How to Submit a Proposal

1. Review the Call for Programs Policies and Guidelines for details on our selection criteria. Failure to comply with our policies and guidelines may result in the rejection of your proposal.
   
   
2. Decide if you are submitting your proposal for general Friday/Saturday CLE programming, the Law Student Workshop, or one of the Thursday specialty programs. You may not submit the same proposal for all three categories. Proposals rejected for one category will not be considered for the others.
   
   
3. Gather the details required to submit your program (see policies and guidelines for further information):
   1. Title (max 150 characters)
   2. Description (max 200 words)
   3. Interactivity of program (format and delivery method)
   4. Learning objectives
   5. Speaker Details
      1. First and Last Name
      2. Define Speaker Role (moderator or speaker)
      3. Confirmed or Invited? (Yes, this person has confirmed; No, I have not asked yet; No, but the request has been made)
      4. Educational degrees such as BA, JD, MBA, etc.
      5. Email Address and phone number
      6. Job title and employer name
      7. Short biography that will be published in Convention materials
      8. Social media handles: Instagram and LinkedIn URL
         
         
4. IMPORTANT! The individual submitting the proposal must be a confirmed moderator or speaker for the program. Throughout the Call for Program process, all communication will be sent to the submitter, who will be designated as the program chair and primary contact if the program is accepted. 
   
   
5. Submit your proposal by March 24, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET. Late proposals will not be considered. Do not wait until this date to begin the proposal process as questions that arise on the day of proposal deadline may not be answered in a timely manner. You may begin the proposal process and save a partially completed application at any time. Once you save your work, edits can be made any time before March 24, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET.

Submit A Proposal

Resources

• Call for Programs Policies and Guidelines
• Call for Programs Quick Reference Guide

Model Proposal

The program below was submitted through the Call for Programs for a prior NAPABA Convention and was accepted by the CLE Committee. Here are the reasons why:

1. Unique perspective and credible panelists. This panel emphasizes showcasing the perspective of key players who are tackling this area. The panel features credible panelists with a unique outlook.
2. Cutting edge and timely topic. Panelists delve into a widely discussed and timely topic, addressing specific questions that resonate with both audiences and practitioners. The discussion revolves around an emerging theme, staying at the forefront of current conversations.
3. Specific and tangible learning objective. Program organizers have meticulously planned specific takeaways for the audience. The learning objectives are clear, demonstrating thoughtful consideration in designing the program for maximum audience benefit.
4. Specific and actionable interactivity. Going beyond the traditional panel format, the panel commits to meaningful interactivity throughout the session. They've outlined methods to engage the audience and ensure participation during the Q&A session.
5. Strong Title. The title accurately reflects the program's content, highlighting its important and unique perspectives. It serves as a compelling preview of the session's key learnings.
6. Compelling description on a tight and focused topic. The program description provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of the issue's significance and the evolving practice environment. Attendees are informed about specific topics to expect, avoiding an overly broad approach. The promise of actionable information and practical scenarios adds value to participants' professional practices.

TITLE: Byte-Sized Diversity: AI Solutions for Legal Hurdles and Inclusive Futures

SUBJECT MATTER: Emerging Technology/New Areas 

DESCRIPTION:

The explosion of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) within various domains begs the question of whether—and how—AI can be leveraged as a strategic tool to enhance diversity and foster a more inclusive workplace, while mitigating risk associated with traditional DEIB initiatives. This includes utilizing the metaverse as a platform for immersive training experiences, responsibly employing AI tools to minimize subjective biases, and guiding companies on the practical and compliant uses of AI in employment decisions, such as a disparate impact analysis. This panel will explore what constitutes ethical and responsible AI, how companies can capitalize on AI to increase equity and inclusion in the workplace, and practical tips and strategies to consider when implementing AI to foster a more inclusive workplace. The ultimate goal is to explore what organizations can learn from the current landscape to navigate legal repercussions and an ever-evolving legal landscape (as regulators are significantly ramping up their oversight to ensure that algorithmic decision-making processes do not perpetuate discrimination or result in a disparate impact on protected groups); how AI technologies can complement and strengthen existing DEI efforts, mitigating potential backlash and driving sustainable progress towards a more diverse workplace; and best practices and recommendations for organizations interested in implementing AI to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace.

