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In the face of increasing violence against Asian Americans in the United States, many actors in the legal sector - including some 40 law firms - have announced the creation of the The Alliance for Asian American Justice

This pro-bono initiative is committed to the defence of Asian Americans and the prevention of future violent conduct against Asian Americans.

This allance will coordinate and leverage the pro-bono resources of law firms on behalf of victims to assist and support them in obtaining legal remedies. Other measures include providing victims with an attorney to file lawsuits for compensation and other civil remedies or to work with law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, where appropriate. 

Also, members of this alliance are committed to providing specialised legal services, social services and other community supports.

"The Alliance will enable lawyers of Asian descent in law firms and corporations (many of whom are former federal and state prosecutors) to leverage their expertise to advocate for and secure justice on behalf of victims. Our non-Asian allies have also committed to join us in this important work. We look forward to taking action and hope that many others will join us in this fight," said Don H. Liu, founding member of the Alliance Advisory Board and Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Risk Officer of Target Corporation.

Participating in the alliance are renowned firms such as White & Case, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, Latham & Watkins, Norton Rose Fulbright, among others. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Asian Americans Advancing Justice are also members. 

"We strongly condemn the increase in violence and hate crimes against Asians. As a law firm, one of the primary means by which we combat injustice, racism and violence is through efforts to strengthen the rule of law and ensure access to legal remedies," said Rich Trobman, chairman and managing partner of Latham & Watkins. 

Brian Sun, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Norton Rose Fulbright, agrees:

"The increase in verbal and physical assaults on Asian Americans in our country over the past year is alarming and troubling. The Alliance is committed to helping these victims of discrimination and racism because we believe that together we can make a significant difference".

The increase in violence in the United States towards Asian Americans has reached its peak with the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. According to a study carried out by the association Stop AAPI Hate, since March last year, around 3,800 incidents have been reported against this social group. In general, these victims suffer verbal aggression, but also social rejection or discrimination at work.