Asian Bar Association of Washington Admin Create Blog Posts

ABAW 2020: End of Year Summary & Message from President-Elect John Fetters

Serin Ngai — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 00:23:26 GMT

To view the ABAW 2020 Summary Video, please click here.

To view the Message from President-Elect John Fetters, please click here.

Anonymous Research Survey re Bias & Discrimimation during COVID-19

Serin Ngai — Fri, 03 Jul 2020 18:27:07 GMT

To be eligible to take this anonymous survey individuals must be 18 years or older, identify as Asian, and currently reside in the U.S. (no need to be a citizen).

Follow this link to the Survey:
Take the Survey

Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0BPmOQsVdQttHxj?Q_CHL=email

I would greatly appreciate your help in my research. I have seen several requests for Asian individuals to participate in research surveys related to bias during the pandemic and have filled some of these out myself, so I realize this may not be the first time your members have been asked for their thoughts and experiences. As you likely know, psychological research on Asian samples in the U.S. is quite rare. By participating in this research, and other similar studies, you will be advancing our knowledge of Asian individuals in the U.S.

For more on why bias research with Asian American samples is needed, see this recent article by the American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/12/countering-stereotypes.html. There was also a recent TIME article about Asian Americans' experiences with COVID-19 racism and bias: https://time.com/5858649/racism-coronavirus/

Our research study will run until we have collected enough responses.

A charitable donation of $1.00 USD will be made to the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance’s COVID-19 Community Fund for each person who responds to the survey. You can learn more about the APALA Community Fund here: https://www.apalanet.org/communityfund.html.

Thank you so much for considering my request.

Sincerely,

Caitlin Q. Briggs

Webinar: Hate Crimes in King County and WA State - July 10, 2020 @ 12:00 PM

Serin Ngai — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:49:08 GMT

Please join the Filipino Lawyers of Washington (FLOW) in partnership with the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) in this community event to help better understand hate crimes in Washington State with an emphasis on King County. What is a Hate Crime? How can one be reported? What should you do if the police don't respond? We hope to answer these questions and others that you may be curious about. This event is open to the general public.

Review the flyer for this event here.

To register - please visit this website.

Event 6/30/20 @ 4PM: Asian Americans and Hate Speech/Acts as a Result of COVID-19

Serin Ngai — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 23:05:30 GMT

WSBA's World Peace Through Law Section is holding a special event on June 30, 2020. The format is a "Listen-In" with various guest speakers. More information including the Registration to receive the Zoom link can be found at this link.

ABAW's Statement in Solidarity

Serin Ngai — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 00:37:05 GMT

Please take note of ABAW's Statement in Solidarity.

Free Webinar on PPP Loan Forgiveness - May 9th at 10:30 a.m.

Serin Ngai — Thu, 07 May 2020 20:29:40 GMT

Jeff Liang and ABAW are co-hosting a free Q&A webinar where I can try to answer your questions on the PPP Loan Forgiveness. The Q&A Webinar will be this Saturday May 9th from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. I am happy to take other questions but the focus will be on PPP Loan Forgiveness.

You can register and submit your questions here: https://bit.ly/3cfvGeF

Webinar: Rule of Law During a Pandemic - How Can Business Respect Human Rights Amidst COVID-19?

Serin Ngai — Wed, 06 May 2020 18:16:48 GMT

RULE OF LAW DURING A PANDEMIC

HOW CAN BUSINESS

RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS AMIDST COVID-19?

Monday, May 11, 2020

12:30-1:45 p.m. PST

Join via Zoom
https://washington.zoom.us/j/97205234752
or Telephone: US: +1 253 215 8782 Webinar ID: 972 0523 4752

This week join for the next webinar in this virtual series examining how governments and businesses balance public health and human rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Monday’s discussion focuses on what steps responsible companies should take to address human rights impacts in supply chains and business activity during the crisis, and the tools being developed to do so.

Panelists:

Peter Nestor, Human Rights Manager, Novartis

Dunstan Alison-Hope, Vice President,

Human Rights, Women’s Empowerment and Inclusive Economy Practices, BSR

Markus Funk, Partner, and Chair, Supply Chain Compliance Practice, Perkins Coie

Sponsored by the UW School of Law Sustainable International Development LL.M. program

and the UW Global Business Law Institute

ISO: Practitioners in the field of Law to Participate in Student Interviews

Serin Ngai — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 21:13:47 GMT

I am the Pre-Law Resource Center and Vocational Law Advisor Coordinator of Washington State University, I am looking for practitioners in the field of law who would like to participate in a 30minute video conference interview. Each interview will be led by 2 students, chosen not only for their high academic standings but are students who have demonstrated exemplary professionalism and leadership. Matched with the practitioner whose area of law or other attribute fits their interest, they will present several thoughtful and dynamic questions for their interview, that will be provided to the interviewee beforehand.

Washington State University has three Pre-law concentrations in Political Science, Criminal Justice and Philosophy. However, those majors account for just half of the 350 students across 21 majors who are self-identified as interested in a law career.

