Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association

News

  • Tue, March 07, 2017 11:40 AM | Anonymous

    On February 22, 24 lawyers and 8 law student volunteers gathered at the Hmong American Partnership in East St. Paul to serve the community at a Legal Advice Day. MNAPABA Outreach Committee member Summra Shariff organized the event in partnership with the Volunteer Lawyers Network, Hmong American Bar Association and the Hmong American Partnership. A diverse group of clients received help on a variety of legal issues, including immigration, criminal, housing, civil, and family law matters. At the clinic, clients received help drafting pleadings, immigration forms, and accessing other legal resources. In addition, interpreters were on hand to makes sure all clients understood the advice provided.

    Prior to the Legal Advice Day, all volunteers participated in a training at Robins Kaplan LLP. Moving forward, we hope to establish a regular monthly clinic to provide much needed legal services in east St. Paul, an area where there are few affordable legal resources and many people who need help.

    MNAPABA member Victor Chan advises a client at the Legal Advice Day on February 22, 2017

  • Tue, March 07, 2017 11:22 AM | Anonymous

    Thank you to all who attended the Annual Winter Retreat. Special thanks to Judge Peter Reyes for leading a career workshop and his continued support of MNAPABA.

    Below are some photos of the event courtesy of Yi-Chao Chang.









  • Thu, March 02, 2017 9:45 AM | Benjamin Kwan

    Concluding February with reflections on service, community, and a vibrant lineup of upcoming events

    February may be the shortest month measured in days--but let it be known that this month comes to a close having seen active participation from all corners of our Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association membership.

    From Lunar New Year dim sum to our annual Winter Retreat to serving a couple dozen clients in need at our Legal Advice Day in St. Paul, MNAPABA members and friends came out in force to celebrate our community and serve. 

    February was also a month the APA community took stock of of where we've been and how far we still have to go (and help others go, frankly).  On February 19, many of us took pause to note the 75th anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. As we all know, the order authorized the evacuation of all persons deemed a purported "threat" to national security from the West Coast to relocation centers further inland. In the next 6 months, over 100,000 men, women, and children of Japanese ancestry were moved to assembly centers. They were then evacuated to and confined in isolated, fenced, and guarded relocation centers, known as internment camps. Fox 9 did a story on the commemoration of the historic anniversary at the Minnesota History Center that aired on the 19th and featured survivors of the incarceration camps (full disclosure, that's my fiancé Ted Haller, journalist/lawyer reporting--let's say I'm glad I talked this up a lot at the dinner table). 

    There's a recap of our February events below, but before we dwell too much on the past, I'd like to highlight another action-packed month ahead that I hope each and everyone of you will join us for.

    Judges & Craft Beer - A New Twist on Our Annual Judges Reception (Next Tuesday!)

    The number eight is really great, isn't it? If you're familiar with Chinese customs--you know the number eight carries a lot of lucky significance.  Eight also happens to be the number of active and senior MNAPABA Asian Pacific American judges we can now celebrate in the State of Minnesota.  Eight!  We're only about half way to full demographic representation, but we're making progress as an APA community.

    Please join MNAPABA on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate our APA state and federal judicial officers at this year's annual Judges Reception. This year, our "host" judge is the Hon. Tony Atwal, Ramsey County District Judge. Gov. Mark Dayton appointed Judge Atwal to the bench last May.

    Instead of congregating in chambers this year, we are taking the Judges' Reception out into the community. Next Tuesday, join us at the Boom Island Brewing Company in Northeast Minneapolis where we'll also get to celebrate an APA-owned business. The Belgian-styled brewery is co-owend by Qiuxia Welch, who supervises the business and marketing side of things along with her brewer husband, Kevin. Even Qiuxia’s parents played a critical role in the business, leaving their home in Chengdu, China, to help construct the brewery and fill in as needed during the company's early years. Both Qiuxia and Judge Atwal will both have remarks for us about their journeys to places few APAs have gone before.

    Don't forget to RSVP so we have enough provisions--light appetizers provided by MNAPABA. 

    Affinity Bar Job Symposium: This Summer & Beyond

    If you've ever talked to longtime friend and sponsor of MNAPABA, Jerry Blackwell, about the work we do in the diversity bar you've probably heard him talk about B-HAGs -- Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals. 

    Five affinity bars got together after the first of the year and came up with a BHAG (bee-HAG) to serve our Twin Cities law students -- the Affinity Bar Jobs Symposium: This Summer & Beyond on March 21, 2017 at Dorsey & Whitney.

    Registration is nearly full--so employers and students who want to participate should register as soon as possible

    We set out to create an event that would answer student questions at a critical time before spring finals and with about two months until summer--we want to bring our diverse law students into one room and demystify the legal hiring process across the profession and for students at each level. The event will include a one-hour panel/Q&A with attorneys with job-seeking tips from all corners of the profession followed by an "organized but informal" networking session where legal employers will assume mapped-out stations in the room and students will get the opportunity to traverse the space. They'll be encouraged to work the room and learn about new areas of practice and meet hiring reps and lawyers from areas where they know they have interest. 

