I grew up seeing issues in my neighborhood but never really understood the complex, systemic nature of what was wrong in our communities until I started college at the University of Washington. I first became involved in community activism there. I eventually became president of the UW student chapter of Amnesty International and ran campaigns involving the death penalty and the criminal justice system, human trafficking, homelessness, and mental health issues.

After college, I worked at DESC, an organization that provides housing, emergency shelter, and crisis intervention to vulnerable adults. I continued working there part-time through law school. I volunteered at the Housing Justice Project, assisting clients in preventing homelessness. I dedicated my third year to representing indigent clients as a Rule 9 extern at The Defender Association, a public defense agency in King County.

As an attorney, I’ve partnered with the ACLU and Seattle Clemency Project on pro bono cases. I hope and plan to use my voice and position of power to effect real change.

 I am currently President of the Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Washington…

…and have been involved in the organization for over five years. VABAW was formed in 2005 for Vietnamese American attorneys, law students, and friends who share our common vision. Our goals are to provide mutual support for attorneys in the advancement of their careers, to be a trusted guide and resource for students who aspire towards the legal profession, to serve as a voice for the local Vietnamese American community, and to represent Vietnamese American attorneys within the State Bar.

In addition to VABAW’s Mentorship Program, for the past 10 years, VABAW has offered, through our Hồng Đức Clerkship Program, a rising law student the unique opportunity to spend a summer in Vietnam, learning about the rich and vibrant culture in Vietnam, all while working with a top international law firm. In addition, starting four (4) years ago, VABAW ushered in its inaugural Judicial Externship Program with the support of Judge John Chun, Judge Sean P. O’Donnell, and Judge John R. Ruhl of the King County Superior Court.