The Pre-Law Resource Center (PLRC) welcomes all WSU students from any major interested in learning more about law school admissions, law school itself, and the legal professions. Using evidence-based outreach to produce quality programing, mentorship opportunities and a fully curated digital catalogue of resources, the PLRC makes law school an option for everyone.*

*Working mission Statement

Currently, the PLRC is capitalizing on its established digital presence to deliver online interactive workshops, encourage community discussions among like-minded students and continue its goal of connecting students with practitioners.

The interviews will be recorded and posted to the internal curated catalogue for registered Pre-Law students at WSU to view for a limited time. The recording of the interviews is an important aspect, so that all students can learn from the content provided by the practitioner, and from the student leaders on how to conduct a professional informational interview.

If you are willing to be interviewed or know anyone who would be willing please reach out at prelaw@wsu.edu.

Providing equal access and inspiration, in an unequal world is a foundational to the mission of the PLRC and the spirit in which I am contacting you today.

Rachel A. Christofferson, Program Coordinator

Pre-Law Resource Center & Foley Institute

Washington State University

ra.christofferson@wsu.edu

Free Webinar: COVID-19's Impact on the Judicial System

Serin Ngai — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 18:57:55 GMT

The Korean American Bar Association of Washington would like to invite you and your networks to attend its upcoming virtual panel discussion with four of our esteemed judges to learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on the judicial system.

Date: Thursday May 14, 2020
Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
Cost: Free
Register: here
KABA_Virtual Judicial Panel 5-14.pdf

Webinars: Cultivating Resilience in the Time of Coronavirus

Serin Ngai — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 18:49:14 GMT

Webinars will be every Friday from 1pm-2:30pm - starting on May 8^th and ending May 29^th. These will include a one-hour presentation and a thirty-minute facilitated conversation where people will be able to share their thoughts, concerns, and questions.

Registration is required, and you can do so by clicking here. While you are welcome to attend all four session, you are not required to.

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to email us at Roxana.Garcia@Seattle.gov.

Webinar: Rule of Law During a Pandemic - Impact of Stay at Home Orders on People who Face Homelessness

Serin Ngai — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 17:57:07 GMT

RULE OF LAW DURING A PANDEMIC

THE IMPACT OF STAY-AT-HOME ORDERS ON PEOPLE WHO FACE HOMELESSNESS

Monday, May 4

12:30-1:45 p.m. PST

Join via Zoom

Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 602 753 0140   Webinar ID: 959 1058 4551
    International numbers available: https://washington.zoom.us/u/abHeASovX4

This week, join for the next webinar in this virtual series examining how governments are balancing public health and human rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Monday’s discussion focuses on the impacts of stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders on homeless people and communities, both globally and locally.

Panelists:

Leilani Farha

Global Director, The Shift

Former UN Special Rapporteur, Right to Housing

Alison Eisinger

Executive Director, Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness

Free Webinar: The Records Project CLE on April 29th @ 12:00 PM

Serin Ngai — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:14:48 GMT

A criminal record can derail a person’s life, creating a barrier to employment and housing. The New Hope Act greatly expanded the number of people eligible to remove criminal convictions from their records. This CLE webinar will teach you everything you need to know about volunteering with the Records Project and vacating convictions.

Join FLOW and speaker Jacob Kuykendall, Senior Staff Attorney for the KCBA, for a webinar hosted by Stoel Rives to learn about this opportunity to engage in meaningful and impactful volunteer work that can change someone’s life.

When

Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Noon to 1:30 p.m. PDT

Where

Webinar

Cost

Complimentary for clients, members of FLOW, and friends.

Questions

Contact John Laney at john.laney@stoel.com.

Free Webinar: Step-by-Step Guide to the Paycheck Protection Program

Serin Ngai — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 20:19:46 GMT

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Paycheck Protection Program

Co-hosted by Jeff Liang of Ling and Liang PLLC and the Asian Bar Association of Washington

Who: All businesses, nonprofits, and self-employed individuals should consider applying for the Paycheck Protection Program.

What: Learn how to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program.

Why: The PPP is a forgivable loan used to cover your qualifying business and operating expenses.

Thursday April 23rd: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm (register here)

Saturday April 25^th: 10:00 am to 11:30 am (register here)

Sunday April 26^th: 10:00 am to 11:30 am (register here)

Do you know of paid/unpaid opportunities for law students/new attorneys?

Serin Ngai — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 22:50:53 GMT

These are trying times for many of us, but are especially difficult for law students and new graduates looking for summer legal internships/externships/general legal experiences, as well as job opportunities. Some of the internships and job offers have been rescinded or are otherwise no longer running this summer. These individuals are eager to help and would love any opportunity to gain legal experience. If your organization has opportunities for these law students/young lawyers to gain legal experience, please send ABAW a quick description, and the best way for these individuals to contact you or your organization. Opportunities can include full or part-time positions, or even project work – our goal is to help these students/new attorneys gain legal experience. Please email mentorship@abaw.org.

