-         By Princeton Kim

 

On May 4, the Korean American Bar Association of Southern California celebrated its 27th annual installation and Kenneth B. Chang memorial scholarship dinner at the historic Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. The evening featured California Supreme Court Justice Ming W. Chin as the keynote speaker and actress Elizabeth Chun as the mistress of ceremonies.

Justice Chin, a former captain in the U.S. Army, began his judicial career in 1988 when he was appointed to the Alameda Superior Court by former Governor George Deukmejian. From 1990 to 1996, Justice Chin served as an Associate Justice and then the Presiding Justice of the California Court of Appeal for the First District. He was later appointed to the California Supreme Court in January 1996 by former Governor Pete Wilson. Over the years, Justice Chin has received numerous awards, honors and commendations for his service on the bench from community organizations such as the Asian Pacific American Legal Center, Chinese Americans United for Self Empowerment, Asian Business Association and National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

The dinner program also honored several attorneys and law students for their dedication to Asian Pacific Islander and community service. Grace K. Lee of the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles was awarded KABA’s inaugural public interest fellowship for her work in the Korean American community. Susan S. Park was presented with this year’s Pro Bono Award for her dedication to KABA’s monthly pro bono clinics. Julie Chang, a student at UCLA School of Law, was this year’s recipient of the Kenneth B. Chang Memorial Scholarship, while Jennifer Tsao from USC Law School was awarded the Lim, Ruger & Kim Scholarship. In addition, Ann Kim of Chapman Law School and Carmina Ocampo of UCLA School of Law each received a Wal-Mart scholarship for their volunteer work. 

The evening concluded with the installation of KABA’s executive officers and board of governors for the 2007-2008 year. KABA’s executive officers are President Lisa J. Yang, President-elect Joanna Kim, Executive Vice President Paul S. Park, treasurer Marrian Chang and secretary Vivian Thoreen. The board of governors is comprised of members Wonkoo Chang, Stephanie Choi, Steve Hwang, Dorothy Kim, Princeton H. Kim, Young J. Kim, Kelly A. Knight, Lisa H. Kwon, Joann H. Lee, Jane Oak, Yungsuhn Park, Angela E. Oh, Ekwan E. Rhow, Justine Roe and Ellen J. Shin.