About the Dallas Asian American Bar Association

The Dallas Asian American Bar Association (“DAABA”) is a 350+ member legal organization created for the benefit of Asian-American attorneys, law students, and other legal professionals located in the DFW metroplex. DAABA’s core purpose is to advocate for the interest of Asian American attorneys and promote the professional growth and good community standing of its members DAABA’s. DAABA is one of the fastest growing bar associations in the area. As of 2015, approximately 67% of the self-identified Asian American attorneys practicing in Dallas County were DAABA members.

Specifically, DAABA’s primary objectives are as follows:

mentoring

DAABA hosts a formal mentoring program whereby DAABA attorneys are paired with interested students from SMU Dedman School of Law, UNT Dallas College of Law and Texas A&M University School of Law. Throughout the year, DAABA hosts happy hours and formal programs related to the legal profession for students – the ultimately goal is to help students integrate into the Dallas legal network and held build a pipeline of future leaders in the Dallas community.

In addition, DAABA hosts periodic “legacy lunches” in which senior Asian American attorneys – Including general counsels, public officials and senior members of law firms – meet with junior attorneys over lunch or drinks, and provide mentoring, general guidance and friendship.

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS

Each year, DAABA awards a deserving law student for his or her accomplishments and awards student(s) with scholarship(s) totaling around or over $6000 for tuition expenses and living costs. DAABA also recognizes a deserving high school student and various members at its annual Awards Night and Reception held each fall. In addition, DAABA actively encourages its members to participate in state level and national level bar organizations; as such DAABA awards grants for attorneys to attend the annual two-day conference hosted by the Asian Pacific Interest Section of the State Bar of Texas, and the annual three-day convention hosted by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

SOCIAL

DAABA hosts several social events throughout the year, to allow our members to make new friends and connections within the Asian American community. Each year, DAABA hosts a Lunar New Year dinner, participates in the annual DFW Dragon Boat Races and Festival, hosts a vibrant Games Night or Karaoke Night and has periodic happy hours for its members.

In addition, DAABA often collaborates with other organizations -whether legal, civic or business related – to co-sponsor various activities.

networking

DAABA members enjoy a variety of networking and CLE opportunities. Further, DAABA hosts or co-sponsors at least two or more CLE’s a year, featuring a topic of interest to its members. In addition, DAABA frequently promotes its members by by supporting their nomination of different legal awards. The “Public Relations” committee is dedicated to identifying deserving members and providing assistance in completing award applications and providing letters of recommendations and ideas for promotion.

DAABA’s signature event each year is its Annual Awards Night and Reception, in which 250-300 local attorneys, judges, students and legal professionals congregate for networking over drinks and snacks. At the event, DAABA honors certain of its members with awards, which is typically followed by a presentation or fireside chat with a key note speaker.

volunteering

DAABA members give back to the community in a variety of ways. DAABA’s attorney and student members are generous with their time, and frequently participate in legal clinics and pro bono activities. In addition, DAABA members have participated in Habitat for Humanity home builds, served breakfast at homeless shelters, provided resume review and career building services to a South Asian domestic violence support group, and have collaborated with other bar organizations on a variety of service activities. In 2016, the Community Service committee also created the “Voter Engagement Initiative” subgroup in light of the election year. The subgroup is tasked with encouraging Asian American voters to register to vote and hosting “voter deputy” trainings throughout the year.

history

DAABA was founded by about 15 attorneys in 1988.  DAABA is one of four minority organizations affiliated with the Dallas Bar Association (DBA), along with the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, the J.L. Turner Bar Association and the Dallas Women Lawyers Association.  The association also works closely with the Asian Pacific Interest Section (APIS) of the State Bar of Texas, and is the local chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).

As DAABA’s membership has grown significantly over the years, so has the prominence and influence of its members.  DAABA members are regularly recognized as outstanding attorneys and public servants by local, state, and national organizations.  DAABA members are regularly requested to speak and to give presentations to the community and to serve on various professional organizations, government and nonprofit boards and commissions.  For the past several years, DAABA has one or more seats on the DBA Board of Directors, the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL) Board of Directors, and the Dallas Diversity Task Force.

past daaba presidents

Don W. Joe (1988-1990)

Tim Hui (1990-1992)

Michele Wong Krause (1992-1994)

Harry Joe (1994-1996)

Suzy Fulton (1996-1999)

Emeline Yang (2000)

Brenda Rhoades (2001)

Rob Balachandran (2002)

Wei Wei Jeang (2003)

Wilson Chu (2004)

Al Faustino (2005)

Tom Yang (2005)

Zahara Alarakhia (2006)

Caren Lock (2007)

Wesley Young (2008)