This article is a sponsored post and appears as part of KoreAm’s Community Network section.
Hi, Fellow KoreAms,
I am the current treasurer for the Korean American Bar Association of Southern California (KABA), and I would like to share with you some important details about our role in the community.
At its core, the KABA of Southern California is a legal organization of pro-bono attorneys and law students working together to provide legal assistance and support to the community. Based in Los Angeles, KABA works with local, national and international organizations to address important social issues. KABA is comprised of officers, board members, attorneys and law students who donate countless hours of personal time. Our volunteers often have full-time jobs or attend law school so our mission moves forward only with a massive collective effort. Yet, KABA manages to make a meaningful difference in many ways. As I write this, I am hearing that a federal judge has dismissed the Glendale Comfort Women Memorial lawsuit! The lawsuit has been a lightning-rod issue in the local, national and international communities.
In the case of Gingery et al v. City of Glendale, the plaintiffs sought removal of the Comfort Women Memorial and expressed opinions attempting to minimize and revise history. Despite increasing levels of rhetoric and incendiary language, KABA joined forces with our friends at the Japanese American Bar Association and issued a joint statement urging solidarity and diplomacy. Major legal organizations signed on in support of the statement, and KABA leaders held news conferences and interviews. Today, we are happy to announce that justice has been served.
KABA has also been an active supporter of the L.A. Koreatown redistricting lawsuit. Attorneys from KABA along with many community leaders spoke out at the 2011 redistricting hearings against the lack of transparency and the questionable decision to split Koreatown into two districts rather than form a single community. Such division eliminated Koreatown’s ability to elect a single City Council representative who could represent the community’s unique interests. Despite a vibrant economy and dense population, the Koreatown community still lacks public green space, government-funded senior centers, low-income housing and basic road maintenance. Five Koreatown residents sued the city of Los Angeles after thousands of requests to put Koreatown into one district were ignored.
Two prestigious law firms led by two former KABA SoCal presidents represent the Koreatown plaintiffs. The law firms are working pro bono, but the costs of litigation are increasing. Please take a moment to learn about this critical issue. If you should feel compelled to support the cause, please join me in making a tax-deductible donation via KAC-LA here.
In addition, KABA hosts monthly pro-bono legal clinics, its Annual Law Day, Mixers and MCLEs. KABA also provides endorsements to judicial candidates seeking election or appointment, and has supported many judges who are now serving on the bench. Moreover, the KABA Foundation grants a number of scholarships to law students every year, and each award is worth thousands of dollars! Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for future scholarship announcements.
Again, we do everything on a volunteer basis, and we appreciate your support. KABA counts on membership dues to fund these important initiatives. Please take a moment to learn more about us. You do not need to be a lawyer to join, and membership is free for law students. Click here for more details. KABA is a great way to support your community in a meaningful way. We appreciate your support!
Thank you and best regards,
Lloyd Lee, Esq.
Lloyd Lee, Esq. specializes in business and real estate law at The Law Offices of Lloyd Lee, PC.
You can also learn more about KABA’s history here:
This post was sponsored by KABA, which is part of KoreAm’s Community Network, a section reserved for local and national nonprofit organizations. The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of KoreAm.
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Korean American Bar Association (KABA)
A nonprofit organization established in 1980, KABA seeks to foster the exchange of ideas and information among members of the legal profession, judiciary and community. KABA encourages and promotes the professional growth of its members through fellowship among members and cooperation with other organizations of minority attorneys.
2015 OFFICERS
President Jin Lew
President-Elect Lloyd Lee
Executive V.P. Vivian Kim
Treasurer Brian Kang
Secretary Eugene Ryu
2015 BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Lisa Kwon
Steven Hwang
Joann H. Lee
Marrian S. Chang
Karen Jung
Lisa J. Yang
Christian T. Kim
Susan S. Park
Preston Lim
Michelle Ahnn
Ju Park
David Yang
Ann J. Kim
Sandra Chung
Soo Yun Lin
PAST PRESIDENTS
Hon. Kenneth Chang
Young Youhne
William P. Min
Chai B. Byun
David Y. Kim
Tong S. Suhr
Arthur P. Song, Jr.
Myron M. Kim
Howard L. Halm
Christopher Kim
Estelle C. Chun
John S. C. Lim
Angela E. Oh
Tammy Chung Ryu
Jai Ho Rho
Ann I. Park
Helen M. Kim
Pio S. Kim
Bub-Joo S. Lee
Lisa Kim-Pai
Debra Suh
Jay J. Chung
Wonkoo Chang
Robert Sheen
Ellen Shin
Ekwan E. Rhow
Lisa J. Yang
Joanna H. Kim
Paul Park
Marrian Chang
Princeton H. Kim
