October 27, 2007
October 27, 2007 – Chapman University School of Law
VCAABA member Kathy Luong attended the 2nd National Conference of Vietnamese American Attorneys on October 27, 2007. Here is her report!
The 2nd National Conference of Vietnamese American Attorneys (NCVAA) was held at Chapman University School of Law in Southern California on October 27, 2007. Appropriately themed "Reaching New Heights," NCVAA honored the achievements of Judges and Attorneys and inspired those wishing to enter the legal profession. The Conference featured keynote speakers: Hon. Alicemarie Stotler (Chief Judge of the US District Court, Central District of California), Hon. David Carter (US District Court Judge, Central District of California), Hon. Ming Chin (Justice of the California Supreme Court), California Assemblyman Van Thai Tran, and Hon. John Chiang (California State Controller).
At this event, attendees and panelists came together for an open discussion of the issues affecting the Vietnamese community. Some attendees came as far as Vietnam. Topics included The Impact of 9/11 on US Immigration Law, The Legal Market in Vietnam Post-Entrance into The WTO, and How to Start and Run a Successful Law Practice. Additionally, the judges featured on the Judges' Panel gave some advice to attorneys appearing before them: 1) be prepared – know your case better than anyone else in the courtroom; 2) be on time; 3) always be respectful towards opposing counsel.
At the end of the day, everyone headed over to the Sheraton in Anaheim for the closing gala and banquet to celebrate another successful Conference. It was a time to mingle with friends and taste some good Vietnamese food. The Trailblazer Award went to Hon. Nho Trong Nguyen (Trial Judge on the Orange County Superior Court). Judge Nguyen was the first Vietnamese American appointed to be a Superior Court Judge in Orange County.
The busy registration area!
Derrick Nguyen, President of the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Southern California (VABASC) and Christopher Phan, Lieutenant, Judge Advocate of General Corps. of the US Navy.
The Judges' Panel: Hon. Jacqueline Duong, Hon. Nho Trong Nguyen, Hon. Tam Bui, Hon. Anh Thu Dang, and Charles Manh