Celebrating Judge Tam Bui: A Historic First
Mar
28
12:00 PM12:00

Celebrating Judge Tam Bui: A Historic First

VABAW is celebrating Judge Tam Bui as the first Vietnamese American on the Washington State Court of Appeals.

Join the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington (VABAW) on Saturday, March 28, from 12:00–2:00 PM at Anchovies & Salt in Renton, Washington, as we celebrate a historic milestone: Judge Tam Bui’s election as the first Vietnamese American to serve on the Washington State Court of Appeals.

This exclusive VABAW member event will feature a fireside chat with Judge Bui, moderated by Ty Ho, attorney and past VABAW President. Together, they will reflect on Judge Bui’s journey, the significance of this moment for the Vietnamese American community, and the broader impact of representation in the judiciary.

Appetizers will be catered by Anchovies & Salt, offering attendees the opportunity to connect with fellow VABAW members while honoring this landmark achievement.

Attendance is limited to VABAW members only.
RSVP is required by March 15.

Not yet a member? Join VABAW today to attend.
Please RSVP through Eventbrite to secure your spot.

View Event →
VABAW's 2026 Tết Celebration & Annual Meetin
Feb
8
12:00 PM12:00

VABAW's 2026 Tết Celebration & Annual Meetin

Overview

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with VABAW! Enjoy great food, a new headshot, meet attorneys and law students, and learn how to get involved.

VABAW is hosting this FREE event for our members. RSVP by Feb. 4.

Come learn about VABAW’s year ahead and enjoy a chance to connect with our legal community. We’ll also vote on our 2026 Board of Directors.

Each guest will enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch and new professional headshots for the new year!

This is a members-only event, so be sure to join VABAW and RSVP today.

Click to Become a VABAW Member for 2026 (required)

RSVP on Eventbrite (required)

We can’t wait to see you there!



View Event →
Oct
9
5:30 PM17:30

20th VABAW Banquet (2025)

🎉 The Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington (VABAW) is excited to announce that the 20th Annual Banquet will be on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at The Triple Door in Seattle, WA, and catered by Wild Ginger.

🌊 Please join us as we celebrate the resilience of the Vietnamese diaspora, marking 50 years since the Fall of Saigon in 1975.

🎤 We are honored to have immigration judge Christopher Phan as our keynote speaker this year — an inspiring figure in the Vietnamese community who exemplifies this year's theme: "From Exodus to Emergence."

🎶 In addition, Seattle-based storyteller and filmmaker DJ Âm Thanh will be spinning records from her pre-1975 Vietnamese music collection, carrying the soul and spirit of a homeland once lost but never forgotten.

🎁 We’ll also be raffling off carefully curated gift baskets featuring Vietnamese small businesses and creators.

🎟️ Make sure to buy your ticket soon for this unforgettable celebration! Register: VABAW's Annual Banquet Tickets, Thu, Oct 9, 2025 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite

View Event →
Jun
3
4:00 PM16:00

Pro bono/CLE: CLEMENCY & JUSTICE: DEFENDING SOUTHEAST ASIAN IMMIGRANTS FROM REMOVAL

What: A one-hour training for pro bono attorneys, legal professionals, and community advocates to learn how to support clemency cases for Southeast Asian immigrants with removal orders. Seattle Clemency Project will conduct the training, and CLE credit will be provided (WA state only).

Speakers: Jennie Pasquarella, Legal Director, Seattle Clemency Project; Melanie Nguyen, Partner, Stritmatter; and Joanne Kalas, Corporate Counsel, Amazon

 When/Where: Tuesday, June 3 from 4-5pm PT. Both virtually and in-person at Stritmatter Law (3600 15th Ave W #300, Seattle, WA 98119).

Register here: https://stritmatter.zoom.us/webinar/register/4817477656621/WN_0D5e1c2PRYetY636K1q6vg

 Why This Matters:
This CLE provides training for attorneys and advocates interested in preparing clemency petitions for individuals—many longtime residents primarily of SE Asian decent—facing deportation due to decades-old criminal convictions. These community members often pled without understanding the full consequences, and today they face life-altering consequences. Clemency is one of the few tools available to stop unjust removals. This training walks through how volunteers can help, in partnership with the Seattle Clemency Project, to bring these cases before the clemency board and restore stability to families and communities.

View Event →
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

  • Google Calendar ICS

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

  • Theatre Off Jackson (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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 →

We are VABAW.
The Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Washington.

Follow US:

#iloveVABAW