Annual VABAW Spring Mentorship Mixer 2024
Apr
4
5:00 PM17:00

Annual VABAW Spring Mentorship Mixer 2024

SPONSORED BY RYAN, SWANSON & CLEVELAND, PLLC.

Join VABAW for our annual spring mixer! Open to all law students and legal professionals.

Sign up here!

Arrive at around 5:30pm to Ryan Swanson's new downtown office space. Food and drinks will be provided by our gracious hosts. We will pair off with mentors and mentees during the event at around 6:00pm. Feel free to bring business cards to exchange.

View Event →

Afghan Crisis - Immigration and pro bono training
Feb
1
12:00 PM12:00

Afghan Crisis - Immigration and pro bono training

Afghan Humanitarian Crisis - Immigration Pro Bono Attorney Training & CLE

February 1, 2022 @ 12 PM – 1PM

 

Want to help in the Afghan Crisis with your legal skills? Join this free webinar for lawyers to be trained on providing immigration legal assistance to Afghans while earning CLE credit.

 

Pro bono attorney volunteers like you are greatly needed to help and no immigration law experience is required. Learn from expert immigration attorneys Tahmina Watson and Brianna Auffray on how to prepare applications, and how this work is helping thousands of Afghans in crisis around the world. Also hear from local Afghan-American community leader Aneelah Afzali about how this work supports local Afghan families, and learn how the Vietnamese community in Washington and nationally are rallying and providing support to the Afghan community in crisis from Joanne Kalas of VABAW and Dede Tran of Viets4Afghans.Attorney volunteers are greatly needed immediately and you can help!

 

Please contact info@widenlaw.org or VABAWPresident@gmail.com for more information.

 

Please register at:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNkKtB08YvkAIZZZfK-aqQE2gr18Lbn0N2WCQ6WLFmM4a9fg/viewform

 

View Event →
Rocking the Boat - 17th Annual Banquet
Oct
14
5:30 PM17:30

Rocking the Boat - 17th Annual Banquet

You are invited to VABAW’s 17th Annual Banquet (via Zoom) on Thursday, October 14th from 5:30pm - 7:00pm.

WE HAVE A SPECTACULAR LINE-UP OF GUESTS INCLUDING

KEYNOTE, SPEAKER PHUC TRAN AND

MUSICAL GUEST, PAPER NOVA.

JOIN US VIA ZOOM FROM 5:30PM- 7:00PM.

A SPECIAL VIETNAMESE BANQUET MEAL IS AVAILABLE TO ADD TO YOUR TICKET THIS YEAR. MORE DETAILS ON TICKET AND FOOD OPTIONS CAN BE FOUND AT THE LINK VIA THE BUTTON BELOW. DELIVERY RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING AND ENJOYING A DELICIOUS FEAST WITH THE VABAW COMMUNITY! LET’S ROCK THE BOAT!

Tickets can be purchased HERE

View Event →
Free Bystander Intervention Training to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment, sponsored by Ryan Swanson
Jun
11
12:00 PM12:00

Free Bystander Intervention Training to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment, sponsored by Ryan Swanson

Friday, June 11, 2021 
12:00 - 1:00 PM Pacific
Zoom Webinar 

In collaboration with the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington and the Asian Bar Association of Washington, you are invited to join the employees of Ryan Swanson on June 11, 2021 for Bystander Intervention to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment training. Presented by Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Hollaback!, this complimentary, interactive training will teach you Hollaback!’s 5Ds of bystander intervention methodology.

From the course description: We’ll start by talking about the types of disrespect that Asians and Asian Americans are facing right now — from microaggressions to violence — using a tool we call the “spectrum of disrespect.” You’ll learn what to look for and the positive impact that bystander intervention has on individuals and communities. We’ll talk through five strategies for intervention: distract, delegate, document, delay, and direct; and how to prioritize your own safety while intervening. We’ll have time at the end for practice, and you’ll leave feeling more confident intervening the next time you see Anti-Asian/American harassment online or in person.

