As a first-year board member of KABA, I wasn’t sure what to expect after being invited to this year’s first formal board meeting on Feb. 15. What I realized was that the board is composed of people with vastly diverse backgrounds and experience. Some of the newer board members have been practicing law less than four years, while others have a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields. Many practice in the private sector at firms of all sizes, including large international firms, while others are in government, in-house counsel positions, legal aid, or work in business or have left the practice of law altogether.

Despite such differences, one commonality that applies across the KABA board is an enthusiasm and zeal to support KABA’s goals for community service and greater minority representation in the legal community. This first meeting had a great turnout, and the KABA board welcomed quite a number of law students to facilitate KABA’s relationship and mentoring program with local law schools. The interest many of the law students showed in becoming active with KABA was reciprocated by the board’s interest in supporting the law school community and getting to know the students on a personal basis.

It also became evident to me, thankfully, that KABA is more than just an organization dedicated solely to promote more of the “serious” objectives. KABA also provides a forum for many Korean American attorneys to network, socialize and share experiences that may not be readily available outside of KABA. On Feb. 24, KABA, along with Moses Kim of Doculogic, Inc. and Daniel Kim, hosted a mixer at Buddha’s Belly in the Miracle Mile area. Lots of new faces, board members and law students attended the event, and nearly 100 people came that night. It was refreshing to see so many people in a casual environment. As the event came to an end, I was thinking that one of KABA’s underrated benefits is belonging to an organization that prides itself on generating a sincere family-like atmosphere. It should be an exciting year for KABA.

John W. Kim is an associate at Nossaman, Guthner, Knox & Elliott LLP in downtown Los Angeles. John practices creditor rights, corporate restructurings in and outside the context of bankruptcy and commercial litigation in state and federal courts.

Korean American Bar Association

25th Installation

and Honorable

Kenneth B. Chang Scholarship Dinner

Thursday, April 21, 2005

800 N. Alameda Ave., Los Angeles

6 p.m. – Cocktails/Silent Auction

7 p.m. – Dinner Reception

Keynote Speaker: California Supreme Court Justice Joyce L. Kennard

Honoring:

KABA Community Service Award – Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles

KABA Service Award – Mr. William Min

KABA Pro Bono Award – Sung U. Park

Featuring:

Ken Oak and select songs from his new CD, “Half Step Down,” and the Chris Ho Band

Korean cuisine catered by Biwon Restaurant