News

APABA Holds Unity Night Event With A DACA Panel Discussion and Applauds the UC Regents' Decision To Employ All Students Regardless of Immigration Status

Los Angeles, CA – On May 17, 2023, in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) held a 2023 AAPI Unity Night event with a panel discussion on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA).

Given the Fifth Circuit's October 2022 ruling that the DACA program violated the Administrative Procedure Act, the event featured four distinguished panelists and an excellent moderator who spoke about the experiences of AAPI DACA recipients, the future of DACA, and the Opportunity for All campaign, a California-wide organizing effort led by undocumented student organizers to press the University of California system to remove barriers to employment that negatively impact undocumented students.

The panel was moderated by Professor Kathleen Kim, Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion at Loyola Law School. Panelists included Professor Ahilan Arulanatham, Professor from Practice and Co-Director of the Center of Immigration Law and Policy at UCLA Law School; Yurie Blons, Advanced Clinical Student for Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic (Loyola Law '23) and former DACA recipient; Ju Hong, Director of the UCLA Dream Resource Center and Host of ImmigrAsians Podcast; and Miso Jang, Program Manager at AAPI Equity Alliance.

The next day, APABA celebrated the University of California Regents' announcement regarding its intention to allow the employment of all students regardless of immigration status.

“APABA's AAPI Heritage Month event has been one of its signature events in its 25-year history and provides an opportunity for APABA members and community partners to come together to discuss critical and timely issues affecting AAPI communities,” stated Erica Yen, APABA President. "This year it was particularly timely to hear from panelists whose advocacy directly contributed to a historic decision announced the following day. APABA applauds the UC system's commitment to immigrant youth rights and equal opportunities for all."

The AAPI Unity Night Event was co-hosted by the Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Association and supported by 13 presenting sponsors and community sponsors. It was held at Loyola Law School with catering provided by Park's Finest.

The Philippine American Bar Association, Filipino Lawyers of Orange County, and Thurgood Marshall Bar Association issued the following joint statement, which is endorsed by APABA:

We must not applaud a wrong “corrected” or fall complacent. The reinstatement of Representative Justin Jones and Representative Justin Pearson swiftly rebukes the racially motivated expulsion of two Black-Fil-Am and Black lawmakers. Three lawmakers who took action based on their aligned ideology, engaged in the same conduct of free speech. But only two were expelled. The only difference was the color of their skin. Their expulsion highlights the present-day perpetuation of institutionalized racism in this country. In 2023, we are still fighting, not only remnants of four centuries of this country’s racist past, but also overt acts of prejudice at the highest levels of contemporary politics.

We remain outraged by the blatant racism and discrimination against Rep. Jones and Rep. Pearson. We remain vigilant against all abuses of power including abuse by the Tennessee House of Representatives in voting for expulsion. We remain courageous and stand in solidarity, in the face of criticism and oppression, with the resolve of always fighting for what is right.

Gun violence is neither a political issue nor a topic for debate. But gun violence is not the issue at play now. We stand with our lawmakers, in pursuit of their own due process and equal protection under the law, so they can continue to advocate for the most vulnerable in our society, including children. We stand with The Tennessee Three, because “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.).

APABA Joins Los Angeles County Bar Association and Other Bar Associations in Public Comment Regarding Blue Ribbon Commission Report on the California Bar Exam

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA - In 2021 the State Bar formed a “Blue Ribbon Commission” on licensure. Recently, the Commission issued a final report that, among other things, (1) discusses a potential "non-exam pathway" to licensure through an internship program and (2) proposes to eliminate a number of foundational topics from the bar exam, including ethics, family law, estates/trusts, and business associations, and (3) allows out of state attorneys to be admitted to California without sitting for the California Bar Exam without reciprocity for California attorneys.

In April 2023, APABA joined the letter drafted by the Los Angeles County Bar Association and statewide bar associations in opposition to these recommendations. For the full text of the public comment, please click here.

APABA ADOPTS CODE OF CONDUCT

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA - The Board of Governors of APABA recently voted to adopt a Code of Conduct. This is part of APABA's commitment to ensure that all APABA-organized and APABA-co-sponsored activities and events are spaces that promote principles of professional conduct and civility that are consistent with APABA's core values. The text of the Code of Conduct is pasted below and is also available here.

APABA Code of Conduct

The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) is a member organization of attorneys, judges and law students throughout Los Angeles County.

Its mission is to be a voice for issues of concern to the Asian/Pacific Islander American (APIA) community, foster the exchange of ideas and information, promote professional growth, provide opportunities for interactions among members, collaborate with other bar organizations, and serve the community at large in addition to the local APIA community.

To accomplish its mission successfully, it is important to the Board of Governors that APABA adopt a Code of Conduct that is consistent with its values and central to all of its activities.

