James Lee

President-Elect

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Candidate Statement

Why did you become involved with NAPABA and what has your involvement looked like over time?

My journey with NAPABA began in 2016 when I co-chaired the Northeast Regional Conference, an experience that sparked my deep commitment to the AANHPI legal community. Since then, I've undertaken pivotal roles, such as co-chairing AABANY’s litigation committee and joining the boards of KALAGNY and APABA-Pa. I've also served as Northeast Regional Governor on NAPABA’s Board and currently hold the position of Secretary.

What skills, community connections, resources, and expertise do you have to offer and are willing to use on behalf of NAPABA?

Throughout my tenure, I've leveraged my skills and experience to strengthen governance practices, promote transparency, and advance NAPABA's strategic initiatives. This has involved fortifying our organizational framework with effective policies and nurturing leadership development within our community. Beyond administrative responsibilities, I actively engage in conferences, lobby days, and community events. These platforms have enabled me to collaborate with fellow attorneys and community leaders, advocating fervently for justice, equity, and opportunities for AANHPI individuals, especially amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic and hate crimes over the past few years.

With over a decade of legal experience spanning litigation and transactions across various law firms and in-house roles, I bring a robust foundation in employment law, corporate governance, and strategic litigation management to NAPABA. My diverse background has already served our organization in navigating diverse viewpoints, legal challenges, and advocating for initiatives that align with NAPABA's mission. Serving as NAPABA's Secretary and previously as Northeast Regional Governor, I have played a pivotal role in enhancing governance practices, promoting transparency, and advancing strategic goals within the organization. 

Throughout my tenure on NAPABA’s Board, I have been dedicated to leveraging my skills, experience, and network to propel NAPABA's strategic initiatives forward and to strengthen collaborations with our allies. My focus remains steadfast on ensuring that NAPABA operates effectively and transparently, driving positive impact and fostering stronger partnerships within our community and beyond.

The NAPABA Board determines the mission and purpose of NAPABA. How do you envision the Board furthering NAPABA’s mission to promote justice, equity, and opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans and to foster professional development, legal scholarship, advocacy, and community involvement?

Before launching our strategic plan, the Board considered how to secure a seat at the national table. Thanks to the tireless and collaborative efforts of our community and staff, NAPABA has emerged as a leading bar association. As we approach the final year of our five-year strategic plan, the key question is: what do we do now with our seat?

First we must continue our advocacy efforts by championing diversity policies, pushing for legislative reforms that impact the AANHPI community, and combating discrimination and hate crimes. By amplifying our collective voice and fostering collaboration at local, state, and national levels, we must work to ensure equitable representation in both the legal and broader community arenas.

Second, we should focus on enhancing our professional development initiatives by expanding mentorship programs, improving leadership training opportunities, and creating pathways for career advancement among AANHPI legal professionals. Empowering our community members to thrive and assume leadership roles is essential for fostering long-term success and influence.

Third, our success will depend on standing together in unity. Strengthening alliances with local affiliates and community leaders will deepen our understanding of community needs and enhance our advocacy efforts at grassroots levels. By engaging with local concerns and leveraging our resources effectively, NAPABA’s Board can continue to drive positive change and equity.

Through dedicated efforts in advocacy, professional development, and community involvement, I am confident that we can propel NAPABA forward as a leading advocate and catalyst for positive change within the legal profession and beyond.

Given NAPABA’s Strategic Plan, what how and to what extent do NAPABA’s current mission, purpose, programs, and services align with your suggested focus areas?

I believe the areas of focus I've discussed closely align with our current programs, services, and NAPABA’s mission. Advocacy, professional development, and community involvement must remain our key priorities.

Currently, thanks to the dedication of our staff and executive director, we actively collaborate with legislators and their staff to advocate for Asian Pacific Americans. Initiatives like Lobby Day and ongoing public policy efforts empower us to promote diversity, push for legislative reforms, and combat discrimination. Moreover, we assist candidates vying for federal bench appointments by preparing them for the nominations process through partnerships with members of Congress and external consultants.

Professional development is integral to NAPABA’s mission and my leadership focus. Events such as the National Conference and Inhouse Counsel Summit offer invaluable growth opportunities through workshops, seminars, and networking. By expanding mentorship programs and enhancing leadership training, we enable AANHPI legal professionals to thrive and assume leadership roles, ensuring sustained success and influence.
Community involvement is equally crucial and aligns with my vision. Supporting a broad network of affiliate leaders and national associates fosters unity and collaboration within the AANHPI legal community. By addressing local concerns and leveraging our resources effectively, we act as a proactive force for positive change and equity at the grassroots level.

In summary, NAPABA’s mission, purpose, programs, and services are well-aligned with my focus areas of advocacy, professional development, and community involvement. Our strategic plan provides a robust framework for advancing these priorities, ensuring NAPABA remains at the forefront of advocating for positive change in the legal profession and beyond. Together, we can achieve significant impact and propel NAPABA forward.

How would you describe your leadership style and how would you apply it to serving NAPABA?

My leadership style is collaborative, adaptive, and results-driven, fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives shape decisions through consensus-building and active listening. Transparency and open communication are fundamental, ensuring everyone feels informed and engaged.

Implementing this approach at NAPABA has meant emphasizing collaboration throughout the organization, engaging with the Board, committees, affiliates, and community leaders to promote justice, equity, and opportunities for AANHPI communities. My adaptive approach has been effective in facilitating consensus among members and affiliate leaders facing divergent viewpoints, adeptly seeking resolution in disputes with agility and strategic foresight.

Driven by measurable outcomes, I focus on setting clear objectives aligned with NAPABA's Strategic Plan, tracking progress, and adjusting strategies as needed. Whether enhancing advocacy, expanding professional development, or improving operations, I aim for meaningful change benefiting our members and the broader community. My goal is to lead NAPABA towards continued growth, influence, and positive impact in the legal profession and society.

Candidate Bio

James Y. Lee is a labor and employment attorney based in the Philadelphia office of Littler Mendelson, P.C. With over a decade of legal experience, including seven years as a litigator in New York and New Jersey, James has worked in a variety of settings, including small, medium, and large law firms, as well as in-house counsel. He has served as lead counsel in multi-million-dollar lawsuits and provided strategic, timely legal counsel to numerous companies across various industries.  A loyal and capable advocate, James prides himself on his ability to provide practical solutions to navigate complicated issues.

James’ active involvement with NAPABA began In 2016, when he co-chaired the Northeast Regional Conference. In 2019, he joined NAPABA’s Board as one of two Alternate Regional Governors for the Northeast Region. He presently serves as Secretary of NAPABA. Over the past four and a half years on NAPABA’s Board, James has chaired committees, undertaken strategic projects, and has lead onboarding efforts for new board members.  James has also actively been involved with local affiliates, having served in leadership positions with KALAGNY, AABANY, and APABA-PA.

James is also a devoted husband, father to two amazing kids, and a fluffy dog.  When he’s not juggling work and family life, he daydreams of mastering guitar riffs, and one day having a competent golf swing.  

Endorsements 

• 2024 Endorsements are now closed. Thank you for supporting our candidates. 

NAPABA Affiliate Endorsements

Asian Bar Association of Washington

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey

Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Pennsylvania

Orange County Korean American Bar Association

Asian American Bar Association of Greater Bay Area

Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York

Asian Pacific Bar Association of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area, Inc. 

Korean American Bar Association of Washington

Asian American Bar Association of Ohio

Connecticut Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Individual Endorsements

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