    I'm particularly excited about this event and thankful for our very own Aalok Sharma, VP of Membership, for taking the lead on planning this B-HAG along with representatives from MABL, MHBA, MLBA, and MWL. Thanks, Aalok, and thanks to Dorsey & Whitney for hosting what looks to be a full-house on the 21st!

    Our Second (of Many More to Come) Legal Advice Day is a Huge Success

    Last Wednesday, more than two dozen lawyers and law student intake volunteers gathered at the Hmong American Partnership on Arcade Street in St. Paul to serve the community in our second-ever MNAPABA/HABA/VLN Legal Advice Day.

    All together, we served some 29 clients on issues including immigration, criminal, housing, civil, and family law matters. (Right: MNAPABA member Victor Chan advises a client at the Legal Advice Day on February 22, 2017)

    It was quite something to hear some of our clients' stories and address their needs--from the dire to just a basic desire to understand their legal rights and obligations. It was also amazing to see the diversity of participation from among our membership and friends--from the newest law students to the general counsel of a Fortune 100 company, it wasn't about us. Our clients looked at us all the same, with appreciation.

    Very special thanks to Summra Shariff of Robins Kaplan LLP for coordinating the clinic along with Volunteer Lawyers Network, the Hmong American Bar Association, and the Hmong American Partnership. Summra is MNAPABA's former VP of Outreach and coordinates her law firm's pro bono efforts. We appreciate Robins Kaplan's support of this effort including all that the firm did to host our clinic training day. 

    Our Legal Advice Day was so smoothly run that its organizers plan to bring it back to HAP on a periodic basis--perhaps for a few hours one day a month. Be on the lookout for details in an upcoming newsletter. 

    The Winter Retreat Fosters MNAPABA Relationships Amongst the Pines

    About 25 members took part in this year's Winter Retreat in Deerwood, Minnesota, the weekend of February 10th. Law students and practitioners gathered for a fun weekend away from the Twin Cities. 

    We'd like to thank the Hon. Peter Reyes of the Minnesota Court of Appeals for joining us at the retreat and presenting a seminar on the importance of personal and career planning. Thank you, Judge Reyes for being a tremendous MNAPABA members, supporter, and "honorary Asian." 

    ***

    That'll do it for this edition of the President's Newsletter. Here are some other bar and community events you don't want to miss:

    Always check our homepage at mnapaba.org where we post our events, other bar and community events, and recent news. 


  • Tue, February 07, 2017 11:46 AM | Anonymous

    In this month's newsletter: volunteer opportunities, the winter retreat, API day at the capitol, MHBA gala, and more...


    Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association

    Image result for twitter @mnapaba |  page | Image result for linkedin group

    Monthly Newsletter | February 2017

    Recent Happenings

    The Executive Board met on January 10. The board discussed updates on judicial endorsements, the summer fellowship program, attending API day at the capitol, efforts to increase diversity in selecting judiciary candidates and in the legal profession, and more planning for upcoming events in 2017.

    In the past month, you may have seen MNAPABA at these community events:

    This month's newsletter is longer than past editions, here is a brief preview of its contents:

    1. Volunteer at Legal Advice Day (Feb. 22)

    2. Volunteer for Open Doors to Federal Courts

    3. Member Spotlight: Fue L. Thao

    4. Annual Winter Retreat - sold out!

    5. Law Students: Apply for an immediate NAPALSA leadership position 

    6. Experienced Attorneys: Sign up for the NAPABA Leadership Workshop (May 24) 

    7. Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association Gala (Mar. 2) 

    8. API Day at the Capitol (Feb. 8)

    9. MNAPABA Member News - new partners!

    Volunteer at Legal Advice Day (Feb. 22)

    Please volunteer your services at our pro bono Legal Advice Day clinic on February 22 to help refugees and immigrants access much needed legal services. 

    We are conducting this clinic at the Hmong American Partnership, which helps diverse people, including Hmong, Karen, Somali and Latino populations. With help from you and our colleagues at the Hmong American Bar Association and Volunteer Lawyers Network, I hope we can offer assistance to people who need it the most, especially during a time where there’s considerable uncertainty and fear in immigrant communities. Clients will be coming to the clinic seeking help in a variety of areas, including housing, immigration, small business issues, family law, criminal defense, general civil matters, etc. 

    All volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend the training on February 14, where we will cover basic information about the populations you’ll be helping and the general clinic process. If you’re unable to attend in person, teleconferencing is available. The training will also be videotaped.

    Your help is needed. Please sign up today.

    Thank you,
    Summra Shariff





    Volunteer for Open Doors to Federal Courts

    The United States District Court—District of Minnesota's Open Doors to Federal Courts program is an annual program that encourages young people from rural and inner city areas to pursue careers in the justice system. The program usually features a mock trial and a career showcase.