MODERATOR: Alice Wang, Attorney/Shareholder | Littler Mendelson, P.C. 

SPEAKERS:

• Jin Hwang, Founder | Jinvesting Consulting
• Delphina Yuen, General Counsel | Outschool
• Jame Ortiz, Senior Counsel, Digital Technology and Innovation | Albertsons Companies
• Michael Hui Tabassi, Of Counsel | Gunderson Dettmer 

INTERACTIVITY: We plan to have demonstratives with polls and questions posed to the audience for engagement and analysis of the makeup of the panel attendees. We will have a moderated discussion with the panelists and then allow for Q&A from the audience.

Submit Your Proposal

Speaker Database

Find a Speaker

As you develop your program submission, we encourage you to leverage the strength and depth of NAPABA's networks to identify dynamic, knowledgeable speakers for your panel.

NAPABA's committees, networks, and councils represent a broad range of practice areas, industries, and lived experiences. These communities are excellent resources for identifying established subject matter experts and emerging voices within our membership. 

As you prepare your proposal, consider connecting with:

• NAPABA Committees and Networks - A strong source for practice-area expertise, affinity perspectives, and rising leaders.
• The NAPABA Judicial Council - A valuable resource for indentifying judges with diverse subject matter expertise across a wide range of legal issues and practice areas.

Engaging these groups early in your proposal process can strengthen your submission and ensure your panel reflects the depth, diversity and talent across NAPABA's membership. 

For questions about connecting with NAPABA committees and networks or the Judicial Council, please contact conventions@napaba.org. 

Become a Speaker

NAPABA is building a database of moderators and speakers. Lend your knowledge to a CLE panel and raise your professional profile by showcasing your expertise at the largest gathering of AANHPI legal professionals. Should an opening need to be filled in the Convention program, you may be contacted by NAPABA staff or your contact information may be shared with program chairs. Joining the speaker database does not guarantee a speaking role. Speakers will be notified on a rolling basis.

Convention speakers are eligible for complimentary registration for the day of your speaking engagement and speaker CLE credits (varies by jurisdiction). Other benefits of speaking at the NAPABA Convention include:

• building and increasing your brand awareness
• representing your law firm or company as a leading expert in the field
• networking with potential clients and others in your industry
• building credibility as a subject matter expert

Moderators and speakers may not serve on more than one panel, and NAPABA may exercise discretion to add, remove, or substitute speakers.

Join Speaker Database

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When and where will the 2026 NAPABA Convention take place?
A. The 2026 NAPABA Convention will take place at the JW Marriot in Los Angeles from November 12-15.

Q. What kind of programming is NAPABA seeking for the 2026 NAPABA Convention?
A. We are seeking proposals for general CLE, the Law Student Workshop, and Specialty Programming, and are seeking proposals on a wide range of substantive legal matters and topics that are current and are of concern to the legal community. We are also mindful of the feedback we have received from past attendees and encourage proposals on government, public interest, and non-traditional lawyering topics. Proposals must be legal in nature and should qualify for CLE credit.

Q. What is the International Law Symposium?
A. The International Law Symposium provides programming that covers a variety of public and private international law topics, including intellectual property, national security, and dispute resolution. Past esteemed speakers consisted of diplomats, federal judges, international business leaders, and renowned authors.

Q. What is the Law Student Workshop?
A. The Law Student Workshop is a two-day, comprehensive program tailored to equip law students with essential skills for a successful legal career. Students will have the opportunity to explore diverse topics including career development, effective communication, and the evolving landscape of legal practice through hands-on workshops and discussions, and gain valuable insights applicable to any legal specialization. Whether a first-year law student or on the brink of graduation, this workshop is intended to provide universal skills and knowledge to navigate the multifaceted world of the legal profession.

