About Us

The Asian Bar Association of Washington (ABAW) is a professional association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors and law students. ABAW is a resource and a network for its members in Washington State. Created in 1987, ABAW advocates for the legal needs and interests for the APA community, and represents over 200 APA attorneys in a wide-range of practice areas. ABAW is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). 

​To commemorate its 25th Anniversary, ABAW in 2013 created a video (at left) featuring several past ABAW Presidents, leaders, and members, shown to attendees at the ABAW & ABAW SSF Gala.

ABAW provides networking opportunities and mutual support for its membership. Through its network of committees, ABAW monitors legislative developments and judicial appointments, rates judicial candidates and advocates for equal opportunity and builds coalitions with other organizations within the legal profession and in the community at large. ABAW provides law student scholarships and engages in fund-raising activities through out the year.  In addition, ABAW serves the community at large through the International District and Rainier Valley Legal Clinics and other community-based public service projects.

MISSION STATEMENT
ABAW is a voice for the Asian Pacific American legal profession in the State of Washington, promoting justice, equity and opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans. We serve as a resource for our members and foster professional development, legal scholarship, advocacy and community involvement.

ABAW HISTORY
ABAW was formed in 1987 by a small group of Asian attorneys in the Seattle area. From our humble beginnings, our membership has grown to includes over 300 APA/API attorneys, judges, law students, and other legal professionals in a wide-range of practice areas.  ABAW is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).  ABAW provides a variety of programs, activities, and events, as well as networking and other resources.  

Learn more about ABAW on our Programs and Committees Page.  

Questions? Comments? Feedback? Want to get more involved? Email us via our Contact Form.


The Asian Bar Association of Washington is an exempt organization pursuant to 26 USC § 501(c)(6). ABAW's federal tax identification number is 91-1567457.

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