Standards of Professionalism

The Arizona Asian American Bar Association (“AAABA”) has adopted in large part the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association’s Standards of Professionalism. AAABA, therefore, expects all of its members to adhere to such following Standards of Professionalism (“Standards”) as follows:

AAABA is committed to being a welcoming, safe, supportive, and empowering organization that embraces its mission, reflects its values, and fosters a cohesive community among its members. Deeply committed to its mission of promoting justice, equity and opportunity for Asian Pacific Americans, AAABA recognizes and fully embraces the notion that high standards of personal and professional behavior—imbued with the principles of good character, honesty, integrity, mutual respect, and professional courtesy—promote a healthy spirit of community conducive to shared trust, mutual appreciation, and the collective well-being of its members and the organization as a whole. It is further understood and valued that, within and throughout AAABA, each person is to be respected regardless of that individual’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical appearance, disability, religious beliefs, political affiliation, and/or other group identity.

In adopting these Standards, AAABA also acknowledges that behavior by a member contravening these Standards may serve to undermine and bring unwarranted discredit to AAABA and its members, and should therefore not be tolerated.

Each AAABA member must adhere to the following principles:

• Always act in a professional manner, being respectful, civil, and considerate of others;
• Ensure AAABA endures as a welcoming, inclusive, supportive, and empowering organization;and
• Hold oneself and other members accountable to these Standards.

AAABA is committed to fostering a robust member community premised on the principles of self-respect and shared regard and genuine appreciation for fellow members. Therefore, AAABA prohibits:

• Illegal, unethical, or dishonorable behavior in all AAABA matters;
• Harassment, discrimination, ridicule, or bullying in any form at any time against any members;
• Any activity or conduct that may jeopardize, undermine, or compromise the safety, health, or well-being of oneself or others, or the good standing or reputation of AAABA; and
• Retaliation against anyone who seeks advice from, raises a concern with, or makes a good-faith complaint of any nature against AAABA or any individual associated with AAABA.

AAABA expects its members to abide by the letter and spirit of these Standards and all relevant AAABA governing documents and policies, as well as comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and regulations.

Anyone who witnesses or comes into credible knowledge that another member has violated these Standards is strongly encouraged to notify a member of AAABA’s Board of Directors. Reporting a violation of the Standards may be done anonymously.

Possible Consequences of Violating Standards:

Violation of these Standards may result in immediate dismissal from an AAABA event, exclusion from future AAABA events, and/or the suspension or termination of membership.