May 13, 2009
RE: Membership Dues for 2009-2010 Bar Year
Dear New or Renewing AABA Member:
The Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Chicago Area (“AABA”) encourages you to join or renew your membership for the 2009-2010 bar year!
AABA was founded in 1987, and has grown to become one of the largest Asian American bar associations in the nation. Our missions: to represent the interests of the Asian American community and attorneys; to foster the exchange of ideas and information among and between Association members and other members of the legal profession, the judiciary and the community; to encourage and promote the professional growth of the members of the Association; to provide an opportunity for fellowship among the Association’s members; to provide coordinated service to the general and local community; to develop and encourage cooperation with other organizations of minority attorneys; and to provide a vehicle and forum for the unified expression of opinions and positions by the Association upon current social, political, economic, legal or other matters or events of concern to the members of the Association.
With the participation and support of an energetic, dedicated, and enthusiastic membership, AABA has become one of the most active bar associations in the region. Under the leadership of President Jessica O’Brien and Immediate Past-President Anne Shaw, AABA has much to be proud of for the 2008-2009 bar year. Highlights include:
· The 2008-2009 bar year was kicked-off at a sold-out Installation Ceremony at Trump Tower. Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald presided over the Installation Ceremony, and Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Tammy Duckworth spoke at the reception.
· Under the leadership of AABA Treasurer Ansh Vaidya, AABA continued to sponsor its popular Law Student Forum for Asian law students. AABA attorneys from large, medium, and small law firms, government agencies, the judiciary, corporations, and alternative careers provided group and one-on-one mentoring for law students.
· AABA Board member Nancy Sasamoto spearheaded a full-day CLE program, securing sponsors from 14 affiliate bar associations and the Diversity Scholarship Foundation, and highlighting Asian American attorneys as speakers on a wide variety of topics. Seventh Circuit Judge Ann Claire Williams led a discussion on Ethics in the Courtroom, while State of Illinois General Counsel, AABA member Ted Chung, spoke at the reception about restoring trust in the state government through ethics.
· Past AABA Presidents Linda Lu and Jean Pechette, along with past AABA Board member Ben Lumicao of Allstate and past-NAPABA President Mike Chu, initiated a wildly successful series of networking dinners for AABA in-house counsel and AABA partners to promote the professional growth of our in-house attorneys and AABA partners.
· Through the tireless efforts of volunteers Sarah Alipourian, Mehpara Suleman, Ansh Vaidya, and Jessica O’Brien, AABA chaired the Alliance Executive Committee of Bar Associations for Judicial Screening, a coalition of 10 bar associations which evaluates candidates for the judiciary and issues recommendations to the appointing bodies and the community at large.
· AABA provided letters of support for several Asian American judicial candidates seeking federal appointments.
· AABA member Sangeeta Relan and AABA Board member Diana Lin led the efforts in redrafting and updating AABA’s By-Laws to better serve the organization.
· AABA made an unforgettable appearance in the NAAAP Trivia Bowl, capturing the top prize for “Best Costume” while Team Captain Anne Shaw led the AABA team to a second place finish in the trivia contest itself.
· With the assistance and cooperation of several affiliate bar associations, AABA and the Diversity Scholarship Foundation reached out to the community during Asian American Heritage Month by visiting three Chicago schools to talk to students about legal careers.
· The AABA Law Foundation of Greater Chicago was established through the help of AABA member L.H. Jenny Lee and Jenner & Block, guided by Jessica O’Brien and Diana Lin.
· AABA met with Asian community leaders to discuss how AABA could help serve the Asian community in the Greater Chicago area.
· AABA members continued to provide pro bono legal services through several Asian Legal Clinics.
· AABA and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office continued their successful partnership to provide two paid summer internship positions for Asian American law students.
· AABA held an elegant Holiday Party at the Chicago Hilton for its members.
· President Obama appointed AABA Honorary Board Member Tina Tchen to the position of White House Director of Public Liaison.
· AABA proudly introduced AABA member Aurora Abella Austriaco as she received the prestigious Vanguard Award from the Chicago Bar Association.
· AABA partnered with the Women Everywhere Project, giving court tours to high school students and helping out agencies such as KANWIN by installing shelves, and cleaning, organizing, and painting their office.
Be a part of the action. We welcome your participation and input as we plan yet another fantastic year of events!
With Warm Regards,
Sharon A. Hwang
Vice President/President-Elect
Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago
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