Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA Chicago)

Thanks to everyone who helped at AABA’s annual career forum this past weekend! We had a panel of recent graduates, a panel of experienced attorneys, and a lot of attorneys who helped review resumes and offer advice! Thanks to our co-hosts at the Loyola Chicago APALSA and the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Be sure to join AABA's mentorship program this year to continue getting support and networking opportunities. To sign up as a Mentee: https://lnkd.in/gN7XnEZN To sign up as a Mentor: https://lnkd.in/g8axeVs7

AABA is excited to again cohost the annual Career Development Forum. This year, on October 5, the Forum will bring together students and industry leaders to demystify the legal profession and help students land great legal jobs. Please register by submitting this form: https://lnkd.in/gCYSAWq9 by September 24, 2024. 

On August 22, AABA joined other sister bar associations in celebrating and honoring our Honorary Board Member Sonni Williams on becoming president of the Illinois State Bar Association, who made the history of several firsts. Congratulations, Sonni!

AABA will be joining our sister Asian bars at the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services's Race Judicata 5K on Thursday, August 29, 2024 in Lincoln Park. Please join us on the "Chicago Asian Bar Associations" team through this link: https://lnkd.in/gabCYDRa. Runners/walkers will be responsible for their own race registration fees, but we will provide food and drinks for runners, walkers, and any guests who want to watch and hang out!

On July 23, Sidley Austin LLP sponsored AABA Chicago for our Second Annual Perfecting Your Pitch program aimed at assisting attorneys working in law firms to help build their books of business and advance their successful careers with the help of in-house attorneys. Rising stars in law firms received real-time feedback from our in-house counsel participants, allowing these law firm attorneys to hone their verbal pitching skills. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Law firm attorneys: Do not forget to submit your application. Application Due Today.

Please join us for our “Perfecting Your Pitch” program. Applications are required for law firm attorneys and can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/AABAPYP2024. AABA is looking for in-house volunteers, as well. Submit your application or indicate your interest to chicago.aaba@gmail.com by Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Congratulations to our Honorary Board Member Sonni Williams on becoming president of the Illinois State Bar Association and making history of several firsts!

On May 23, 2024, AABA hosted its annual Otaka Judicial Reception. This year, the event featured the Installation Ceremony of the Asian American Judges Association of Illinois and celebrated Justice Sanjay Tailor as the incoming president. Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer administered the oath of office and was recognized by Justice Tailor for her many years of service on the federal bench. The event also presented the Hon. Sandra Otaka Trailblazer Award to Hon. Dick Durbin, for his leadership on the Senate Judiciary Committee in helping to get more Asian Americans on the federal bench. AABA is proud to bring together a diverse assembly of legal professionals, including judges, attorneys, and law students, to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian American judges in the judiciary. More photos of the event can be viewed at our website: www.aabachicago.org.

On May 14, AABA President Sang Lee and other members attended the 2024 Vanguard Award Reception. AABA was proud to honor its Vanguard Award recipient Nancy Sasamoto and celebrate other leaders in our legal community who have made the law and legal profession more accessible to and reflective of the community at large.