Register HERE

View Event →
AABANY Presents: The Surge in Anti-Asian Violence: Corporate Social Responsibility and Action
Apr
9
11:30 AM11:30

AABANY Presents: The Surge in Anti-Asian Violence: Corporate Social Responsibility and Action

2020 saw a surge in anti-Asian violence. The AABANY and Paul, Weiss report, “A Rising Tide of Hate and Violence Against Asian Americans in New York During COVID-19: Impact, Causes, Solutions” has been garnering widespread attention and acclaim. For a growing number of corporate employers, there is a keen desire to DO something. But what? What can or should corporate employers be doing to help stem and address anti-Asian violence and hate crimes? What could they be doing to support their Asian American and Pacific Islander employees? What do they need to understand about the difficulties of hate crimes prosecutions and the tensions between the valid concerns of those desiring aggressive prosecution, those who worry about further contributing to the prosecutions of people from other minority communities, and those who advocate for restorative justice? Please join AABANY and a coalition of bar associations for a discussion with corporate in-house leaders about corporate social responsibility and anti-Asian violence.

Register by April 7, 2021

https://www.aabany.org/Login.aspx?optional=1&store=1&returl=%2fstore%2fRenewMembership.aspx

View Event →
VABAW Condemns Race-Based Hate Crimes on AAPI Community Inbox
Mar
22
12:00 PM12:00

VABAW Condemns Race-Based Hate Crimes on AAPI Community Inbox

On March 22, 2021, VABAW released the following statement.

The Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Washington (VABAW) condemns the distressing increase over the past year in hate-based attacks against Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Violence toward our communities is nothing new. In April 2020, VABAW denounced the use of racial language to describe the Coronavirus and racist attacks on Asian Americans. Today, we are renewing our condemnation of the attacks against the AAPI community.

Hate crimes have been perpetuated against AAPI for decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has exponentially increased these crimes, the most recent being cowardly attacks against the elderly across the nation and the brutal murder of six Asian-American women in Atlanta. We are horrified and devastated. We grieve with the families of the victims.

VABAW is committed to our work to increase racial equity within the WSBA and combating systemic racism in the criminal justice system. Systemic racism, decades of harmful, racist depictions of Asian Americans in the media, and unwarranted blaming of Asian Americans for the COVID-19 pandemic by past leaders have led to the dehumanization of AAPI and the increase in violence against our community. If you or someone you know have been a victim of a hate crime, we strongly encourage you to report the crime to your local law enforcement agency and prosecutor’s office.

Resources:

  • The Stop AAPI Hate reporting center tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment, discrimination, shunning, and child bullying against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. Make a report here: https://stopaapihate.org/

  • Hollaback! hosts free online trainings related to bystander intervention and how to respond to Anti-Asian harassment when it happens to you. Sign up at: https://www.ihollaback.org/harassmenttraining/

  • The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) has developed a hate crimes task force and offers pro bono legal resources to ensure that local communities have legal resources to address the most egregious hate-fueled attacks against our community. More information can be found here: https://www.napaba.org/page/HateCrimeResources

  • The Asian Mental Health Collective is dedicated to making mental health services more accessible for the community, and has created the Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American (APISAA) Therapist Directory: https://www.asianmhc.org/apisaa


/s/ Amy Phan Taylor /s/ Maria Williams
2021 VABAW Presidents
vabawpresident@gmail.com

View Event →
STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF BEING A JUDGE - Judge Pro Tempore Training
Feb
26
to Mar 12

STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF BEING A JUDGE - Judge Pro Tempore Training

Presented in partnership with the District and Municipal  Court Judges Association. The WSBA Judge Pro  Tempore CLE is for attorneys who’d like to learn more  about becoming a judge pro tempore or simply for  those interested in knowing more about being a judge  and the challenges of presiding in the courtroom.  

