About Us

The South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA-NA) seeks to strengthen the rapidly growing South Asian legal community with a recognized and trusted forum for professional growth and development, and promotes the civil rights and access to justice for the South Asian community.

With 32 chapters throughout the United States and Canada, our attorneys work in all areas of the law, including large law firms, in-house counsel, government attorneys, and solo practitioners. Our bar hosts an Annual Conference, annual Lobby Day and numerous other successful programs throughout the year.

SABA North America is proud to be the voice of the South Asian legal community in North America.

Professional Growth

Diversity and Inclusion

Civil Rights

Access to Justice

President

The President of the Association shall be the chief executive officer of the Association and shall, subject to the approval of the Board, have general supervision, direction and control of the business and Officers of the Association. The President shall preside at the Annual Conference of the Association and at each meeting of the Board. The President shall be deemed a member of each of the standing committees of the Association and shall have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the Board or the Bylaws.

President Elect

The President-Elect of the Association shall appear on behalf of the Association whenever requested to do so by the President and shall serve in place of the President whenever the President is unable to perform his or her duties or whenever the President requests that the President-Elect so act. At the direction of the Board, the President-Elect shall also handle special projects for the Association. The President-Elect, together with the VP-Annual Conference, shall be responsible for coordinating matters related to the planning of the annual conference of the Association. The President-Elect shall be the President of the Association for the term following his or her term as President-Elect.

Secretary

The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office or such other place as the Board may designate, a book of minutes for all of the meetings of Board, (a) stating the time and place at which such meeting was held; (b) stating whether such meeting was a regular meeting or a special meeting; (c) recording the names of those Directors’ present at such meetings and (d) summarizing the proceedings of such meetings. The Secretary shall keep, or cause to be kept, at the principal office of the Association, a membership register recording the name of each Chapter of the Association. The Secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the Board required by the Bylaws or by Law to be given. He or she shall safeguard the seal of the Association and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board or the by these Bylaws.

Treasurer

The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, adequate and correct accounts of the properties and business transactions of the Association, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, and losses. The books of account shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by any Director. The Treasurer shall deposit all monies and other valuables in the name and to the credit of the Association with such depositories as may be designated by the Board. He or she shall disburse the funds of the Association as may be ordered by the Board; shall render to the President and Directors, whenever they request it, an account of all of his or her transactions and of the financial condition of the Association; and shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board or the Bylaws.

Vice President - Membership

Vice President - Affiliate Relations

Vice President - Public Relations

The Vice President of Public Relations shall be responsible, under the direction of the Board, for coordinating and producing the Association’s newsletter, with the assistance of the Association’s Executive Director and Executive Assistant, and oversight of the Association’s website, email correspondence and social media, as well as coordinating the Association’s external relations with the media and other organizations. The Vice President –– Public Relations shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed by the Board or these Bylaws.

Vice President - Programming

The Vice President – Programming shall be responsible, under the direction of the Board, for coordinating the various programming for the Association, including, but not limited to, digital or virtual programming (i.e., support for the Webinar Series) and general programming (i.e., support for the Corporate Counsel College, Corporate Counsel Retreat, and working in conjunction with the VP – Conference for the Annual Conference programming). The Vice President – Programming may, at the discretion of the President and the Executive Committee create and appoint members, that he or she will oversee, to a programming committee dedicated to digital, virtual and/or general programming. The Vice President – Programming shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed by the Board or the Bylaws.

Vice President - Professional Development

The Vice President – Professional Development shall be responsible, under the direction of the Board, for coordinating various initiatives designed to promote the professional growth and development of the Association’s members. Such initiatives include, but are not limited to, oversight of the SABA Leadership Institute (“SLI”), SABA Cares and SABA Wellness. The Vice President –Professional Development shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed by the Board or the Bylaws.

Vice President - Advocacy (United States)

The Vice President – Advocacy (United States) shall be responsible, under the direction of the Board, for coordinating the Association’s external relations with U.S. national and local community-based organizations sharing common interests and goals with the Association. The Vice President – Advocacy (United States) shall also provide support to the Advocacy Committee, the Racial Justice Task Force, Lobby Day, and to other committees, such as judicial and political nominations, as appropriate. The Vice President – Advocacy (United States) shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed by the Board or these Bylaws.

Vice President - Advocacy (Canada)

The Vice President – Advocacy (Canada) shall be responsible, under the direction of the Board, for coordinating the Association’s external relations with Canadian national and local community-based organizations sharing common interests and goals with the Association. The Vice President – Advocacy (Canada) shall also provide support to the Advocacy Committee, the Racial Justice Task Force, and to other committees, such as judicial and political nominations, as appropriate. The Vice President – Advocacy (Canada) shall have the ability to form their own Advocacy Committee to effectuate the goals of SABA North America and in line with their duties. The Vice President – Advocacy (Canada) shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed by the Board or these Bylaws.

