August 13, 2009

Annapoorni R. Sankaran Selected as one of Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston ("SABA GB"), a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association ("NASABA"), proudly congratulates SABA GB past President,Annapoorni R. Sankaran, for being selected one of Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honorees in 2009.

Each year, the Boston Business Journal selects 40 business professionals under the age of 40 that it considers to be part of the next generation of business leaders and innovators. This highly
competitive award recognizes outstanding Boston-area professionals for their business success and contributions to the community. Ms. Sankaran will be honored at a reception to be held on October 1st.

As a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Ms. Sankaran has established herself not only as an outstanding lawyer, but as a leader in improving diversity in the legal profession. As the President of SABA GB from 2004-2007 and currently the President-Elect of NASABA, Ms. Sankaran is an active mentor to countless minority attorneys. She has made a tangible impact on diversity in the legal profession in Boston and around the United States.

In addition to her work with bar associations, Ms. Sankaran served as the co-chair of the New England chapter of the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation, an organization dedicated to supporting and empowering women in the insolvency professions. Ms. Sankaran also serves on the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts Local Rules Committee. There, she works with bankruptcy judges and other bankruptcy attorneys to comment, draft and revise local bankruptcy procedural rules in accordance with the needs of the Court, practitioners, technology and changes in federal law.

In 2009, Ms. Sankaran received the Thirteenth Annual Rosoff Mentor Award in recognition of the impact she has made serving as a mentor in advancing diversity in the workplace and a Citation from Governor Deval Patrick in recognition for her commitment to diversity in the Commonwealth.
In 2008, Ms. Sankaran was also awarded the first Annapoorni R. Sankaran Award for Excellence in Leadership and Service, an award named in her honor by SABA GB and that will be awarded each year to the one SABA GB member who exemplifies her leadership characteristics going forward.

SABA GB is a non-profit organization and a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. SABA GB strives to work with other bar associations, governmental agencies and community groups to achieve greater involvement and understanding of the American legal system by the South Asian community. For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

June 1, 2009

Saba Gb And Affinity Bar Associations Confront Diversity Issues During Challenging Times

On May 19, 2009, the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”) joined other affinity bar associations in continuing the dialogue from last year’s well-received panel discussion entitled “Let's Get Real About Diversity.” Affinity bar organizations co-hosted this second annual event entitled “Moving Diversity Forward in the Face of Economic Challenges” to discuss of the relevance of diversity during the current financial crisis and the measures can be taken to push the diversity agenda forward during challenging times. With nearly 100 attendees, the event was spearheaded by the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”), and organized by the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts (“AALAM”), the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association (“MLGBA”), the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association (“MBLA”), and the Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys (“MAHA”). The event took place at Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, which hosted a reception during which attendees had an opportunity to continue the discussion with the panelists and each other.

Panelists included Aloke Chakravarty, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Criminal Division, Anti-Terrorism and National Security Unit; Geoffrey Why, General Counsel of the Department of Telecommunications & Cable; Robert Cooper, Vice President/Senior Counsel of OneUnited Bank; Carlos Perez-Albuerne, Partner at Choate, Hall & Stewart; and Bernadette Harrigan, Assistant Vice President & Counsel with Mass Mutual Financial Group. The event was moderated by Taruna Garg, an associate of Murtha Cullina LLP and Clerk of SABA GB. Ms. Garg invited the panelists to weigh in on how their diverse backgrounds contributed to their professional success and the ways in which minority attorneys can best position themselves to succeed in today’s turbulent economy.

The evening sparked a spirited discussion about the importance of diversity in the profession, as well as whether private and public sector employers pay only lip service to diversity initiatives in this tough economic climate.

“The attendance and enthusiasm for this event demonstrated the commitment of the legal community as a whole towards improving diversity within the legal profession. SABA GB hopes to continue its efforts at bringing together members of the legal community to discuss sensitive issues in an open and candid way,” said Samia Kirmani, President of SABA GB.

