In recognition of Arab American Heritage Month and the diverse national and cultural identity groups that comprise the Arab American community, today’s blog post will focus on Arab Americans in the law. Specifically, we will highlight the recently formed National Arab American Bar Association (NAABA), which according to one of its founders, Ryan J. Suto, aims to empower Arab American legal professionals.
NAABA’s three objectives are to “(1) support the professional growth and advancement of Arab American lawyers, (2) cultivate an understanding of the legal challenges facing Arab Americans, and (3) serve Arab American communities nationwide.” By advancing these aims, NAABA seeks to achieve a number of corresponding goals, including the creation of “a coherent pipeline of community leaders from law school to the federal bench and every legal path in between,” as well as the defense of democracy, and the empowerment of Arab Americans, including attorneys.
Offering opportunities for professional development and volunteerism and doing so by building on existing resources at the national, local, and personal levels, NAABA will – and already has – fostered connections and community for both seasoned legal professionals and those just entering the field.
NAABA creates space for a group of Americans who have, until recently, been under-recognized in the legal arena. With the celebration, every April, of National Arab American Heritage Month, this community of rich cultures and histories – linked together by unifying traditions, yet distinct in many remarkable ways -- will be celebrated, not only for achievements in the legal profession, but for contributions to all aspects of American society, in Houston, in Texas, and in the nation.
For additional reading about Arab American history, culture, and traditions, please visit the links below: