Connecticut Asian Pacific American Bar Association - Programs and Events

CAPABA is a dynamic organization that actively serves the needs of Asian Pacific Americans.  We welcome anyone interested in Asian Pacific American legal issues to join CAPABA, and we invite all members to become active in planning and implementing CAPABA’s services, programs and events, by joining our Board or one of our committees, or by volunteering to assist with specific events or programs. 

COMMITTEES

Community Affairs Committee. This Committee works with Asian Pacific American communities in Connecticut to address law-related needs.  Contact: Shirley S. Ma, Email: smaesquire@yahoo.com.

Judiciary and Endorsements Committee.  This Committee seeks to unravel the mystery of judicial appointments in Connecticut .  The Judiciary and Endorsements Committee evaluates and endorses candidates for the local judiciary.  This Committee also promotes judicial, political and bar appointments of qualified Asian Pacific Americans. Contact: Amy Lin Meyerson, 203-232-4322, Email: ameyersonesq@optonline.net.

Membership Committee. Since our operating revenues come from membership dues and donations, CAPABA relies on recruiting and retaining a strong base of membership to maintain its activities.  CAPABA continually seeks to provide its members with additional benefits, such as discounted access to local events, merchants or services.  Contact: Shirley S. Ma, Email: smaesquire@yahoo.com.

Programs Committee. Along with general membership meetings and its Annual Dinner, CAPABA hosts programs to provide members with professional or career development, personal management, and networking opportunities, such as CAPABA’s Mentor Program.  CAPABA also co-sponsors several programs with other bar associations.  Joe Khanna, 203-351-6409, Email: joe.khanna@pb.com.

Public Sector Committee. Many CAPABA members work for the government, or in other nonprofit or public interest areas.  This Committee addresses issues and concerns of Asian Pacific American attorneys in public service.  Contact: Nina F. Elgo, Email: ninaelgo@earthlink.net.

MENTOR PROGRAM

To assist law student members of CAPABA attending law schools in Connecticut to become successful attorneys, CAPABA has established a Mentor Program. Law students are matched with CAPABA attorneys with mutual areas of interest. Through the Program, students will have an opportunity to gain information about the actual practice of law and to discuss other questions or concerns they have about law school and their careers with their mentor. For more information about the Program, please contact the Mentor Program Coordinator Joe Khanna, c/o Pitney Bowes Inc., MSC 64-07, World Headquarters, One Elmcroft Road, Stamford, CT 06926-0700, Tel: 203-351-6409, Fax: 203-351-7379, Email: joe.khanna@pb.com.

ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN LEGAL REFERRAL SERVICE

Through strategic partnerships, the Asian Pacific American Legal Referral Service provides APAs with guidance on where they can go for assistance with legal issues.  The multi-lingual Referral Service serves as an entry point into the legal system for APAs, including those who are non-English speakers or have limited English proficiency.  The Referral Service assists APAs in navigating a legal system that would otherwise be inaccessible due to language and/or cultural barriers.  The Referral Service facilitates the placement of the APA with an attorney, other existing legal services organization or a pro bono program.*  For more information, contact Susan Kim, c/o Bingham McCutchen LLP, One State Street,  Hartford, Connecticut 06103. Tel.: 860-240-2858, Email: susan.kim@bingham.com.

*Please note that this is only a referral service.  CAPABA will not be providing any legal advice through this service.

CAPABA'S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

Where: Pepe & Hazard LLP

           30 Jelliff Lane, 3rd Floor

           Southport, CT 06890

When: January 29, 2009

           6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Come and join us for an evening of networking and fun as we celebrate the Lunar New Year with APA leaders in the community. Dinner and drinks will be provided.