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Now Open: Call for Recommendations for ABA’s Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award

Each year, the NAPABA Margaret Brent Award Committee reviews the outstanding pool of well-qualified NAPABA members to select a woman to be nominated by NAPABA for the American Bar Association’s Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. NAPABA is now accepting recommendations for the 2025 award cycle. The deadline to submit a recommendation is Wednesday, December 4, at 11:59 pm ET.

The Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award, established in 1991, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of women lawyers who have excelled in their field and have paved the way to success for other women lawyers. These women demonstrate excellence in a variety of professional settings and personify excellence on either the national, regional, or local level. Most recently, NAPABA nominated Gina Shishima, who was honored with this prestigious award in August 2024.

If you are interested in submitting a recommendation, please visit our webpage to learn more about qualifications and requirements.

Criteria

  1. The individual achieved professional excellence in her field AND
  2. Influenced other women to pursue legal careers, OR
  3. Opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them, OR
  4. Advanced opportunities for women within a practice area or segment of the profession.

Nominees may be ABA members or nonmembers. Sitting members of the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession may not be nominated.

Nomination Application Requirements

Nominators may be asked to register for a SurveyMonkey account if they still need to register before gaining access to the application portal.
A. Nominee’s Resume – Include the nominee’s resume or biography describing her background and contributions.

B. Award Criteria Narrative – In no more than three typed pages, provide specific, concrete examples for criterion #1 and at least one of criteria numbers 2 through 4 below:

  1. The individual achieved professional excellence in her field AND
  2. Influenced other women to pursue legal careers, OR
  3. Opened doors for women lawyers in a variety of job settings that historically were closed to them, OR
  4. Advanced opportunities for women within a practice area or segment of the profession.

C. Articles and Letters – To present a comprehensive picture of the nominee, please include (1) up to 10 news or magazine articles written by or about the candidate and (2) no more than 5 letters of support from individuals or organizations. The Commission relies on the entire nomination packet in selecting each year’s honorees. The limitation on articles and letters of support will be observed; anything in excess of 5 letters or ten articles will not be considered. A letter of support can have a maximum of 5 signatories only. For this category, the number of pages is capped at 80.

D. Complete Submission Package
Only complete submissions will be considered.

To submit a recommendation, go here.

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Spring Internship Opportunity – Karis Consulting Group

Karis Consulting Group provides community organizing, strategic advising, and coalition-building support for Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations to empower the voice and capacity of the community. Interns will provide support for client work in a variety of sectors, gaining valuable community organizing skills and building relationships with top leaders in the nonprofit and government sectors. Individuals of all ethnicities and backgrounds located in the US are encouraged to apply.

About Karis Consulting Group (KCG)

Karis Consulting Group’s mission is to advance equity and empower communities to thrive by activating diverse voices and engaging in meaningful civic participation.

Internship Responsibilities

Interns will be expected to have strong administrative and communication skills.

  • Event Planning: Plan outreach, prepare memos, draft invitations, support fundraisers, manage logistics
  • Office Administration: Create/update spreadsheets, use office tools and Google Suite to manage tasks
  • Graphic Design: Design flyers using Canva
  • Communication: Draft emails, take meeting notes, strong writing and verbal skills for internal communication with firm and external stakeholders
  • Social Media/Podcast: Create social media posts

Compensation

  • Interns will receive $15 an hour.

Requirements

  • Applicants are expected to submit a resume, cover letter, and references (none from family members).
  • Open to high school graduates, college students, and graduate students
  • Interns are expected to work 10-15 hours per week. How you break up those hours can be discussed.
  • Interns must be located in the US but can work virtually (preference for DC or New York).
  • Application deadline is November 27, 2024 by 11:59 PM ET. 

​Apply here.

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Student Outreach and Corporate Law Committees Host “Navigating OCI with Corporate Attorneys” Panel

On October 28, 2024, the Student Outreach Committee and Corporate Law Committee hosted a panel discussion titled “Navigating OCI with Corporate Attorneys” at Paul Hastings LLP. The event was designed to equip students with practical advice on navigating the On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) process, featuring insights from seasoned corporate attorneys and law firm partners. 

