Please join Nixon Peabody LLP and local Asian bar associations who have come together to hold a judicial reception honoring the memory of Honorable Sandra R. Otaka. Everyone is welcome to attend. Special welcome remarks from Justice P. Scott Neville, Illinois Supreme Court. This year we are very proud to award the Honorable Sandra Otaka Award to Judge Rena VanTine, Associate Judge, Circuit Court Cook County.

Hosted by Nixon Peabody, and in partnership with Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA Chicago), Chinese American Bar Association of Chicago (CABA), Filipino American Lawyers Association of Chicago (FALA), Japanese American Bar Association (JABA-Chicago), Korean American Bar Association of Chicago (KABA), and the South Asian American Bar Association of Chicago (SABA), the reception celebrates Judge Otaka’s memory and her tireless advocacy to increase diversity in the judiciary as well as the need to promote Asian Americans to serve as elected officials locally, stateswide, and/or nationally.

The first Asian American to be appointed to the bench by the Illinois Supreme Court and the first-Asian American to be elected judge in Cook County, Judge Otaka personified a true dedication to supporting the Asian American community. Judge Otaka was not shy about reminding lawyers, elected officials, and her judicial colleagues of their duty to serve and support underserved communities. It was her purposeful and constant encouragement that led many of our most respected leaders to where they are today.

We hope you join us for an evening of celebration, networking, and fellowship.