Q. What is the Solo & Small Firm Boot Camp?
A. The Solo & Small Firm Boot Camp provides programming that is specifically tailored to the needs of solo and small firm practitioners, as well as those interested in starting a solo or small firm practice. Programming is tailored each year to the needs and interest of our membership. In past years, the Solo & Small Firm Boot Camp included CLE sessions on a variety of soft skills and substantive topics including business development, law office management/expansion, presentation skills and strategy, a multidisciplinary approach to advising entrepreneurs, and employment law.

Q. What is the Young Lawyers Workshop?
A. The Young Lawyers Workshop is a dynamic and interactive program designed by members in the Young Lawyers Network, specifically for early- to mid-career lawyers to receive guidance and support from experienced legal professionals and industry leaders. Past programming covered common challenges, such as caring for your mental health and how to maintain a work-life balance. The Young Lawyers Workshop is an invaluable resource for professional growth and development.

Q. What is the Committee/Network advisory review process?
A. NAPABA Committees and Networks review general proposals and collectively decide which proposals are of high quality and should be given special consideration during the CLE Committee’s review period. The Committee/Network advisory review process will take place from March 31 to April 7, 2026.

Q. When is the last day I can submit a program proposal?
A. Please submit your proposal through the submission portal no later than 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 , at which time the portal will close and will no longer accept submissions. Due to the anticipated high volume of proposals for the 2026 NAPABA Convention, the Call for Programs deadline will not be extended under any circumstances. Late submissions will not be accepted, and proposals submitted via email after the portal has closed will not be considered.

Q. Can the CLE Committee provide feedback on my proposal?
A. The CLE Committee cannot provide feedback on proposal ideas as the Committee must remain impartial and unbiased in its evaluation of all proposals. Offering feedback could potentially influence the selection process, and we aim to uphold transparency, fairness, and integrity in the evaluation and selection process.

Q. Can I submit more than one program?
A. Yes, you may submit more than one program.

Q. Can I speak on more than one program at the NAPABA Convention? What happens if I submit two or more programs and they are accepted?
A. An individual may be listed on any number of proposals; however, an individual, regardless of role, may present in no more than one Convention program. If two or more of your programs are accepted and you are a speaker on each program, you may only speak on one program. We are mindful of the feedback we have received from past attendees who want to see a variety of speakers at the NAPABA Convention and hear from fresh perspectives.

Q. What is the maximum number of people I can have on my panel?
A. For CLE purposes, all programs must have a minimum of three panelists. There may be no more than a maximum of five individuals per panel so that each speaker has ample time to speak during the time allotted for CLE programs (75 minutes total). NAPABA recommends a full panel, which includes 4 speakers and 1 moderator.

Q. How long will each CLE program be?
A. Each CLE program is allotted 75 minutes and should allow for Q&A at the end of the program. We recommend a 60-minute program with a 15-minute Q&A.

Q. Can I request to schedule my program for a particular day?
A. Programs are scheduled according to several criteria and factors. For this reason, we do not take requests for when to schedule programs, nor will we make exceptions once a program is accepted, including to accommodate travel arrangements.

Q. Does my panel need to meet any specific requirements to qualify for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit?
A. Yes, panels must meet the following requirements to be eligible for CLE credit:

• The panel must include at least one licensed attorney who can contribute legal expertise to the discussion. This is a core requirement for CLE eligibility.
• Panelists are responsible for preparing original, high-quality written materials if the program is accepted. These materials must be specifically created for the program and directly related to the panel's educational content.
• The content of the panel must be educational, relevant to legal practice, and designed to enhance the knowledge or skills of legal professionals.
• The presentation must focus on substantive legal topics or ethical considerations applicable to attorneys.

Q. Why does my panel need a licensed attorney?
A. CLE programs are designed to educate attorneys on legal topics, so having at least one licensed attorney ensures the discussion includes accurate, professional insights into legal principles and practices. Without a licensed attorney, the program will not meet the requirements for CLE accreditation.