ABAW offers a wide variety of programs, events, and committees. To join a committee, or if you have questions or comments, please get in touch using the email links below, or visit our Contact Page.
Annual Gala. The Gala Committee is a joint effort with the ABAW Student Scholarship Foundation to throw ABAW's annual signature event -- the Annual ABAW & ABAW SSF Gala. Each year we celebrate our successes, award student scholarships, and recognize judges and community organizations for their contributions to the community. The Gala Committee is responsible for selecting the gala venue, entertainment, program, and keynote speaker. The Committee researches candidates and recommends nominees for the Judge of the Year Award and Community Service Award. Contact the Gala Committee.
Continuing Legal Education. The CLE Committee organizes educational programs in western and eastern Washington for ABAW members. The committee researches topics of interest, identifies and recruits speakers, assists in the development of the agendas, oversees the administrative tasks related to the CLE events, and coordinates the publicity and registration of the CLE with the Membership committee. Contact the CLE Committee.
Mentorship. The Mentorship Program provides guidance and mentoring to new and young lawyers and law students. In addition to a variety of social and networking events for the general membership throughout the year, ABAW sponsors three to four formal mentorship events. We have held events such as mentor-mentee socials at Seattle University and University of Washington, a joint social in Spokane, and much more. ABAW also matches mentors and mentees and makes referrals for any ABAW member seeking a mentor, or interested in mentoring. Contact the Mentorship Committee.
Social Committee. The Social Committee plans ABAW's quarterly general membership meetings, including the popular ABAW Holiday Party and Annual Meeting. The Social Committee also plans our regular social and networking events, "Dim Sum Saturdays," and collaborates with other bar associations to co-sponsor other similar events. Click here to view a calendar of our upcoming events. Contact the Social Committee.
Rapid Response Committee. The Rapid Response Committee reviews urgent and time-sensitive issues in between monthly Board meetings, such as Amicus Brief sign-on requests, and makes recommendations to ABAW leadership. ABAW's Rapid Response Committee plays a key role in ABAW's participation in issues of the day. Some situations the Committee has worked on have directly affected our members, such as the murder of Bellevue attorney Kevin Jung. Others matters affect the Asian community as a minority group or have been related to discrimination that APAs historically faced in this country—for example, requests for the ABAW to join as an amicus in anti-discrimination cases. The Rapid Response/Amicus Brief Committee first screens all requests to determine whether it appears ABAW involvement is appropriate, and makes a recommendation to the Board. This Committee is particularly appropriate if your time is limited or if you are interested in working on matters that affect public policy. To volunteer or learn more about the Rapid Response Committee, please visit our Rapid Response Committee Page. Contact the Rapid Response Committee (via ABAW President).
Solo & Small Firm. ABAW's Solo & Small Firm Committee ("SSF") develops and implements programs, events, and activities of interest to sole practitioners and small firm attorneys. The SSF Committee has in the past produced CLE sessions, participated in "How to Develop, Run, & Manage a Successful Solo Practice" at the WAMBAC Statewide Diversity Conference, and held social events specifically for solo and small firm attorneys. The SSF Committee also has in the past developed the SSF Resource Bank. The SSF Committee Chair is appointed by the board; the position is currently vacant. Contact the ABAW President if you are interested in applying to chair the SSF Committee.
Judicial Evaluations. ABAW is a member of the Joint Asian Judicial Evaluation Committee (JAJEC), formed several years ago to help streamline the judicial evaluations process for candidates for judicial office. JAJEC's member bar associations presently include the Filipino Lawyers of Washington, Korean American Bar Association of Washington, South Asian Bar Alliance of Washington, and Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington. JAJEC evaluates candidates seeking either appointment or election to judicial office. Judicial positions include municipal and district courts, superior courts, court commissioner seats, the Washington Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court. Volunteers must have been admitted to practice for a minimum of three (3) years. To learn more about JAJEC, please visit our Judicial Evaluations Page.
Legal Clinics, Public Service, and Pro Bono. The ABAW operates two (2) legal clinics through the generous administrative support of the King County Bar Association's Neighborhood Legal Clinics program, one in the International District and one in Seattle's Rainier Valley neighborhood. Space for the legal clinic locations is provided through the generosity of Asian Counseling & Referral Service (ACRS) and Chinese Information & Services Center (CISC). Clinic clients receive free limited legal advice & referrals to other resources, at no cost. The clinic programs also offer interpreters free of charge, upon request. Volunteer lawyers are typically scheduled for one night every 2-3 months and see up to 4 clients during the night. Law students can get involved by assisting with the client intake interviews and performing administrative tasks to ensure the clinic runs smoothly. It is a rewarding experience and an opportunity for you to use your skills to make a difference! To volunteer or learn more about the Legal Clinics, please visit our Legal Clinics Page.
​ABAW serves as a resource to connect members to other opportunities to give back through pro bono work, such as the statewide pro bono directory at probonowa.org. ABAW's commitment to public service also includes fielding a "Walk For Rice" team each year - Walk For Rice is an annual benefit for the ACRS food bank. ABAW has also held legal workshops and "know your rights" seminars for members of the Asian/Pacific Islander community. Contact the Pro Bono & Clinics Chair.