SAN DIEGO, Feb. 27, 2007 – The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) has honored Sempra Energy’s executive vice president and general counsel, Javade Chaudhri, with the organization’s 2007 Justice in Action Award.  The Justice in Action Awards recognize exceptional individuals for their outstanding achievements and contributions in advancing justice and equality.

        Chaudhri, one of three honorees this year, accepted the award from former California Supreme Court Justice Elwood Lui at AALDEF’s annual Lunar New Year Gala in New York City on Feb. 22, 2007.  Chaudhri’s work includes promoting economic development in developing countries and emerging democracies.

        “I am proud to receive this prestigious award,” said Chaudhri.  “I’m fortunate to work for Sempra Energy, an organization that promotes diversity and encourages its employees to volunteer their time and talent to worthy causes.”

        Chaudhri, one of few Asian American attorneys to serve as general counsel of a Fortune 200 company, oversees all major legal matters for Sempra Energy.  Previously, he served as general counsel of Gateway, as a senior partner at Winston & Strawn and as a partner at Jones Day.

        The Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, founded in 1974, is a national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. 

        Sempra Energy (NYSE:  SRE), based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company with 2006 revenues of nearly $12 billion.  The Sempra Energy companies’ 14,000 employees serve more than 29 million consumers in the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America and Asia.

###