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Learn more about how we make a difference

VABANC has a strong sense of community responsibility. We strive not only to meet the professional needs of our members, but also to use our resources and expertise to serve the public interest. We frequently cooperate with other Asian American community groups on issues that affect our members and our community.

2026 Scholarship Application Now Open

We are excited to announce that the 2026 VABANC Scholarship Application is now open! Our annual scholarship seeks to recognize students who have demonstrated a commitment to serving the needs of the Vietnamese-American community. It is open to all current law students, and is intended to assist recipients who are pursuing public interest or social justice goals.

The deadline for the application is Sunday, August 28, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. Visit our website for more information about the application. Good luck!

Save the Date: VABANC 28th Annual Gala

Mark your calendar! We are excited to announce that VABANC’s 28th Annual Gala Dinner will be on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the San José City Hall Rotunda (200 East Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95112).

The evening is a celebration of VABANC’s commitment to cultivating and nurturing relationships between Vietnamese American judges, legal professionals, law students, and the Vietnamese American communities of Northern California.

Our Gala Dinner will recognize recipients whose efforts have blazed a trail and made tremendous contributions to the Vietnamese American legal community. Scholarships will be conferred to Vietnamese American law students who demonstrate a commitment to serving the needs of the community and intend on furthering their work in public interest.

Proceeds from the evening will support scholarships for future Vietnamese American law students and help sustain VABANC’s efforts to provide professional development, mentorship, and community-building opportunities for Vietnamese Americans in the legal profession. If you are interested in becoming a Gala Sponsor, please click here for our packet.

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VABANC Mentorship Program

Our sign-up forms are now open until August 28, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. to those interested in becoming a mentor or mentee. We welcome mentors from a wide range of legal backgrounds, years of experience, and industry roles (there is no requirement to be currently practicing law). Mentees can either be pursuing a Juris Doctor or in their post-law school career.

The time commitment is minimal. Ideally, two (2) meet-ups during this Fall season and two (2) meet-ups during the following Spring. Pairings can conduct more if they choose to do so, and as personal schedules permit.

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President Thi Tran Interview about Mentorship Program

On July 15, 2026, VABANC President Thi Tran joined Juris Education to discuss how mentorship, access, and opportunity can create meaningful pathways into the legal profession for underrepresented communities. You can read more here.

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VABANC Legal Clinic – Calling for Volunteers!

Every first Wednesday evening of the month, VABANC Legal Clinic is hosted from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Vietnamese American Service Center (2410 Senter Rd., San Jose, CA 95111), fully operated by volunteer availability. Our next clinic is on Wednesday, September 2nd.

In collaboration with the Vietnamese American Service Center (VASC), VABANC invites attorneys and law students to volunteer at our legal clinics. Since 2016, our dedicated VABANC volunteers have been the backbone of our mission.

The San Jose Vietnamese community needs your support more than ever. We are particularly seeking volunteer attorneys with experience in housing, immigration, employment, and family law.

Non-attorneys, law students, and community members are also welcome to volunteer and engage directly with clients through intake consultations or Vietnamese translation assistance. Your support make a significant difference!

If interested, please complete our Volunteer Sign-Up sheet to join our volunteer list.

Community News

ALRP 2026 MCLE Series

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AAPILC Scholarship Eligibility Information

The Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Foundation College Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students attending higher education. To be eligible, applicants must complete all the questions and upload unofficial transcripts. For incoming Freshman students, please upload proof of acceptance letter. The scholarship amount is $2,500 and the deadline to apply is September 1, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. Click here to look up your state representative and click here for the list of AAPI state legislators and their district.

If you have any questions, contact: Angela.Lee@asm.ca.gov

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California Judges Association Annual Meeting

The California Judges Association Annual Meeting is taking place on October 22 to 25, 2026, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina (1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101). Click here for more information.

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Santa Clara Juvenile Dependency Courts Seeking Guardian ad Litem Contractors

The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is seeking proposals from qualified individuals to serve as Guardian ad Litem (GAL) contractors in Juvenile Dependency Court. This critical role involves advocating for dependency participants who are mentally ill or incompetent, ensuring their legal rights are protected in court proceedings.

The Guardian ad Litem is appointed to safeguard the dependency participant’s interests, oversee litigation decisions, and provide necessary support throughout the legal process. This contract opportunity offers professionals a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable families while assisting the Court in fulfilling its mission of providing equal justice for all.

For more information and to apply, visit: GAL Request for Proposal.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

September 2nd 2026, at 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
VABANC Legal Clinic
Vietnamese American Service Center (2410 Senter Rd., San Jose, CA 95111)

August 31, 2026, at 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
VABANC General Board Meeting
Zoom, please contact secretary@vabanc.org for the link

October 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
VABANC 28th Annual Gala
San Jose City Hall Rotunda (200 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113)