In 1993, one attorney recognized the need for an organization to marshal the small, but growing, number of South Asians entering the legal profession. Working from a local attorney directory, Mukesh Advani invited attorneys with "South Asian sounding" names to a meeting to discuss the formation of a new bar association. In June 1993, a small group met in a San Francisco restaurant and formed the Indo-American Bar Association. To ensure that all South Asians participate in the growth of the organization, in 1999 the Indo-American Bar Association. of Northern California formally changed its name to the South Asian Bar Association of Northern California.

From a handful of attorneys in 1993, SABA today has grown to a membership of over 400. As the number of South Asians in the legal profession has grown, so too has SABA's presence in the Northern California legal community. Today, SABA members practice in public interest organizations, government legal departments, and from solo to AmLaw 100 private law firms throughout Northern California.

SABA's utility to its members and the wider community has always depended upon the drive of its members. For example, Mukesh Advani and Manuela Albuquerque were instrumental in establishing our hate crimes hotline. Monty Agarwal was the force for establishing the Foundation that now maintains the hotline. Manuela Albuquerque undertook to organize the voter registration drive that SABA backed in 2000. As the foregoing demonstrate the shape of SABA depends upon the efforts of its members, i.e., members like YOU.