Attendees of the live webcast program will earn placement  on the Judge Pro Tempore Resource List, having  demonstrated a higher proficiency to serve as judge  pro tem in municipal, district, and superior courts.  


WHEN 

Feb 26, 1:15 – 5:00 p.m.

Mar 5, 1:15 – 5:00 p.m.

Mar 12, 1:15 – 5:15 p.m. 


TUITION

$399. Limited number of scholarships available. Approved for 9 CLE credits (1.25 Law & Legal  Procedure + 2.5 Ethics + 5.25 Other).  

REGISTRATION 

Online at

https://www.mywsba.org/PersonifyEbusiness/default.aspx?TabID=1356&productId=18897548

View Event →
Dec
10
to Jan 31

2021 Bar Prep Scholarship

VABAW recognizes that a bar exam preparation course is an essential tool to aid law students in completing their final step in becoming licensed attorneys. To that end, VABAW has created a Bar Exam Preparation Scholarship.  The 2021 VABAW Bar Exam Preparation Scholarship will provide a law student (the “Scholarship Recipient”) with full funding of a bar examination preparation course through Barbri for the purpose of preparing them to take the Washington state bar exam. The course fees will be paid directly to Barbri by VABAW for the benefit of the Scholarship Recipient. See home page of website for application materials and additional details.

View Event →
Jul
1
5:00 PM17:00

Applications due VABAW Law Student Emergency Relief Fund

The Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Washington (VABAW) has established an emergency relief fund to further our mission of being a trusted resource for students who aspire towards the legal profession. The VABAW Law Student Emergency Relief Fund (Relief Fund) provides limited financial assistance to law students who are unable to meet emergency, immediate, and essential expenses due to temporary hardships related to COVID-19. Each student applicant selected by VABAW as a recipient of the Relief Fund (Recipient) may receive a grant in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00). 

 

Recipients of the Relief Fund must use funds for: 

 

• Academic expenses for law school during the summer (e.g., summer tuition or books) 

• Assistance with rent or housing

• Transportation issues that directly impact education or work 

• Technology needs (e.g., laptop repair, access to internet) 

 

In order to be considered by VABAW for a Relief Fund grant, law student applicants must complete this online application form by 5:00 PM (PT) Wednesday, July 1, 2020 (Deadline).

 

The VABAW Board, at its sole discretion, may choose up to four (4) law student applicants to each receive a grant in the amount of five hundred dollars ($500.00) in order to support the emergency needs discussed above. VABAW will review all applications received prior to the Deadline based on need as determined by VABAW.

 

All selected Recipients will be notified of their selection by e-mail on July 17, 2020.

Application is linked HERE 

View Event →
VABAW Stands in Solidarity - Black Lives Matter
Jun
12
7:00 AM07:00

VABAW Stands in Solidarity - Black Lives Matter

The Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Washington (VABAW) stands in solidarity with our Black brothers and sisters.

VABAW feels deep sadness and anger over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others in the Black community. As painful as this moment may be for all of us, we must address the inequities this incident and the COVID-19 pandemic have laid bare and the ugliness they have revealed. For some, the simple act of walking down the street, jogging, or birdwatching can be dangerous or even deadly.

VABAW denounces the systemic racial and legal injustices that have led to the reality of police brutality against the Black community. We are committed as allies in addressing racism against the Black community and to have open and honest conversations with our coworkers, friends, families, and community, no matter how uncomfortable. These conversations are long overdue, and must continue for as long as needed to achieve meaningful action. VABAW will not remain silent on these issues; to remain silent is to reject the dignity of those who have died and will continue to die at the hands of racism and injustice. VABAW commits to advocate for legal reform in memory of those who can no longer speak. May we never forget and be inspired into action to effect change.