Bystander Intervention Trainings

Serin Ngai — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 22:10:49 GMT

Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Hollaback! present Bystander Intervention Trainings online. There is a spike in Asian American harassment since the spread of the Coronavirus. Learn how to create safe public spaces and support others who confront harassment.

Sign up for a training in April or May 2020!

Tuesday, April 21st at 3:00pm ET / 2:00pm CT / 1:00pm MT / 12:00pm PT / 9:00am HST. Register here.¹⁷
Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00pm ET / 6:00pm CT / 5:00pm MT / 4:00pm PT / 1:00pm HST. Register here.¹⁸
Monday, April 27th at 7:00pm ET / 6:00pm CT / 5:00pm MT / 4:00pm PT / 1:00pm HST. Register here.¹⁹
Saturday, May 2nd at 2:00pm ET / 1:00pm CT / 12:00pm MT / 11:00am PT / 8:00am HST. Register here.²⁰
Thursday, May 7th at 7:00pm ET / 6:00pm CT / 5:00pm MT / 4:00pm PT / 1:00pm HST. Register here.²¹
Wednesday, May 13th at 2:00pm ET / 1:00pm CT / 12:00pm MT / 11:00am PT / 8:00am HST. Register here.²²
Thursday, May 21st at 7:00pm ET / 6:00pm CT / 5:00pm MT / 4:00pm PT / 1:00pm HST. Register here.²³
Saturday, May 30th at 2:00pm ET / 1:00pm CT / 12:00pm MT / 11:00am PT / 8:00am HST. Register here.

Immigration Law Training for Non-Immigration Attorneys with WIDEN.ORG

Serin Ngai — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 21:54:37 GMT

We at the Washington Immigrant Defense Network (WIDEN) have been inspired by the number of attorneys who consistently reach out to our non-profit organization asking how they may put their attorney skill set to use to protect the due process of detained immigrants. As you know, the COVID crisis has not slowed down immigrant detentions, and we expect a surge in the future due to various changes in immigration policies such as the Public Charge rules. The Supreme Court is also expected to rule on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals by June of this year, which could overturn protection for those known as Dreamers. We had planned an in-person training day to train Washington State, non-immigration attorneys in removal defense. With the COVID-19 crisis, we have now transitioned this training to take place entirely online. We hope that you can join us.

WIDEN Immigrant Removal Defense for Non-Immigration Attorneys - Online CLE

Please join us for the two live Zoom sessions and five one-hour training sessions that you can complete at your own pace.

Date: May 11, 2020, 12:00pm-1:00pm - Live Introductory Session

Date: May 18, 12:00pm – 1:00pm Live Summary and Q&A session

Cost: $55. Fee waiver available

CLE credits are pending. WIDEN is a WSBA Qualified Legal Services Provider.

See WIDENMBACLE-flyer.pdf

ABAW Denounces the Use of Racial Language to Describe the Coronavirus & Racist Attacks on Asian Americans

Serin Ngai — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 21:43:24 GMT

ABAW Denounces the Use of Racial Language to Describe the Coronavirus & Racist Attacks on Asian Americans

The ABAW finds the use of racial terms to describe the Coronavirus/COVID-19, such as the “Chinese virus,” or the “Wuhan virus,” to be unacceptable, inaccurate, and racist. The virus does not discriminate, and racializing a disease results in promoting xenophobic sentiment and discrimination. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) both recognize the harm and inaccuracy in racializing the virus and naming new diseases after people or places; the damage of using such terms has a direct impact on ethnic and minority groups. Such discriminatory language promotes and provokes anti-Asian sentiment, xenophobia, and anti-Asian attacks, which have been occurring in Washington state and throughout the country. All Americans should be united during this unprecedented time to combat the Coronavirus and should be mindful and aware of how we are describing the virus for the health and safety of all.

Please visit the Center for Disease Control to further educate yourself and others on the pandemic and how to reference it.

To report incidents of hate due to the Coronavirus pandemic, please visit the following links:

CAPAA

Stand Against Hatred

Public Integrity

Submit Hate Instances due to COVID-19 to the Center for Public Integrity

Serin Ngai — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 19:43:25 GMT

The Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit investigative newsroom in Washington, D.C., is investigating instances of hate related to the Coronavirus/COVID-19.

"The answers we get will help us delve deeper into how hate is affecting Asian American communities and identify solutions that will lead to more robust reporting. We won’t publish any submitted information or share it outside of our newsroom without explicit consent. I'd be happy to answer questions, and so would our audience engagement editor, Kristine Villanueva (kvillanueva@publicintegrity.org)."

To participate: https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/help-us-investigate-covid-19-related-hate-incidents/.

APA Stakeholder Statewide Conference Call: WA State's Response to COVID-19

Serin Ngai — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:11:37 GMT

Friday, April 3^rd

9 AM - 10 AM sharp
Zoom Meeting ID: 557 137 713
Click the link to join online: https://wsu.zoom.us/j/557137713
Or join by phone: +1 669 900 9128, 557137713#

The statewide stakeholder conference call is an opportunity for community members, leaders, and service providers to hear from state departments on support services and opportunities offered in response to COVID-19. Updates include presentations from the following departments:

Department of Health: testing updates, insurance options, COVID-19 resources, how to help
Department of Commerce: support for small businesses, non-profits, agriculture, loans, grants
Employment Security Division: recent changes, eligibility, resources, unemployment support
Department of Social and Health Services: cash assistance, food assistance, and Paid Family and Medical Leave
Office of the Attorney General: hate crimes targeting APA’s

This meeting is free and open to the public to attend. No RSVP is required. For the latest updates, see the Facebook event.

