Dec. 2, 2010

NAPABA Inspires

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) held its 22nd annual Inspire Convention at the JW Marriot at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles Nov. 17-21. This is the first time in over a decade the event was held in California, and boasted the largest gathering of federal and state APA judges in history. Over 1,500 attorneys attended the event to participate in the International Law Symposium, attend CLE panels, and honor other lawyers during the Trailblazers and Best 20 Under 40 award ceremonies. Duane Morris associate Cyndie Chang received one of this year's "Best Lawyers Under 40?" awards for her work in commercial and insurance coverage litigation, as well as her position as the Pro Bono coordinator for the Los Angeles office. Attendees didn't just receive-they also gave. NAPABA, in conjunction with the non profit Dress for Success and Clothes the Deal, hosted a suit and accessory drive during the convention. The new and gently used suits and donations given will provide low-income men and women with business clothing and job preparedness workshops as they enter or reenter the workforce. Photo 1: From left: Tina Matsuoka, NAPABA’s Executive Director; Paul Hirose of Perkins Coie and NAPABA President; Tamlyn Tomita, actress and emcee; Judy Lam of Rutter Hobbs & Davidoff and Convention Co-Chair. Photo 2: Cyndie Chang, associate at Duane Morris and recipient of one of NAPABA's "Best Lawyers Under 40" awards.