2023 APIS Convention Attendees
“My grandma handed away on the prime of final yr / On the funeral drowning ’trigger I couldn’t maintain again tears / However in any case that’s occurred this previous yr / A part of me sees grace in the truth that she’s not right here / As a grandson, this assertion is a truth / No aged ought to ever be sufferer of such a heinous assault / Prey on the weak; solely cowards would benefit from that / No extra staying meek, it’s time to take a stand and react.” — MC Jin
Final weekend, I had the chance to have a good time Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month with the Asian Pacific Curiosity Part (APIS) of the State Bar of Texas.
Authorized luminaries, attorneys, and, regulation college students all through the state of Texas gathered in Austin to have a good time the twenty fifth Anniversary of the APIS Convention.
APIS Chair Phil Kim kicked off the weekend by instructing the attendees to “be sure to spend this weekend making the most of the ample networking alternatives you might have right here with attorneys and judges from all through Texas, terrific CLE programming, a presentation of annual awards recognizing achievements of our members and our part, and a celebration to recollect amongst previous and new mates. I do know these connections have and can proceed to final a few years; I actually hope their influence will final many generations.”
The prepossessing nostalgia and effervescence have been each palpable within the crowded convention rooms. In spite of everything, it had been a couple of years since we have been in a position to reunite in particular person. Reconvening with previous mates and establishing new connections are just some of the explanation why I’m such a proponent of such fortifying affinity teams all through the authorized occupation.
Historic time milestones, like twenty fifth anniversaries, have a violent means of reminding us of the impermanence of our life and careers. We regularly consider success as that final vacation spot of reaching the height of the mountain prime, solely to look again and notice it was the wrestle and sweat from the winding climb of the trek, and the bonds that we created alongside the best way, that we are going to endlessly cherish.
In an effort to seize the unimaginable tales of so many voyages earlier than us, APIS Treasurer, Julie Chen Allen, and I interviewed the previous APIS Chairs and compiled a time capsule titled: “25 Years Collectively: Studying from Previous APIS Chairs and Wanting Forward”.
With the backdrop of AAPI Heritage Month, and the escalating violence in opposition to the AAPI neighborhood, we couldn’t assist however to stay impressed by the arresting anecdotes, recommendation, and tales from the trailblazers and elder statemen and ladies we linked with earlier this month. We imagine you’ll uncover attention-grabbing tidbits from these compelling conversations as effectively. With out additional ado, here’s a (flippantly edited and condensed) write-up from every of our APIS Chair conversations:
1. Daniel D. Hu (’95, ’96, ’97): In 1995, we began work on founding APIS to be an umbrella group for attorneys within the APA neighborhood and for everybody who has an curiosity in representing and dealing with our communities.
We confronted various inside challenges however in the end the State Bar Board authorised APIS as a bit. Reflecting again over 25 years, I’m pleased with how APIS has grown, served our neighborhood and contributes to the long run success of its members. I want to see APIS lead the coverage discussions on points similar to DEI on the State Bar degree.
2. Peter Sakai (’98): I realized over time that non-public success comes from relationships with mates and mentors. We now name it networking. For instance, my shut highschool good friend inspired me to go away my dwelling to hunt alternative as a result of I had expertise and intelligence that I didn’t acknowledge myself.
My school good friend who actually mentored me to take the LSAT and apply to regulation faculty was essential as a result of I had no clue of how you can get into regulation faculty. My regulation faculty good friend was essential in counseling me to stay it out in regulation faculty once I was undecided that I slot in a regulation faculty the place I used to be the one Asian American in your complete regulation faculty and wished to stop.
My regulation faculty mates helped me get my first job on the District Legal professional’s Workplace when nobody would reply to my letters of curiosity and resume. A District Courtroom decide mentored me as a decide and later retired in order that I could possibly be elected to his bench the place I sat for practically 16 years.
What I’m saying is that nobody does it by themselves. The lesson realized is that you just can not do that with out mates and mentors. You need to give earlier than you obtain. Please keep in mind the place you got here from. Be sort and respectful with the folks that you just come into contact with.