    Help show students how the judicial system works, and ask some questions about "Equal Justice Under Law" and talk about how laws can get changed and how systems can get changed....or how they can continue on the same path....

    We have TWO mock trial scenarios in which the volunteer attorneys (you) may choose from, to present to the students; one is a civil scenario, and one is a criminal scenario. We will be holding two training sessions - the training sessions will be identical, just two separate offerings of dates; March 16, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. and March 21, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. They will be held at the U.S. District Court house in the jury assembly room. At the training session, you will receive training on cultural competence and working with youth in an engaging and meaningful way. CLE credit -Elimination of Bias is being applied for. 

    More details are forthcoming.

    D. Minn. Community Outreach Page


    Member Spotlight

    Each month, we are highlighting one of our members. This is part of an ongoing effort to help MNAPABA members get-to-know one another. Read below about...

    Fue L. Thao

    Assistant Ramsey County Attorney
    Hamline University School of Law


    Professional Experiences

    Fue is an Assistant Ramsey County Attorney working in the Child Support Unit of the Human Services Division.  He has been with the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office since 2013.  Fue is a graduate of Hamline University School of Law, and before he joined the RCAO, was a law clerk to the Hon. Gail Chang Bohr.

    Community Leadership

    Fue is the current president of the Hmong American Bar Association, and is the 2017 St. Paul Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year Award recipient. Fue is also on the board of Urban Boatbuilders, a nonprofit organization promoting youth development through the building and use of boats. 

    Relationship with MNAPABA

    Fue credits NAPABA, the National Asian Law Students Association (NAPALSA) and MNAPABA with expanding his network, most notably introducing him to his wife, fellow member Maisue Xiong, whom he met at the national NAPALSA convention in Boston in 2009.

    (Special thanks to Melitta Dreschler for preparing this month's Member Spotlight.)


    Annual Winter Retreat - Sold Out!


    Law Students: Apply for an immediate NAPALSA leadership position 

    NAPALSA is looking for a student in the Midwest region to fill the Midwest Regional Director position on this year's NAPALSA Board. I was hoping that you may be able to reach out to any students, or the schools in Minnesota, and announce the open position.

    Regional Directors are responsible for recruitment, outreach, and support of local NAPALSA Affiliates and Members. The Regional Director of each region is responsible for actively contacting every APALSA in his/her region and encouraging each APALSA to affiliate formally with NAPALSA.

    Contact NAPALSA President Ali Hakusui if interested. 

    www.napalsa.com


    Experienced Attorneys: Sign up for the NAPABA Leadership Workshop (May 24) 

    May 24, 2017 | Washington, D.C.

    Directly following Lobby Day, NAPABA is offering lawyers — whether in-house, law firm, government, public interest, or academia — a day-long leadership training program on May 24, 2017, in Washington, D.C.

    Registration Requirements: All direct NAPABA members with 5-10+ years of experience are invited to participate at a special rate of $200. The first 30 applicants who register by the deadline of April 12, 2017, at 5 p.m. EDT, or until the workshop is at capacity, will be accepted into this special pilot program. 

    Click here for complete workshop information and to register.


    Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association Gala (Mar. 2) 

    The Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association invites its members and friends to join it in celebrating the Twelfth Annual MHBA Gala! This year, Sonia Nazario, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author of Enrique’s Journey, joins us as our keynote speaker for the MHBA Gala!

    In addition, the MHBA is pleased to award the 2017 Manuel Guerrero Courage in Leadership Award to the Honorable Ann D. Montgomery, Sr. U.S. District Judge, District of Minnesota.

    Finally, the MHBA Gala will feature live music from salsa band Tropical Zone Orchestra!

    Register here.


    API Day at the Capitol (Feb. 8)

    The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, a MN state agency, invites you to join them at this year’s “API Day at the Capitol” on Wednesday, February 8th, 2017, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. 

    The Council aims to send a clear message to our policy makers that the Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities have come of age, and that we are ready to assist them in their ongoing endeavor to create public policies that are equitable and broadly impactful.

    To attend this year’s API Day at the Capitol is as successful as possible, please register at: EventBrite Registration Link.


    MNAPABA Member News!

    Bryan Wong has been elected to be the new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner at HSML - the first Chinese American attorney to take on this leadership role. (bio)

    Rong (Christine) Yangpatent attorney and attorney at law, has been elevated to partner at HSML. (bio)

    Alexander Kimpatent attorney and attorney at law, has been elevated to partner at HSML(bio)

    Amol Kavathekarpatent attorney and attorney at law, has been elevated to partner at HSML. (bio)

    Masako Yoshida, patent attorney and attorney at law, has been elevated to partner at HSML. (bio)


    ---


    Share Member Professional/Personal News
    in next month's newsletter (here)
    By Friday, March 3, 2017.