In Support and Solidarity,

The Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Washington

View Event →
Volunteer with Asian Counseling and Referral Service in Seattle
Jun
1
5:00 PM17:00

Volunteer with Asian Counseling and Referral Service in Seattle

Next shadowing event with experienced volunteer attorneys date is TBD.

*One shadowing attendance required of all NEW volunteers.

VABAW volunteers once a quarter on Wednesday nights (5:45pm-7:45pm) at ACRS in Seattle.

We work in collaboration with the King County Bar Association. The legal clinic administrators are professionals and students who assist with the client intake interviews and administer the schedule for the evening. It is a rewarding experience and an opportunity for you to use your skills to make a difference! To volunteer, please complete the form below. All volunteers must complete several video trainings (at home) and attend at least one clinic shadow session with an experienced volunteer.

The next shadow session will be scheduled depending on COVID-19 stay-at-home guidelines and other existing restrictions. Please stay tuned for more details on our Volunteer page. All new volunteers must complete the application with King County Bar Association and ACRS as well as complete all video trainings (3 videos) prior to attending the shadow session.

View Event →
7th Annual Mentorship Event
Mar
25
to Apr 7

7th Annual Mentorship Event

Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 * (Final day to RSVP)

To encourage social distancing in these uncertain times, we are moving our mentorship event online this year. We will be matching interested mentors and mentees electronically and encouraging mentoring to happen through email, phone, video conferences etc.

View Event →
140 lbs by Susan Lieu
Feb
7
to Feb 17

140 lbs by Susan Lieu

BUY TICKETS

DESCRIPTION:
Two hours into surgery, Susan’s mother loses oxygen to her brain and the plastic surgeon deliberately does not call 9-1-1 for fourteen minutes. Five days later, while in a coma, she flatlines. The surgeon is charged with medical negligence and her family falls apart; no one talks about what happened. Nineteen years later on her wedding day, Susan’s mother’s seat sits empty and Susan realizes she can no longer ignore what she’s always wanted: to know who her mother was. Sifting through thousands of deposition pages and reaching out to the killer’s family, Susan uncovers the painful truth of her mother, herself, and the impossible ideal of Vietnamese feminine beauty.

Written and performed by Susan Lieu, 140 LBS is directed by Sara Porkalob.  With Assistant Director/Stage Manager Jenny Crooks, Lighting Designer Emily Leong and Sound Designer Erin Bednarz. Co-produced by Nasus Media and Theatre Off Jackson. Supported with metta by STG and 4Culture.

Minor foul language. Theme discussion of death and body image. 12+

Start time: 7:30pm Door open: 6:30pm House open: 7pm Sunday matinees: 2pm Door open: 1pm House open: 1:30pm

2/10 Show — Artist Talkback moderated by Thanh Tan, creator and host of Second Wave, a podcast from KUOW and PRX focused on Vietnamese American refugee experiences.

2/17 (Closing Show) — Artist + Artist’s Family Q&A, dialogue focused on watching the show for the first time, grief, memory and any audience questions.

Theatre Off Jackson and the producer strive to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions. Our venue is accessible by wheelchair and other mobility devices. Please contact us in advance so we can ensure your experience is as smooth as possible.

View Event →
Feb
10
10:00 AM10:00

Lunar New Year Celebration @ Wing Luke Musuem

In Seattle's Chinatown-International District
Seattle, WA  98104
Between 7th and 8th Avenues

Each year, VABAW and its members celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Wing Luke Museum. Celebration activities includes Lion Dancing, performances, and activities for the whole family. 

Make sure to stop by the VABAW booth for discounted admission tickets!

View Event →
Sep
28
5:30 PM17:30

VABAW Annual Fundraiser Banquet

Each year, family and friends of VABAW come together to celebrate the achievement of law students and to show appreciation to dedicated supports of VABAW's mentorship and clerkship programs. With the help of dedicated supporters, VABAW has been able to provide the Hong Duc Clerkship each year since its inception in 2012. In addition, VABAW has been able to connect students to important clerkship opportunities where students are able to practice what the skills they learn in school. 

