KABA-DC Chuseok Celebration and KDARN Launch

KABA-DC’s 2026 Chuseok Celebration doubles as the launch of the KABA-DC Attorney Referral Network (KDARN). It runs Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:30 PM at Baker McKenzie, 815 Connecticut Ave NW. The public program lists a 5:30 PM panel on building successful legal partnerships with in-house counsel and law-firm partners, a 6:15 PM KDARN launch reception, then Chuseok dinner networking from 6:30 PM. Regular tickets after early bird were listed around $25 for members and $40 for non-members.

KABA-DC is the Korean American bar association for the DMV. Hosting inside Baker McKenzie keeps the night on the downtown counsel map rather than a restaurant-only social. KDARN is framed as a member referral platform connecting trusted legal talent with new business opportunities, so the evening has a concrete professional product besides mooncakes. Arrive ready to talk partnerships and referral fit, not only festival greetings.

This is right for Korean American and Korea-facing lawyers, in-house counsel, and law students in the DMV who want bar density after summer. Skip it if you need a founder pitch night or a free Meetup. Connecticut Avenue evening egress is easier than a Pentagon City trek; still leave Metro buffer and confirm building security lead time for 815 Connecticut.

Baker McKenzie visitor desks often want government ID and a listed guest name. Arrive closer to 5:00 if you want hallway time before the 5:30 panel, and stay through the KDARN reception if referral membership is your real ask. Bring cards that list practice areas clearly so dinner introductions do not stall on vague titles. Law students should ask hosts how KDARN membership works for junior counsel so the launch talk becomes a concrete next step.

If you are choosing between this and a later AACC gala outside the window, take the in-window bar night now. Register from the KABA-DC post, confirm dress and security notes in the confirmation email, and keep the ticket ready for the Baker McKenzie desk. Re-check member versus non-member pricing if early bird has already closed.