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Applications Open: 2025 ADR Institute & Prospective Partners Program

NAPABA programs are designed to accelerate your career growth and provide opportunities to build relationships with mentors and peers — and two of these member-exclusive programs are now accepting applications.  

ADR INSTITUTE

The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Institute is a multi-day career and skills development program designed to provide a broad overview and hands-on training for those interested in pursuing a career in the in-demand ADR field. Whether you’re looking to integrate ADR into your current legal practice or aiming to become a full-time mediator or arbitrator, this program is for you.

Led by the NAPABA Dispute Resolution Committee and featuring instruction from ADR thought leaders and guidance from top organizations like JAMS, AAA, and CPR, the Institute offers:

  • Foundational and advanced ADR training
  • Mentorship and insights from leading neutrals
  • Networking with professionals committed to advancing the field
  • A potential boost for those interested in becoming an ADR provider

Deadline to Apply: July 9, 2025

Learn More about the ADR Institute

PROSPECTIVE PARTNERS PROGRAM

This program is a unique opportunity for senior associates and of counsel attorneys who are on the cusp of partnership. Now in its fourteenth year, PPP aims to increase the number of NAPABA member partners at major law firms through strategic mentorship, introductions, and relationship building. Through this program, participants:

  • Pitch to real in-house counsel and receive immediate feedback to improve their skills
  • Are paired with law firm partner mentors
  • Build lasting connections that support career advancement and business development

Over 80% of past participants now hold leadership roles in law firms, companies, and throughout government. This is a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to practice and grow.

Deadline to Apply: July 9, 2025

Learn More about the PPP

Note: Registration for the NAPABA Convention is required to participate in both programs.

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2025 NAPABA Lobby Day

NAPABA hosted its annual Lobby Day on May 20-21, 2025, bringing together members of our community from across the country to Washington, DC. During meetings with Congressional representatives, attorneys, law students, and community leaders advocated for supporting the AANHPI community, advancing a fair and humane immigration system, defending the rule of law and legal profession, and advancing democracy and civil rights.

60+ Meetings20+ States Represented (plus the
District of Columbia and Guam)

Highlights of Our Lobby Day Include:

Robust Representation
With our participants hailing from over 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam taking part in over 60 meetings with congressional offices on both sides of the aisle, NAPABA demonstrated its strength and its commitment to amplifying AANHPI voices in the halls of power.

Advocacy Training
Prior to the meetings, we organized targeted training sessions to equip our participants with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively communicate our policy priorities.

Policy Priorities
Throughout our meetings, we tackled issues critical to the AANHPI community. We advocated for language access protections, opposed discriminatory measures like anti-Asian alien land laws, and supported teaching AANHPI history in schools, including recognizing the legacy of Fred Korematsu. We backed voting rights legislation, LGBTQ+ rights, and funding for legal services. We called for the protections of judges, the right to counsel in immigration settings, and supporting asylum seekers.

Our priorities during Lobby Day reflected the day-to-day policy developments impacting the AANHPI community. Most recently, on May 28, the federal government announced that it would “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students.” During Lobby Day, we opposed legislation that would impose an outright ban on the issuance of student visas to any citizen of China. Such policies are a relic of history and harken to the 1800s when our communities endured discriminatory laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act. They were wrong then, and they remain wrong today.

Meaningful Engagements
We met with numerous lawmakers and their staff, fostering meaningful dialogues, and building relationships that will be instrumental in advancing our policy objectives. Our Lobby Day participants skillfully articulated our positions, presented compelling arguments, and shared personal stories to humanize the issues that we face. On the evening before our training at our Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill, our participants heard from leaders directly, including Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI), Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36), and Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06). Our participants also heard from Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08) during the debrief session.

Regardless of the political dynamics in the Nation’s capital, NAPABA demonstrated its power during Lobby Day. Our members fanned out on the Capitol grounds, engaged with key Congressional offices, and called for their elected representatives to support policies that advance our communities. We are the national voice of the AANHPI legal community, and we stand for the rule of law. Learn more about NAPABA’s advocacy at napaba.org/page/advocacy.