We hope that you will be able to join us in the celebration and fundraising this year, and each year ahead. 

THE TRIPLE DOOR, 216 UNION STREET, SEATTLE, WA 98101

View Event →
Sep
15
to Sep 16

National Conference of Vietnamese American Attorneys

The conference kicks off with a Friday night welcome reception at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, 11999 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove, California on September 15, 2017, followed by an all-day conference program at Chapman University School of Law, One University Drive, Orange, California on Saturday, September 16, 2017, and then a closing night gala dinner co-hosted with the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Southern California at Royal Restaurant, 9743 Bolsa Avenue, Westminster, California on Saturday evening.

View Event →
May
6
2:30 PM14:30

Starbucks Mentorship Program

Starbucks Law & Corporate Affairs Department is pleased to announce the fifth year of the Starbucks Diversity Mentorship Program.

This program will connect Starbucks in-house lawyers with private practice junior attorneys from diverse backgrounds in one-to-one entorship relationships. Starbucks legal department boasts one of the most experienced and diverse groups of attorneys in the region, and its lawyers are eager to share their insights into learning the practice of law, succeeding in law firm and other private practice environments, and for those who are interested, pursuing in-house career opportunities.

Here you can find the detailed information about the program.

View Event →
Apr
3
2:30 AM02:30

Clark University Doctoral Student Seeking Survey Participants for Study of Vietnamese Population

ulia Tran is a doctoral student conducting a research project with Dr. Nicola Curtin from the Psychology Department at Clark University. This study has been approved by the Clark Committee for the Rights of Human Participants in Research and Training Programs (IRB). We are looking for volunteers to participate in an online survey that will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. You will be asked to answer some questions about yourself and your opinions about political issues. To be eligible you must: (1) identify as Vietnamese; (2) be born in the United States or have come to the United States with the intention of staying permanently; (3) have lived in the U.S. for at least 3 years; and (4) be 18 years of age or older. Please note that you are not eligible for the study if you are an international student or visitor who is not planning to reside permanently in the U.S. You do not have to be politically or socially active to participate. Participation is completely voluntary and you may discontinue the study at any time for any reason without penalty. Your answers will be kept confidential.  Upon completing the survey you will have the option to provide your email address to be entered in a raffle to win one $50.00 gift card. If you are interested in participating, please follow this link: https://clarku.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_aXaxmB44Wg69SfP

If you prefer to take a paper version of the survey or have any questions, please contact Julia Tran at jutran@clarku.edu or by calling 617-380-8714. You can also contact Dr. Nicola Curtin atNCurtin@clarku.edu or by calling 508-793-7261.

View Event →
Mar
12
1:30 AM01:30

Feldman & Lee: Attorney Position Available

Feldman & Lee has an opening in our Kent office for an attorney with 1 – 3 years of experience.  This office handles primarily personal injury, criminal defense, and family law cases.  Experience in any of these areas is a plus.  Proficiency in the Vietnamese language is strongly preferred.

Date Posted: 03.10.15.
Expiration Date for Applications: 03.20.15.
Salary Range: $50-$60k, plus benefits, commensurate with experience.
Must have current WA bar license and be in good standing.

Please send resume and cover letter by email to pfeldman@feldmanlee.com with the subject line of “Attorney Position”

View Event →
Feb
3
4:30 AM04:30

Renew Your VABAW Membership for 2015!

It’s that time of year again to renew your membership.  Don’t miss out on the great social events, community involvement, and career connections that a membership in VABAW brings.  We are kicking off the first of many celebrations with our Tết event (Lunar New Year) which will include food, drinks, li xi (red envelopes), firecrackers, and yes even . . . lion dancing!  Please complete the membership form here, and send it to Linda Nguyen at lnguyen@tmdwlaw.com by March 1, 2015.

View Event →