This is a public informational event, with limited opportunity for Q&A. Specific questions may also be posed ahead of or following the meeting by e-mailingcapaa@capaa.wa.gov, and staff will direct your inquiry accordingly.

For more information, please contact CAPAA Project Manager Rosa Mai by e-mail at rosa.mai@capaa.wa.gov or by phone at 206-370-9554.

ISO: At-Large Member and President-Elect of the WSBA Board of Governors

Serin Ngai — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:02:38 GMT

• At-large member of the WSBA Board of Governors. The three-year term begins in late September 2020.

• WSBA president-elect for 2020–21, who will serve as president in 2021–22. The term begins in late September 2020.

The application deadline for both positions is 5 p.m. on April 20, 2020. The Board of Governors will interview candidates and elect these positions at its May 14-15 meeting in Bellingham.

Under WSBA’s Bylaws, the purpose of the at-large board position is to increase diversity and representation on the board, and the position is to be filled by a WSBA member who has “the experience and knowledge of the needs of those lawyers whose membership is or may be historically under-represented in governance, or who represents some of the diverse elements of the public of the State of Washington.” All active WSBA members are eligible, except for those who have previously served as a governor for more than 18 months. See the www.wsba.org/elections for more information and the application form.

To learn more about serving on the board, all interested WSBA members are invited to participate in a conference call with current at-large board Governor Alec Stephens. These calls give you an opportunity to ask questions and hear about the rewards and challenges of board service. If you would like to join one of the following calls, please email barleaders@wsba.orgfor call-in instructions.

• Monday, March 30, 5:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 31, 8:00 a.m.

The WSBA member selected for the president-elect position will have an opportunity to provide a significant contribution to the legal profession. Although prior experience on the WSBA Board of Governors may be helpful, there is no requirement that one must have been a member of the board or had previous experience in bar activities. The candidate must be willing to devote a substantial number of hours to WSBA affairs and be capable of being a positive representative for the legal profession. All active attorney members of WSBA are eligible. The position is unpaid. See www.wsba.org/elections for application instructions.

Free (for WSBA members) Webinar: Legal Responses to Hate Crimes in the Pacific NW

Serin Ngai — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 21:09:55 GMT

Webinar - March 31, 2020

Please join the WSBA for March’s installment of the Legal Lunchbox™ Series where civil rights practitioners will discuss legal strategies and responses to hate crimes in the Pacific Northwest. Faculty will provide a historic context and highlight current legal strategies to combat the surge of hate crimes and white nationalist activity in our region.

FACULTY
Aneelah Afzali - American Muslim Empowerment Network (A program of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound), Redmond
Alec Stephens - WSBA Board of Governors (At Large); WSBA Diversity Committee, Seattle
Bre Weider - Washington State Office of the Attorney General, Seattle

SCHEDULE
11:30 a.m. Webinar Login Opens
12:00 p.m. Webinar Begins
1:35 p.m. Adjourn

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs' Letter of Solidarity and Support Against Xenophobia due to COVID-19

Serin Ngai — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 00:18:01 GMT

National Solidarity Letter to Chinese Americans - English.pdf

ABAW encourages individuals to better inform themselves about Coronavirus or COVID-19 and condemns the bias and negative impact on the Asian Pacific Islander community

Serin Ngai — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 02:12:57 GMT

With the increase in reported cases of coronavirus (now named COVID-19) globally and in the United States, we are alarmed by recent incidents alleging racial discrimination and xenophobia in our Asian Pacific Islander (“API”) community. Several instances of misinformation about the virus has resulted in bias toward our API community. ABAW condemns these actions.

Recent news stories about the negative impact of COVID-19 on the API community are concerning to ABAW. For instance, local businesses in the International District are losing customers. https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/coronavirus-fears-impact-business-seattle-international-district/281-d0250731-41d5-4641-bf50-1be4a0f7ed95. Additionally, Asian and Asian American students at U.S. universities have been subject to mistreatment. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-02-03/fear-panic-around-the-coronavirus-fuels-racist-sentiment and https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-02-03/coronavirus-outbreak-narrative-xenophobia. This mistreatment expands to those beyond business owners and students.https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/16/us/coronavirus-american-mood.html?referringSource=articleShare andhttps://time.com/5775716/xenophobia-racism-stereotypes-coronavirus/. These alleged instances of reported discrimination and xenophobia are equally concerning to ABAW.

“These types of reactions have a negative impact on our API community and perpetuate racist sentiment and stereotypes,” said ABAW President Serin Ngai. “The spread of the virus is extremely concerning as are the misconceptions about who has the virus and how it is spread.”

