Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California Pro Bono Advisory Council

Mission Statement

AJSOCAL is a social justice organization that protects and strengthens the rights and dignity of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, especially those that are most disadvantaged.

Values:

Compassion: We serve with humility and respect.

Community Responsiveness: We focus on the needs of and within our communities.

Courage: We must be bold to transform lives and communities.

Collaboration: We do not achieve change or transformation through silos.

DEI Statement:

None Provided

Programs/Services:

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. By offering free legal help, engaging in impact litigation and advocating for policy change, AJSOCAL prioritizes the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while fostering robust advocacy for civil rights and social justice.

Our work has strong focus in the following areas: Anti-Asian discrimination, housing preservation, immigration & citizenship, health access, domestic violence and family law, and voting rights.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California offices are located in Downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with presence in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all.

Ideal Candidate:

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California is seeking dedicated legal professionals to join our Pro Bono Advisory Council (PBAC). The PBAC works alongside our Board of Directors and other Advisory Councils, providing critical guidance to strengthen and expand our pro bono programs. We are looking for attorneys from prominent national or international law firms or in-house counsel at leading companies who share our dedication to advancing justice for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. PBAC members play a vital role in directly supporting pro bono matters, offering strategic insights, and helping to secure the funds and resources necessary to support our mission. Ideal candidates have a strong track record of pro bono engagement, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the ability to collaborate effectively with professionals from various sectors. Strong networks within the legal, corporate, or philanthropic communities are highly valued, along with a willingness to actively participate in PBAC initiatives.

Why you should consider joining this board:

Joining the Pro Bono Advisory Council (PBAC) at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California provides a unique chance to drive meaningful change and promote equity and justice for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. PBAC members play a pivotal role in supporting AJSOCAL’s pro bono program which tackles pressing legal and social challenges faced by underserved populations. Members also collaborate with other professionals from leading law firms and Fortune 100 companies, enhancing both their network and professional development. By taking on pro bono work personally or promoting opportunities within their networks, and contributing fundraising support, PBAC members play a pivotal role in strengthening the community and promoting social justice.

Fundraising/Financial Commitment:

The financial commitment for joining the Pro Bono Advisory Council (PBAC) at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California includes a $2,500 annual fundraising “give or get” requirement. The “give” is a personal donation at a level that is meaningful to the individual member, and the “get” involves leveraging personal and professional networks to support various fundraising efforts, such as securing sponsorships for key events like the PBAC’s Game Night fundraiser or the annual dinner gala.

Additional Information:

Our organization has previously submitted a board listing for our Board of Directors. This submission, however, pertains specifically to our Pro Bono Advisory Council (PBAC). While both groups are vital to our organization’s mission, they serve distinct purposes. We value the contributions of both groups and appreciate the opportunity to provide this additional context!

To Apply:

Year Founded:

1983

Service Region(s):

Los Angeles Area

Service Area(s):

Civil Rights, Domestic Violence, Health Care Access, Housing, Immigration, Impact Litigation/Advocacy, LGBTQ+ Rights, Racial Justice

Annual Revenue:

$10 million – $25 million

Employees:

51-100

Board Members:

More than 25

Length of Board Term:

Board Meeting Type:

Virtual only

Service Per Month Expected:

Less than 5 hours

Board Meetings Per Year:

3 virtual meetings, 1 hybrid meeting in the summer The PBAC also hosts an annual fundraiser each spring (in 2024 this was an in-person game night with teams sponsored by PBAC member employers) and is expected to support/sponsor the AJSOCAL dinner gala each fall. The PBAC also gets together in-person at small group lunches throughout the year, and there is a year-end social to celebrate the year’s accomplishments.