SABA GB is a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association and is an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the advancement of attorneys and law students of South Asian heritage and serving the legal needs of the South Asian community at large. For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

May 27, 2009

SABA-GB Announces its Legal Intern Fellows for Summer 2009

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”) is proud to announce the selection of its inaugural SABA GB Legal Intern Fellows, Heeral Patel and Saroj Tharisayi. SABA GB’s Legal Intern Fellowship Program provides funding to qualified law students who work in otherwise unpaid legal positions at non-profit organizations. Each Legal Intern Fellow will receive a $4,000 stipend. SABA GB selected the two 2009 Fellows based on a combination of academic performance, demonstrated community commitment, recommendations from professors and employers, and the quality of essays written in connection with their application.

Ms. Patel, a first year law student at Boston College School of Law and a 2006 graduate of the University of Michigan, will be working with the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts of Massachusetts for the summer. Ms. Patel’s passion for dance and the arts led her to secure this position, where she will be exposed to a wide range of issues concerning the arts community including those related to copyright, trademark and licensing.

Ms. Tharisayi, a first year law student at Cornell Law School and a 2004 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, will be working in the Housing Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services this summer. There, she will be researching, writing motions and advocating for low-income clients who are in danger of becoming homeless. Ms. Tharisayi will bring to her internship the experience she gained working for a year as an AmeriCorps volunteer, where she brought her love of computers to the classroom as a computer teacher and technology analyst in an after-school program.

“We are pleased that this year we are able to fulfill SABA GB’s long-term goal of offering a Fellowship Program to support our law student members,” said SABA GB President, Samia Kirmani. Shahzia Rahman, SABA GB Board Member who spearheaded the establishment of the Fellowship Program added that “SABA GB is very proud of this year’s Fellows. Not only do these students exemplify academic excellence and a real commitment to community service, but they are also truly representative of the diverse interests and perspectives within both the South Asian community and the broader legal community. We look forward to hearing about their experiences and accomplishments this summer.”

About SABA GB

Founded in 2004, SABA GB is a national, non-profit organization and the local chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. SABA GB supports and promotes the advancement of attorneys and law students of South Asian heritage and looks to serve the legal needs of the South Asian community at large.

May 13, 2009

Annapoorni R. Sankaran to Lead the North American South Asian Bar Association

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston ("SABA GB"), a chapter of the North American
South Asian Bar Association ("NASABA"), proudly congratulates SABA GB Past President, Annapoorni R. Sankaran, on her election as President-Elect of NASABA. Ms. Sankaran will assume the role of NASABA President in July 2010, at the annual NASABA Convention that will be held in Boston, Massachusetts.

Over the past two years, Ms. Sankaran has held prominent roles on NASABA’s Executive Committee as the Vice President of Organizational Memberships and Vice President of Public Relations. In these roles, she interacted with local chapters and learned about the unique needs and interests of each chapter, both young and established.

Under her leadership, Ms. Sankaran hopes to strengthen the connection between NASABA, its member chapters and the individual membership. In addition, she promises to work towards achieving better penetration and recognition of NASABA in both the legal and South Asian communities. “If NASABA wants to inspire the chapters and individuals to get and stay actively involved, it must work to increase the value of NASABA in concrete and truly responsive ways,” says Ms. Sankaran.

Ms. Sankaran’s victory exemplifies the strides and impact being made by Massachusetts attorneys on a national level. Ms. Sankaran served as SABA GB President from 2004 through 2007. Ms. Sankaran has been instrumental in the organization’s growth and development. In recognition of her unparalleled contributions to SABA GB during her tenure on the Board, Ms. Sankaran was presented with “The Annapoorni Sankaran Award for Excellence in Leadership and Dedication to Service,” an enduring award created in her name to be given each year to the board member who most embodies Ms. Sankaran’s legacy. Recently, Mr. Sankaran was also presented with the Ad Club 2009 Rosoff Mentor Award for her leadership and impact in serving as a mentor to others to create meaningful change and advance diversity in the workplace, as well as a citation from Governor Deval L. Patrick for her commitment to diversity in the Commonwealth.