Moderators Joon Choe (Andersen Tax LLC) and Cat Tran (Columbia Law School ‘25) facilitated a dynamic conversation with panelists Kevin Lam (Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP), Tracy Feng (Partner, Paul Hastings LLP), Gordon Mak (Partner, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP), and Kyle Zhu (Senior Associate, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP). The discussion covered a range of topics critical to students preparing for OCI. 

The discussion began with panelists sharing what drew them to their practice areas and how their experiences at their firms shaped their careers. They emphasized the importance of exploring different practice areas early on and encouraged students to stay curious. When selecting a law firm, panelists advised considering factors like firm culture, mentorship, and growth opportunities. They suggested attending firm receptions and informational interviews to gain a better sense of each firm’s environment.

As OCI timelines have accelerated in recent years, the panelists recommended that students prepare in advance by updating resumes and starting to network early. They emphasized the importance of proactive engagement, advising candidates to build relationships with attorneys and mentors. To stand out in applications, the panelists suggested tailoring resumes and cover letters to highlight unique experiences and interest in certain law firms. 

Networking and interviewing were other key areas of focus. Panelists shared tips on building authentic connections, suggesting students follow up after events with personalized emails. For virtual interviews, they highlighted the importance of a professional setup and preparing thoughtful questions to ask interviewers. On diversity and inclusion, panelists recommended asking specific questions about firms’ D&I initiatives to gauge their commitment. The event ended with a Q&A session on international work opportunities and networking strategies, followed by a networking reception for further conversation and opportunities for attendees to connect with the panelists and each other.

We hope this event provided attendees with the tools and confidence to navigate the legal recruiting landscape. Thank you again to Paul Hastings LLP for their partnership, our panelists for their insights, and to all who attended, for making the evening a success.

To learn more about the Corporate Law Committee, please click here. To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee, please click here.

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AABANY Descends on Seattle for the NAPABA Convention

From Nov. 7 through 9, NAPABA held its National Convention in Seattle at the Hyatt Regency, for three days of programming, meetings, plenary sessions and the 36th Anniversary Gala capping things off on Saturday night.

AABANY members and friends once again came out in large numbers, with nearly 150 people signed up for AABANY’s WhatsApp group. The group’s members updated each other on programs they planned to attend, made lunch and dinner plans, and connected with each other about various receptions, parties and events around Seattle.

The AABANY Trial Reenactment Team presented its latest production, “AAPIs and Education: Tape v. Hurley and Gong Lum v. Rice” on Friday afternoon, Nov. 8, to a capacity audience. The program told the stories of Mamie Tape and Martha Lum and their efforts to fight discrimination in public education, through narration, reenactment of court proceedings and historic photographs. This was the sixteenth in a series of historic reenactments presented by the Asian American Bar Association of New York. For more information about AABANY’s trial reenactments, visit reenactments.aabany.org. 

We congratulate all the awardees and honorees recognized at the Convention, with special shout-outs to the following AABANY member honorees:

We also congratulate Sapna Palla, past AABANY President, and Anushree Bagrodia, current Co-Chair of AABANY’s In-House Counsel Committee, for joining the NAPABA Board as At-Large Members!

Thanks to all the outgoing NAPABA Board members for their service, and congratulations to AABANY member and past Board officer, Anna Mercado Clark, on her highly successful year as President.

We congratulate Muhammad Faridi, AABANY Member and President of the New York City Bar Association, on receiving the Pro Bono Service Award.

Thanks and congratulations to the many AABANY members who organized a panel or spoke at one. We know that it is not easy to get a program selected for the NAPABA Convention and that much hard work goes into putting on a quality program for the many attendees who come from across the continent to learn from you all. Please send us your photos and, if possible, a short recap about your program. You can send it to [email protected].

Many bonds were made and strengthened among AABANY attendees over the course of the Convention, and many new connections were made with the approximately 3400 registered attendees from across North America. Judging by many social media posts from those who attended, a great time was had by all. We hope everyone got back to New York City safe and sound, and we are looking forward to another inspiring NAPABA Convention when it moves to Denver, Colorado, Nov. 6-9, 2025.

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AABANY Military & Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Amos Kim Honors Veterans on Veterans Day

The following is a message from Amos Kim, Chair of AABANY’s Military & Veterans Affairs Committee:

I wanted to take a moment to wish every Veteran a Happy Veterans Day. Thank you to all those that served this great nation and its people.