ABAW encourages the community to become better informed about the virus and to stop the dissemination of misinformation and perceptions based on stereotypes.

Some resources to learn more about COVID-19 include the Center for Disease Control website, https://www.cdc.gov/, and the World Health Organization website, https://www.who.int/.

The Asian Bar Association of Washington (“ABAW”) is the professional association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students whose mission is to promote justice, equity and opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans.

Donate to a Commissioned Portrait of Justice Mary I. Yu

Serin Ngai — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 01:00:04 GMT

Assist in the efforts to fundraise for the purchase of a commissioned portrait of Justice Mary I. Yu, which will be placed in the Washington Supreme Court Temple of Justice, with a replica print to be displayed in the Seattle University School of Law. SU Law is also seeking to establish a student scholarship in Justice Yu’s name at Seattle U Law. Washington Supreme Court Justices Steven Gonzalez and Charles Johnson, Professor Bob Chang, the Hon. Donald Horowitz (ret.), and Kellye Testy have all lent their names in support of this effort.

In 2014, Justice Mary I. Yu became the first Asian American, the first Latina, the first woman of color, and the first member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve as a justice on the Washington Supreme Court. In recognition of this singular accomplishment, a portrait by the artist Alfredo Arreguin was recently commissioned by Justice Gonzalez for the Temple of Justice.

In carrying out this project to fund the portrait and a student scholarship, we, of course, seek to honor Justice Yu, but more than that, we desire to honor and acknowledge all that she represents to individuals who never dreamed that someone like them could become a state supreme justice.

With the support of the leadership group referenced above, Dean Clark is raising funds to pay for Justice Yu’s portrait, as well as for a replica print that will be installed at the Seattle University School of Law, where Justice Yu has served for many years as a Distinguished Jurist-in-Residence. The initial goal is to raise $20,000 for the portrait, print, and a reception at the Temple of Justice. Once this goal is met, we will apply gifts to establish the Justice Mary I. Yu Endowed Scholarship Fund at Seattle University School of Law (minimum of $50,000), which will assist women of color to pursue their legal education. The law school will select the student scholarship recipient(s) once the fund is established.

Gifts can be made through the Seattle U Law website: https://connect.seattleu.edu/law/deans-club. Donors should make sure to click on the “Other” designation in the drop-down box and add a Comment on the web form noting that the contribution is for the “Law School Art Fund—Justice Yu Portrait.” In the alternative, donors can send a check to Dean Annette Clark’s attention at Seattle University School of Law, again with the notation that the gift is for the portrait of Justice Yu. In order to avoid any appearance of undue influence, we do ask that sitting judges in lower courts and any trial or appellate lawyers who could have a case go up on appeal to the Washington Supreme Court designate on either the web form or check that their gift is to go to the Seattle U Law scholarship fund in Justice Yu’s name rather than toward the purchase of the portrait.

Thank you for considering joining in honoring Justice Yu and all that she represents, as together we work toward achieving a justice system that reflects and mirrors the beautiful diversity of our citizenry.

ISO: Volunteers for National Assoc. of Women Judges’ Color of Justice program on May 15, 2020

Serin Ngai — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 00:50:28 GMT

The King County Superior Court, in partnership with the Washington State Superior Court Judges’ Association, is pleased to announce the presentation of the National Association of Women Judges’ Color of Justice program. This one-day event seeks to encourage 7th graders from diverse backgrounds to consider a career in the law and judiciary. The program will be held at the Maleng Regional Justice Center and the Kent Commons on Friday, May 15, 2020 from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Volunteers are welcome to attend all or part of the event.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, they are seeking judicial officers and attorney volunteers for assistance with the following tasks: (1) escorting the children to various locations; (2) preparation and presentation of character roles during the mock trial; (3) lunchtime mentor sessions and (4) speed/bingo mentor sessions. If you are available and willing to help, please respond by email (colorofjustice@kingcounty.gov). In your email response, please provide your need your name, contact information and availability for the day.

VABAW Annual Mentorship Event on April 7, 2020 at 5:30 PM

Serin Ngai — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 02:30:06 GMT

Enjoy an evening of food and drinks with practitioners across diverse practices and get matched with attorney mentors who share your professional interests.

Location: Ryan Swanson & Cleveland. PLLC 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 3400, Seattle

RSVP by March 24: nancylypham@gmail.com

Joint MBA Mentorship Kick-Off Event on March 3, 2020 at 6:00 PM

Serin Ngai — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 21:29:26 GMT

Come join us on March 3, 2020 at 6pm at Foster Garvey for the Joint MBA 2020 Mentorship Kick-Off Event! Pre-registration required.

Generously sponsored by:

The Opportunity and Progress Council, Foster Garvey’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative

Hosted by:

South Asian Bar Association of Washington (SABAW)

In partnership with:

Middle Eastern Legal Association of Washington (MELAW),
Washington Attorneys with Disabilities Association (WADA),
Northwest Indian Bar Association (NIBA), &
WSBA Indian Law Section

Lawyers, have you ever reached a point in your career and thought, "If only I had known...." Young lawyers and law students, have you ever wished you had advice from someone who has actually been there? Mentors meet mentees!