    Questions about the Newsletter?
    Contact Vincent Pham

    Jobs, Clerkships & Scholarships

    New opportunities are posted weekly on the Members-Only Job Board. Login to browse and see details.

    21 postings added since the last newsletter:

    Student Board Member - Midwest Regional Director | NAPALSA

    1L Summer Associate | Lindquist & Vennum LLP (Minneapolis, MN)

    Diversity in Law Scholarship | Zelle LLP

    Committee Member | MN Supreme Court No-Fault Arbitration Standing Committee (Saint Paul, MN)

    Supervising Attorney - Housing Discrimination Law Project | Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Minneapolis, MN)

    Judgeship | MN Court of Appeals (Eighth Congressional District of Minnesota)

    Tax, Trusts & Estates Division Staff Attorney | Stinson Leonard Street (Minneapolis, MN)

    Staff Attorney - Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Campus Project | Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Minneapolis & St. Cloud, MN)

    Construction Law Associate | Stinson Leonard Street (Minneapolis, MN)

    MN Court of Appeals | Minnesota Judicial Branch (Saint Paul, MN)

    MN Supreme Court Law Clerk | Minnesota Judicial Branch (Saint Paul, MN)

    Assistant Director of Academic Excellence | Mitchell Hamline School of Law (Saint Paul, MN)

    Admissions Counselor | Mitchell Hamline School of Law (Saint Paul, MN)

    Board Member | Minnesota Lawyers Professional Responsbility Board (Saint Paul, MN)

    Compliance Officer | Minnesota Department of Human Services (Anoka, MN)

    Transactional Attorney | Stinson Leonard Street (Mankato, MN)

    Half-Time Legal Assistant | Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Minneapolis, MN)

    Client Services/Intake - Full-Time or Part-Time | Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Minneapolis, MN)

    Executive Director | Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Minneapolis, MN)

    Counsel 1 (Higher Education/Local Government/Veterans Affairs) | Minnesota Senate (Saint Paul, MN)

    Assistant Attorney/Associate Attorney | Olmsted County (Rochester, MN)


    ---

    Upcoming Events

    Winter Retreat (sold out)
    Woodland Beach Resort
    Fri to Sun, Feb. 10-12

    Executive Board Meeting (register)
    Minneapolis - TBD
    Wednesday, Feb. 15
    6:00 p.m.

    Legal Advice Day Clinic (register)
    Hmong American Partnership
    Wednesday, Feb. 22

    Training at Robins Kaplan
    Tuesday, Feb. 14
    12-2 p.m.

    Judges Reception (rsvp)
    Boom Island Brewing MPLS
    Tuesday, Mar. 7
    5:30 p.m.

    Affinity Bar Jobs Symposium
    Dorsey & Whitney MPLS
    Tuesday, Mar. 21
    (details forthcoming)

    MNAPABA MINGLE
    The Loop @ West End SLP
    Thursday, Mar. 23
    5:30 p.m.


    ---

    Local Bar & Community

    API Day at the Capitol (link)
    Minnesota Capitol STP
    Wednesday, Feb. 8
    10:00 a.m.

    Transgender Rights CLE (register)
    Dorsey & Whitney MPLS
    Wednesday, Feb. 8
    3:00 p.m. Panel
    5:00 p.m. Social Hour

    MHBA Gala (link)
    Loews Hotel MPLS
    Thursday, Mar. 2
    6:00 p.m.

    Open Doors Training
    U.S. District Court House - Jury Assembly Room MPLS
    Mar 16 or 21
    5:30 p.m.
    (details forthcoming)


    Copyright © 2016-17 Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association. All rights reserved.


  • Tue, February 07, 2017 12:41 AM | Anonymous

    Over 25 members, friends, and family of MNAPABA celebrated the Lunar New Year at Mandarin Kitchen on Saturday, January 28.


  • Tue, January 31, 2017 10:25 AM | Anonymous

    Dear MNAPABA Members & Friends:

    I am asking you to volunteer your services at our pro bono Legal Advice Day clinic on February 22 to help refugees and immigrants access much needed legal services. 

    We are conducting this clinic at the Hmong American Partnership, which helps diverse people, including Hmong, Karen, Somali and Latino populations. With help from you and our colleagues at the Hmong American Bar Association and Volunteer Lawyers Network, I hope we can offer assistance to people who need it the most, especially during a time where there’s considerable uncertainty and fear in immigrant communities. Clients will be coming to the clinic seeking help in a variety of areas, including housing, immigration, small business issues, family law, criminal defense, general civil matters, etc. 

    All volunteers are strongly encouraged to attend the training on February 14, where we will cover basic information about the populations you’ll be helping and the general clinic process. If you’re unable to attend in person, teleconferencing is available. The training will also be videotaped.

    Your help is needed. Please sign up today.

