As the economy takes a different turn each day, how do individuals prepare themselves to thrive in the post-crisis economy? SABA GB President Samia Kirmani says that demystifying issues such as these can be found in programs like the  panel discussion hosted recently by the South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (“SABA GB”), where Commissioner Navjeet K. Bal of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, Vivek Wadhwa, Harvard Law School Work life Program, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University and Ameek Ashok Ponda, Partner, Sullivan & Worcester addressed the economic crisis and anticipated changes in the economic environment.

Programs such as these, and the recently concluded 2009 Kickoff Event at the Taj Hotel in Boston, co hosted by (“IMANE”) and NetSAP-Boston, help SABA GB members to mingle and network.  One of the group’s missions is to serve as the regional voice for the concerns and opinions of South Asians in the community generally and in the legal profession in particular. The more than 300 strong members and affiliates, which include attorneys and law students, use the group as a forum for professional networking and development, legal scholarship and education, and advocacy and community involvement.

Samia Kirmani who now serves as President has been associated with SABA GB since its early beginnings in 2003. She is a Partner in the Boston office of Jackson Lewis LLP. She is a Board Member of the North American South Asian Bar Association, for which she co-chairs the Labor and Employment Section.  She also serves on the Employment & Labor Law Curriculum Advisory Committee of Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.  Ms. Kirmani is also a member of the Pakistan Association of Greater Boston, the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, and the Boston College Law School Alumni Association.

Can you share some of the upcoming programs that are being organized by SABA of Greater Boston?

We have some great programs lined up. On top of the list is that we have been selected to host the Annual SABA Convention in 2010. SABA GB is the local chapter of the North American South Asian Bar Association (“NASABA”) that has 25 chapters all over the country, and this year we were selected to host the convention in 2010.

Besides our recent post-crisis panel discussion, we have a joint event with other affiliated groups in the Boston Area to improve Boston’s reputation for diversity in the legal market. We had a similar one last year and it was a great success; this events help us to promote and support each other and our members.  We also have an Advisory Board reception in April to strategize and seek Advisory Board input for future initiatives.

What have been some of SABA accomplishments?

Over the past few years, with the support of many members of the South Asian legal community, SABA has organized successful social and networking events, mentoring programs, career panels with the help of members of its various committees. Our membership has increased and we have a great mix of attorneys, law students and others in the legal profession. We have been recognized in the legal community as a Bar Association and that helps us try and connect members of the South Asian community with legal services.

SABA GB members have also won many awards in the legal profession, based on nominations provided by SABA GB. SABA GB has provided outreach in voter registration while partnering with other local organizations like the Pakistani Association of Greater Boston, as well as IAGB, NETSAP and IMANE.  Our members also participate in groups like Saheli.

Our greatest strength has been mentoring law students. Everybody needs guidance and it is always good to discuss your career aspirations with someone who is an expert in the field. It also fits into our mission to promote the advancement of attorneys and law students of South Asian heritage.

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