I want to extend a warm welcome to all members of the Palo Alto Area Bar Association (PAABA)—whether you are newly admitted to the Bar or a long-standing member of our legal community.  I am honored to serve as President and look forward to working alongside you this year to build a more connected, resilient, and forward-thinking Association.

PAABA was founded in 1934 to provide a local, collegial association for attorneys in the Palo Alto area and has since grown to include attorneys throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.  From the very beginning, camaraderie and community service have been the defining goals of the Association. That spirit continues to guide us today as we adapt PAABA to the changing needs of the legal profession.

PAABA exists to serve and strengthen our community of legal professionals. Our mission—to promote professional excellence, uphold the highest ethical standards, and foster meaningful connection among lawyers—feels more vital than ever. In a time defined by rapid technological change, remote work, and evolving client and societal expectations, PAABA offers something uniquely valuable: a place to connect, to receive support, and to build both professional relationships and lasting friendships.

PAABA is in a period of transition and thoughtful rebuilding after COVID.  We are reconnecting with the broader legal community and actively exploring new ways to serve not only the profession, but the communities we live and work in. As part of that effort, we are focused on welcoming new members and growing the Association into a more inclusive and representative organization.

We are actively looking for people with energy, ideas, and vision—people who want to help build a legal community that is vibrant, collaborative, and forward-looking. Whether through new programming, outreach initiatives, or partnerships, our goal is to make PAABA a dynamic resource that supports professional development, public service, and genuine connection. 

While our profession adapts to new technology and new ways of working, one thing remains clear: community cannot be automated. Legal work may increasingly take place behind screens, but trust, mentorship, and professional development still require real relationships. PAABA is a great opportunity for young and new lawyers to connect with the community and build their professional networks.

I encourage everyone to engage with PAABA in a way that fits your goals and capacity. Attend a panel discussion. Volunteer. Join a section in your area of practice. Or simply reach out to a colleague you meet at an event. These acts of participation may seem small, but over time, they build a vibrant professional community—one rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to justice.

At its best, a bar association is not just a professional resource—it is a professional home. It is a place where lawyers learn from each other, support one another, and collectively advance the profession. That’s what we want to build together at PAABA.

Thank you for being part of this work. If you would like to volunteer or get more involved with PAABA, please reach out to us by filling out this form or by emailing us at info@paaba.org. I look forward to what we will accomplish—together—in the year ahead.

Warm regards,
James Yoon
President, Palo Alto Area Bar Association