    Thank you,
    Summra Shariff

    Sign-up here on the MNAPABA website or email Summra at sshariff@robinskaplan.com.


  • Tue, January 17, 2017 7:15 AM | Benjamin Kwan

    Happy New Year! MNAPABA Has Much in Store for 2017

    From the entire Executive Board of the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association, I'd like to wish you a happy new year--we hope that 2017 is off to a strong and meaningful start.

    Constantly, we are reminded of how important our work remains some 30 years after our founding. Many of you likely saw the Associated Press article republished by the Star Tribune on Sunday pointing out something many of see everyday: the dearth of APAs in top legal jobs nationwide. We're lucky to have a few great exceptions here in Minnesota, but they shouldn't distract anyone from the lack of progress APAs face overall, especially on making equity partner in large private law firms. Our three-year plan includes a commitment to career advancement and fixing this and other inequities in the profession. We welcome your suggestions on programming and on engaging the stakeholders locally who can make sure APA attorneys have the relationships they need to thrive in Minnesota.

    Your board has a lot planned for the coming months--with even more in the works aimed at deepening our professional and personal relationships and enriching the profession. Be on the lookout for news about March summer job symposium for students (after spring break) in collaboration with other affinity bars as well as our annual judges' reception (pencil in March 7, Judge Tony Atwal is our host this year!).

    This week, consider attending the Federal Bar Association's Diversity Bar Meet & Greet | Federal Bar Association (MN) on Thursday 1/19 in Minneapolis. Next week, check out MNAPABA's own happy hour, MNAPABA MINGLE on Thursday 1/26 organized by VP of Membership Aalok Sharma and membership committee member Shaura Bagchi at the NEWSROOM in Minneapolis.

    I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight a few of our upcoming offerings and to review a few of the events and initiatives MNAPABA has been a part of since I last wrote. 

    Can't Miss Opportunity: MNAPABA's Winter Retreat-Where Some of our Most Enduring Friendships Begin (Feb. 10-12)

    I can trace many of my deepest relationships in MNAPABA back to the winter retreat as a law student, where I first met people like Veena Iyer. Veena, for example, later recruited me to the board in my first year of practice and here I am today. MNAPABA started the retreat years ago in part to introduce non-Minnesotans and non-northerners to the beauty of a Minnesota winter. I think that what some of them found was the beauty of a Minnesota winter includes hunkering down inside, in close quarters where friendships can blossom. 

    We'd love for you to consider attending this year's Winter Retreat the weekend of February 10-12 in Deerwood, Minnesota--it's about a two hour drive north of the Twin Cities. We have limited spots available for attorneys and law students--families are welcome. REGISTER TODAY because... 

    ...I am thrilled to announce that the Hon. Peter Reyes of the Minnesota Court of Appeals has graciously offered to attend this winter's retreat. Judge Reyes will be leading a Saturday afternoon workshop titled "Planning for Your Own Success." The intimate setting at the retreat will be the perfect opportunity to reflect on your career, bounce ideas off of friends and peers in a confidential setting, and start developing your own plan with the help of a phenomenal mentor--Judge Reyes--who has helped countless individuals and organizations through strategic planning (including MNAPABA) over the last decade-plus. Judge Reyes will share his own plans that have helped him keep on track through many seasons of his legal career (private firm practice to in-house for a dozen years and back out to a private firm with a book of business to build to the Court of Appeals!). 

    We plan to arrive on Friday evening--dinner is provided after your drive up (donated by my dad of Red Moon Chinese Cafe in Eden Prairie, and me). Weather-permitting, Saturday will include outdoor activities and Judge Reyes' personal planning workshop. On Sunday evening, participants will all contribute to our annual winter retreat "potluck." 

    A New Year's Resolution--A Recommitment to Service--Sign up for our Legal Advice Clinic 

    As I discussed at the gala last fall, my goal this year is to create new opportunities for MNAPABA lawyers and law students to serve our greater community.

    Please sign up for the next such opportunity: our MNAPABA Legal Advice Clinic on February 22, 2017. Training is going to take place on February 14 or 15 -- news to come.  If you would like to assist in partnership with the Hmong American Partnership and the Hmong American Bar Association, please email Summra Shariff.

    For those of you who have been and remain committed to service within the profession, don't forget to log your pro bono hours with the MSBA's North Star Lawyers program--MNAPABA would love to see your names on the annual list of those who give back through pro bono service.

    Now is the time for all MSBA members who meet the program requirements to certify their 2016 pro bono service, including members who previously participated in the program. Please don't delay – the deadline for submitting your information is February 28, 2017. Full program information and the certification form can be found on the North Star Lawyers website at: http://www.mnbar.org/NorthStar/

    MNAPABA Working to Engage with Stakeholders on Minnesota's Upcoming Article III Appointments

    Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) announced the formation of a judicial selection committee to review candidates and make recommendations to President-elect Trump to fill two vacancies on Minnesota’s federal district court.

