AACTLA AWARDS &
ENDORSEMENT POLICY AND PROTOCOLS

The following policies govern how the Asian American Criminal Trial Lawyers Association (“AACTLA”) evaluates requests for endorsements, nominations, and letters of support related to non-partisan legal advocate positions (e.g., Public Defender, City Attorney), judicial races, and bar association awards or elections. Endorsement requests should be made via email to aactlabayarea@gmail.com.

I. AACTLA Awards and Elections Endorsement Committee (the “Committee”)

A. Number and Composition of the Committee.
The Committee shall be comprised of a minimum of three (3) AACTLA Board Members, including but not limited to at least one Executive Board Member.

B. Role of the Committee.
AACTLA established the Committee to ensure a fair and informative process for awards nominations and elections endorsements. The Committee shall follow the procedures below and recommend to the AACTLA Board whether to grant or deny a request for an endorsement, nomination, or letter of support. All final decisions require AACTLA Board approval.

C. Committee Chair and/or Co-Chairs.
The AACTLA President shall appoint the Committee Chair or Co-Chairs.

D. Delegation of Authority.
Unless withdrawn by a vote of the AACTLA Board, the Committee shall have the authority to recommend Board action on requests for support. The recommendation becomes the decision of the Board unless otherwise objected to, as set forth below.

II. Minimum Qualifications for Candidates Seeking Endorsement, Nomination, or Letter of Support

The Committee shall determine whether a particular individual meets the following criteria, among others:

A. Commitment.
Individuals requesting an endorsement, nomination, or letter of support must have demonstrated a sustained commitment to criminal defense, indigent representation, or related advocacy impacting Asian American communities, including but not limited to contributions to AACTLA or service in the broader California legal community.

B. Personal Integrity and Trust.
Individuals must have demonstrated in their professional and personal conduct the highest standards of integrity and trust.

III. Endorsements for Non-Partisan Legal Advocate Positions, Judicial Races, or Bar Association Elections

A. Submission Requirements.
Individuals requesting an endorsement must provide a curriculum vitae and a cover letter or candidate statement (no more than 750 words) at least six (6) weeks prior to the election or endorsement deadline.

B. Interview.
Within three (3) weeks of the request and after reviewing submitted materials, the Committee will contact the candidate to coordinate an interview, to be held no later than three (3) weeks after the request.

C. Optional Outreach.
The Committee may, at its discretion, reach out to other individuals running in the same election to offer them an opportunity to request an endorsement from AACTLA.

D. Board Feedback.
Within four (4) weeks of the request, the Committee will seek feedback from the AACTLA Board.

E. Recommendation.
Within five (5) weeks of the request, the Committee will make a formal recommendation to the AACTLA Board. Unless a Board member objects, the recommendation shall become final.

F. Public Notice.
Within six (6) weeks of the request, AACTLA will publicize the endorsement. Endorsements shall not contain any negative commentary or personal attacks on opposing candidates.

IV. Nominations for Bar Association Awards

A. Submission Requirements.
An individual requesting a nomination must provide a curriculum vitae, if applicable, at least eight (8) weeks before the nomination deadline.

B. Interview.
Within three (3) weeks of the request, and after reviewing the materials, the Committee may contact the requester to coordinate an interview, to be held no later than three (3) weeks after the request.

C. Optional Public Notice.
The Committee may, at its discretion, publicize the award deadline to allow other interested individuals to request a nomination from AACTLA.

D. Board Feedback.
Within four (4) weeks of the request, the Committee will seek input from the AACTLA Board.

E. Recommendation.
Within five (5) weeks of the request, the Committee will make a formal recommendation to the Board. Unless a Board member objects, the recommendation shall become final.

F. Notification and Drafting.
Within six (6) weeks, the Committee will notify the individual of the Board’s decision and begin drafting a nominating letter or coordinating letters of support.

G. Finalization.
Within seven (7) weeks, the Committee will finalize the nomination packet and associated materials.

V. Letters of Support for Bar Association Awards

A. Submission Requirements.
An individual requesting a letter of support must submit a curriculum vitae and, if applicable, the name and contact information of the nominating organization at least four (4) weeks before the deadline.

B. Interview.
Within three (3) weeks of the request, and after reviewing the materials, the Committee may coordinate an interview with the requester.

C. Third-Party Coordination.
Within two (2) weeks, the Committee may reach out to the nominating organization to request a copy of the nominating letter.

D. Optional Public Notice.
The Committee may, at its discretion, publicize the award deadline to allow other interested individuals to request a letter of support from AACTLA.

E. Board Feedback.
Within three (3) weeks of the request, the Committee will seek Board input.

F. Recommendation.
Within three (3) weeks of the request, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Board. Unless a Board member objects, the recommendation shall become final.

G. Notification and Drafting.
Within four (4) weeks of the request, the Committee will notify the individual and provide a draft letter of support, if applicable.