The Pro Bono Clinic: With the guidance of Joann Lee and the many wonderful attorney volunteers who come out week after week, KABA’s pro bono clinic continues to serve indigent and Korean-speaking members of our community who cannot afford or do not know how to access legal services. Like clockwork, this clinic has opened its door at the Legal Aid Foundation on the second Tuesday of every month.

 

Outreach To Local Law Student Community: Inspired by Kelly Knight and the board in general, KABA held a series of regular events geared specifically toward law students. These included the formation of a law student committee and a series of events, including, regular dinners hosted by board members where student guests could learn of the professional backgrounds of practicing attorneys.

 

Victory In Softball: After a one-year hiatus, KABA regained the first place trophy in APABA’s annual softball tournament. Spearheaded by Steve Hwang, the team focused on teamwork and discipline and walked away with the championship. 

 

KABA’s Criminal Defense Seminar: Jerry Baik organized a full-day seminar at USC for attorneys seeking to learn the “nuts and bolts” of criminal defense work. Attendees included many non-KABA members. Speakers included KABA alumni such as Mia Yamamoto, Angela Oh and Dennis Chang. This seminar sets the stage for future events designed not just for KABA members, but for the greater Los Angeles community. 

 

KABA’s Pro Bono Fellowship: With a surplus of funds, the KABA Board decided to institute its first annual Pro Bono Fellowship. The $5,000 fellowship will be awarded to a practicing public interest attorney who serves the Korean American community. KABA is proud to make this investment in the Korean American community and continue to do so in the future.

 

 

 

KABA is also proud to present its incoming officers for 2007:

 

President: Lisa Yang of Lim, Ruger & Kim

President-Elect: Joanna Kim of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld

Vice President: Paul Park, CEO of the Cesar Chavez Foundation

Secretary: Vivian Thoreen of Luce Forward

Treasurer: Marrian Chang of Ogletree Deakins

 

On behalf of the current officers and board, I would like to thank all of the many KABA members, law students and volunteers who helped made last year so rewarding for the organization. Please keep coming to events and encourage others to participate!

 

Ekwan Rhow

2006 KABA President