When the Minami Tamaki law firm started in 1975, Asian American attorneys faced discrimination in employment and the courtroom, just as Asian Americans did in other aspects of society. The firm's founders were determined to fight for social justice on their own terms and created a firm that would "do good" while "doing well."

This was not a simple mission. Asian American attorneys were few and unorganized, and they confronted racial stereotypes and open hostility in the courts. Survival was often precarious and starting from scratch was either a fool's errand or a fool's vision.

Dale Minami, Donald K. Tamaki, Garrick Lew, Minette A. Kwok, Jack W. Lee, Brad Yamauchi, and the other attorneys who built this law firm succeeded against the odds.

Fifty years later, Minami Tamaki LLP and its attorneys remain among the nation's leading social justice champions while building award-winning and thriving commercial practices in the areas of personal injury, consumer and employee rights, corporate and nonprofit counseling, and immigration and nationality law.

The firm has received numerous awards and accolades. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association recognized Minami Tamaki's pioneer status with its inaugural APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year Award in 2012. Minami Tamaki is included in top-tier rankings on the Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" list under the Personal Injury Litigation and Immigration categories for the San Francisco metro area. The firm was also named as one of California's Top Ranked Law Firms by LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell. Minami Tamaki attorneys have been recognized for decades on the Super Lawyers list.

Today, Minami Tamaki's work spans fighting for victims of catastrophic injury and discrimination, being thought leaders in the shifting terrain of immigration law, advancing consumer protection, and advising community organizations through this time of uncertainty and heightened challenge.

Minami Tamaki continues to carry on the firm's legacy of public service. The firm's attorneys participate in numerous community projects, fundraisers, boards, and commissions. Minami Tamaki attorneys have served on committees for the selection of state and federal judges and as commissioners on state and federal commissions and have volunteered services, time, and effort to improve our local, state, and national communities.

As Minami Tamaki marks its 50th year, the firm remains grounded in the belief that the law can and must be a tool for justice. The firm is committed to defending rights too often denied, challenging systems of inequality, and standing with the community it has long supported. We look forward to carrying this mission forward in the years to come.

Do you have a special memory of Minami Tamaki LLP that you'd like to share? We'd like to hear from you!