3. Michelle Wong Krause (’99, ’11): Within the Nineteen Nineties, the variety of API attorneys was small however rising. At the moment, the State Bar was appointing only a few API’s to committees and I wished to vary that. When it got here time for a seat on the state and native bar management desk, we have been not often seen.
With out API attorneys in bar management, our wants and pursuits wouldn’t be on the radar display. I hope that API attorneys notice the worth of APIS. The networking, CLE, and State Bar involvement are alternatives that shouldn’t be missed.
4. Albert J. Li (’00, ’01): My “North Star” is at all times my household, my spouse (Tini), and youngsters (Lucas, Reese and Stella), but in addition my brother, sister, and oldsters. I’ve come to be taught that everybody needs to be grounded in one thing protected and joyful. When the observe of regulation and our careers are demanding, having a spot to retreat to, re-center and discover pleasure is so crucial. You notice that the definition of “household” could be broad too, as a result of over time the non-public connections and mates you make via organizations like APIS also can function the non-public outlet and neighborhood the place you discover consolation, pleasure and one thing familial….
My hope for APIS within the subsequent 25 years is that this constructing of bonds and neighborhood continues with extra vigor from future generations and likewise evolves into dedication to affect. Texas is just too giant of a state with an excessive amount of variety to not have an energetic AAPI neighborhood of attorneys that attempt to do extra for the Bar and Texas.
5. Toni D. Nguyen (’02): Don’t be afraid to ask questions; at all times be curious; be fast to hear and sluggish to talk; and be resourceful and do your half to achieve the wanted data and abilities to carry out the job effectively. Rising usually requires getting out of your consolation zone. Discover a trusted mentor and champion to assist navigate the brand new position and be part of your native AAPI group.
Most profitable attorneys are drawback solvers, are pragmatic and sensible, see the massive points which are most related to the state of affairs, and don’t get caught within the weeds or particulars which are trivial or don’t make an influence. They don’t sacrifice the great on the altar of the right, and should not afraid to offer well timed recommendation in conditions the place they might not full info. Ladies attorneys ought to learn the books “The Confidence Code” (Kay and Shipman) and “How Outstanding Ladies Lead” (Barsh and Cranston).
6. Charlene Tsang-Kao (’03): Flashback to 1994: as a pupil chief at Berkeley and a California transplant to Texas, I took it with no consideration that Asian People had established help networks to assist one another alongside and be supported. It was demoralizing to be taught as a 1L at UT that not solely have been we one of many smallest minority teams but in addition we weren’t allowed to take part in UT’s minority orientation program.
I used to be advised there “wasn’t a necessity” despite the fact that I, like lots of my fellow AAPI college students, have been first-generation regulation college students. After I graduated, that hole was evident in regulation corporations too, and the native AABA and statewide APIS was a welcoming platform for us to collect, be supportive, and share our experiences.
7. Brenda T. Rhoades (’04): APIS was in its infancy at a time I had management roles in each DAABA and NAPABA. I jumped on the probability to help the newly based statewide Asian group. It allowed members of native Asian bars to determine relationships all through Texas. I cherish the folks I met via APIS and keep friendships to at the present time.
8. Wesley Younger (’06): Let your commonplace be excellence in all issues. It doesn’t matter whether or not it’s within the workplace or at a volunteer neighborhood service day or whenever you take a place at a company or on a committee. Folks discover and your efficiency at these “non work” occasions will outline your repute as a lot as your job.
9. Patsy Yung Micale (’07): For me, APIS represents a bond of Asian American attorneys throughout Texas, who help one another via each private {and professional} progress, and collectively stand collectively as a voice for the Asian American neighborhood.
By means of APIS, I’ve met many unimaginable colleagues, a few of whom at the moment are pricey mates, and been given the chance to honor my heritage….
My “North Star” is to at all times keep in mind to be pleased about the blessings in my life. An perspective of gratitude retains issues in perspective each personally and professionally, and helps me keep an optimistic outlook most days!
10. Lisa S. Tsai (’09): I feel there’s a dearth of literature for regulation college students and attorneys on an important matter: the happiness of attorneys. My very own view is that we’ve got a silent disaster that has been percolating for a while in our occupation. Most attorneys report being sad of their skilled lives, which sadly usually extends into their private lives.
