Washington, D.C. (August 10, 2010) – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association congratulates Elena Kagan on becoming the newest member of the U.S. Supreme Court and only the fourth woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. In a historic moment, the Senate confirmed Justice Kagan by a bipartisan vote of 63-37 on August 5, 2010. She was sworn in as the 112th justice on August 7, 2010.
NAPABA, representing the interests of over 40,000 Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors and law students, is dedicated to promoting diversity within the federal and state judiciaries.
“For the first time in history, we have three extraordinary women sitting on the Supreme Court. Justice Kagan’s experience and reputation as a brilliant legal scholar will enrich the bench while opening doors for future minority and women candidates. Women as well as Asian Pacific Americans are significantly underrepresented in the judiciary field, and Justice Kagan’s confirmation is a significant step forward in this nation’s history,” praised Joseph J. Centeno, president of NAPABA.
NAPABA is proud to have supported Justice Kagan’s nomination. NAPABA commends the President and the Senate for the swift confirmation process. NAPABA looks forward to her tenure as a member of the United States Supreme Court.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of over 40,000 attorneys and 63 local Asian Pacific American bar associations. Its members represent solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal service and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government.
NAPABA continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes professional development of minorities in the legal profession.
