About Us

The Asian Pacific American of Bar Association of Indiana (APABA-IN) is a non-partisan bar association comprised of Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and leaders in both major political parties. APABA-IN is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), and it was formed in 2014 with only 10 members at the time, the minimum number required to form a NAPABA affiliate. Since that time, APABA-IN has grown significantly and continues to grow as more and more APA legal professionals get involved. Having been in existence now only a few short years, APABA-IN engages with nearly 100 APA legal professionals in Indiana, and our membership continues to grow.

Our Purpose

APAs comprise about 1.8% of the population in Indiana and are the fastest growing minority group in the legal profession nationwide. APABA-IN’s vision and purpose is to serve as a voice for APA legal professionals in Indiana. Our efforts include the following:

  • To promote the professional development and advancement of APA law students, lawyers, and legal professionals in Indiana;
  • To assist in addressing the concerns of the APA legal community in Indiana;
  • To provide a forum for professional and social networking;
  • To increase awareness and dialogue regarding legal and social issues facing APA and minority communities in the United States;
  • To improve access to legal services for the APA community in Indiana; and
  • To promote a greater understanding of the legal, political, economic, and cultural environment of APA communities.

Our accomplishments over the years include the following:

  • Organizing and hosting an annual dinner gala attended by the who’s who in the Indiana legal community;
  • Organizing and hosting the 2019 NAPABA Central Regional Conference with acclaimed actor and civil rights activity George Takei as keynote speaker;
  • Organizing and hosting an annual CLE in conjunction with the Chinese New Year;
  • Endorsing APA judicial candidates;
  • Taking positions on US policy in support of APAs and racial equality and justice issues;
  • Collaborating with local and state bar associations;
  • Developing a new mentorship program in which local law students are paired with practicing attorneys; and
  • Organizing and participating in various other speaking engagements and social events within the legal community.