"This is well deserved and we are so fortunate that Anna will be at NASABA’s helm,” commented Samia Kirmani, President of the SABA GB. "Her leadership of NASABA will be marked by the excellence and hard work that has characterized her service to NASABA and SABA GB to date."

“I am especially fortunate that I will be taking the post of President right after the NASABA Convention in 2010 which will take place in my home city of Boston,” commented Ms. Sankaran. “I am excited to see SABA GB get the recognition it deserves on a national stage!”

SABA GB is a national, non-profit organization and a chapter of NASABA. SABA GB strives to work with other bar associations, governmental agencies and community groups to achieve greater involvement and understanding of the American legal system by the South Asian community. For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

May 1, 2009

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston Congratulates Anita P. Sharma, Taruna Garg, Aloke Chakravarty, and Annapoorni R. Sankaran on their Recent Awards

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston ("SABA GB"), a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association ("NASABA"), congratulates the following recipients of awards: Annapoorni R. Sankaran, recipient of an Ad Club 2009 Rosoff Mentor Award; Assistant United States Attorney Aloke Chakravarty, recipient of the 2009 Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) Access to Justice Prosecutor Award; and Anita P. Sharma and Taruna Garg, each a recipient of a Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) 2009 Unsung Heroine Award. Ms. Sankaran was recognized at an Ad Club reception on March 23, 2009 and Mr. Chakravarty will be recognized an MBA reception on May 7, 2009. Ms. Sharma and Ms. Garg will each be recognized at an MSCW reception on May 13, 2009.

The Rosoff Mentor Award is awarded to individuals who have made an impact by serving as a mentor to others to create meaningful change and advance diversity in the workplace. Ms. Sankaran, a shareholder of the law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP, has been a mentor to countless minority attorneys and has made a tangible impact by not only promoting diversity, but working to strengthen the foundation of the South Asian legal community.

The Access to Justice Prosecutor Award is presented to the state or federal prosecutor who "has distinguished himself or herself in public service and whose commitment to justice and serving the communities where he or she lives or works is particularly praiseworthy." Mr. Chakravarty, Assistant United States Attorney in the Anti-Terrorism and National Security Section in the District of Massachusetts, has dedicated his career to public service and has steadfastly believed that it is critical for minority communities to be involved in the legal process, and in particular, law enforcement.

The Unsung Heroine Award is granted to "women who quietly, without fanfare or recognition, make their communities and the Commonwealth better places." Ms. Sharma, an Asylum Attorney at the PAIR Project, helps provide pro bono legal services to low-income asylum-seekers and uses her position, experience, drive, and skills to serve the immigrant community both in and out of the workplace. Ms. Garg, a Senior Associate at Murtha Cullina LLP, has given back to the local community in countless ways by actively participating in numerous South Asian and legal organizations and by lending her time to volunteer activities that help individuals who most need assistance gain confidence and skills that will help them with their futures.

"We were very proud to learn that so many of our members had been selected for these awards," commented Samia Kirmani, President of the SABA GB. "These recognitions exemplify the strides and impact being made by South Asians in the legal community. SABA GB extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients."

SABA GB is a national, non-profit organization and a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. SABA GB strives to work with other bar associations, governmental agencies and community groups to achieve greater involvement and understanding of the American legal system by the South Asian community. For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

February 26, 2009, Boston

On Friday, February 20, 2009, the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”) held its 2009 Kickoff Event at the Taj Hotel in Boston. The evening was co-hosted by the Network of South Asian Professionals (“NetSAP-Boston”) and the Indian Medical Association of New England (“IMANE”), giving members of SABA GB, NetSAP-Boston and IMANE an occasion to network and mingle. Featuring the theme of Bollywood Nights, over 350 guests dined on Taj Chef Prabeen Prathapan’s Indian specialties and danced to the music of DJ Bunty.

