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STANDING COMMITTEES

Standing committees are permanent committees established by NFALA. The work of these committees are ongoing. Due to the nature of the matters they oversee, membership in the Finance Committee and Nominations & Elections Committee are limited to members of the Board of Governors.

Advocacy
Responsible for researching, monitoring, and advising the Board of Governors regarding issues of importance to the Filipino-American community, and providing recommendations to the Board of Governors as to the manner in which NFALA can use the law and its resources to address those issues.

Advocacy Co-Chairs: Jonathan Cruz and Peggy Li

Awards and Endorsements
The Awards & Endorsements Committee is responsible for: (1) identifying NFALA members for awards/recognitions and recommending candidates Awards & to the Board of Governors; Endorsements and (2) vetting NFALA members seeking NFALA Committee endorsements by reviewing materials submitted by candidates, conducting interviews of candidates when necessary, and providing recommendations to the Board of Governors.
Awards and Endorsement Chair: John Fetters

Communications
The Communications Committee plays a vital role in ensuring effective communication both within our organization and with external stakeholders. Our mission is to enhance transparency, promote engagement, and amplify our organization's message through various communication channels, including email communications, the NFALA website, and NFALA's social media accounts.

Communications Chair: Natalie Garcia Lashinsky

Finance
The Finance Committee is responsible for NFALA's financial management efforts, and proposing an annual budget for approval by Board of Governors.

Finance Chair: Andrew Villacastin

Health & Wellness
The Health & Wellness Committee is responsible for promoting a culture of health and well-being within NFALA by implementing initiatives that support physical, mental, and emotional wellness among its members and affiliates.

Health & Wellness Chair: Pauline Villanueva

Judicial and Executive Appointments and Nominations

The Judicial and Executive Appointments and Nominations Committee (JENAC) is responsible for advancing the following initiatives: (1) Advocacy - Lobby for the appointment of Filipino Americans to judgeships and commission appointments.  We will review applications and make recommendations to the Board of Governors about endorsement of members seeking appointment to federal or state judgeships, or to commissions and other positions. (2) Process - Create a “toolbox” for NFALA affiliates that they can use to create their localized applicant review process. (3) Pipeline - With the assistance of affiliates, educate NFALA members on the process of applying for judgeships and other appointed positions in federal and local governments. 

JENAC Chair: David Mesa

To see recent NFALA Judicial Announcements, visit our Announcements 

Leadership, Education, & Attorney Development
The Leadership Education & Attorney Development (LEAD) Committee is dedicated to fostering the growth, advancement, and professional excellence of our legal professionals. Our committee focuses on providing resources, support, and opportunities for leadership development, skill enhancement, and career advancement within our organization through its flagship program, the Leadership Academy.

LEAD Co-Chair: Jeffrey Javinar and Hon. Bryan Ramos

Membership
The Membership Committee serves as the primary liaison between our organization and its members, with a focus on recruitment, engagement, and retention efforts. Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community of members who are committed to our organization's mission and goals, and help nurture the growth and development of new NFALA affiliates.

Membership Chair: Vanessa Candelaria

Nominations & Elections
The Nominations & Elections Committee is responsible for: (1) soliciting, receiving, and verifying eligibility of candidates for the offices of NFALA's Board of Governors; and (2) conducting NFALA's annual elections.

Political and Civic Engagement
The purpose of the Political and Community Engagement (PACE) Committee is to identify, cultivate, and support current and prospective leaders of the Filipino American community and to encourage civic engagement through programming, networking, and service.

Political and Civic Engagement Chair: David Mesa

AD HOC COMMITTEES 

Ad hoc committees are created on an as needed basis by NFALA to manage with a specific issue, event or topic.

Annual Convention Steering Committee
The Annual Convention Steering Committee is responsible for planning NFALA's Annual Convention that traditionally takes place during the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association's Annual Conference. NFALA @ NAPABA events included the Welcome Reception, Joint Luncheon, Gala & Installation of Officers, Basketball Social, and the NFALA General Meeting. For more information, visit the NFALA @ NAPABA Event Page here.

Convention Steering Chair: Bryan Ramos

Mid-Year Leadership Summit Steering Committee
The Mid-Year Steering Committee is responsible for planning NFALA's annual Mid-Year Leadership Summit. The Summit features inspiring keynote speakers, panels, and workshops, and provide opportunities for NFALA members to deepen and broaden your connections with other NFALA Board Members, Affiliate Leaders, and Committee Chairs. For more information, visit the NFALA Mid-Year Event Page here.

Mid-Year Steering Chair: Peggy Li

AFFINITY NETWORKS

Affinity Networks are formed around a shared interest or goal. To date, NFALA has established five affinity networks.

Government and Public Sector Lawyers Network
The Government and Public Sector Lawyers Affinity Network's (GPS) mission is to serve NFALA’s members employed in various levels of government or public interest organizations. By promoting integrity and excellence among public advocates, providing meaningful programming, and by highlighting the extraordinary work of public sector lawyers, GPS works to enhance the position of NFALA’s members, provide a network and a space to build camaraderie among public sector lawyers, and provide representation within NFALA for public sector lawyers.

GPS Co-Chairs: Abigail Rivamonte Mesa and Raymond Rollan

In-House Counsel Network
The In-House Counsel network consists of inhouse counsel who are interested in sharing their ideas and experiences as members of corporate counsel departments on a variety of issues facing Filipino-American attorneys and providing a support network within in-house counsel members.

In-House Counsel Network Co-Chairs: Laurie Rose Lubiano and Maria Celis

LGBTQ+ Network
The LGBTQ+ network consists of counsel who are interested in sharing their ideas and experiences as members or allies of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community on a variety of issues facing the Filipino-American LGBTQ+ community and providing a support network within LGBTQ+ members.

LGBTQ+ Network Chair: Jack Salazar

Partners Network
The Partners Network consists of partners who are dedicated to supporting and enhancing the collaboration, success, and well-being of partners within our law firms. Our mission is to cultivate a positive and productive partnership environment where partners can thrive both professionally and personally, and partners can often have a network for referrals based on the member's practice. 

Partners Network Co-Chairs: Phillip Bautista and Natalie Garcia Lashinsky

Plaintiffs' Network

The NFALA Plaintiffs' Affinity Network is dedicated to providing NFALA plaintiff-side attorneys a forum in NFALA to assist their practice through networking, education, public service and mentorship. To join the NFALA Plaintiff's Affinity Network, please fill out this survey.

Plaintiffs' Network Chair: Isabelle Tan

Solo and Small Firm Network

The NFALA Solo and Small Firms Network is committed to serving the needs of attorneys operating within small law firms or practicing independently. Our mission is to provide a supportive network, valuable resources, and tailored programming to help these legal professionals thrive in their practices.

Solo and Small Firms Network Co-Chairs: Janice Dantes and Frances Prizzia

Women Lawyers Network
The Women Lawyers Network is dedicated to advancing the professional development, empowerment, and representation of women within the legal profession. Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where women attorneys can thrive, excel, and lead.

Women Lawyers Network Chair: Kaelyn Yumal Wietelman and Christine Start

Young Lawyers Network

For attorneys who are younger than 40 or have practiced for less than ten years, the Young Lawyers Network provides NFALA's newest attorneys with an opportunity to network and to enhance their professional development. The Young Lawyers Network organizes and promotes activities, including continuing legal education seminars, that are of assistance to new attorneys in the practice of law and encourages pro bono and community service involvement by all new attorneys.

Young Lawyers Network Chair: Winnie Kantaris