Visit Our Advocacy Page
Visit Our Organizational Statements

Thank You to Our Host

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Thank You to Our Volunteers at the May 31st Pro Bono Clinic in Brooklyn

We extend our sincere gratitude to Volunteers, AABANY, Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee, and the Chinese-American Planning Council, for your invaluable contributions to the Pro Bono Legal Clinic held in Brooklyn on May 31, 2025. Thanks to your dedication, we were able to assist 21 clients with a wide range of legal concerns, including housing, matrimonial and family law, probate, personal injury, workers’ compensation, immigration, tax, business fraud, public benefits, and civil litigation.

Our volunteer attorneys and interpreters demonstrated exceptional patience and commitment in addressing client questions, offering guidance, and connecting them with further legal support through AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS). We are proud to offer our services in both Mandarin and Cantonese, allowing us to continue our mission of providing crucial support to individuals facing linguistic or cultural barriers in accessing quality legal care.

Thank you to our volunteer attorneys at the May 31st Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic:

Volunteer Attorneys
Francis Chin
Jenny Dai
Kwok Ng
Shuyao Wang
Yilan Wang
May Wong
Gary Yeung
Jungeun (Evelyn) Yu
Interpreters & Shadowers
Sam Chen
Jingjuan Guo
Nandar Win Kerr
Nikita Kohli
Samuel Liu
Albert Tong

We invite you to continue supporting our community by joining us at our upcoming pro bono clinics:

  • June 18 [Manhattan link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002 
  • July 12 [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
  • August 6 [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355

We look forward to your participation in our future clinics! Have a wonderful weekend!

To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, visit probono.aabany.org.

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Thank You to Our Volunteers at the May 21st Pro Bono Clinic in Manhattan

We extend our sincere gratitude to AABANY, the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE), and all the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of our Pro Bono Legal Clinic in Manhattan on May 21st, 2025.

During the clinic, our volunteers provided invaluable assistance to 10 clients, addressing a range of legal matters including housing, immigration, civil litigation, and nuisance issues. Our volunteer attorneys and interpreters thoughtfully addressed client concerns, offered clarity through their answers, and facilitated connections to appropriate legal resources via AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS).

We are committed to offering services in both Mandarin and Cantonese to ensure continued support for individuals facing linguistic or cultural barriers when seeking guidance on substantive and procedural legal matters.

Thank you to our volunteer attorneys at the May 21st Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic:

Volunteer Attorneys
Ming Cheung
Francis Chin
Justin Lee
Beatrice Leong
Jasmine Sripa
Kenny Ip
Interpreters & Shadowers
Albert Tong
Collette Chang
Sisu Chou
Emily Kam
Kenny Ip

We invite you to join us for our upcoming pro bono clinics:

  • June 18 [Manhattan link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002 
  • July 12 [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
  • August 6 [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355

We look forward to your participation in our future clinics! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, visit probono.aabany.org.

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AABANY Members and Friends March in the Fourth Annual AAPI Cultural and Heritage Parade

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, AABANY members and friends marched together in the Fourth Annual AAPI Cultural and Heritage Parade in Midtown Manhattan.

Around noon, our group gathered on West 44th Street and Sixth Ave near the New York City Bar Association building to line up for the parade. As everyone was arriving, the street filled with marchers anticipating the start of the procession, many practicing their dances, taking pictures with their groups, and enjoying conversation with the organizations around them.

As we did in last year’s parade, we wore matching red and new blue t-shirts, the front showcasing the AABANY logo and website link on the back pointing to the AABANY Pro Bono website. To attract more attention, AABANY Immediate Past President Joseph Eng Jr., along with his son Max and friends from Summit, NJ, brought a Chinese lion head and a drum to perform a traditional Chinese Lion Dance during the parade. While waiting for the parade to begin, other marchers took pictures with the lion and enjoyed the music and dance as Joe, Max, and friends practiced for their performance. They also taught any willing members of our group how to do a lion dance and play the drums.