“This was the first year that SABA GB partnered with NetSAP-Boston and IMANE in hosting such a grand affair,” commented Anjali Chitre, a SABA GB Board Member and coordinator of the 2009 Kickoff Event on behalf of SABA GB. “The event offered our members a chance to meet South Asian professionals in the area and provided an opportunity for non-members to register and get involved with the hosting organizations.”

“The event was an enormous success. We are always looking for ways to work with other South Asian professional and community organizations,” said SABA GB President, Samia Kirmani. “The Taj’s Bollywood Nights party presented a unique opportunity for SABA GB members to meet and build relationship with members of NetSAP-Boston and IMANE in an elegant setting. We will nurture the relationships made through joint events like this one so that we can work together in furthering our organizations’ missions and strengthening Boston’s South Asian community.”

SABA GB is a national, non-profit organization and a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. As part of its mission, SABA GB strives to work with other bar associations, governmental agencies and community groups to achieve greater involvement and understanding of the American legal system by the South Asian community.

For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

December 19, 2008

On December 4, 2008, the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”) held its 2008 Year-End Awards Dinner, an annual event to recognize the achievements of the past year and honor the SABA GB member and board member who have made extraordinary contributions to the organization. This year’s dinner commenced with opening remarks from SABA GB President, Samia Kirmani, who invited the audience to share a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Ms. Kirmani recounted SABA GB’s many successes of the past year, including a reception to honor the appointments of Navjeet K. Bal and Sunila Thomas-George as the Commonwealth’s first South Asian Commissioners of the Department of Revenue and Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, the first diversity panel discussion co-sponsored by all affinity bar associations and several mentorship events which paired South Asian attorneys with students from local law schools. Most prominently, Mr. Kirmani celebrated SABA GB’s remarkable success in hosting the annual leadership retreat for the North American South Asian Bar Association (“NASABA”), which resulted in SABA GB winning the bid to host the 2010 National Convention, an event that attracts South Asian attorneys from all across the country.

Manisha Bhatt, last year’s recipient of both Member of the Year and Board Member of the Year awards, presented the award for Board Member of the Year to Dhara S. Khanna, the co-chair of the South Asian Community Relations Committee. Ms. Bhatt applauded Ms. Khanna’s contributions in collaborating with local South Asian community groups and organizing the “Be the Change” event for the Boston area, a national day of community service hosted by = South Asian Americans Leading Together (“SAALT”) across the country in honor of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy of service. The Member of Year Award was given to Aloke Chakravarty, an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Anti-Terrorism and National Security unit. Mr. Chakravarty was described as a “hero” for his involvement in bringing together law enforcement officials with members of the South Asian community in a cooperative forum to discuss critical legal issues relating to counterterrorism and the protection of civil liberties.

This year’s dinner also featured a special award to honor Past President, Annapoorni Sankaran, who served as SABA GB’s President from 2004 through 2007. In recognition of her unparalleled contributions to SABA GB during her tenure on the Board, Ms. Sankaran was presented with “The Annapoorni Sankaran Award for Excellence in Leadership and Dedication to Service,” an enduring award created in her name to be given each year to the board member who most embodies Ms. Sankaran’s legacy. “Anna not only created the machine that is SABA, she honed it so that it virtually hums along,” said an emotional Ms. Kirmani in describing Ms. Sankaran’s contributions. “She thoughtfully and carefully organized the Board so that roles are defined, Board members are empowered and the work gets done collaboratively…[Anna] represented SABA GB to the legal community in Massachusetts so that people come to us to have us represent on advisory boards, task forces and at legal community events.”

The evening’s keynote speaker was Warren Tolman, a former State Senator and first Clean Elections candidate for Governor of Massachusetts. Mr. Tolman acknowledged the significant strides made by the South Asian community in legal and political arenas and encouraged continued involvement and engagement in government processes to ensure that the community receives “a seat at the table” when it comes to issues that impact the community.