Our team of minority bar associations aims to pair law students and young lawyers from historically underrepresented groups with mentor attorneys from all walks of life, including allies, to support mentees as they prepare to enter and navigate their legal careers. For mentors and mentees alike, this is a fantastic opportunity to support one another, learn from one another, and meet the movers and shakers of our profession.

Please feel free to contact me at rania.rampersad@gmail.com for more information!

Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1GGgpRnvFe8zgJ4QRb4WmQetDai-M1oz5-IGz1pHzIKY

Call for Programs for the 2020 NAPABA Convention

Serin Ngai — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 18:28:54 GMT

Submit a program for the 2020 NAPABA Convention! In addition, NAPABA is seeking submissions for the International Law Symposium and Solo & Small Firm Bootcamp. The deadline to submit a program idea is March 16 at 5 p.m. ET.

For more information, visit: https://www.napaba.org/page/2020_Convention

KABA Annual Banquet on 2/20/2020

Serin Ngai — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 18:17:39 GMT

Attend the Korean American Bar Association of WA annual banquet on 2/20/2020 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle.
Keynote Speaker: Gary Locke
5:30 p.m. reception
6:30 p.m. program
For more information & to register, visit: https://www.kaba-washington.org/2020-annual-banquet

ISO: Volunteer judges or moderators - 2/29/2020

Serin Ngai — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 00:21:13 GMT

Volunteer judges needed: 2020 Washington State High School Ethics Bowl

Please see the request from Dr. Lone below seeking volunteer judges: law students, staff, and faculty volunteers can serve as judges. For more information about the High School Ethics Bowl and this year’s cases and rules, visit: https://www.philosophyforchildren.org/what-we-do/high-school-ethics-bowl/

From: Jana Mohr Lone, Ph.D.
Director of the Center for Philosophy for Children and Affiliate Associate Professor of Philosophy

Hello everyone,

I am writing to seek your involvement in the 2020 Washington State High School Ethics Bowl, which will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the University of Washington School of Law. The UW Center for Philosophy for Children, which works to empower young people by bringing philosophical inquiry into their lives, is hosting this event for the seventh year, with the support of the UW's School of Law, Department of Philosophy, Program on Ethics, College of Arts & Sciences Division of Social Sciences, and College of Education, and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

In a High School Ethics Bowl, teams analyze a series of wide-ranging ethical dilemmas involving topics such as cheating, plagiarism, peer pressure, relationships, and abuse of social media. An Ethics Bowl is similar to debate, although in Ethics Bowls teams are not forced to take adversarial positions or to hold fast to an assigned perspective. Instead, students have a forum in which to engage in dialogue, and they are judged on the quality of their analysis and the degree to which they engage in a thoughtful, civil exchange. The idea is really to promote reasoned and respectful conversation about complex and difficult ethical issues, and in so doing help students to recognize how collaborative dialogue can enhance our understanding of the world and each other.

This year we have decided, after consultation with all of our coaches, that we are taking a break from participation in the National High School Ethics Bowl. This allows us much greater flexibility regarding rules, timing of the event, and the cost for the teams.

Please consider volunteering as a judge or moderator on February 29.

Here is a link to more information about the event, including this year’s cases and rules: https://www.philosophyforchildren.org/what-we-do/high-school-ethics-bowl/

Judges, lawyers, and faculty and graduate students from UW's School of Law, Philosophy Department, College of Education, and other departments, as well as many others have served in past years as judges and moderators. Each year people write to me to comment on how meaningful and fun this competition is. We are also working hard to continue to increase the diversity of judges and moderators involved in this event, and any help you can provide in this regard would be very welcome!

At this point, we are expecting 18-22 high school teams to participate. The event will begin around 8:00 am on Saturday, February 29, with a short training for judges and moderators and then a brief orientation for everyone. The bulk of the competition's rounds will be in the morning, until roughly 1 pm, which is when we will need the most judges. For the afternoon rounds, which will involve six teams in the semi-finals and two in the final round, we will only need nine judges and three moderators. So if you would prefer to come for the morning or just part of the morning only, that's totally fine — just let me know.

I hope you will participate this year! Please respond by email letting me know whether you think this might work for you, along with any questions you have. I will send along more information to all the participants in February, including logistics etc.

Thanks for considering this!

