Chinese American Bar Association

The Chinese American Bar Association of Greater Chicago is a fraternal organization created for Asian members of the bar located in the Chicago area. Formed in 1986 under the leadership of its first president Therese Yee, it is the first local bar association for attorneys of Asian descent in the Chicagoland area. It serves as a forum and resource for networking and learning, organizing and sponsoring events of interest to its members, and providing public services to the local Chinese and Pan-Asian community.

Membership costs $30 for attorneys and $15 for students, valid for one year from October to September. Members receive affiliate status with the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). The organization hosts monthly happy hours and social events to help members expand their professional network and connect with other legal professionals such as attorneys, judges, and law students.

The organization co-founded the Chinatown Pro Bono Legal Clinic with the Chinese American Service League (CASL) to provide legal assistance to those in need. Members also work closely with the Small Business Development Center at Chinese Mutual Aid Association to offer legal panels for small business clients. Additionally, CABA has partnered with the Pui Tak Center on multiple immigration forums.

Some reviewers say the events are insightful and allow attendees to connect with professionals from various fields. Panelists are described as having extensive knowledge and sharing valuable perspectives on legal topics. The networking opportunities are frequently praised for allowing members to meet other legal professionals and expand their career connections.

The organization frequently hosts networking and professional development events, including an annual participation in the Minority Bar CLE Conference with ISBA. It also organizes judicial reviews through the Asian American Bar Association and webinars on career advancement. Other recurring events include a Holiday Dinner, Lunar New Year celebration, and monthly happy hours, sometimes jointly with other bar associations and community organizations.

The website mentions a fundraising event called Sips and Scholarships held on November 16th to raise money for the BWLA Scholarship Fund. Another notable event is the reenactment and discussion on Takao Ozawa v. United States, 260 U.S. 178 (1922) and United States, co-hosted with partners. These activities demonstrate the association's commitment to both community support and legal education.

The organization is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), which is an umbrella bar association comprised of local Asian American bar associations and individual members. Since 1987, NAPABA's affiliate organizations have played a key role in publicizing and addressing Asian American legal issues. This affiliation provides a reservoir of tested local leaders who can contribute to and lead NAPABA at the national level.

The association provides a platform for Chinese American attorneys to connect and support each other, promoting diversity within the legal profession. It aims to increase the representation of Asian Americans in leadership positions through its various activities. The organization is committed to providing a supportive community for Chinese American attorneys in the Chicago area.

The organization provides legal assistance on numerous legal issues such as employment, family, immigration, and real estate law through the Chinatown Pro Bono Legal Clinic. It also offers mentorship programs, CLEs, and webinars for attorneys at various stages of their careers. These services are designed to help members advance their legal careers and provide guidance to law students.

The organization is located in the Chicago area, specifically serving the Chicagoland region. It works closely with local organizations such as the Chinese Mutual Aid Association and the Pui Tak Center. The association's activities are centered around the local Chinese and Pan-Asian community in Chicago.

The organization has a 4 out of 5 rating from 11 reviews on Trustburn. The rating split shows a majority of 5-star and 4-star reviews, with some 3-star reviews. The feedback is recent, with the latest review dated October 20, 2023. The reviews consistently highlight the value of networking and professional development opportunities.

The organization's website mentions that it is an affiliate of NAPABA, which is the largest Asian Pacific American membership organization in the U.S. for attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. This affiliation provides access to a broader network of resources and opportunities. The organization also collaborates with other bar associations and community organizations to enhance its impact.

The official website of Chinese American Bar Association is cabachicago.org.