SABA GB is a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. As part of its mission, SABA GB continues to support and encourage the advancement of South Asians to leadership positions within the legal community and the community at large.

For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

December 10, 2008

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”) congratulates its President, Samia Kirmani, who was recently invited to serve on MCLE's Employment & Labor Law Advisory Committee. Ms. Kirmani will serve on the Advisory Committee for one year. “Only well regarded labor and employment practitioners with significant experience are considered for this position so this is a great honor,” says Annapoorni Sankaran, past president of SABA GB and a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig.

In addition to her role on the MCLE Employment & Labor Law Advisory Committee, Ms. Kirmani has an impressive record of service within the legal community. Ms. Kirmani is a member of the Labor and Employment Section of the Boston Bar Association, and a member of the National South Asian Bar Association, as well as the Pakistan Association of Greater Boston. Ms. Kirmani was also recently elevated as a partner at Jackson Lewis, LLP specializing in labor and employment matters.

SABA GB is a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. As part of its mission, SABA GB continues to support and encourage the advancement of South Asians to leadership positions within the legal community and the community at large.

For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Natasha Varyani, Vice-President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at nvaryani@mccarter.com.

October 21, 2008

SABA GB and Saalt Celebrate National Day of Service

On October 4, 2008, over 130 volunteers in Boston spent the day giving back to the community as part of a national day of service known as “Be the Change.” The day of service was co-sponsored by South Asian Americans Leading Together (“SAALT”) and the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”).

“Be the Change,” a concept originated at the University of Michigan campus in 1997 to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s message of community action, has since become a national event spearheaded by SAALT. SAALT is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering full and equal participation by South Asians in American civic and political life. The event, occurring each year around Gandhi’s birthday, offers an opportunity for community members to take actions that reflect Gandhi’s widely recognized message to “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

The day began with a kick-off event featuring keynote speaker, Navjeet K. Bal, Commissioner of the Department of Revenue in Massachusetts. Volunteers then participated in service activities around Boston, such as leading patient activities at The Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, volunteering at the Rose Kennedy Greenway Inaugural celebration, and helping The Massachusetts Audubon Society and The Emerald Necklace Conservancy with their conservation efforts of the Charles River and local parks.

This was the first year that SABA GB joined SAALT in hosting “Be the Change” in Boston. “SABA GB is proud to collaborate with SAALT in organizing and hosting Be the Change,” commented Dhara Sharma, a SABA GB Board Member and co-coordinator of “Be the Change” on behalf of SABA GB. “The event offers our members the opportunity to join other South Asians in serving the local community and raising awareness of issues that directly impact our area.” Boston’s “Be the Change” event was also coordinated by Punam Singh Rogers of SABA GB and Vinod Nambudiri of the Boston chapter of SAALT.

Nationally, over 2000 volunteers participated in “Be the Change” events in Atlanta, Boston, the Bay Area, New York City, and Washington D.C., as well in over 40 other cities and campuses.

SABA GB is a national, non-profit organization and a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. As part of its mission, SABA GB continues to support and encourage the advancement of South Asians to leadership positions within the legal community and the community at large.

For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com

September 18, 2008

SABA GB Board Member Elected As Co-Chair Of Massachusetts Bar Association Committee

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”) is pleased to announce the appointment of its Board Member, Neil Sherring, as Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s (“MBA”) General Practice, Solo and Small Firm Division. The Division was formed by the MBA to keep its members current on developments and trends affecting solo and small firm practitioners.

As the managing partner of Dakoyannis & Sherring in Westwood, Sherring focuses his practice in the areas of civil and business litigation and also represents multinational clients in international business and financial disputes. Prior to founding his own practice, Sherring clerked for the Massachusetts Superior Court, and served as both an assistant district attorney and an assistant attorney general. Sherring has served as a member of the Hate Crimes Task Force for the Attorney General of Massachusetts and co-founded the South Asian Domestic Violence Task Force.