In-House Counsel Committee Co-Chair Jack Chen came with his son Cameron, who led AABANY marchers with his spirited dance moves, walking in front of the AABANY group. 

Around 1:30 pm, we saw the floats in the front begin to move, and excitement rose among our group as our time to march in the parade drew near. Once we reached the entry point on Sixth Avenue, the drum was beating and the sun was shining, making it the perfect time to walk along the avenue with pride. Everyone was enjoying the 10-block march, especially as we got to see the performances of other groups and the fancy fast cars that formed the procession.

After the parade, several of the participants enjoyed a family-style lunch at Tang Pavilion on West 55th Street. The delicious meal at Tang Pavilion hit the spot, capping off a gorgeous Sunday for a parade along Sixth Avenue, making up for the long wait for the parade to start.

Thanks to everyone who marched with AABANY, and thanks especially to Joe, his son Max, and their friends, who provided the lion dance for our group. Special kudos go to Cameron for so enthusiastically leading from the front in his Captain America outfit!

To see more photos from the event, go here.

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GSPI and Judiciary Committees Co-Sponsor “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience: Then and Now in the Context of Korematsu and Thind”

On May 20, 2025, the GSPI and Judiciary Committees co-sponsored “A Legacy of Leadership and Resilience: Then and Now in the Context of Korematsu and Thind” in conjunction with the Queens County Women’s Bar Association (QCWBA) and the Equal Justice in the Courts Committee (QSC-EJIC).  The event featured Queens Supreme Court Justice Karen Lin, QCWBA President Preet Gill, Court Attorney Liman Mimi Hu, Queens Civil Court Judge Soma Syed, St. John’s University School of Law Professor Philip Lee, and Associate Law Clerk Johnny Thach.  Welcome remarks also included Queens Supreme Court Justice Frederick D.R. Sampson and Judge Shahabuddeen A. Ally, Administrative Judge of the Civil Court of the City of New York.
 
In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month in May, the event highlighted three landmark cases in American history on race, civil rights, and belonging: United States v. Thind, Gong Lum v. Rice, and Korematsu v. United States.  Thind was a 1923 case which held that Thind, an Indian man who served for the U.S. in World War I, was not Caucasian and therefore ineligible for naturalized citizenship.  Lum was a 1927 case that upheld racial segregation and denied admission to a Chinese American nine-year-old student to an all-white school district.  Korematsu was a 1944 case that upheld the conviction of a Japanese American man for violating an exclusion order mandating people of Japanese ancestry, including Japanese Americans, to be incarcerated in internment camps under suspicions, with no factual basis, of being enemy aliens involved in espionage and sabotage.
 
The featured speakers, divided in teams, examined each case through multiple lenses: the historical background around each case, the remarkable individuals who stood for justice and challenged exclusionary and racist policies and laws at the time, the holding of each case, and what transpired after.  Professor Lee emphasized the theme of Asian Americans as “perpetual foreigners” and the construction of race in the context of racial triangulation.
 
The event was well-attended with over 100 people.  Momos from Bajeko Sekuwa and bubble tea from YAAAS Tea were provided as food and refreshments.  Thank you to the speakers, organizers, co-sponsors, and attendees.  Click here to learn more and join the GSPI Committee and here to learn more and join the Judiciary Committee.

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In the News: Johnny Thach Shares His Journey from Laundromat to Principal Law Clerk 

In a recent Queens Daily Eagle feature, reporter Noah Powelson profiles Johnny Thach, principal law clerk to Civil Term Supreme Court Justice Karen Lin. The article traces Thach’s inspiring journey from growing up in a working-class immigrant family in Elmhurst to becoming a first-generation college and law school graduate. As a child of Vietnamese immigrants, Thach spent much of his youth helping his mother run their family laundromat. That experience shaped his understanding of the challenges immigrant communities face and fueled his drive to pursue a legal career.

