC |
| Diane Tan | Tan & Sakiyama, a Prof. Corp. |
| Danika Marshall | Golden, CO |
| Jen Won | Larson O'Brien |
| Hogene Choi | Baker Botts LLP |
| Susan Moon | The Walt Disney Company |
| Michael Yap | Gen Mobile |
| Javade Chaudhri | Jones Day |
| Debbie Crockett | Cheffy Passidomo, P.C. |
| Joseph Wang | Sherin and Lodgen LLP |
| Noel Vales | Robinson & Cole LLP |
| Teddy Kapur | Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP |
| Kenzo Kawanabe | Davis Graham & Stubbs |
| Linda Shi | The Vanguard Group, Inc. |
| Gary Yoshimura | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Duane Kumagai | Maynard Cooper & Gayle |
| David Louie | Kobayashi Sugita & Goda |
| Claire Hur | Bank of Hope |
| Joseph Centeno | Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC |
| Dean Zipser | Umberg Zipser LLP |
| Nancy Eng | Eng Law, PC |
| Wendy Shiba | Altadena, CA |
| Paul W. Lee | Goodwin Procter LLP |
| Mike Madokoro | Bowman and Brooke LLP |
| Kira Conlon | Sheppard Mullins Richter & Hampton LLP |
| Bruce Ishimatsu | ishimatsu Law Group P.C. |
| Sidney Kanazawa | ARC (Alternative Resolution Centers) LLP |
| Theodore Cheng | ADR Offices of Theo Cheng LLC |
| Quyen Tu | Alliance for Justice |
| Paul Hirose | Perkins Coie LLP |
| Sandy Sakamoto | LimNexus LLP |
| Michael Wu | Madewell, Inc. |
| Ekwan Rhow | Bird Marella Boxer Wolpert et al. |
| Robin Jung | Dykema Gossett LLP |
| Peter Sabido | Chernoff Vilhauer LLP |
| Marty Lorenzo | Petco |
| Carlton Chen | Kurien Ouellette LLC |
| Wesley Hsu | Los Angeles Superior Court |
| Priscilla Park | Law & ADR Office of Priscilla Kim Park |
| Jason DeJonker | Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP |
| Pankit Doshi | McDermott Will & Emery LLP |
| Catherine Chuck | McBirney & Chuck PC |
| Alice Truong | Summit Law Group |
| Barbara Lum | Benesch, Friedlander, Coplar & Aronoff LLP |
| Lee Cheng | Maschoff Brennan |
| Randy Aoyama | Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP |
| Donna Chin | Donna C. Chin, Esq. |
| Jeannie Kim | Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP |
| Julie Soo | California Department of Insurance/Commissioner, San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women |
| Millicent Sanchez | Swerdlow Florence Sanchez Swerdlow & Wimmer |
| Michael Witt | Passaic Valley Sewage Commission |
| Monika Oyama | Masuda Funai Eifert & Mitchell Ltd. |
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