Referring to Sherring’s recent appointment, Manisha Bhatt, a Board Member of SABA GB and Co-Chair of its Legal Relations Committee, commented, “SABA GB is pleased to see its members being recognized for their achievements in the legal community. We look forward to seeing more South Asian attorneys becoming involved in leadership positions within the legal community.”
SABA GB is a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. As part of its mission, SABA GB continues to support and encourage the advancement of South Asians to leadership positions within the legal community and the community at large.

For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

Sunday, August 22, 2008

On Sunday, August 17, 2008, the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”) celebrated the independence of India and Pakistan by holding voter registration drives at both the India Day and Pakistan Day celebrations held in New England. India Day 2008, organized by the Indian Association of Greater Boston, was at the Hatch Shell on the Esplanade and the Pakistan Day celebrations took place at Colt State Park in Rhode Island organized by the Pakistan Association of Greater Boston.

In an effort to encourage the South Asian community to participate in the American political process and to make voter registration easy and accessible, SABA GB set up tables at each of the events making the forms available, offering assistance in completing the forms and mailing them to relevant town authorities. Registration was greater than anticipated, with many registrants eager to participate in the upcoming national election. “SABA GB’s voter registration event is one of my favorites of the year.” commented Natasha Varyani, Vice President of SABA GB. “It is important that our community be represented in the political process. The first step is to make sure our community is registered to vote.”

SABA GB is a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. As part of its mission, SABA GB continues to support and encourage the advancement of South Asians to leadership positions within the legal community and the community at large.

For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

July 31, 2008

SABA GB Honors Attorney Finalists For 2008 Woman of the Year Award

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”) congratulates four New England attorneys for being named finalists for India New England’s 2008 Woman of the Year Award. Krishna Patel, Navjeet K. Bal, Sunila Thomas-George and Manisha Bhatt were among the 20 finalists for the award. Ultimately, Ms. Patel was selected as the 2008 Woman of the Year for her exemplary work prosecuting sex crimes against children.

Ms. Patel is an Assistant United States Attorney in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and is coordinator of Federal Project Safe Neighborhood. As part of that program, Ms. Patel has prosecuted sexual predators for crimes involving pornography, sex with minors and sex trafficking. In addition, as co-chair of the Smuggling and Trafficking of Persons Investigative Task Force (“STOP IT”), Ms. Patel’s work extends to fighting human trafficking.

Ms. Bal is the newly minted Commissioner of Revenue for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She was appointed to that position by Governor Deval Patrick in February, 2008, and her position is among the highest held by a South Asian in Massachusetts state government. Ms. Bal previously worked at the Boston law firm of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris & Popeo for seventeen years.

Ms. Thomas-George was recently appointed a Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (“MCAD”) and is the first South Asian to hold that position. Ms. Thomas-George has worked with the MCAD for over a decade and, prior to being appointed Commissioner, she served as the Acting Director of Enforcement at the agency. Her position is among the highest held by a South Asian in Massachusetts state government.

Ms. Bhatt is a Senior Attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services (“GBLS”), an organization that provides free legal services to low-income individuals in and around Boston and throughout Massachusetts. At GBLS, Ms. Bhatt is a member of the Family Law Unit, which primarily represents victims of domestic violence and their families. Ms. Bhatt was recently promoted to the position of Senior Attorney.

SABA GB is proud to acknowledge the accomplishments of these four exceptionally talented South Asian attorneys. The four finalists, including the award recipient, Ms. Patel, represent the tremendous strength and diversity of the South Asian legal community in the Boston area and in New England.

SABA GB is a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association and is an organization dedicated to serving as the regional voice of the South Asian legal community. SABA GB supports and promotes the advancement of attorneys and law students of South Asian heritage and looks to serve the legal needs of the South Asian community at large.

For additional information, please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

July 31, 2008

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”) congratulates SABA GB member Mala M. Rafik on her recent election as Council Member of the Boston Bar Association (the “BBA”). The Council, comprised of 28 members of the bar, and is a governing body of the BBA. Ms. Rafik will serve on the Council for a three-year term.