I imagine our occupation has misplaced its means over the previous couple of a long time, with many components contributing to the erosion of the aim and that means behind practising regulation. My regulation companion and I are presently writing a e-book on this matter, and we hope it’s going to function a touchstone for regulation college students and attorneys (and hopefully a happier occupation).
11. Cindy Y. Lin (’10): The best accomplishment in my authorized profession has been beginning my very own regulation agency. It was a really troublesome and long-drawn-out determination to go away behind my companion position in Biglaw. I really cherished what I used to be doing however I used to be at a degree in my life that required change. Nonetheless, it was troublesome to go away as a result of
I believed being a companion at a giant regulation agency outlined me and I’d be misplaced if I left. I additionally felt a duty to wrestle via to be able to be a task mannequin for Asian American feminine attorneys. I additionally thought that there was no means I might hand over such a coveted place after working so laborious for it, particularly after being advised by a regulation faculty professor that I’d by no means make it to Biglaw. After a collection of occasions that gave me the push I wanted, I’m now a cheerful, practising solo lawyer!
12. Zeena Angadicheril (’12): I keep in mind feeling immediately snug at my first APIS occasion, in a means that I by no means had at different skilled authorized occasions. I met so many good and completed folks, who additionally occurred to be pleasant and approachable.
That profitable, sort and welcoming vibe is one thing I at all times affiliate with APIS. I used to be honored to be part of the group; its membership contains trailblazers who paved the best way for different Asian American attorneys and who have been prepared to brazenly share assets and classes they’d realized alongside the best way.
13. Alice Liu McCoy (’13): My fervent hope is that APIS invests within the nice minds, assets, and relationships of our membership to offer again to our communities throughout the state. This will take many types, relying on the values of every particular person member, however I hope that APIS can present a constant, organized discussion board for discussions, planning, and partnerships to happen for members who share related values and objectives past profession development.
Since I’ve switched tracks from non-public observe to public curiosity work, I’ve discovered comparatively few boards for API attorneys to attach on public curiosity points. All of us, whether or not in non-public observe or doing public curiosity work, spend money on vital initiatives and points in our communities. I’d like to see APIS present that discussion board.
14. Invoice Richmond (’14): To me, APIS means Neighborhood, Connection, and Camaraderie. Neighborhood due to a bunch with shared experiences each personally and professionally—those that simply get you. Connection due to a deep need amongst all members to be taught extra about one another and be supportive. And Camaraderie due to the nonstop help that each member has for one another’s success. My hope is that APIS continues to exemplify these beliefs for many years to come back.
15. Ann Sheu (’15, ’17): My hope is that APIS continues to develop in members, in addition to influence. There’s something actually distinctive and particular about our neighborhood, and our annual convention at all times looks like a enjoyable household reunion. The help that APIS members present one another is unparalleled, and my hope is that we proceed to nurture this.
16. Punam Kaji Bains (’18): APIS is greater than a authorized networking group or part of the Bar–it’s a neighborhood with a longstanding custom of making area for APA attorneys. For me, it has been a spot the place I’ve discovered mentors and supporters, individuals who cheer for me, and who I might name on if wanted. My profession took me from Dallas to Fort Price to Houston and again to DFW–the statewide relationships from APIS allowed me to really feel linked in every single place.
I bought concerned with APIS as a younger lawyer, leaping in when new management was wanted after having attended the convention as a primary yr lawyer. Ann Sheu invited me to become involved and I eagerly mentioned sure. My yr as Chair was a spotlight of my authorized profession. My hope for APIS is that because the APA authorized neighborhood grows, APIS stays an anchor, grounding us all in our historical past as APA attorneys in Texas, and that APIS stays an umbrella, bringing the various APA bar associations collectively.
17. Chi Reece (’19): I hope APIS can quadruple its membership and presence within the subsequent 25 years. APIS supplies such an incredible community for mentoring, enterprise growth, and camaraderie. I’m at all times amazed once I meet an APA lawyer who doesn’t learn about APIS. APIS actually deserves extra publicity with and involvement from the APA lawyer neighborhood throughout Texas and never simply the three main metroplexes (Austin, DFW, and Houston).