My family came to this country in the early 80’s, making me the first American-born person in my family. I was also the first to attend college, and of course, law school. We weren’t financially secure by any means, but, through the GI Bill, I was able to attend law school. Although my finances were taken care of in law school, it was through AABANY and KALAGNY that I was able to navigate my way to the firm I work for today. I share my background to emphasize that I didn’t initially join the U.S. Navy and serve for 8 years on submarines simply as a service to this country. Instead, I enlisted to better myself and serve my family. Through my experiences, however, I grew to understand that I served a larger purpose, one that not only served my family, but all those who came to this country with hopes and a vision for a brighter future.

Because of my initial reason for joining the military, I have often felt awkward or uncomfortable hearing someone thank me for my service to this nation. I now can say that this is no longer the case; I’ve learned that although my primary reasons for joining the Navy may have been personal and self-serving, the act of serving is only carried out by a small percentage of this country’s population. Moreover, although I didn’t see any combat because of my position as a nuclear power plant supervisor on submarines, my experiences while there (both the good and the ugly) have stayed with me to this day. Now, my family and, to a certain extent, my firm, have supported me as I cope with my military experiences today. I’m sure it is more likely than not that the military experience of each veteran has also stayed with them in one way or another.

Therefore again, I would like to thank each veteran for their service, regardless of their reason for joining in the first place, because the act of serving one’s country is honorable in and of itself. I hope everyone takes the time to care for one another and hear each other’s stories, so that we and this country do not forget the sacrifices that veterans have made.

Lastly, I’d like to announce a fun event in honor of Veterans Day. We are holding a Paintball event in Brooklyn on November 23 at 11AM. To register, visit the KALAGNY website by clicking here: https://kalagny.org/event-5932955. Attending events like these supports us immensely, so please consider coming out and having a fun time.

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Chinatown Manpower Project Invites AABANY to Discuss Business Entity Formation and Partnership Agreements

We would like to thank the Chinatown Manpower Project (CMP) for the opportunity to present again at their business workshop on October 26, 2024, which focused on forming business entities and partnership agreements. We extend our significant gratitude to May Wong, Co-Chair of the Professional Development Committee and former Co-Chair of the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, for her insightful and engaging discussion on these topics and for providing valuable referrals for entrepreneurs aspiring to establish a business in New York City.

Many immigrants arrive in the United States seeking better economic prospects and face barriers to traditional employment, such as language differences and lack of local networks. CMP (https://www.cmpny.org/) offers employment support to people from all walks of life, including immigrants and second-generation immigrants. CMP also hosts comprehensive entrepreneurial workshops and seminars, provides one-on-one consulting services to small business clients, and refers clients to partnering resource organizations for government assistance, legal consultation, financial literacy, and micro-lending. 

AABANY collaborates with CMP  to create this legal workshop to help small business owners and the next entrepreneurs. AABANY also helps advise small business owners and young entrepreneurs at our upcoming legal clinics. We invite you to join AABANY’s upcoming Pro Bono Clinics taking place on: 

November 20th, 2024 at 6:00pm – Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic at AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002. Sign up here to volunteer – https://forms.gle/SD2VMY8X6yE4vsxW9

December 4th, 2024 at 6:00pm – Queens Pro Bono Clinic at AAFE, One Flushing Community Center,  133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355. Sign up here to volunteer- https://forms.gle/3LeM9KtqMn8CcNUc6

To learn more about AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee and their activities, go to probono.aabany.org.

Photo credit to Nandar Win Kerr

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Columbia Law School’s Paralegal Pathways Initiative: Applications Now Open for Spring 2025

The Paralegal Pathways Initiative (PPI) at Columbia Law School is a 12-week training program designed to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition into meaningful careers within the legal field. Through skills-based legal training and professional mentorship, PPI empowers participants to develop valuable career and interview skills. Applications are now open for the upcoming Spring 2025 class, and PPI wants to extend this opportunity to as many potential applicants as possible.

Application Requirements: Interested individuals should submit an application online through this link. The application package includes:

  • Resume 
  • Personal statement (500 words)
  • Response to a writing prompt (350-450 words) 
  • Two references 
  • [Optional] Additional materials/information

PPI encourages applications from individuals from marginalized communities, including those based on race, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • 18 years old or older
  • Ability to commute to New York City
  • Have been formerly incarcerated and at least one year post-release
  • Demonstrate a genuine interest in the legal field
  • Commit to attending an in-person two-hour class one night a week for 12 weeks, and additional programming and workshops
  • Commit to contributing to a collaborative learning environment
  • Complete an interview

Application Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024 

Contact Information: For more information, contact the PPI team at [email protected] or follow @paralegalpathways_cls on Instagram. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in applying.