In addition to her role as Council Member, Ms. Rafik has an active legal practice and a long record of service within the legal community. Ms. Rafik is a partner at Rosenfeld & Rafik, P.C. where she represents individuals with severe chronic or catastrophic conditions and disabilities. Ms. Rafik also serves as a co-chair of the BBA Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Section and as a Board Member of the Massachusetts Advocates for Children, the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and Massachusetts Correctional Legal Services.

SABA GB is a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association. As part of its mission, SABA GB continues to support and encourage the advancement of South Asians to leadership positions within the legal community and the community at large.

For additional information regarding SABA GB please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

June 9, 2008

DOR Commissioner Navjeet K. Bal Awarded NASABA 2008 Cornerstone Award

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”), a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association (“NASABA”), congratulates Commissioner Navjeet K. Bal on her recent nomination and award of a 2008 NASABA Cornerstone Award. Commissioner Bal will receive her award in person at the 2008 NASABA annual convention to be held this year in Chicago, Illinois June 27-29, 2008 www.nasabaconvention.org

The Cornerstone Award is granted to individuals who, among other attributes, “serv[e] the legal interests of the South Asian community and the community at large [and] encourag[e] greater participation by the South Asian community in the legal profession and the government.” The other NASABA 2008 Cornerstone awardees are: Navneet Chugh, Esq., founder of NASABA; Steven Mayo, Esq., Executive Director of the Institute for the Study and Development of Legal Systems; the Hon. Rena Marie Van Tine, Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois; and Emilie Ninan, Esq., President of the South Asian Bar Association of Delaware and partner at Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP.

In February of this year, Commissioner Bal was appointed by Governor Patrick’s administration to lead the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Commissioner Bal’s position is among the highest held by a South Asian in Massachusetts state government. Prior to becoming Commissioner, Ms. Bal worked for the law firm of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo from September 1989 until April 2007, specializing in public finance, state disclosure issues, state and federal tax law and structured financial transactions. Ms. Bal founded Mintz Levin’s Domestic Violence Project in 1990, is a board member and former chairperson of the Legal Advocacy and Resource Center in Boston, and served from 2003-2005 on the executive committee for the statewide planning committee on delivery of legal services chaired by retired Chief Justice Herbert Wilkins, a group which worked to reorganize the delivery of legal services in Massachusetts.

“It is a particularly proud moment for Boston’s South Asian legal community,” commented Natasha Varyani, Vice President of the SABA GB. “Considering Commissioner Bal’s long-time commitment to public service and all that she has accomplished thus far, it is difficult to imagine a more fitting recipient for this award.”

Commissioner Bal’s recent appointment and receipt of this award exemplify the strides being made by South Asians in the legal community. For its part, SABA GB will continue to support the advancement of South Asians to leadership positions by providing mentoring and networking opportunities among its members and other affinity communities.

For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com. For more information on, or to register for the upcoming NASABA convention, please visit www.nasabaconvention.org.

May 14, 2008

Let’s get real about diversity

To commemorate diversity month, on April 24, 2008, the affinity bar associations in Massachusetts hosted “Lets Get Real About Diversity” - an event designed to allow participants of all minority organizations to candidly discuss diversity issues in the Massachusetts legal community and ways we can work together to improve it. Over seventy-five people were in attendance for the event, spearheaded by the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”), and organized by the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts (“AALAM”), the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association (“MLGBA”), the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association (“MBLA”), and the Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys (“MAHA”). In addition, the Boston Bar Association Diversity Leadership Task Force co-hosted the event. This event marked the first time that SABAGB, AALAM, MAHA, MBLA and MLGBA all gathered together to discuss an issue of significance for each organization, and the legal community in Massachusetts.

