Hey MNAPABA Members,

Ready to dink and dive into some pickleball fun? Join us for our very first MNAPABA Pickleball & Social event on Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Minneapolis Cider Company.

Whether you're a seasoned pickleball pro or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome! We'll have experienced players available to guide beginners through the basics. So, even if you’ve never picked up a paddle or don’t have one, come ready to learn and have a great time. We encourage you to bring your friends and family along!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, December 14th

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Location: Minneapolis Cider Company, 701 SE 9th St, Minneapolis, MN 55414

RSVP by December 12 on MNAPABA.org.  Let’s make this a pickleball party to remember!

If you’re interested in volunteering as a coach for this event, please reach out to Mingli Wu at mingli.wu.cn@gmail.com. MNAPABA has reserved and is covering the costs for the Back Courts and Lounge for this event. Attendees will be responsible for their own food and drinks.

We can't wait to see you there!

Join us for a frosty weekend of fun, connection, and relaxation at the picturesque Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake, Brainerd, Minnesota.

Date: Friday, January 17 - Sunday, January 19, 2025 Location: Cragun's Resort, 11000 Craguns Drive, Brainerd, Minnesota 56401

What to Expect: Get ready for cozy gatherings with fellow MNAPABA members and exciting winter activities like snowshoeing and dog sledding. You'll have plenty of time to relax and recharge your batteries, as well as network with attorneys and law students in a family-friendly environment. This retreat offers the perfect blend of professional connections and winter wonderland fun!

Registration Fees: Attorneys: $150

Law Students or Children: $50

⚠️ Space is limited! Register early to secure your spot. ⚠️

If the event is full when you register, don't worry! We'll add you to our waitlist, and you'll be notified if a spot becomes available.

What to Bring: Pack your favorite snacks and beverages to share, warm and comfy clothes for indoor relaxation, and outdoor gear for winter activities. And don't forget to bring your best stories and brightest smiles – they're essential for making this retreat memorable!

Questions or Accommodations? Please reach out to Elvis Kim at ekim@carlsoncaspers.com or Sheila Niaz at sheila.niaz@nortonrosefulbright.com

Don't miss this chance to create lasting memories with the MNAPABA community. Register now and let's make this 21st Annual Winter Retreat the best one yet! ❄️ ️

A huge thank you to Anna Min for photographing and videographing this years Gala! Her incredible photos are available for viewing at the link here.

Congratulations to Daniel Le who was elected as Chair of the Board of Public Defense, the first Asian American and person of color to lead the Board of Public Defense in its history of serving our State!

Dan arrived in the United States with his family in 1975 as refugees from the Vietnam war arriving in Minnesota in 1976. He learned English by watching Sesame Street and since childhood, has assisted family, friends and others to bridge language, cultural and justice gaps. Dan became a naturalized citizen in 1980 and later graduated from the U of M with a B.S. in Applied Economics and received his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law.

Dan has accumulated over 26 years of legal experience in state and federal transactional and litigation areas on behalf of individuals and businesses from the rich cultural and socio-economic backgrounds in Minnesota. Dan currently serves as General Counsel of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, a trade association for credit unions. His practice experience included being a legal aid attorney at Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS), a community prosecutor for St. Paul and private practice in business and corporate law, real estate, employment, non-profit law, immigration, and criminal defense. 

Dan has resided in South Minneapolis for the past 24 years and he currently serves as a member on the Board of Mixed Blood Theater and a former Director for the Vietnamese Community of Minnesota nonprofit. Dan has also served as Treasurer of the Ramsey County Bar Association from 2003-2007 and was a MSBA Delegate to General Assembly.     

On Wednesday, August 14, several of our members reconnected over a delicious meal at Sole Cafe in St. Paul! Thanks to all who came out!!

We look forward to all next sharing a meal together at the annual Gala on September 5!!

We had a great time celebrating and honoring our colleagues on the bench, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new friends at this year's MNAPABA Judges Reception! We look forward to another year of continuing to support, develop, and promote our members who are on the bench and those who are seeking to join the bench!

MNAPABA members had a wonderful time reconnecting and bonding at the Annual Summer Pool Party & School Supply Drive, hosted by Amy Xu and Mike Schumann! Thank you Amy and Mike for your hospitality and for once again hosting this fun-filled event!

The MNAPABA Executive Board is currently accepting nominations for this year's Member Awards, which will be presented at the 2024 MNAPABA Gala on September 5. Criteria for each award is below:

• Trailblazer Award: Given to a MNAPABA member who has forged new paths in his/her career and has worked to pave the way for other Asian Pacific Americans to succeed.
• Leadership Award: Given to a MNAPABA member who has exemplified outstanding leadership in MNAPABA and the legal community in 2024.
• Member of the Year Award: Given to a MNAPABA member who has made significant contributions to the organization in 2024.