Albert Li has been a mentor for me over time. I first met him once I was at UT Regulation and over time, he has urged me to develop into energetic in each APIS and the Austin AABA. He additionally took time to advise me via a authorized matter for a shopper years in the past once I felt like I used to be in over my head. I additionally need to give a shout out to Decide Peter Sakai who was the primary decide that I ever felt snug talking with! I met him at an APIS convention (in fact!) and I used to be pleasantly shocked at how pleasant he was and nonetheless is, and it made me notice that judges have been identical to us.
18. Paul Yin (’20): APIS was an area that allowed me to community and get to know different AAPI attorneys from throughout the state. I selected to volunteer and provides again as an officer due to the various nice mentors and attorneys who got here earlier than me and gave their time to assist different AAPI attorneys develop of their careers.
19. Jim Thomas (’21): APIS has supplied me a possibility to attach with different APA attorneys in a extra significant means, as in comparison with different APA associations. I really like connecting with APA attorneys throughout the state and sharing a protected area to debate APA challenges and study distinctive options to these challenges from totally different views and totally different native practices. Serving as an officer and eventual Chair gave me a possibility to work carefully with the perfect attorneys in Texas and achieve priceless management expertise. I hope that APIS continues to supply alternatives for youthful APA attorneys to attach with former APIS leaders in order that future APA leaders keep away from sure obstacles that earlier generations could have confronted.
I’d by no means have identified about APIS or been inspired to spend time attending to know the good attorneys at APIS with out the invaluable mentorship that I’ve obtained from the start of my profession by one other former APIS Chair, Andrea Tran. Andrea has actually helped me perceive the challenges that I must face and gave me the instruments to proceed to progress in my profession regardless of a wide range of obstacles. I additionally couldn’t have been ready to be an APIS Chair with out watching the magnificent management abilities of Punam Kaji. Punam invited me to use to be an officer and I actually realized what an incredible APIS chief seems like from working straight with Punam as a part of her officer board.
20. Amar Raval (’22): Rising up, I didn’t know any attorneys, not to mention any who seemed like me. After regulation faculty, the problem of networking doubled once I left my regulation faculty alumni space. APIS felt like dwelling – a spot to satisfy attorneys from across the state, from numerous observe areas, from numerous corporations and corporations. It continues to really feel like dwelling, and I look ahead to each assembly.
Over the subsequent 25 years, I want to see APIS develop in measurement that higher represents our total inhabitants. Presently, API attorneys make up about 2% of the Bar however the neighborhood exceeds 5% of the state inhabitants. We have to encourage the subsequent era of attorneys and past. We’d like to ensure our voice is at all times heard. We have to let the general public know we aren’t some occasion punchline – as a result of we’re proud to be attorneys.
Get on the market and meet folks! Networking at all times intimidated me as a result of I used to see extra seasoned attorneys and judges whom I solely knew by repute, evaluating their big achievements in opposition to my lack of them. (Don’t try this!) Let folks know who you’re and what you’re about. Sure, we’re attorneys, however we’re folks first. Make the essential reference to another person earlier than you begin asking, “The place do you’re employed”? You will see that you just construct deeper, extra significant connections. Most significantly, go to APIS occasions! I assure you’ll find pleasant smiles and approachable folks wanting to get to know you.
21. Phil Kim (’23): My hope is that APIS shall be exponentially larger and higher than it’s as we speak. We’ve got come a great distance within the final 25 years; nevertheless with the continued progress we see in Texas, we’ve got a possibility to make APIS a number one group the place Asian American attorneys can name dwelling and community in a novel means.
Thanks to all of the previous APIS chairs who shared their tales with us. We look ahead to following your successes sooner or later.
We’d additionally like to offer a particular shout-out to Russell Wong (’05), Andrea Tran (’08), and Catherine Le (’16), who we didn’t seize a quote from on the time of this publication, however stay inspiring figures within the APIS neighborhood.
Renwei Chung is the DEI Columnist at Above the Regulation. He presently serves as a Board Advisor for The Range Motion (TDM), and hosts Footnote 4’s podcast Cost the Wave — targeted on entrepreneurs, executives, and icons who’re assiduously constructing corporations, cultures, and communities.
