VABAW’s Mission & History

The mission of the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington (VABAW) is to provide mutual support for attorneys in the advancement of their careers, be a trusted guide and source of support for students who aspire toward the legal profession, support the Vietnamese American community in Washington, and represent the Vietnamese American legal community within the Washington State Bar.

In 2005, VABAW was formed as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization by Vietnamese American attorneys, law students, and friends who share its common vision. VABAW strives for legal excellence by facilitating and cultivating both professional and personal relationships among its members. 

Our current membership includes practicing attorneys and law students in Seattle, greater King County, and Snohomish County as well as Washington-admitted attorneys who are now practicing outside of Washington state. To join our membership and learn more, click here.

VABAW’s Past Presidents

VABAW is grateful to the many attorneys, law students, board members, committee leaders, and student liaisons who have dedicated their time and talents to serving our organization over the years. Their leadership, commitment, and service have helped advance VABAW's mission and strengthen the Vietnamese American legal community in Washington. We would like to especially recognize those who have served as President of VABAW and helped guide the organization through its various chapters of growth and impact. Below is a list of our past presidents.

2005 – Peter Chu

2006 – Alice Truong

2007 – Denise Tran

2008 – Thuy Nguyen

2009 – Thi Huynh

2010 – Lam Nguyen Bull

2011 – Ty Ho

2012 – Sinjin Dinh

2013 – Binh Nguyen

2014 – Michelle Pham

2015 – Ada Wong

2016 – Linda Nguyen

2017 – Linda D. Tran

2018 – D. Sho Ly

2019 – Melanie Nguyen

2020 – Nancy Pham

2021 – Maria Williams and Amy Phan Taylor

2022 – Joanne Kalas

2023 - Betty Vodinh

2024 - Vacant

2025 - Vacant