Founded in 1993, the Asian Pacific American Women Lawyers Alliance (APAWLA) represents a thriving community of legal professionals united by a shared vision of inclusion, empowerment, and advancement. Based in Cerritos, California, APAWLA has grown into a meaningful organization that brings together lawyers, judges, and law students from across the state who believe in the power of collective action and mutual support. The alliance was born from the spirit of the Civil Rights movement, carrying forward the legacy of advocates who fought for gender and racial equality. Today, APAWLA's members represent the full spectrum of the legal profession—from those in solo practices to attorneys working in major law firms, from judges on the bench to legal students preparing for their careers. What unites this diverse group is a commitment to lifting up Asian Pacific American women in law and creating pathways for their success. APAWLA goes beyond professional networking by actively engaging in advocacy, education, and mentorship throughout the legal community and the broader Cerritos area. The organization recognizes that advancement in the legal profession requires more than individual effort; it requires community, support systems, and collective leadership development. Through its programs and initiatives, APAWLA creates spaces where women lawyers can find mentorship, build meaningful connections, and develop the leadership skills necessary to shape the future of the legal profession. For Asian Pacific American women lawyers and law students in California, APAWLA represents both a professional home and a movement toward meaningful change.
Cerritos, CA