Panelists included Edward Cheng, partner at Sherin & Lodgin; Carlos Perez-Albuerne, partner at Choate Hall & Stewart; Robert Cooper, Senior Counsel at OneUnited Bank; Annapoorni Sankaran, shareholder at Greenberg Traurig; and Vickie Henry, partner at Foley Hoag. The discussion was moderated by Christina E. Miller, Chief of District Courts and Community Prosecutions at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Ms. Miller invited the audience and panelists to weigh in on scenarios often encountered by diverse attorneys, including instances of overt and subtle discrimination, pressures upon diverse associates to participate in firm diversity committees and how diverse attorneys can best fit in with law firm culture. The panelists openly discussed their past experiences and provided their perspectives on handling difficult issues in the workplace.

Panelists and guests attended a reception following the panel discussion. Attendees noted the importance of the event and how it will serve as a stepping stone for future events and helping the legal community to evolve. More importantly, attendees commented on how the event and the reception allowed minority attorneys to discuss important issues in a familiar and safe environment, and allowed them to meet and develop important relationships with minority members of the bar. Taruna Garg, Esq., Clerk of SABA GB commented, “I was pleased by how long people stayed at the event. With members of so many of the minority bars present, it was amazing to listen to the excitement and brainstorming for future events, and ways we can all better serve our communities. In addition, as both majority and minority bar members, we all realized that we are working towards the same goal and collaboration is the most effective way to achieve it.” Bar leaders hope that this panel discussion was the start of an important dialogue in the Massachusetts legal community and will be presenting future events to take the discussion to the next level.

SABA GB is a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association and is an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting the advancement of attorneys and law students of South Asian heritage and serving the legal needs of the South Asian community at large.

For additional information please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia Kirmani, President, South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston, at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.

April 24,2008

South Asian Bar Association Of Greater Boston Announces Affiliated Bar Status With The Massachusetts Bar Association

Nutter, McClennan & Fish
6:30 p.m.

The South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”), a chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association, recently announced that the Executive Management Board of the Massachusetts Bar Association (“MBA”) unanimously approved SABA GB’s application to become an MBA affiliated bar association. The MBA affiliate bars assist the MBA in the furtherance of its mission, policies and activities. There are currently twenty-six such associations, each with a representative on the MBA’s governing House of Delegates.

Becoming an affiliated bar of the MBA has been a SABA GB goal and serves as formal recognition of the efforts by SABA GB to create strong relationships with local majority and affinity bar associations in Massachusetts. SABA GB expects that MBA affiliated bar status will provide SABA GB with a greater voice in the Massachusetts legal community and further enable SABA GB to benefit from the experience and expertise of the MBA. SABA GB looks forward to working with the MBA and the other MBA affiliated bars to continue initiatives to improve the diversity of the legal community in Massachusetts.

Samia M. Kirmani, President of SABA GB commented, “SABA GB is of the firm belief that issues of diversity in the legal profession are most effectively addressed as a group effort. We believe that each bar association can represent and bring a unique voice to the discussion so that we can better understand each other and the communities we serve. That said, only as a team can we make a real difference in the landscape of our profession. Thus, we are honored to have become an affiliated bar of the MBA and look forward to furthering our collective goals.”

To that end, in celebration of Diversity month, SABA GB is co-hosting a joint event with some of its fellow affiliated bar organizations. The event will feature a panel of attorneys who will speak candidly about diversity in the Boston legal community, as well as a networking reception for attendees. It will be held at Nutter, McClennan & Fish on Thursday, April 24th at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP, please E-mail Maya Sethi at MSethi@nutter.com.

SABA GB is a voluntary bar association dedicated to the advancement and development of attorneys and law students who are interested in issues affecting the South Asian community in Massachusetts. Through professional development activities, community outreach, education programs, legal services efforts, and networking opportunities, SABA GB benefits not only its membership but the community at large.

For more information about SABA GB please visit www.sabagb.org or contact Samia M. Kirmani, President, SABA GB, at 617-367-0025 or at kirmanis@jacksonlewis.com.