The South Asian Bar Association of Orange County officially launched on November 4, marking a significant milestone for South Asian legal professionals in the region.
IRVINE, CA – A gathering of over a hundred attorneys, judges, law students, and community leaders took place at The Boardwalk on November 4 to celebrate the official launch of the South Asian Bar Association of Orange County (SABA-OC) and the installation of its inaugural Board of Directors.
This evening reception, hosted by Rutan & Tucker LLP, marked SABA-OC’s entry as the newest and 32nd chapter of the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA-NA). This national network represents thousands of South Asian legal professionals across the continent.
In its launch announcement, SABA-OC expressed its commitment to serving as a hub for connection, mentorship, advocacy, and professional growth for attorneys, law students, judges, and legal professionals of South Asian descent. “Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner, a new lawyer finding your path, or a student exploring the profession, we are here to celebrate your journey, create space for your voice, and amplify your impact,” the organization stated.
SABA-OC also acknowledged the South Asian Bar Association of Southern California (SABA-SC) for its decades of leadership and representation. “We are deeply indebted to SABA-SC for representing our community and, with their support, have the resources necessary to launch an independent South Asian legal bar organization serving Orange County exclusively,” organizers shared. They expressed enthusiasm for building stronger relationships with neighboring chapters in Los Angeles and San Diego as they establish their independent presence.
The program featured remarks from several respected legal leaders in the region. Hon. Shashi Kewalramani, a mediator and arbitrator with JAMS and a retired U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California, praised the chapter’s formation and emphasized the importance of ongoing engagement. “Forming SABA-OC is a tremendous first step. The next challenge is to stay relevant. I call upon big law firm partners, general counsel, and judicial officers to actively support this organization and ensure it thrives long after tonight,” he stated.
Mei Tsang, President of the Orange County Bar Association and an intellectual property lawyer at Umberg Zipser, reflected on her own immigrant journey and the significance of community. “Community is what shapes careers and gives life meaning,” Tsang said, extending a warm welcome to SABA-OC as part of the OCBA family.
Navneet S. Chugh, an attorney and CPA who is the founding president of SABA National, inspired attendees with his vision for global excellence. “Orange County is smart, wealthy, successful, educated, spacious yet intimate — paradise perfected,” Chugh remarked. “There’s no reason SABA-OC can’t become the number one Indian Bar Association in the world. Let’s dream big and then even bigger.”
Hon. Vibhav Mittal, the first South Asian judge on the Orange County Superior Court, presided over the installation of the inaugural Board of Directors. He shared a heartfelt story about family, connection, and the strength of community.
The newly installed Board of Directors includes Janani S. Rana as President, Fred Thiagarajah as Vice President, Simon Khinda as Secretary, Jehan Jayakumar as Treasurer, and Directors Amanat Singh, Yatika Chaudhri, Sabina Chopra, Ashley Daniel, Aditi Murillo, Cameron Patel, Rajal Patel, Swati Paul Khetani, Taline Ratanjee, Anand Sambhwani, Ricky Shah, Shaheen Sheik-Sadhal, and Akhil Sheth.
“This is a momentous day for the South Asian legal community in Orange County,” said Janani S. Rana, a partner at Minyard Morris and SABA-OC’s first President. “Our board represents a new generation of leadership committed to service, professionalism, and inclusion.”
Fred Thiagarajah, a prominent criminal defense attorney and longtime advocate for diversity in law, added, “SABA-OC will not only elevate South Asian lawyers in Orange County but also build bridges across all communities.” Thiagarajah will serve as the chapter’s first Vice President.
For more information or to become a member, visit www.sabaoc.org.
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