Best wishes,

Jana Mohr Lone, Ph.D.
Director of the Center for Philosophy for Children and Affiliate Associate Professor of Philosophy
University of Washington
http://www.philosophyforchildren.org
Twitter: @JanaMohrLone
Blog: http://philosophyforchildren.blogspot.com

Judicial Institute: Bridging the Gavel Gap on 3/18/20 at Gonzaga School of Law

Serin Ngai — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:11:26 GMT

Rev Spokane invitationrev.v2.pdf

Judicial Institute: Pathways to the Bench CLE in Yakima, WA on 3/17/20

Serin Ngai — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 23:07:09 GMT

2020.01.30 yakima invitation-2.pdf

Join ABAW and support I-1000

James Chung — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 00:07:05 GMT

I-1000.pdf

ABAW Applauds and Commends OAPABA and OFALA, the Oregon State Bar, and all of the Oregon Minority Bar Associations for Taking a Stand Against Hate-Based Violence and Groups that Promote Racism

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 17:00:00 GMT

Joint Statement of Washington Minority Bar Associations Regarding Events in Charlottesville

Sun, 27 Aug 2017 20:00:00 GMT

joint-statement-of-mbas-re-charlottesville-updated.pdf

Hon. Eileen A. Kato, King County District Court Judge, Retires From Bench

Wed, 02 Mar 2016 18:00:00 GMT

ABAW wishes King County District Court Judge Eileen A. Kato a very happy retirement. Judge Kato is a past recipient of ABAW's "Judge of the Year" award. She has served King County for over two decades and her distinguished career includes a variety of judicial leadership positions across a broad range of programs focused on improving the judiciary and our state courts. Thank you Judge Kato for your service to the public.

Passing of Former King County Superior Court Judge Warren Chan

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 00:25:36 GMT

ABAW extends its condolences to the family and friends of the late former King County Superior Court Judge Warren Chan, the first Asian American to be elected to the bench in Washington in 1968. Judge Chan passed away on June 15, 2015 at the age of 92, leaving behind a distinguished legacy as a community leader and trailblazer in Washington's Asian community. The first Chinese-American graduate of the University of Washington School of Law, Chan graduated fourth in his class in 1950. Chan clerked for Supreme Court Justice Frederick Hamley and then entered private practice, eventually becoming senior partner with the law firm of Chan, Uhlman and Callies. Chan was appointed to serve as a Seattle Municipal Court pro tem judge in 1956, the first Chinese American to occupy a US judicial post. Judge Chan was then elected to the Superior Court in 1968, later serving as Presiding Judge in 1975. Judge Chan cofounded the Wing Luke Museum to honor his friend, Seattle City Councilman Wing Luke. Judge Chan also helped establish the Seattle Chinese Garden and its educational center at South Seattle College. A public memorial service was held July 3rd 2015, at 1:00 pm at the South Seattle College, Seattle Chinese Garden, 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Seattle Chinese Garden. Learn more about Judge Chan’s amazing life at http://bit.ly/1NvftPz (Seattle Times) or http://bit.ly/1Iqyinq (obituary).

Archived from 6/30/2015 front page post.

OCA to Honor Seattle attorney Rod Kawakami at 2016 Golden Circle Awards & Lunar New Year Celebration

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 19:30:00 GMT

Join OCA for the 2016 Golden Circle Awards & Lunar New Year Celebration! This year OCA will be honoring Rod Kawakami, a Seattle attorney who was co-lead counsel for the coram nobis team in the Gordon Hirabayashi case, which team successfully challenged Mr. Hirabayashi's criminal convictions for his refusal to comply with internment orders (issued by the government during the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II). Also to be honored are Sharon Maeda, Betty Patu, Fred Yee, and the Southeast Asian/American Access in Education (SEA3eD).

Enduring Conviction: Fred Korematsu And His Quest For Justice

Mon, 19 Oct 2015 23:17:52 GMT

Attorney General Ferguson Dedicates Civil Rights Unit to Trailblazer Wing Luke

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 23:15:56 GMT

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson yesterday announced the official launch of the newly established Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit within the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. The announcement was made at an event at the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle’s International District.

The well attended event included five current and two former Washington State Supreme Court Justices, nine members of Wing Luke’s family and many other luminaries from the civil rights community who share the common goal of equality for all Washington residents.

Supreme Court Justices Steven González, Mary Fairhurst, Debra Stephens, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Associate Chief Justice Charles Johnson, Justice Susan Owens, former Justices Charles Smith and Faith Ireland (click on photo for a full resolution copy)

“We are the lawyers for the people of Washington state. We are the largest law firm in the state. It is appropriate and important that we have a team dedicated to protecting civil rights,” said Ferguson.

Led by Assistant Attorney General Colleen Melody — a Spokane native and former member of the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division — the Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit works to protect the rights of all Washington residents by enforcing state and federal anti-discrimination laws. The unit will investigate and bring actions to end discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, education, credit and insurance transactions, and at government offices and businesses open to the public. The unit will work closely with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, the Washington State Human Rights Commission, federal agencies, and civil rights stakeholders.

“Our team will enforce the Washington Law against Discrimination and be a community resource to help people know their rights and how to protect them,” said Melody, speaking to the audience of community leaders. “And we will collaborate and work together with all of you on ways to make Washington a fairer place to work, live, go to school, and play together.”

The Civil Right Unit is named for Wing Luke, who served as an Assistant Attorney General for the state of Washington in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He went on to become the first person of color elected to the Seattle City Council and the first Asian-American elected to public office in the Pacific Northwest. Throughout his life and career, Luke was a champion for civil rights and fought to improve the quality of life for all people.