Vice President - Sponsorship

Vice President - Young Lawyers Division

The Vice President -Young Lawyers Division Chair (“Vice President – YLD”) shall be responsible, under the direction of the Board, for representing the Association and the Association’s Young Lawyers Division as a delegate to the Council and Assembly of the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division (“SABA-YLD”). The Vice President - YLD shall also preside over the meetings and activities of the Association’s Young Lawyers Division, including the selection of a Young Lawyers Division member to serve as the Association’s second representative to the ABA-YLD Assembly. The Vice President - YLD shall also oversee outreach and programming for new and junior lawyers, including coordination with NASALSA or any recognized law school chapter thereof. The Vice President - YLD shall serve a two-year term each and shall be required to attend all scheduled meetings of the ABA-YLD to represent the Association’s interests. The Vice President - YLD shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as from time to time may be prescribed by the Board or these Bylaws.

Letter from the President

Dear SABA Community,

It is an honor and privilege to serve as the President of the South Asian Bar Association of North America. As we begin this new chapter, I am filled with optimism and pride in the remarkable work our members, chapters, and partners continue to do across the continent.

SABA was born out of the aftermath of 9/11—at a time when racism, xenophobia, and hate crimes were at their peak against the South Asian community. Our founders came together with a clear purpose: to defend the rule of law and to give our community a voice when it was most at risk. Today, in a world once again marked by uncertainty and division, we reaffirm that commitment. SABA will continue to protect the rule of law and equip our community with the tools they need to understand and assert their rights.

SABA has long stood as the leading voice for South Asian legal professionals in the United States and Canada. From advocating for civil rights to mentoring the next generation of legal talent, we have built a legacy rooted in excellence, service, and community. And yet, the best is still ahead of us.

In the months and years to come, we are embarking on an exciting journey of growth and impact. Our goals are bold, and our commitment is unwavering. Among our top priorities:

Building stronger alliances globally, forging deeper connections with legal organizations in South Asia and across the diaspora to amplify our collective voice on the world stage.
Finalizing and implementing our three-year strategic plan, which will provide a clear, forward-looking roadmap to guide SABA’s development and sustainability.
Expanding our advocacy efforts, particularly in the area of immigration, where South Asian voices must be heard clearly and urgently.
Becoming the trusted legal resource for the South Asian community in North America—whether that means connecting individuals to legal services, providing thought leadership on critical issues, or fostering a safe, inclusive space for all.

We do this work with a deep understanding that our strength lies in our unity. Whether you are a law student, a new attorney, a seasoned practitioner, or an ally of our mission, you are an essential part of this movement. Your involvement ensures that SABA remains a dynamic and responsive force in shaping the future of our community.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Together, we will write the next chapter of SABA’s story—one of impact, inclusion, and leadership.

With gratitude and determination,

Dear Members,

It is my distinct honor to serve as President of the South Asian Bar Association of North America. SABANA has become a second home to me since I first became involved with the organization, and I am energized by the opportunity to work alongside our members, chapters, and leadership to continue building a strong and connected community.

I look forward to working with our Executive Director, Salila Yohn, President-Elect Tarina Mand, our Executive Committee, Board, chapter leaders, and volunteers as we advance SABANA's mission and build upon the foundation established by the many leaders who came before us.

The year ahead will be centered on one theme: relationships.

We will strengthen engagement with our members through SABA NA+ membership and create more opportunities for meaningful connection and dialogue. We will work closely with our chapters to empower local leadership, encourage regional collaboration, and amplify the collective voice of South Asian attorneys across North America.

Our advocacy will remain steadfast. At a time when the rule of law, due process, judicial independence, voting rights, and immigrant communities face significant challenges, SABANA will continue to stand for the principles that form the foundation of our legal system. We will collaborate with our chapters, affinity bar associations, and community partners to ensure our voices are heard and our values are upheld.

We will also continue expanding our reach through the SABANA World initiative, strengthen our partnerships with the SABA Foundation and SAAJCO, and build new relationships with sister bars and beyond.

Most importantly, we will continue investing in our people. SABANA's greatest strength has always been its members, the relationships we build, the mentorship we provide, and the community we create together.

As we look ahead, we are also preparing for a special milestone: SABANA's Silver Anniversary. In June 2027, we will gather at the Aria in Las Vegas to celebrate 25 years of advocacy, leadership, service, and community.

I invite each of you to join us in this work. Build relationships. Share your ideas. Get involved. And do not be surprised if I call on you to help make this vision a reality.

Together, we will strengthen our community, elevate our profession, and make a lasting impact.

With appreciation,

Lalitha Alladi

President

South Asian Bar Association of North America