Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA)

Mission Statement

The Southern California area has traditionally had a large, very diverse Asian-American population. One of the most important, but most difficult, aspects of such a large, diverse population is representing the very interests of those individuals who comprise this community.

In the midst of this community lies Chapman Law School. The progress that Chapman Law School has made towards becoming a formidable legal institution has been furthered by brilliant legal scholars, as well as socially conscious and aware advocates. The inception of The Asian-Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA) at Chapman Law School this past year, during the same year it received full ABA accreditation, marks a pivotal time in the school’s history because it recognizes the very need for an institution and an organization that is ready and willing to address the needs of this very Asian American community, and the surrounding community at large.

As a support group, APALSA provides a strong backbone for new students starting their long journey towards a legal career, while constantly pushing and encouraging continuing students to stay on the right path. APALSA also serves a networking function, bridging the gap between the Asian American legal community and Chapman Law students preparing to enter that community in the future. As an academic group, APALSA provides tutoring sessions to aid students with classes and finals, and practice sessions for performance situations that students will most definitely encounter in their first year.

The strides that APALSA has made this past year as a fledgling organization will continue to be its earmark in the future as Chapman Law School continues its path towards supremacy as a legal institution. The years ahead for APALSA are extremely bright, and as an organization, it can only progress further as its members continue to maintain and excel in and out of the classroom.