    MNAPABA leaders are currently engaged with various stakeholders including the co-chairs of the Rep. Paulsen committee and leaders from the affinity bar community to continue to advocate for a federal bench that reflects Minnesota's changing demographics. Last week MNAPABA's board voted to sign onto a letter with other affinity bars supporting the same. 

    Those wishing to be considered for the positions of Judge,U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota should submit a letter of interest and resume between Monday, January 9, 2017 and Wednesday, January 25,2017 to: 250 Prairie Center Drive, Suite 230, Eden Prairie, MN 55344. Materials may also be emailed to the Committee at mndistrictcourt@mail.house.gov. References will be requested at a later date during the interview process.

    MNAPABA endorses highly qualified candidates for judicial office who meet our organization's endorsement criteria and participate in our vetting and interview process. Information on seeking our endorsement is located on our website.

    Gov. Dayton Announces Court of Appeals Vacancy

    Likewise, MNAPABA is seeking candidates to support for a new vacancy recently announced by Governor Mark Dayton on the Minnesota Court of Appeals.  No Asian Pacific American has ever served on Minnesota's second-highest court. 

    Governor Mark Dayton announced the commencement of a process to fill an upcoming Eighth Congressional District vacancy on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. This vacancy will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Lawrence B. Stauber at the end of May.

    The application process is now open for this vacancy. Only persons who have resided in the Eighth Congressional District for at least one year shall be eligible. An individual wishing to apply may request an application by contacting Lidya Makonnen, Appointments Coordinator, via email at lidya.makonnen@state.mn.us. Application materials are due by close of business on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. Interviews are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 in Duluth.

    MNAPABA Advocacy on Sentencing Reform Issues

    MNAPABA took the lead last month on authoring a letter to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission on the issue of drug sentencing reforms. Five other affinity bars co-signed the letter.  MNAPABA took the stance that sentencing for repeat drug offenders should apply less-onerous sentencing guidelines that are congruent with legislative amendments signed into law by Gov. Mark Dayton last year. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by the application of the old guidelines in calculating new sentences. 

    Unfortunately, the commission went the other way.  We will continue our advocacy on this front.  You may view our letter here.

    HCBA Event: 13th: From Slave to Criminal With One Amendment

    The HCBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee would like to invite you to a unique event entitled, 13th: From Slave to Criminal with One Amendment? A Movie and Popcorn… and a Meaningful Discussion of an Important Amendment.

    The event is taking place on Tuesday, Jan. 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. See the event flyer for more information

    * * * 

    Hope you've enjoyed this edition of the President's Newsletter -- until next time, lookout for your next set up updates in our February monthly newsletter--if you haven't seen our recent monthly newsletter, be on the lookout for them on the first Tuesday of the month. VP of Communications Vince Pham has done a phenomenal job making them easy-to-read and valuable sources of information for our members. Thanks Vince!


  • Tue, January 03, 2017 1:39 PM | Anonymous

    Happy New Year from MNAPABA | January 3, 2017


    Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association

    Image result for twitter @mnapaba |  page | Image result for linkedin group

    Monthly Newsletter | January 2017

    What's Happening

    The Executive Board met on December 12. The board discussed a position letter to the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, plans for the upcoming summer fellowship, and continued planning for upcoming events in 2017.

    In the past month, you may have seen MNAPABA at these events:

    • Affinity Bar Board Dinner (Dec 8 | Photos)
    • December Executive Board Meeting (Dec 12)


    Member Spotlight

    Each month, we are highlighting one of our members. This is part of an ongoing effort to help MNAPABA members get-to-know one another. Read below about...

    Reynaldo (“Reggie”) Aligada

    Office of the Federal Defender for the District of Minnesota

    Q: What is Reggie's practice?
    A: Reggie is an attorney in the Office of the Federal Defender for the District of Minnesota, located at the Federal Courthouse in downtown Minneapolis. He has worked there for the last ten years, representing in federal court those individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. Most of Reggie’s work involves trial practice, trying cases involving drugs, firearms, immigration, and child pornography. Most recently, Reggie represented Danny Heinrich, who confessed to the murder of Jacob Wetterling.

    Q: What does he enjoy about his work?
    A: Reggie finds it rewarding to work with individuals and help them in the worst situation of their lives.

    Q: What other experiences does Reggie have?
    A: Reggie was a law clerk to Judge Wilhelmina Wright and Judge Michael Davis, and then worked for two years as an associate at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi (now Robins Kaplan).

    Q: What keeps Reggie busy outside of work?
    A: Reggie is married and the father of two girls ages 3 and 5. He enjoys spending as much time with them as possible.

    Q: What does he think about MNAPABA?
    A: For Reggie, MNAPABA is a professional organization that meets his social needs as well as professional goals. It “feels like home.”

