Society for Asian Lawyers Officers Anna Mester (from left to right), Phiyen Phan, Danny Tran, and Blaike Ordes.
Following a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the LSU Law Society for Asian Lawyers is thriving at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, with a steadily growing membership and lineup of events that support and celebrate Asian students and culture at the Law Center.
Third-year law student Phiyen Phan has served as president of SAL for the past two years and has been instrumental in the revival of the student organization.
“When I took over as president during my 2L year, SAL only included Asian students who showed interest in our organization,” Phan said. “But now that we’ve had a few large events with large turnouts, students of all backgrounds have become interested in the culture and issues that affect our community. We include all students in SAL, not just Asian students, and I think that’s what makes our organization so active. It’s important to note that there are cultures you don’t learn about growing up, so we want to shine a light on the Asian influences in American culture.”
One of the student organization’s events that has grown very popular over the past two years is the annual Lunar New Year celebration, which has included Asian food and a special lion dance performance on the Law Center Plaza for everyone at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. At this year’s celebration, the plaza was packed with more than 100 LSU Law students, faculty, and staff.
In the fall semester, SAL presented a panel discussion with LSU Law professors and admissions counselors on affirmative action, and cohosted an international potluck with the Hispanic Law Students Association and the Black Law Students Association. This spring’s Lunar New Year celebration included an entire week of events, including a game night with several other LSU Law student organizations.
“SAL’s growth in the past two years really makes me proud,” Phan said. “Especially seeing people of other ethnic backgrounds interested in issues that may not directly affect them and being an ally to our organization and the Asian community.”
Phan encourages everyone in the LSU Law community to join and collaborate with SAL to celebrate all Asian cultures at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center. As she prepares to pass on the baton of SAL leadership, Phan said she’s optimistic the student organization will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
“In the future, I hope to see more Asian applicants and more Asian students being admitted to LSU Law,” Phan said. “When prospective students see we have a thriving organization focused on celebrating Asian culture, it will give them even more incentive to attend LSU Law.”
SOCIETY FOR ASIAN LAWYERS 2022-23 OFFICERS
- Phiyen Phan: President
- Anna Mester: Vice President
- Danny Tran: Secretary
- Christopher Ward: Treasurer
- Blaike Ordes: Community Outreach