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NAPABA Congratulates President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect Vance

WASHINGTON – As reported by the Associated Press, Donald J. Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance, have earned a sufficient number of electoral votes to be the next President and Vice President of the United States. NAPABA congratulates them and is committed to working with the new administration and Congress to advance the interests of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing the interests of well over 80,000 AANHPI legal professionals. Our community is diverse, spanning across cultures, language, and political ideologies. NAPABA has worked diligently with presidents, administrations, and congressional members of both parties to advance the interests of our community.

As an organization of legal professionals, we bear a special responsibility to uphold the rule of law. NAPABA will continue to advance justice, with the AANHPI community at the forefront along with all communities of color, our values, and our policy positions. We must partner together, despite our political differences, for our country to achieve progress.

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AABANY Member Kin Ng Honored as a Community Leader at Chinese-American Planning Council’s Harvest Moon Benefit

On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, AABANY members attended the Chinese-American Planning Council’s (CPC) Harvest Moon Benefit in Brooklyn to celebrate longtime active AABANY member and co-founding member of AABANY’s Prosecutors Committee, Kin Ng, who was one of the Honorees this year. 

Kin has been a prosecutor at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for over thirty years. In 2021, he was appointed to serve as the Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau II, Blue Zone. From 2017 to 2020, he was promoted to Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau I – Red Zone, and became the first AAPI bureau chief of a major trial bureau in the history of the office. Prior to that, Kin served in various management capacities in different trial bureaus and the Immigration Fraud Unit. He also served as the Chief of Legal Training, conducting office-wide trainings for all Brooklyn ADAs and staff. Kin continues to mentor prosecutors of all offices and experiences through AABANY as well as National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). In addition, he is a founding member and co-chair of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA) and a member of its National Executive Board and the President of its New York Chapter. Notably, Kin received the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award at the 2018 AABANY Fall Conference, in recognition of his leadership in the Asian American legal community.

In his acceptance speech, Kin mentioned and thanked Homecrest and CPC for providing many programs to the community, such as senior services, multi-social services and a wide range of youth and workforce activities. These programs, especially summer and after-school educational activities, provide working families with child care services and a safe environment for their children to learn and grow. 

On behalf of the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, we also want to thank CPC for hosting our Pro Bono Clinics at their Brooklyn location and our community partners for supporting our efforts in providing free legal consultations to low- to middle- income individuals and families. 

The next Pro Bono Clinic in Brooklyn is on November 9, 2024, from 12:30pm to 3:00pm, at CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232. Pre-registration can be made by phone (tel: (718) 492-0409). Walk-ins are welcome!

If you would like to volunteer, please sign up – https://www.aabany.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=1858131. 

Last but not least, thank you AABANY, AALFNY, the Prosecutors Committee, and Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, and our pro bono clinic volunteers for supporting AAPI not-for-profit organizations and their great causes!!!


For more information about the Prosecutors Committee, go here. For more information about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee go here. Join the Prosecutors Committee for their 16th Anniversary Reception on Nov. 13. More details here.

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AABANY Dumplings & Discussion Series Features David S. Sohn

On October 15, AABANY held the 5th installment of its Dumpling & Discussion Series.  The series brings notable AAPI leaders in the legal industry, with a fireside chat in a casual, intimate setting.  

We were honored to have David S. Sohn as our featured guest.  David is Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase & Co.  David is also a current co-chair of AABANY’s In-House Committee, and formerly an AABANY Director and Vice-President of Programs & Operations, among other leadership positions at AABANY. 

Jeffrey Mok, current co-Vice-President of Programs & Operations, hosted the discussion.  David shared candid thoughts about his career journey, including his path to law school and his transition between different industries.  David also shared his insights on leadership and offered tips for lawyers who are early in their careers.

Attendees enjoyed a wide selection of delicious dumplings and other Chinese food. 

A lively reception followed the discussion with David, and attendees made new connections with each other over food and drinks.

Check the AABANY calendar for future editions of the Dumplings & Discussion Series.

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