    (Special thanks to Melitta Dreschler for preparing this month's Member Spotlight.)


    Terry Louie Retires 

    Terry Louie is one of the founding members of MNAPABA. We join in congratulating him on his retirement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and we also celebrate his distinguished career in public service.


    Join the MNAPABA Fellowship Committee

    MNAPABA seeks volunteers for our Fellowship Committee. Volunteers will work with president-elect Melitta Dreschler to promote the MNAPABA Summer Law Fellowship and help with the selection process. The fellowship is awarded to a law student or recent law graduate who will serve the Minnesota Asian Pacific American community through public service at a summer internship. Please contact Melitta Drechsler to learn more and help out! (melitta.drechsler@co.ramsey.mn.us)


    API Day at the Capitol

    The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, a MN state agency, invites you to join them at this year’s “API Day at the Capitol” on Wednesday, February 8th, 2017, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. 

    The Council aims to send a clear message to our policy makers that the Asian Pacific Islander (API) communities have come of age, and that we are ready to assist them in their ongoing endeavor to create public policies that are equitable and broadly impactful.

    To attend this year’s API Day at the Capitol is as successful as possible, please register at: EventBrite Registration Link.


    FBA Diversity Committee - Happy Hour 

    The Diversity Committee of Minnesota's Federal Bar Association is hosting its third annual meet & greet for diverse members of the Minnesota legal community at Rare Steak & Sushi on Thursday, January 19 at 5:30 p.m. (link)




    Dim Sum? Yes, please.

    Join MNAPABA for Dim Sum to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Saturday, January 28. Arrive 5 mins before Mandarin Kitchen opens at 9:25 am and we will try to get seated together with whoever is there. Please expect to pay your own way for this event. (rsvp)



    Mingle with MNAPABA.

    The first MNAPABA mingle of 2017 will happen at The Newsroom on Thursday, January 26. See you at 5:30 p.m. (rsvp)




    Save the Date, Annual Winter Retreat (Feb.)



    ---


    Share Member Professional/Personal News
    in next month's newsletter (here)
    By Friday, February 3, 2017.

    Jobs, Clerkships & Scholarships

    New opportunities are posted weekly on the Members-Only Job Board. Login to browse and see details.

    19 postings have been added:

    Staff Attorney | Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Willmar, MN)

    Board Member | Minnesota Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board (Saint Paul, MN)

    Legislative Analyst/Attorney | MN House of Reps. Research Department (Saint Paul, MN)

    2017 Summer Internship Opportunities | NAPABA Law Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

    Staff Attorney | Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (Saint Paul, MN)

    Attorney (Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation) | Health Partners

    Attorney | Greene Espel (Minneapolis, MN)

    Study & Advocacy Tour at the United Nations in Geneva | The Advocates for Human Rights

    Legal Counsel | Dacare (Beijing, China)

    Staff Attorney - Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Campus Project | Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (St. Cloud, MN)

    Staff Attorney | Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (Willmar, MN)

    Partners and In-House Counsel Community Law Fellowship | NAPABA Law Foundation

    Underserved Communities Fellowship | NAPABA Law Foundation

    Summer Fellowship | NAPABA Law Foundation

    Outside attorneys and firms | Legal Services Panel for Ramsey County Attorney

    Staff Attorney - Family Law | Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) (Saint Paul, MN)

    Law Clerk - Part-time | Ramsey County Attorney's Office (Saint Paul, MN)

    Inspector General | Minnesota Department of Human Services (Saint Paul, MN)

    Assistant County Attorney 2 | Ramsey County (Saint Paul, MN)


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    Upcoming Events

    Executive Board Meeting (register)
    Halunen Law, IDS Center
    Tuesday, Jan. 10
    6:00 p.m.

    MNAPABA MINGLE (rsvp)

    The Newsroom MPLS
    Thursday, Jan. 26
    5:30 p.m.

    Dim Sum for Lunar New Year (rsvp)
    Mandarin Kitchen BLMGTN
    Saturday, Jan. 28
    9:25 a.m.
    (arrive 5 mins before opening and we will grab a table together!)


    ---

    Local Bar & Community

    FBA Diversity Bar Meet & Greet (link)
    Rare Steak & Sushi MPLS
    Thursday, Jan. 19
    5:30 p.m.

    API Day at the Capitol (link
    Minnesota Capitol STP
    Wednesday, Feb. 8
    10:00 a.m.



    Copyright © 2016-17 Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association. All rights reserved.
    Contact email: mnapaba@gmail.com
    You are receiving this message because you opted in at http://mnapaba.org/


  • Fri, December 09, 2016 4:58 PM | Anonymous

    On December 8, the leadership of several affinity-minority bars met to discuss promoting and supporting the presence of underrepresented groups in the Minnesota legal community. The event recognized common goals we have among our diverse organizations. Do not be surprised to see more co-sponsored events and collaboration among the affinity/minority bars in the future. Special thanks to Alene Sussman and Adine Momoh for organizing!

