USA
Historic Night as SABA-OC Officially Launches and Installs First Board: Over a hundred attorneys, judges, law students, and community leaders gathered at The Boardwalk 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 on November 4. The evening reception, hosted by Rutan & Tucker LLP, marked a significant milestone as SABA-OC became the 32nd chapter of the nationwide South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA-NA). As a result, the new chapter now joins a network representing thousands of South Asian legal professionals across North America.
The newly installed Board of Directors was sworn in by Hon. Vibhav Mittal, the first South Asian judge on the Orange County Superior Court. The ceremony symbolized the formal launch of Orange County’s newest affinity bar organization.
In its announcement, the organization shared an inspiring vision: “For decades to come, we hope to serve as a hub for connection, mentorship, advocacy, and professional growth for attorneys, law students, judges, and legal professionals of South Asian descent — and for all who support our mission. 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.”
Furthermore, SABA-OC expressed deep gratitude to the South Asian Bar Association of Southern California (SABA-SC) for its long-standing service to the community. “We are deeply indebted to SABA-SC for representing our community. With their support, we have the resources necessary to launch an independent South Asian legal bar organization serving Orange County exclusively,” organizers noted. They added that they look forward to strengthening relationships with neighboring SABA chapters in Los Angeles and San Diego as they grow their independent presence.
Highlights From the Program
The launch event featured remarks from some of the region’s most respected legal leaders.
Hon. Shashi Kewalramani, mediator and arbitrator with JAMS and retired U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California, applauded the chapter’s formation. He emphasized the importance of continued engagement, stating, “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.”
Navneet S. Chugh, Attorney and CPA, and the founding president of SABA National, energized the audience with his bold vision. “Orange County is smart, wealthy, successful, educated, spacious yet intimate — paradise perfected,” Chugh said. “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.”
Mei Tsang, President of the Orange County Bar Association and intellectual property attorney at Umberg Zipser, reflected on her immigrant journey and the importance of belonging. “Community is what shapes careers and gives life meaning,” Tsang said as she welcomed SABA-OC into the OCBA family.
Hon. Vibhav Mittal followed by installing the inaugural Board of Directors. He also shared a personal story on family, connection, and the power of community, setting a heartfelt tone for the new chapter’s future.
New Leadership Team
The induction ceremony named the first set of officers who will lead SABA-OC:
- President: Janani S. Rana
- Vice President: Fred Thiagarajah
- Secretary: Simon Khinda
- Treasurer: Jehan Jayakumar
Board 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 President Janani S. Rana, Partner at Minyard Morris. “Our board represents a new generation of leadership committed to service, professionalism, and inclusion.”
Vice President Fred Thiagarajah, a prominent criminal defense attorney and long-time advocate for diversity, added, “SABA-OC will not only elevate South Asian lawyers in Orange County but also build bridges across all communities.”