Accordingly, it is a requirement that all APABA members and attendees of APABA events and APABA-co-sponsored events agree to abide by the following principles in all conduct related to APABA activities. This includes all types of communications (written or verbal) with, between, and among APABA members or event attendees, including but not limited to in-person and virtual meetings, phone calls, emails, text and internet messages, online forums, and social media.

1. Engage in professional behavior that promotes respect, care, and concern for others. APABA does not tolerate inappropriate conduct, which includes actions or statements that are hateful, harassing, demeaning, rude, insulting, or discriminatory.

2.  Communicate ideas and opinions with thoughtfulness and sensitivity. APABA promotes community dialogue and healthy discussion in which contrary opinions will often be shared (and should be shared), but must be done so with professionalism and respect for a diversity of perspectives.

3.  Report to the APABA Board of Governors Executive Committee (the “Executive Committee”) any conduct or actions that are contrary to this Code of Conduct. Be supportive of others and speak up to the greatest extent possible.

Reporting Inappropriate Conduct

Any APABA member or event attendee may report any alleged violation of this Code of Conduct to the Executive Committee and/or to the President, in person or at president@apaba.org. The President and/or the Executive Committee will conduct a confidential investigation of the alleged violation, unless the President or a member of the Executive Committee is alleged to have violated the Code of Conduct, in which case the remaining members of the Executive Committee will conduct the investigation. As part of the investigation, in its discretion, the President and/or members of the Executive Committee may interview the member or event attendee. Information and sources derived from the investigation are to remain confidential to the extent possible.

Censure, Suspension, or Termination of Membership

If upon investigation, the Executive Committee finds the member to have violated this Code of Conduct, the Executive Committee may, in its discretion, meet with the member to share the results of the investigation and/or express disapproval for the alleged violations of the Code of Conduct and to discuss potential remedies.

If the Executive Committee determines that censure, suspension, or expulsion from membership is required, the Executive Committee will file written charges against the member and provide at least ten days’ written notice of a proposed hearing before the Board of Governors. At the hearing, the member charged shall be given the opportunity to be heard and to present evidence in answer to such charges. A two-thirds majority vote of Board members is required to issue a formal statement of disapproval, suspend, or expel. Written notice will then be provided to the member.

Any member against whom the Board of Governors has voted to issue a formal statement of disapproval, suspension, or expulsion from membership may appeal the determination by filing a written notice with the Secretary of APABA within 60 days. In the event of an appeal, an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present at a membership meeting shall be required to override any appealed censure, suspension, or expulsion.

Additionally, APABA reserves the right to report alleged violations by any such member or event attendee to the State Bar of California and/or other State Bars or law enforcement as applicable.

APABA STATEMENT ON THE NOMINATION OF JULIE SU TO U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA - Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) President Erica Yen issued the following statement on the nomination of Julie Su as U.S. Secretary of Labor:

"On behalf of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County, we celebrate President Biden’s historic nomination of Los Angeles County's own Ms. Julie Su to U.S. Secretary of Labor. If confirmed, she will be the first Asian American to serve in his Cabinet as a department secretary.

"Over the course of her career, Ms. Su has been passionately committed to protecting workers' rights, fighting against workplace discrimination and unfair labor practices, and driving constant improvements for the workforce -- as a civil rights attorney at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (formerly Asian Pacific American Legal Center), as California Labor Commissioner, as Secretary of California’s Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and currently as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor. She is more than qualified and well-prepared to lead the U.S. Department of Labor.

"APABA endorsed Ms. Su for this position in 2020. APABA also awarded her with its 2020 Trailblazer Award for her significant contributions to workers' rights and for being the first Asian American woman to serve as California Labor Secretary. Previously in 2011, APABA awarded Ms. Su with a Public Service Award to recognize her ongoing commitment to safeguarding the rights and lives of workers.

APABA JOINS OVER 25 LEGAL AND CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS IN CONDEMNING RACIST COMMENTS BY REPRESENTATIVE LANCE GOODEN

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA - APABA joins the California Asian Pacific American Bar Association (Cal-APABA), its sister bar associations, and Asian American civil rights organizations in condemning comments made by Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) questioning the loyalty of Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) and suggesting to remove Rep. Chu's security clearance. Such comments are outrageous, racist, and have no place in public discourse.

Political rhetoric against the AAPI community has been used to hurt Asian communities for decades. Research by Stop AAPI Hate released in October 2022 shows that statements by political candidates and elected officials that attempt to scapegoat Asians for public health crises, economic hardships or national security concerns are repeated by perpetrators of hate incidents. As hate incidents against the AAPI community surge across the country, political representatives spewing such hate speech must be held to account.

We call on Rep. Gooden to apologize to Rep. Chu and to the AAPI community for his hateful and inflaming comments. Further, we urge the House GOP leadership to condemn Rep. Gooden's attacks on Rep. Chu and stand with the AAPI community in acknowledging that such rhetoric is hateful, unwarranted, and dangerous.

