IRVINE, Calif. (August 1, 2025) — The University of California, Irvine School of Law is pleased to share members of the UC Irvine Law community were recently recognized at the Orange County Asian American Bar Association’s (OCAABA) 31st Annual Installation Dinner on July 10.
Founder and Executive Director of the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality
At the event, the Fred T. Korematsu Center for Law and Equality was honored with the Community Pillar Award. Led by Founder and Executive Director Robert Chang and Director Shaleen Shanbhag, the Korematsu Center continues the legacy of civil rights icon Fred T. Korematsu through integrated research, advocacy, and education. Its recent efforts include filing amicus curiae briefs defending First Amendment rights and birthright citizenship and filing amicus briefs using a collaborative advocacy model. This spring, the Center’s practicum at UC Irvine School of Law will focus on its Alien Land Law Project, which addresses discriminatory property laws through litigation, monitoring, and policy advocacy.
In addition, recent UC Irvine Law graduate Benjamin Chen (’25) and rising second-year law student Jamie Morishima were awarded 2025 Hon. Arthur Nakazato Memorial Scholarships. Created in honor of OCAABA’s founding president, the late Hon. Arthur Nakazato, the $2,000 scholarship recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership in the Asian Pacific American community and have strong potential as future leaders in the Orange County legal profession.
“We’re deeply grateful to OCAABA for its longstanding support of our students and community,” said Dean and Chancellor’s Professor of Law Austen Parrish. “The UC Irvine Law community congratulates the honorees on this well-deserved recognition of their leadership and commitment to community engagement. On behalf of our school, we also congratulate Tony Wang (of O’Melveny & Myers) on a fabulous presidential year and look forward to all that incoming OCAABA president Alex Payne (of Minyard Morris) and the Executive Board will achieve during this upcoming year.”
About the University of California, Irvine School of Law
The University of California, Irvine School of Law is a visionary law school that provides an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, prioritizes public service, and demonstrates a commitment to equity within the legal profession. At UC Irvine Law, we are driven to improve our local, national, and global communities by grappling with important issues as scholars, as practitioners, and as teachers who are preparing the next generation of leaders. The collaborative and interdisciplinary community at UC Irvine Law includes extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and enthusiastic supporters. Connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, Bluesky and sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest news and events at UC Irvine School of Law.