“My brother Wing Luke had a saying, ‘Don’t do things because of who is right, but because of what is right,’” said Bettie Luke, Wing Luke’s sister and former board member of the Wing Luke Museum.

It is believed this is the first time the Attorney General’s Office has named a division or unit to honor the life and legacy of an individual. Ferguson’s intent is not only to honor Wing Luke, but to establish a vision and role model for the future work of the Attorney General’s Office civil right team.

Ferguson also announced yesterday that his office is releasing a new Civil Rights Resource Guide. The guide provides Washington residents with information about their rights under state and federal law and where to go if they believe they have experienced discrimination.

If you have a civil rights complaint, you can contact the Attorney General’s Wing Luke Civil Rights Unit by visiting www.atg.wa.gov/have-civil-rights-complaint.

ABAW Press Release

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 17:00:00 GMT

Previous Press Release, moved from the front page

Contact info: Lisa Dickinson, President, Asian Bar Association of Washington - president@abaw.org; www.abaw.org

Asian Bar Association of Washington urges voters to focus on qualifications, not race, of candidates in judicial elections.

As we approach an important election, voters need to be able to make informed decisions based on helpful and relevant dialog among and about the candidates. That dialog, of course, should be grounded in the candidates’ experience, the qualities and ability they bring to the positions they seek, and the recommendation of others who have had the first-hand opportunity to observe and assess their work.

A recent comment quoted in the Seattle Times took that dialog in a troubling and dangerous direction. In stating that Judge Ketu Shah’s long list of endorsements was attributable to the political establishment’s desire to appoint minority judges “and protect them” during elections, the comment suggests that Judge Shah ’s endorsements arise from a desire to “protect” him as a person of color, not because of his qualifications. (“DUI lawyers PAC shifts support in judicial races to co-founder’s wife,” Oct. 4, 2014).

ABAW condemns this statement as inappropriately inserting race into this judicial election and potentially any other election involving a sitting minority judge.

“Comments like these are demeaning to minority judges and candidates because they suggest that minorities get where they are because they’re minorities, and not because of their ability to do the job,” said ABAW President Diana Young. “That’s a perception that so many have fought so hard to overcome.” It is, of course, extremely important that our judges reflect the diversity of the community served by our courts, but voters do not benefit from a dialog that uses an individual’s race to diminish his or her true accomplishments.

“Voters need to educate themselves on the qualifications of judicial candidates, no matter who the candidate is. Part of that education is to consider the candidate’s endorsements and certainly not assume that the endorsements are based on the color of the candidate’s skin,” adds ABAW’s immediate past president Jeffrey Liang.

A good resource for Washington voters to learn more about the judges and candidates is the non-partisan site, www.VotingforJudges.org.

The Asian Bar Association of Washington (“ABAW”) is the professional association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students whose mission is to promote justice, equity and opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans.

ABAW CLE Event - Fostering Civility in the Legal Profession (1 hour of ethics credit) (July 16, 2015)

Fri, 03 Jul 2015 19:30:00 GMT

Civility is the cornerstone of justice. When all participants involved in the legal system act with civility by treating others with respect, listening with an open mind, and working towards best outcomes, all participants benefit and justice is served. On the contrary, when participants act with incivility, it extracts a high cost for our profession both in terms of impacting the bottom line and long term negative health effects for practitioners. For example, a study by Pearson and Porath, estimated that one multi-national law firm had lost over 2.8 million dollars because of one senior partner’s acts of incivility toward associates and staff. There is a growing body of scientific evidence that incivility often reduces productivity, creates inefficiency, and ultimately costs both practitioners and their clients time and money. Incivility often creates unnecessary conflict, which can cost some practitioners compromised mental and physical health. Perhaps most importantly, incivility compromises the administration of justice at all levels.

Details: July 16th, Thursday at McKinstry, Li, & Ellis, 4:30-5:30 pm followed by an ABAW Social Happy Hour from 5:30 to 7:30(Location TBD).

This event is free to all ABAW members and $10 to non-members. Please RSVP or email questions to: chris.lanterman@gmail.com.

The social event follows after the CLE.

Eastern Washington Event April 24, 2015

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 21:00:00 GMT

Save the Date! Eastern WA Event, Spokane, April 24.

ABAW, and QLaw will be visiting Spokane for an outreach and mentorship event. WWL Spokane, WYLC and Spectra Law Group will be joining in on the fun!

ABAW Quarterly Meeting, Thursday, March 12, 2015 at O'Asian

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 20:30:00 GMT

It's a brand new year and a brand new board over at the ABAW. Please join us for our first social of the year, which will also serve as our quarterly meeting. O'Asian (800 5th Avenue, Suite Plaza 1, Seattle, WA 98104) from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2015. You'll get to meet our new board members, reconnect with old ones, and get the latest ABAW updates and upcoming information. As usual, we'll provide food and there will be happy hour drink specials available. We hope to see you there! Members only please. Although if you want to come down and become a member, that works as well. Also, bring another member with you. It's more fun that way!

RSVP to Chris Wong at christopher.wong@kingcounty.gov