Jason DeJonker

President-Elect

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Candidate Statement

NAPABA Members:

I am seeking election to serve as President-Elect for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. As an adopted Asian American, I never considered how deeply grounded I could feel in my community until after until attending my first NAPABA conference. This was not out of shame, but because I simply hadn’t seen it or experienced it. Attending my first conference opened my eyes: this is where I belong, this is where my voice matters, and this is where our stories intersect to make us stronger.

Over the past two decades, I have had the privilege of serving this community in many ways: (1) as Secretary on the NAPABA Board of Governors (2024–25); (2) as a founder and co-chair of the Corporate Transactions Committee (2015–19); (3) as a mentor to AANHPI attorneys; (4) as a member of the board of directors and the honorary board of directors for AABA-Chicago; and (5) as speaker at regional and national conferences (and as a member of several other committees, including the Bankruptcy and Real Estate committees). I was blessed to be named a NAPABA Best Under 40 Attorney. I have served in leadership, management, and board rolls at two AmLaw 100 law firms. In every organization of which I have been a part, I have and continue to look for ways to build bridges, create opportunity, and drive meaningful growth and progress.

Professionally (and currently), I am a Partner and Chair of the Restructuring & Insolvency practice group at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Chicago. I help clients navigate some of the most complex financial crossroads of their careers or businesses. In many instances, I am providing advice when they are facing the toughest times in their businesses. In providing legal assistance, I bring clarity, creativity, and compassion to situations that often feel overwhelming. I advocate in writing, on zoom, and in the courtroom. In this role (and as a member of several nonprofit and charitable boards of directors), I have counseled - and provide training to - corporate and nonprofit boards on their duties to their members and constituents. This training will assist me as NAPABA and its board of governors continues to transition the roles of its officer and members (from a “working” to a “governing” board).

My commitment to NAPABA is rooted in inclusion, representation, and action. If elected President of NAPABA, I will focus on three key priorities:

1. Belonging through Exposure & Engagement | Expand access, especially at the conference level, so members who, like I did, have not yet felt culturally connected can experience the power of this organization. Increasing exposure and engagement involves not only welcoming new members and attendees to the conference, but also expanding the roles of and opportunities for all individuals who would like to participate in the leadership of our organization. NAPABA must be about finding a place for anyone who wants to take an active role in the governance, direction, and organization of our bar association.

2. Leadership Development & Visibility | Empower our members to lead in their firms, institutions, and communities through mentorship, leadership programming, and advocacy training. We need to be one of the building blocks for our members to advance their careers - whether our members are working with the government, providing service to the community as part of a public service career, assisting business leaders in an in-house role, or toiling at a small, medium, or large law firm. NAPABA needs to provide the right mix of opportunities, education, and networking so that all who walk through the doors feel that the organization and network, the annual convention, and their membership are assisting with their professional growth. We cannot engender a “crabs in a bucket” mentality – each of us must also be prepared to help our fellow AAPI attorneys in their careers.

3. Strengthen Governance & Growth | Build on NAPABA’s strong foundation, where we work collaboratively with affiliates and leaders to advance our national influence and effectiveness. NAPABA is more than a once-a-year event – finding the right mix of regional and other events to provide access to all members (whether or not they can attend the annual convention).

I’m ready to lead with heart, experience, and a deep belief in the potential of every AANHPI attorney. I ask for your support to keep advancing our mission.

Candidate Bio

Jason DeJonker is a Partner in Seyfarth Shaw’s Chicago office. Jason finds spot-on legal solutions for his clients. An experienced dealmaker and litigator, he is adept in the courtroom, in the boardroom, and at the closing table. Jason takes a creative approach to resolving both litigation and transactional matters for private equity investors, secured lenders, special servicers, Fortune 500 corporations, trustees, and receivers.

He has had the privilege of receiving recognition from numerous organizations throughout his career, including:
• Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy Lawyer (2023, 2024)
• Best Lawyers in America for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation - Insurance (Woodward/White Inc.) (2015-present)
• Chambers USA for Bankruptcy/Restructuring – Band Four  Ranking (Illinois) (2019-2024)
• Illinois Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) (2018-present)
• National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) in “Best Lawyers Under 40” (2013)

Jason was born in Vietnam and raised in Chicago and still resides there today. Jason received his J.D. from University of Illinois College of Law, and a B.A. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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