The South Asian Bar Association of Las Vegas (SABA-LV) held its 2024 Formal on Saturday, August 10, 2024. SABA-LV awarded nearly $40,000 in scholarships to 12 minority law students at the event held on the Las Vegas Strip. 

The judiciary in attendance included Nevada Supreme Court Justice Patty Lee, Nevada Court of Appeals Justice Deborah Westbrook, Federal Bankruptcy Court Judge August Landis, Judge Nadia Krall of the Eighth Judicial District Court, Chief Judge Cynthia Cruz of the Las Vegas Justice Court, and Justice Court Judge Jessica Goodey. Dean Leah Grinvald, the dean of Boyd Law School (UNLV), and Governors of the State Bar of Nevada (“SBN”) also attended. Also in attendance were the Presidents and other leaders of other affinity bars, including the Latino Bar Association and the Asian Bar Association. 

Councilwoman Victoria Seaman from Mayor Carolyn Goodman’s office was also present. In her speech, Councilwoman Seaman expressly recognized SABA-LV’s efforts for the Las Vegas community. The City of Las Vegas awarded SABA-LV a plaque and issued a Proclamation declaring that day (August 10, 2024) as “South Asian Bar Association of Las Vegas Day.” 

Eric Kohli serves as the President of SABA-LV. He said “the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, everyone seems to have genuinely loved the event.” Based on social media posts and conversations with attendees, he is correct. Comments typically included people’s recognition and appreciation of SABA-LV’s work for Nevada’s South Asian and legal communities. 

The event itself was nicely done. It was an invitation-only event held in a very nice venue. Eric Kohli ran the show, supported by SABA-LV board members Arun Gupta, Arun Luckoor, and Ayesha Mehdi. 

Eric said that SABA-LV will continue its scholarship program. Given this round of nearly $40,000 awarded in scholarships, and more scholarships that have already been awarded this year, plus more scholarships currently under consideration, he said that SABA-LV’s target for awarding scholarships next year is even higher.

As submitted by Eric Kohli, President, SABA-LV