To achieve optimal representation and influence of Asian American and Pacific Islander attorneys in every facet and level of the legal profession and beyond.
Our Values
Our shared values guide how we pursue our vision and execute our mission. We value equality, community, advocacy, relationships, diversity, equity, inclusion, open-mindedness, and the health and wellbeing of our members and the Asian American and Pacific Islander community as a whole, and strive to always maintain high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy.
Our Pillars
NAPABA’s new strategic framework focuses on what we believe will allow our members to achieve optimal representation, success, and influence within the legal profession and beyond, and challenges us to enhance our programs and focus our priorities and efforts around the four key goals and strategic imperatives.
Provide programmatic, educational, and networking opportunities that reflect a deepened understanding of our members, their needs, and their aspirations.
Goal 1 Strengthen the sense of community and inclusion across our membership by optimizing our events, programs, services, and committee/network involvement.
In support of this goal, we will:
Standardize data collection criteria across NAPABA events and programs to gain a deeper understanding of the breadth and diversity of our membership.
Expand and diversify engagement with NAPABA events, programs, and services.
Optimize/standardize member engagement with committee/networks.
Goal 2 Mitigate the downward trend of Asian Americans entering the legal profession and invest in pipeline development.
In support of this goal, we will:
Develop active partnerships with external organizations committed to the development of next generation AAPI law students and legal professionals.
Goal 3 Enhance operational effectiveness in membership acquisition and marketing.
In support of this goal, we will:
Develop a multi-channel membership journey to further member engagement and loyalty.
Redesign the website's framework to be more member centered.
COMMUNITY
Bolster the Asian American and Pacific Islander legal community's collective impact and influence by strengthening and capitalizing on the mutually beneficial relationships between and among its members, affiliates,
and national associates.
Goal 1 Engage and support a broad network of affiliate leaders, so they may better serve their members.
In support of this goal, we will:
Assess alternative membership and affiliate models.
Provide relevant and accessible resources, toolkits, and guidance to affiliate organizations.
Establish affiliate bar associations in states where they don’t currently exist.
Communicate board initiatives and actions with members and stakeholders, consistently and effectively.
Goal 2 Engage and collaborate with our national associates, so that we may better serve the greater AAPI legal community.
In support of this goal, we will:
Optimize the partnership and relationship between NAPABA and its national associates.
Convene national leaders quarterly to collaborate and identify programs and initiatives that advance mutual goals.
ADVOCACY
Elevate NAPABA's standing as a credible, compelling, and respected voice for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
Goal 1 Promote the advancement of Asian American and Pacific Islanders to positions of leadership and influence in the legal profession and beyond.
In support of this goal, we will:
Enhance pipeline of credible AAPI nominees for the federal bench.
Promote the advancement of AAPI lawyers to positions of leadership and influence in local, state, and federal government.
Promote the advancement of AAPI lawyers to positions of leadership and influence in corporate/general counsel positions and law firm/equity partner positions.
Promote the advancement of AAPI lawyers to positions of leadership and influence in the non-profit sector.
Expand and optimize engagement efforts on the Hill, at the White House, and with other decision-makers and influencers in support of judicial nominations, legislation, and presidential appointments.
Goal 2 Advance public policy issues important to the AAPI community.
In support of this goal, we will:
Strengthen relationships with members of Congress and community based organizations.
Explore new methods to contribute to the advancement and development of ideas and discussions within and by the AAPI legal community.
ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Execute our mission and deliver on our vision by optimizing our governing, membership, financial, and staffing models and procedures.
Goal 1 Function as a high-performing governing board committed to building trust and transparency, and always serving in the best interest of NAPABA.
In support of this goal, we will:
Establish and adhere to best practices in board governance.
Cultivate a diverse and robust pipeline of well-qualified future board members.
Communicate board initiatives and actions with its members and stakeholders, consistently and effectively.
Goal 2 Ensure staff capacity, commitment, proficiency, and effectiveness to optimize execution of mission and pursuit of vision.
In support of this goal, we will:
Cultivate a strong partnership between the Board and Executive Director, and Executive Director and staff.
Sustain best practices in financial management, leadership, team coordination, and operational execution.
Goal 3 Ensure financial stability and sustainability.
In support of this goal, we will:
Increase and diversify revenue streams, including more non-Convention income.
