News

  • Tuesday, January 24, 2023 1:03 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


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

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

    The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA), California Asian Pacific American Bar Association (Cal-APABA), National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Alliance (APAWLA), Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado, Japanese American Bar Association (JABA), Korean American Bar Association of Southern California (KABA), South Asian Bar Association of Southern California (SABA), Southern California Chinese Lawyers Association (SCCLA), Thai American Bar Association (TABA), and Vietnamese American Bar Association of Southern California (VABASC), join together to mourn the lives lost, help the people injured, and support a community as it recovers from tragedy. On the eve of Lunar New Year on January 21, 2023, during a time of celebration, a shooter opened fire on members of our community in Monterey Park, resulting in the murder of eleven people and injuring many more.

    “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.

    If you have information relating to the ongoing investigation, please call the Los Angeles Sheriff Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5550.

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  • Wednesday, October 06, 2021 7:05 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    APABA APPLAUDS THE APPOINTMENT OF VIBHAV MITTAL AS JUDGE OF THE ORANGE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT

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

    Los Angeles, CA - The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) applauds the historical appointment of Vibhav Mittal as Judge of the Orange County Superior Court.  Mittal is the first South Asian American judge in Orange County.  

    "Judge Mittal's impressive career includes serving as Deputy Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, in the Santa Ana Branch, working as an associate attorney at Quinn Emmanuel, and a law clerk for the Honorable Amul Thapar, the first U.S. federal judge of South Asian descent.

    "Judge Mittal's commitment to the community and to public service makes him an invaluable addition to the courts.  The appointment of Judge Mittal demonstrates Governor Newsom's ongoing commitment in diversifying the bench that reflects our diverse community.  APABA congratulates Judge Mittal on his well-deserved appointment."

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  • Wednesday, September 08, 2021 12:16 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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. 

    Click here to view the White House statement on the President's judicial nominees announced this week.

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  • Tuesday, July 13, 2021 5:04 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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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  • Friday, July 02, 2021 12:51 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    APABA Statement on the Nomination of Jennifer Sung 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 Jennifer Sung 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 for nominating Oregon Employment Relations Board Member Jennifer Sung to serve as Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

    "Ms. Sung possesses a wealth of legal experience in public service and private practice. Her nomination to the federal judiciary demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration's ongoing prioritized commitment in diversifying the federal bench that reflects America today. APABA congratulates Ms. Sung on her well-deserved nomination and looks forward to her leadership in public service at the federal level."

    Click here to view the White House statement on the President's judicial nominees announced this week.

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  • Friday, May 28, 2021 3:17 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    APABA Statement on the White House Initiative and the Presidential Advisory Commission on AANHPI

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

    Los Angeles, CA - The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) released the following statement on the White House Initiative and Presidential Advisory Commission on AANHPI. 

    "The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) applauds President Biden's continued commitment to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in establishing the White House Initiative on AANHPIs and establishing a renewed Presidential Advisory Commission on AANHPIs by executive order today, putting in place a pivotal effort to coordinate a comprehensive approach across the federal government to advance inclusion, justice, and equity for the AANHPI communities.

    APABA congratulates the appointment of Krystal Ka'ai as the Executive Director of the Initiative and the Commission. Ka'ai, the longtime Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Executive Director, will bring extensive experience of advocating for the AANHPI communities to the important role.

    Today's executive order closes a historic AANHPI Heritage Month at a critical juncture for the AANHPI community as our neighborhoods across the nation continue working against hate, discrimination, and bigotry directed toward AANHPIs. APABA will continue its partnership alongside them in promoting justice for the AANHPI communities."


  • Thursday, May 20, 2021 4:14 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    APABA Statement on the Signing of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act

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

    Los Angeles, CA - The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA) released the following statement on the President's signing of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act:

    "APABA applauds President Joe Biden for signing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law, a major step toward combating the ongoing racism, bigotry, and discrimination against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. APABA thanks the leadership of key Senators, Representatives, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus who steered the effort in introducing and passing the legislation.

    "The legislation, now law, requires the U.S. Department of Justice to expand public education on hate crime awareness, provide in-language guidance, and dedicate personnel to expedite pandemic hate crime review. It provides grant funding for state-level anti-hate crime programs. It also incorporates the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act on hate crime data tracking.

    "As we recover from an era of deep divide in our nation, the overwhelming bipartisan support of this pivotal legislation speaks to one thing: we are united against hate. As the President said, 'Hate can be given no safe harbor in America.' APABA looks forward to seeing the law in action in the continuing efforts to heal the nation."


  • Sunday, May 02, 2021 8:43 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    APABA Celebrates Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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

    Los Angeles, CA - This month, we celebrate the rich history and achievements of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). The AANHPI community embodies the vibrant diversity that is the strength of America. Its myriad contributions and successes are integral to the development of our nation and are deeply rooted in American history. This year, we celebrate historic firsts: the election of California’s Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States, the first person of South Asian descent to hold the office; and the historic appointment of Rob Bonta as California Attorney General, the first person of Filipino descent to hold the office.

    Yet, as we celebrate these successes and achievements, the AANHPI community continues to face significant challenges rooted in anti-Asian sentiment, from the Chinese Exclusion Act, to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, to the murder of Detroit autoworker Vincent Chin over 35 years ago, to the increase in violence against Sikh Americans following 9/11, to the current appalling rise in hate crimes and incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) in California and across the nation.

    APABA commends President Joe Biden's signing of the Memorandum condemning and combating racism against AAPIs in the United States and his commitment in establishing a taskforce to tackle COVID-related xenophobia in his Address to a Joint Session of Congress as major first steps in addressing this issue. We urge President Biden and our leaders to continue to work swiftly to fight discrimination against the AAPI community and further promote inclusion and equity in our communities.

    As we commemorate the AANHPI Heritage Month, APABA will continue to advance justice and equity for all.


  • Thursday, April 22, 2021 4:52 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    APABA Applauds the United States Senate for Passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act 

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

    Los Angeles, CA - The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County ("APABA") joins President Biden in applauding the United States Senate and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus for passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act. As President Biden said, "Acts of hate against Asian Americans are wrong, un-American, and must stop."  

    APABA urges the United States House of Representatives to swiftly pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act for President Biden's signature.


  • Thursday, April 22, 2021 1:16 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    APABA Congratulates Assemblymember Rob Bonta on His Confirmation as California Attorney General

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

    Los Angeles, CA- The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County ("APABA") celebrates the California Legislature's historic confirmation of Assemblymember Rob Bonta as Attorney General, the first Filipino American to serve in this position. APABA is honored to have supported Mr. Bonta in the appointment process.

    APABA applauds Governor Gavin Newsom for his appointment of Mr. Bonta, an advocate of sensible criminal justice reform, whose experience and perspective will be invaluable in leading the Department of Justice. APABA looks forward to Attorney General Bonta’s continued leadership in protecting the most vulnerable and underserved communities, serving as a voice for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, and standing up for all Californians.


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