Add your voice:

Share your thoughts with Rep. Lance Gooden:

Call: (202) 225-3484

Email: https://gooden.house.gov/email-me

JOINT STATEMENT REGARDING THE JANUARY 21, 2023 MONTEREY PARK MASS SHOOTING

Contact:  Erica Yen, ericayen.apaba@gmail.com

“APABA wholeheartedly condemns this horrific act of violence. Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with those affected, including our own families and friends who call Monterey Park home. We are working with our partners to support the community during this traumatic time,” said Erica Yen, president of APABA. “APABA has had a close connection with Monterey Park since our founding 25 years ago. We have held our monthly pro bono volunteer legal assistance clinic at the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library for almost a decade – our second home for many years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Later this week on Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 10-12pm, we will return with renewed determination to help those in need with the re-opening of our in-person pro bono volunteer legal clinic in the Library Friends Room.”

Our partners at Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Southern California are coordinating a coalition of organizations, including our bar associations, to provide services to the victims and their families. More information about these services can be found here. You can support the official verified fundraiser for the victims and the Monterey Park community, which is endorsed by our organizations, by making a donation on GoFundMe online. One hundred percent (100%) of donations will go toward supporting the victims and their families.

“We are deeply saddened by the violence and loss of life in Monterey Park,” said Asit Panwala, president of Cal-APABA. “After more than two years of trauma, many Asian American families looked forward to this Lunar New Year as a time to come together in joy and celebration. But today we grieve with the families of the victims. We stand with you in love, solidarity and strength.”

“NAPABA stands shoulder to shoulder with the families and communities impacted by this tragic act on what should have been a night of joyful celebration and hopeful possibility,” said Sandra Leung, president of NAPABA. “For many of our members, Monterey Park is home – a place where they grew up, spent time with friends, or visited family. On behalf of our members across the country, NAPABA reaffirms its commitment to assisting communities affected by violence and lends our support to the victims and their families.”

“KABA is deeply saddened by the tragic mass shooting in Monterey Park that took place on the eve of Lunar New Year,” said Monica Min, president of KABA. “We mourn the families of the victims and the communities that have been affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.  Our thoughts, support, and love are with you.”

“SCCLA stands united with its sister bar organizations – and the strong community of Monterey Park – in condemning this senseless act of violence,” said Nina Hong, President of SCCLA. “We grieve with the victims, their loved ones, and this wonderful city that many of us call home. We are resolved to stand together to keep the Chinese and AAPI communities safe.”

A memorial honoring the victims has been established at Monterey Park City Hall at 320 West Newmark Avenue, Monterey Park, CA 91754. The City of Monterey Park will host a public vigil at City Hall on Tuesday, January 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

A Survivors Resource Center has been established at Monterey Park’s Langley Senior Center at 400 N. Emerson Ave., Monterey Park, CA 91754. There are mental health resources available for anyone who needs support.

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APABA Statement on the Nomination of Judge Lucy H. Koh to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Contact:  Arnold Lee, arnoldlee.apaba@gmail.com

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA - Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) President Arnold Lee issued the following statement on President Joe Biden's nomination of Judge Lucy H. Koh to the U.S. Court of Appeals:

"On behalf of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County, we applaud President Joe Biden's nomination of the Honorable Lucy H. Koh, U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of California, to serve as Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

"Judge Koh's extensive legal experience embodies her exceptional commitment to public service, judicial leadership, and justice under law, including the U.S. District Court and California Superior Court, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and in private practice. If confirmed, Judge Koh will become the first Korean American woman and the third Asian American woman to serve on a federal appeals court.

"Earlier this year, APABA proudly voted to endorse Judge Koh's nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals. 

"We thank President Biden and his Administration for the ongoing commitment to diversifying the federal government to reflect the vibrant diversity of our nation today.

"APABA congratulates Judge Koh on her nomination. We look forward to supporting her through the confirmation process and her continued leadership for the federal judiciary. 

APABA Statement on the Confirmation of Julie Su as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor

Contact:  Arnold Lee, arnoldlee.apaba@gmail.com

Los Angeles County, CA - Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) President Arnold Lee issued the following statement on the confirmation of Julie Su as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor:

"On behalf of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County, we congratulate Los Angeles County's own Ms. Julie Su, Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, on her confirmation by the U.S. Senate as the Deputy Secretary for the U.S. Department of Labor.

"Ms. Su has been on the forefront of protecting workers' rights with a decades-long extraordinary career in fighting against workplace discrimination and unfair labor practices as California Labor Secretary, California Labor Commissioner, and as a civil rights attorney at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (formerly Asian Pacific American Legal Center). She is well-prepared to help move our nation forward in the Biden-Harris Administration.

"APABA honored Ms. Su in 2011 with its Public Service Award and in 2020 with its Trailblazer Award, both for her exceptional work in standing up for workers' rights and civil rights. Ms. Su continues to blaze the trail as the first Asian American woman to serve her new position.

"We look forward to Ms. Su's leadership in the U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of all Americans."

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