2020 AEF Benefit Dinner
In response to COVID-19, the Asian Pacific American Bar Association Educational Fund (AEF) made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Annual Benefit Dinner, previously scheduled for March 25, 2020. “The decision was made to protect the health of our guests, speakers, and hospitality workers. The health and safety of the community is our primary concern as we navigate these trying times,” said Madeline Dang, AEF President.
AEF awards summer fellowships and grants each year to law students from around the nation. The primary purpose of the fellowships is to fund public interest internships for law students whose work will benefit the metropolitan Washington, D.C. community-at-large and/or the Asian Pacific American community. Funding for AEF comes from generous donations from national corporations, law firms, individuals, and the Annual Benefit Dinner. “Please be assured that, although AEF will no longer host this year’s Annual Benefit Dinner, AEF remains committed to granting fellowships to law students this summer,” said Ms. Dang.
AEF is deeply grateful for the generous support from Rishi Varma, General Counsel of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., who was scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the Annual Benefit Dinner. In addition, AEF would like to honor and thank its Community Service Award recipient, Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote). APIAVote is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that encourages and promotes civic participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the electoral and public policy processes at the national, state and local levels, including efforts to raise awareness and ensure a complete count in the 2020 Census.
Finally, AEF wishes to express its gratitude for the following sponsors of the 2020 Annual Benefit Dinner.
Platinum
Covington & Burling LLP
Gold
WilmerHale
Silver
American University Washington College of Law
Baker McKenzie LLP
Edgeworth Economics
Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
Fish & Richardson P.C.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
Groom Law Group
Kelley Drye & Warren LLP
Lathrop GPM LLP
Linklaters
Marriott International, Inc.
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Ropes & Gray LLP
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP
Williams & Connolly LLP
Champion
The George Washington University Law School
“We apologize for any inconvenience and thank everyone for their understanding and continued support of AEF’s initiatives. It is a difficult time for all, and AEF expresses its profound gratitude for those working on the front lines to battle the disease,” said Ms. Dang, on behalf of the Board of Directors of AEF.