Dear APABA-DC Family,

As we near the first two months of this new presidential administration, one thing is clear: long-established norms of precedent, civility, and fundamental rights are under attack. Over the past few weeks, many of you have reached out—angry, frustrated, and deeply concerned about what lies ahead. Some have urged APABA-DC to take a more visible stand in protesting what we are seeing and feeling both individually and collectively, particularly against the Administration’s outrageous attacks on birthright citizenship and DEI. Others have suggested we say nothing in fear of attracting more attention and putting our more vulnerable members and community at risk. All of these viewpoints across the spectrum are valid. We are grateful for your trust in sharing them with us. I assure you that the organization is hearing and considering all the feedback received and navigating how to balance our actions, priorities, and resources to enable us to be most effective.

Let me be clear: We are not standing by. We reject any effort to undermine the rule of law, roll back hard-won progress, or dismantle the foundation of an inclusive society. APABA-DC is taking action—expanding programs and resources to support those directly affected, strengthening professional development opportunities to equip our members with the skills and networks to thrive, and continuing to create spaces where our community can connect, strategize, and lift each other up. We hope to see you at these events (and hear what you want or need most). We are also reaching out to our friends and allies, sharing information and resources, so that we may be stronger and more impactful together.

Now more than ever, we remind you: You are not alone. We stand together.

APABA-DC was founded in the fight for civil rights, and we remain committed to that mission. We are a voluntary bar association, created to represent the best of the legal profession and execute our skills and capabilities with integrity and professionalism. We remain steadfast in our character and knowing who we are, and we will continue to advocate, educate, and empower. We will push back against policies and efforts that seek to divide and disenfranchise. We will uphold and defend and speak up for the sanctity of the rule of law. And we will ensure that our members—individually and collectively—are prepared to meet this moment with strength, resilience, and action.

We are in this together. We will not be silenced. And we will not be deterred.

In solidarity,

Angeline Chen
President, APABA-DC