James Lee

Secretary

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Candidate Statement

1. My time in NAPABA began in 2016, when I co-chaired the Northeast Regional Conference.  In leading the programming for the conference, I met experienced and accomplished attorneys who challenged me to invest in this community. Since that time, I have actively participated in conferences, lobby day and assumed leadership positions with KALAGNY and AABANY.  In 2019 I joined NAPABA’s Board as the Alternate Northeast Regional Governor.  Currently, I am the Northeast Regional Governor and chair the Board's GEN committee. Throughout my tenure, I prioritized improving governance practices, promoting transparency, and advancing our strategic plan. Acting as a liaison between the Board with affiliates and committees, I focused on fortifying our foundation through good policies and governance. With my knowledge and experience, I am confident in my ability to continue elevating NAPABA and its membership. 

2. I have a decade of experience in litigation and transactions across small, mid-size, and large law firms.  This broad background enables me to understand both big picture strategy as well as mapping out detailed execution. Currently specializing in labor and employment at the international law firm of Littler Mendelson, P.C., I regularly guide companies in managing workplace incidents, labor compliance, and employment best practices. I have also served on KALAGNY’s Board since 2018 and served as AABANY’s litigation chair between 2018 – 2020.  In these roles, I have worked closely with local affiliates in the Northeast region to support our local communities, and provide opportunities for AANHPI lawyers, judges, and law students.  With my aggregate experience, skills, network, and the support of my law firm, I believe I am well poised to thrive as NAPABA’s next secretary.   

3. When implementing the Strategic Plan, the NAPABA Board aimed to advocate for justice, equity, and opportunities within AANHPI communities. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and hate crimes against Asian Americans, NAPABA colleagues demonstrated unwavering dedication in championing advocacy efforts for justice and inclusion. 

To shape our future, we must collaborate with local affiliates and strengthen relationships with community leaders in AANHPI communities. NAPABA's influence will grow through proactive engagement by the Board and Staff on national issues. Leveraging our collective voice is crucial to advocate effectively and gain representation. 

Active engagement with AANHPI communities is equally important. Collaborating closely with affiliate and committee leaders allows us to understand ongoing events and concerns. Board members must be receptive to communication and committed to establishing relationships at national and local levels, aligning strategic actions with the organization's direction.  By amplifying our collective voice and engaging with communities on a national and local scale, we can drive positive change and ensure NAPABA's enduring role as a catalyst for justice, equity, and opportunities in AANHPI communities. 

4. NAPABA’s strategic plan focuses on promoting member engagement, cultivating mutually beneficial relationships, and advocating for the AANHPI community, as well as striving or organizational excellence.  As NAPABA’s next secretary, I will aim to work closely with Priya Purandare and NAPABA’s staff, in collaborating with our committees and affiliate leaders to better understand constituent needs, challenges and goals.  I will work with regional governors to help facilitate and strengthen election processes, and encourage open communication.  I will also work with the Governance Committee to continue to develop programming and leadership that strengthens NAPABA’s pipeline, encouraging local affiliates to nominate and support active member participation.   

These efforts align with NAPABA's strategic plan, which focuses on promoting member engagement, cultivating mutually beneficial relationships within the community, advocating for the AANHPI community, and striving for organizational excellence.

5. I am naturally adaptable and collaborative, making for an effective leader. I excel in goal-oriented environments. At my firm, I consistently work with my team to establish a clear understanding of our collective objectives, the necessary steps to achieve them, and the equitable distribution of responsibilities. Open communication is a priority for me, fostering transparency, trust, and a safe working environment. 

I have an adaptive nature, smoothly grasping task requirements and identifying potential areas of oversight. While I thrive in collaborative settings, I understand the risk of compartmentalization, which can occasionally result in overlooked aspects. As a leader, I believe it is essential not only to guide but also to support and uplift the team. 

Applying these principles to NAPABA, I would strive to enhance ongoing processes and provide support for the successful implementation of the Strategic Plan. By ensuring smooth administrative operations, I aim to strengthen the organization and contribute to its overall effectiveness.   

Candidate Bio

James Y. Lee works as an associate in Littler Mendelson's Philadelphia office. With broad experience in both in-house and law firm settings, James has advised and counseled numerous corporations in litigation and transactional matters, by leading strategy in high stakes lawsuits, outlining policy and direction for corporate boards, and consistently providing practical solutions to complex problems.  

James' journey with NAPABA began in 2016, where he co-chaired the Northeast Regional Conference.  It was at this Conference that his passion for the AANHPI community was re-invigorated, as he connected with  accomplished attorneys learning of their paths, and was inspired by their contributions to the broader community.  Since that time, James has actively been involved with the AANHPI legal community by taking on leadership roles in KALAGNY, AABANY, and NAPABA.  Presently, he serves on NAPABA's Board of Governors as one of two Northeast Regional Governors. During his time on the Board, he has been focused on governance, promoting transparency, and advancing NAPABA's strategic plan.  

Born in New York, but raised in Philly, James is a product of the Northeast region.  He resides in North Wales, Pennsylvania, with his wife Pauline, and they are parents to Sienna (5), Owen (3), and their dog Bruno. James received his J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, and a M.S. in Policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

Endorsements | Now Closed

NAPABA Affiliate Endorsements

Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey 

Asian American Bar Association of New York

Individual Endorsements

*All work or organizational affiliations disclosed are for identification and disclosures purposes only, and do not constitute endorsements by those institutions.