Washington, DC – According to NAPABA, Three Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) were recently named among California’s Top Women Litigators by the Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals: Helen B. Kim, Joan M. Haratani, and Carolyn Kubota. The 75 honorees were selected based on several criteria, including major litigation victories in the last year, leadership demonstrated within one’s firm, involvement in the legal community, peer recommendations, and overall career accomplishments.

Helen B. Kim is NAPABA’s current President whose leadership service to NAPABA dates back to 2002 when she was first elected as NAPABA Secretary, then as Vice President for Membership, and as Vice President for Finance and Development until she was elected President-Elect in 2006. A partner in the Securities Litigation Practice of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, Ms. Kim concentrates her practice on securities and other complex business-related litigation.

Joan M. Haratani was one of the 2006 recipients of NAPABA’s highest honor, the Trailblazer Award, given in recognition of outstanding achievements, commitment, and leadership of NAPABA lawyers who have paved the way for the advancement of other APA attorneys. From 2002-2004, Ms. Haratani served on the NAPABA board as Regional Governor for Northern California. She is currently a partner in the litigation practice of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP with an emphasis on products liability and complex commercial disputes.

Carolyn Kubota is a partner at the Los Angeles office of O’Melveny and Myers, LLP. She focuses on civil and criminal trials, white-collar criminal defense, internal corporate investigations, and civil fraud actions.

“We congratulate Helen B. Kim, Joan M. Haratani, and Carolyn Kubota for earning this prestigious distinction for top notch talent in litigation, leadership, and commitment to the community,” said Les Jin, Executive Director for NAPABA.