Asian Bar Applauds Confirmation Of Justice

WASHINGTON - The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association congratulates The Honorable Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauyeon her confirmation to be chief justice of the California Supreme Court. The three-member panel of the California Commission on Judicial Appointments unanimously confirmed Justice Cantil-Sakauye's nomination. Her name will now be listed on the November election ballot unopposed. If voters approve her nomination she will be the first Asian Pacific American chief justice for a state high court in the continental United States. She will also be the first Filipina American state high court justice.

"Justice Cantil-Sakauye will be an exemplary chief justice for the state of California. Her twenty years on the bench as well as her prior experience in the executive branch and at the district attorney's office make her uniquely suited to be California's chief justice. The state of California will be fortunate to have her as chief justice. Justice Cantil-Sakauye has long been an example and leader in the legal community, and this historic confirmation is a great day for both Californians and the Asian Pacific American community," praised Joseph J. Centeno, president of NAPABA.

Justice Cantil-Sakauye has a life story inspiring for all Americans. She is the daughter of former Filipino farmworkers, and earned money for law school by working at a restaurant and dealing blackjack at a casino in Lake Tahoe. Justice Cantil-Sakauye has been and remains active in her community, including with her church, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, and the Asian/Pacific Bar Association of Sacramento.

NAPABA is proud to have supported Justice Cantil-Sakauye's nomination and looks forward to her tenure as chief justice of the California Supreme Court. NAPABA applauds Governor Schwarzenegger for nominating Justice Cantil-Sakauye and commends the Commission on Judicial Appointments for its swift confirmation process.

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of over 40,000 attorneys and 62 local Asian Pacific American bar associations. Its members represent solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal service and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government. NAPABA continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes professional development of minorities in the legal profession.