    Affinity bar organizations that were invited:

    • Hmong American Bar Association
    • Minnesota American Indian Bar Association
    • Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association
    • Minnesota Association of Black Lawyers
    • Minnesota Black Women Lawyers Network
    • Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association
    • Minnesota Lavender Bar Association
    • North American Somali American Bar Association
  • Wed, December 07, 2016 9:11 AM | Anonymous

    *New* monthly member spotlight and a successful national convention | December 6, 2016


    Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association

    Image result for twitter @mnapaba |  page | Image result for linkedin group

    Monthly Newsletter | December 2016

    Recent Happenings

    The Executive Board met on November 16 for its first official board meeting. The meeting was also well attended by law student representatives of the local APALSA organizations. The board reviewed and approved our budget for 2016-17, discussed our process for endorsing candidates for public office, and continued planning for upcoming events and other programs. 

    In the past month, you may have seen MNAPABA at these events:

    • Annual Banquet of the Hmong American Bar Association (HABA) (Dec 2)
    • MNAPABA New Lawyer's Reception (Nov 30) (Photo)
    • Tri-APALSA Happy Hour (Nov 17)
    • November Executive Board Meeting (Nov 15)
    • NAPABA National Convention (Nov 3-6) -- recap below


    Member Spotlight - New This Year!

    Each month, we will be highlighting one of our members. This is part of an ongoing effort to help MNAPABA members get-to-know one another. Read below about...


    Linhda Nguyen

    Merchant & Gould
    University of Minnesota Law School ('14)

    Displaying lnguyen.jpg

    Q: What is your practice area? 
    A: I specialize in patent and trademark litigation as well as trademark prosecution, at Merchant and Gould in downtown Minneapolis. My practice is varied and stimulating, and each day is different, which I highly enjoy.

    Q: What is your background?
    A: I’m from Orange County, California, and graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2014.

    Q: What do you enjoy most about MNAPABA? 
    A: I think it is important to encourage diversity in law firms. Being from California, where there are more diverse attorneys practicing, I can see the sharp contrast in the diverse workforce between California and Minnesota. I feel strongly about the value of diversity in law firm hiring and work to support that at my own firm.

    Q: What do you want others to know about you? 
    A: I’m interested in meeting more MNAPABA members. So if you see me at an event, please say hello and introduce yourself!


    Join the MNAPABA Fellowship Committee

    MNAPABA seeks volunteers for our Fellowship Committee. Volunteers will work with president-elect Melitta Dreschler to promote the MNAPABA Summer Law Fellowship and help with the selection process. The fellowship is awarded to a law student or recent law graduate who will serve the Minnesota Asian Pacific American community through public service at a summer internship. Please contact Melitta Drechsler to learn more and help out! (melitta.drechsler@co.ramsey.mn.us)


    Save the Date, Annual Winter Retreat (Feb.)



    National Convention - Recap

    November started out with the 2016 NAPABA National Convention in San Diego, CA. The Minnesota delegation included about 20 members. Overall, about 1900 of mostly attorneys, judges, and students attended.

    Highlights included:

    • Gala keynote speaker George Takei
    • Hon. Gail Chang Bohr receiving the Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award
    • Irene Kao being recognized as "Best Under 40"
    • Dinner with affiliates in the Central Region
    • Granting MNAPABA's first Award of Distinction to Michelle Lee, USPTO Director
    • The first meeting of the Asian American Adoptee Attorney Network






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    Share Member Professional/Personal News
    in next month's newsletter (here)
    By Friday, December 30, 2016.

    Jobs, Clerkships & Scholarships

    New opportunities are posted weekly on the Members-Only Job Board. Login to see details.

    18 postings have been added including: a law student scholarship, a judgeship, several public committee/board member positions, a few private practice opportunities, a couple county attorney positions, and several legal aid positions.

    ---

    Upcoming Events

    Executive Board Meeting (register)
    Halunen Law, IDS Center
    Tuesday, Dec. 12
    6:00 p.m.

    Affinity Bar Board Dinner (rsvp)
    222 Hennepin Apartments MPLS
    Thursday, Dec. 8
    5:30 p.m.
    (limited to board members of invited affiliate bar associations)

    FBA Diversity Bar Meet & Greet (info)
    Rare Steak & Sushi MPLS
    Thursday, Jan. 19
    5:30 p.m.

    ---

    Local Bar & Community

    ACS Happy Hour and Discussion on Immigration (link
    Lockridge Grindal Nauen MPLS
    Thursday, December 8
    5:30 p.m.

    How to Make Your Workplace More Diverse and Inclusive CLE (register)
    HCBA Office MPLS
    Thursday, December 8
    1:30-4:30 p.m.


Mailing Address:
MNAPABA c/o Minnesota State Bar Association
600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 380, Minneapolis, MN 55402
URL:
EMAIL:

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