On September 15 and 16, 2017, Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law hosted more than 100 lawyers for the 11th Annual National Conference of Vietnamese American Attorneys (NCVAA). The event attracted lawyers from across the country, while also welcoming a delegation of attorneys from Vietnam, including the Vice Chairs of the Lawyers Association of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, as well as directors and partners from several leading law firms. The overseas delegation was organized by Mr. Ken Dat Duong of the TDL International Law Firm. This year’s conference marked only the second time in 10 years that the event has been held in Southern California.

The law school community was pleased to host this event, as it has sought to maintain strong partnerships with a variety of professional organizations since the school’s inception. “Those partnerships are built, in part, by talented members of the Chapman Family that get involved in community and professional organizations such as the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Southern California (VABASC) and NCVAA,” said Fowler School of Law Dean Matt Parlow. “We are fortunate to have members of the Chapman Family involved with these terrific groups,” he continued.

Dean Parlow also expressed gratitude to VABASC President and former Fowler School of Law faculty member Nhan Vu, who was instrumental in bringing the conference to our campus. Both Mr. Vu and Michelle Nguyen, Fowler School of Law Career Services Office Recruitment Program Manager and VABASC Board of Directors Member, participated in the conference.

The conference organizers sought to provide opportunities for attendees to meet new colleagues, strengthen connections within the Vietnamese American legal community, and gain knowledge about a variety of topics relevant to their practices. Topics for discussion ranged from the jurisdiction of U.S. courts over Asian firms engaged in international trade to a variety of issues related to civil procedure and legal education in the United States. In addition to providing educational and networking opportunities, the NCVAA aimed to inspire this year’s participants, selecting “Dream. Imagine. Achieve.” as the theme for the conference. That theme was driven, at least in part, by the entrepreneurial spirit of the Vietnamese American community and the growth that such networking opportunities can facilitate in the professional community.

Fowler School of Law Professor and Director of Graduate Legal Education Ronald Steiner welcomed conference participants to Kennedy Hall and also had the opportunity to meet with the delegation of attorneys visiting from Vietnam. Professor Steiner commented, “I was impressed with the level of interest and engagement of these lawyers, who clearly have a vision for the growth of trade and other relations beyond the borders of Vietnam.”

The Fowler School of Law has long been a partner to the legal community both locally and internationally. In addition to hosting events such as the conference, the law school regularly welcomes international legal scholars through its LL.M. programs. LL.M. students have included scholars focused on pursuing careers related to international law and humanitarian work.

 

Learn more about the LL.M. programs offered at the Fowler School of Law.