Law & Linguistics

Twenty years after its birth, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association celebrated its legacy at its annual convention in Seattle the weekend before Thanksgiving. Attending the convention was an awe-inspiring and encouraging experience.

The convention was a well-organized and smoothly executed event. The event schedules were full of remarkable CLEs, plenary sessions, and social events for both attorneys and students. Choosing which event and CLEs to attend can be difficult because they were all interesting and fun. Even when the events are not at conflicting times, thought attending all events though tempting would be too exhausting. For eager students who were full of energy, playing on the Xbox at a gaming event sponsored by Microsoft until midnight and waking up early the next morning to volunteer at the registration desk at 7:45 am was well within their capacity.

The number of attendees was impressive. They come from across the country representing many firms, companies, and law schools. Most notably, NAPABA recognizes attorneys and judges who are trailblazers and who are “best under 40.” These honorable men and women are exemplar role models for the younger generation.

Together NAPABA, the National Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (NAPALSA) helped ensure and encourage its member to succeed. The NAPALSA, which held a concurrent conference with NAPABA, offered students a mock interview and resume review program. Students were given a mock interview, at the end of which the interviewer gave students advice on how to improve their interviewing skills and their resumes. Though most students are aware to a certain degree their strengths and weaknesses, interviewers not only point out weaknesses that students were unaware of but also teach students learn ways to eliminate their weaknesses. Students who attended the mock interview found it to be extremely helpful.

Overall, the convention was successful in meeting the missions of NAPABA. Law students and attorneys are encouraged to attend the convention next year, which will be held in Boston.

Visit NAPABA and NAPALSA.

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