DGS Partner Named to the 2013 Japanese American Leadership Delegation

DENVER – FEBRUARY 1, 2013 – Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP partner, Kenzo Kawanabe, has been named to the 2013 Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD). JALD is sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Members of the Japanese American Leadership Delegation are top Japanese American leaders in the nation, and the delegation will meet individuals at the highest levels of Japanese government, business, and civil society. The trip provides the opportunity for Japanese Americans to deepen their understanding of Japan and to use this experience to strengthen and advance U.S.-Japan relations. The delegation will visit Tokyo and Fukushima, a prefecture affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear crisis.

“In addition to being an excellent lawyer, Kenzo is an outstanding leader in our community and we are thrilled that he has been chosen to participate in such an important delegation,” said Chris Richardson, DGS managing partner. “We know that he will be an invaluable asset to the mission of the JALD program.”

Upon their return, delegates collaborate with program alumni, the local consulates, the U.S.-Japan Council, and local and national community organizations to continue strengthening ties between the U.S. and Japan.

“I am humbled to be counted among this group of distinguished individuals,” said Mr. Kawanabe. “It is an honor to represent our communities in this important role.”

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), represented in the U.S. by the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC and 17 consulate general offices, sponsors the program. The U.S.-Japan Council administers and assists with implementation of the program. JALD began in 2000 and 146 delegates have participated to date.

Kenzo Kawanabe

Kenzo Kawanabe is a commercial litigator who represents clients in a variety of matters relating to contract disputes, business torts, products liability, and intellectual property. He has significant litigation and trial experience in high stakes cases in a variety of industries.

Mr. Kawanabe also contributes significant time to community service. He was Chair of the Board of Directors of the Denver Foundation, one of the nation’s oldest and largest community foundations, overseeing the distribution of tens of millions of dollars to non-profit organizations.

He also was Board Chair of the Colorado Lawyers Committee, a consortium of 56 law firms dedicated to assisting children, the poor, and other disadvantaged groups. He serves on the boards of Colorado Legal Services and the Center for Legal Inclusiveness, and is a member of the U.S.-Japan Council. He is also a past-president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado, currently serves on the APABA Foundation Board, and served as the first-ever General Counsel of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.