May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is an annual celebration that recognizes and celebrates the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent—including East, Southeast and South Asia and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. AAPI heritage month is celebrated in May to commemorate the arrival in May 1843 of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States. The Austin Bar Association honors the diverse culture and contributions of our AAPI members and is honored to recognize May as AAPI month!
 
In special recognition the Austin Bar Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is honored to recognize Chi Reece in this week’s spotlight.
Chi Reece is a partner at Vela Wood. The core of Chi’s practice focuses on counseling and providing sound legal advice to business clients to build a solid foundation for future growth and success. She advises clients on transactional matters related to leases, acquisition and disposition, entity structuring and branding, trademark matters, vendor contracts, financing, private securities offerings and contract negotiation and review. Chi graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas and is a Plan II Honors Program and Frank Denius Normandy Scholar Program graduate from the University of Texas at Austin.

As a former owner of music venues and entertainment focused establishments in Austin, Texas, Chi’s background as a business owner and exposure to Austin’s creative scene provides her with a unique perspective and practical experience in understanding and responding to the needs of her business clients.

Chi is a past Chair of the Asian Pacific Interest Section of the State Bar of Texas and past President of the Austin Asian American Bar Association.

Thank you, Chi for your invaluable contributions to the Austin legal community and here with the Austin Bar!