“When you are growing up in an immigrant family, it’s often very difficult because that road really isn’t paved for you,” Thach told the Eagle. Now serving in the courts, he supports Judge Lin in assisting litigants and mediating legal disputes, while staying deeply connected to the community through pro bono work and his involvement with the Asian American Bar Association of New York, where he serves as one of the Government Service and Public Interest Committee Co-Chairs. “I’m just trying to be as involved in the community as much as possible and give back,” he said.

Congratulations to AABANY member Johnny Thach on this well-deserved recognition!

To read the full article, click here.

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Federal Public Defender Vacancy – Extension of application period until June 13, 2025

The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of New York.

The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. If you applied earlier, there is no need to re-submit your application. The extension deadline to submit an application is June 13, 2025.

For announcement, please click here. For application, please click here.

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Register for the 2025 Judge Thomas Tang and Dr. Pearl Tang Moot Court (TTMC) Competition!

NAPABA Law Foundation (NLF) is excited to invite you to register for the 2025 Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition!   

The Judge Thomas Tang and Dr. Pearl Tang Moot Court Competition is an appellate advocacy competition sponsored annually by the NAPABA Law Foundation. The purpose of this Competition is to help law students develop advocacy skills and to foster legal talents of the future.

The Competition was founded in 1993 and is named in honor of the late Honorable Thomas Tang, a respected jurist who served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1977 until his passing in 1995. 

This prestigious moot court competition is an incredible opportunity for law students to develop their advocacy skills and engage in complex international legal issues. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, coach, volunteer or judge, or just starting your journey in moot court, the 2025 TTMC promises to be an exciting and enriching experience. 

Register a law school team here

For assistance in seeking sponsorship to compete, please send an email to thomastangmootcourt@gmail.com. 

Key details:

  • Problem Release: August 1, 2025
  • Registration Closes: September 10, 2025
  • Brief Submission Deadline: October 3, 2025
  • Regional Rounds: In person at the U.S. of International Trade in New York City, NY (October 17, 2025) and Zoom (October 18, 2025) (with the first 12 teams who register to participate and the remainder to compete via zoom).
  • National Competition at the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Annual Conference: Denver, CO, on November 7-8, 2025.

Stay updated by registering for competition notifications here. 

Follow the TTMC Competition LinkedIn Page for real-time updates and important announcements. 

Visit the National Law Foundation (NLF) website for more information on the competition and other exciting initiatives.

Check out the Thomas Tang Moot Court webpage for updated rules, registration, and this year’s moot court problem when available.

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AABANY Co-Sponsors “Asian Americans in Public Service”

On May 18, 2025, AABANY members from the Government Service & Public Interest Committee (GSPI) and the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee (PBCS), along with other co-sponsors, attended “Asian Americans in Public Service” in the Clinton G. Martin Park Main Room in New Hyde Park, Nassau County. 

The event featured an engaging and thoughtful panel discussion by judges, a court officer, court attorneys, a court clerk, a town councilwoman, and other professionals, who shared their diverse paths and journeys to entering public service as Asian Americans.  Each of the panelists shared what led them to become an attorney in public service, often invoking their immigrant backgrounds and upbringings in their journeys. 

The panelists also imparted valuable advice about becoming a lawyer, attending law school, and entering public interest and government service work.  Among the advice given were to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, being open-minded and to take advantage of opportunities, and building and cultivating your network, using your voice and being engaged in your community. 

The event highlighted the profound impact of representation, as Asian Americans in public service roles are largely underrepresented. The event was well-attended and brought together community members, families, youth, and the volunteers who helped to organize the event.

Thanks to all the AABANY leaders who took part in the event, and thanks to all the co-sponsoring organizations as well as the attendees.

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