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AABANY’s Judiciary Committee Hosts 2026 Annual Judges’ Reception at The Nexus Club

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Judiciary Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (“AABANY”) welcomed over 90 guests to its Annual Judges’ Reception at The Nexus Club located at 100 Church Street, New York, NY 10007. 

The event brought together members of the judiciary, attorneys, government officials, law students, and community leaders to celebrate judges who were appointed, elected, or elevated within the past year.

Organized by AABANY’s Judiciary Committee, co-chaired by Mark Son and David Mou, the evening highlighted AABANY’s continued commitment to diversity, mentorship, and advancement within the legal profession and in the judiciary. 

The program began with opening remarks from Judiciary Committee Co-Chair Mark Son, followed by remarks from distinguished leaders representing the bench, government, and the bar.

Featured speakers included AABANY President Varuna Bhattacharyya and Hon. Frances Wang, Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. Justice Wang, who is also Vice President of the Asian American Judges Association of New York, spoke about the importance of building a judiciary that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and emphasized the impact of representation on public confidence in the legal system. 

Additional remarks were delivered by Ali Najmi, Chair of New York City’s Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, and Kenan Kurt, Assistant Counsel for Judiciary and Ethics for the New York State Governor’s Office. Mr. Najmi underscored the Mayor’s commitment to create a more a diverse judiciary and stated that he is ready to work hard.  Mr. Kurt compared the pioneer judges to the first athlete who broke the four-minute mile, shattering barriers and inspiring others to follow. Just as that achievement opened the door for future runners to accomplish the same feat, we celebrate the judges whose leadership and perseverance are making “four-minute miles” possible for those who come after them.

Hon. Karen Lin, Associate Justice of the Appellate Term for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts, reflected on the progress Asian Americans have made within the legal community while encouraging continued mentorship and support for future generations seeking judicial office.

The evening also featured a Presentation of Awards by event co-chairs Lisa Lin and Kwok Ng, along with citations presented by Mr. Kurt on behalf of the Governor’s Office. Honorees recognized during the reception included:

  • Hon. Margaret Chan
  • Hon. Janice Chen
  • Hon. Eve Cho Guillergan
  • Hon. Sheridan Chu
  • Hon. Indira Khan
  • Hon. Jay Kim
  • Hon. Judy Kim
  • Hon. Karen Lin
  • Hon. Nabeela McLeod
  • Hon. Juliette-Noor Haji
  • Hon. Oma Phillips Deonarine
  • Hon. Soma Syed
  • Hon. Kris Singh
  • Hon. Frances Wang

Following the formal program, guests gathered for a dinner reception that provided an opportunity for judges, attorneys, students, and community leaders to connect and celebrate the honorees. 

The Annual Judges’ Reception remains one of AABANY’s signature events and reflects the organization’s longstanding dedication to judicial diversity, professional mentorship, public service, and the advancement of Asian American attorneys and judges throughout New York.

A special acknowledgement to the organizers of this  year’s program: Mark Son, David Mou, Douglas Tang, Kwok Ng, Pei Pei Cheng De Castro, Yang Chen, Carrey Wong, Apollo Baltazar, and Lisa Lin.

For more photographs, go here.

–Written by Lisa Lin

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NAPABA Annual Lobby Day and Congressional Reception on May 19-20 in Washington, D.C.

NAPABA hosted its annual Lobby Day on May 19-20, 2026, bringing together members of their community from across the country to Washington, DC in a celebration and demonstration of the power of their bar during AANHPI Heritage Month. In meetings with congressional representatives and their staffers, attorneys, law students, and leaders from the NAPABA community advocated for advancing the civil rights of the AANHPI community, a fair immigration system, and defending the rule of law.

Highlights of Lobby Day Include:

Robust Representation

With participants hailing from over 20 states, and the District of Columbia, taking part in over 70 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, NAPABA held a training session featuring congressional staffers from both sides of the aisle who spoke with both expertise and passion about the bills their members have introduced or sponsored.  Attendees also heard from advocacy veterans on strategies and techniques to more effectively communicate NAPABA’s priorities and the needs of AANHPI communities and the legal profession.

Policy Priorities
Throughout multiple meetings, participants advocated for issues of importance to AANHPI communities and the legal profession. They focused on codifying longstanding language access protections for the millions of limited English proficient persons in the United States, including the significant portions of the Asian American immigrant populations, as documented by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. NAPABA stood up for access to counsel at various stages of the immigration and entry processes to the United States, and for judicial security in order to better support the rule of law.

Meaningful Engagements
Attendees met with numerous lawmakers and their staff, fostering meaningful dialogues, and building relationships that will be instrumental in advancing policy objectives. NAPABA Lobby Day participants skillfully articulated their positions, presented compelling arguments, and shared personal stories to humanize the issues that they face. On the evening before their training at their Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill, participants heard from leaders in their community directly, including NAPABA Trailblazers Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI) and S.E.C. Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda.

In a time of great uncertainty and a rapidly shifting policy landscape, NAPABA demonstrated the power of its members during a Lobby Day built around a unifying agenda of language access, a sensible and fair immigration system and support for the rule of law. Member-constituents braved the heat to visit engage with key Congressional offices across the Capitol complex and called on their elected representatives to support policies that advance their communities.  Lobby Day is another great reminder that NAPABA is the national voice of the AANHPI legal community, and that we can stand together for the betterment of our communities, for the rule of law we have dedicated our livelihoods to, and for the nation we cherish.

Visit NAPABA’s Advocacy Page here.

View NAPABA’s Organizational Statements here.

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NAPABA Applauds Judge Reynaldo Aligada’s Appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court

For Immediate Release:
May 27, 2026		Contact:
press@napaba.org

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Judge Reynaldo A. Aligada, Jr. on his appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Judge Aligada becomes the first Asian Pacific American justice in Minnesota’s history.

“Judge Reynaldo Aligada’s historic appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court marks a milestone for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal community and beyond,” said NAPABA President Joseph Yao. “As NAPABA’s Portrait Project 2.0 found, Asian American jurists are underrepresented on state high courts. Judge Aligada has broken barriers, and his appointment marks an incredible achievement for our legal community and beyond.”

Judge Aligada currently serves on Minnesota’s Second Judicial District Court. Prior to joining the bench, he served as First Assistant Federal Defender in Minneapolis and previously practiced at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP. He clerked for Judge Michael J. Davis of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright of the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Judge Aligada earned his B.A. from Saint John’s University and his J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law, now the Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

“Through his many roles in the community, including with the Community Outreach Committee of the Federal Bar Association and many bar associations like the Minnesota Asian Pacific American Bar Association (MNAPABA), Judge Aligada has demonstrated a deep commitment public service,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “His groundbreaking appointment highlights the importance of ensuring that those in the AANHPI legal community are recognized, supported, and elevated to positions of leadership across the country.”

“Judge Aligada is a brilliant and skilled jurist and, importantly, a wonderful human being. These qualities, along with his background and experience, make him a phenomenal choice to serve as a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court,” said Valerie Narcy, President of MNAPABA. “This moment comes against the backdrop of a long and challenging history for AANHPI communities. From legislation excluding Chinese immigrants, to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, to anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, to the more recent actions against birthright citizenship, our community has often been left to wonder about our place in American society. Judge Aligada’s appointment is a reminder that our place is here and that our community is well-woven into the historic tapestry of Minnesota and this country.”

NAPABA extends its sincere congratulations to Judge Reynaldo Aligada and wishes him success in his service on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

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AABANY Book Club Honors AAPI Month with Han Kang’s We Do Not Part

On May 19, 2026, AABANY hosted its monthly book club meeting, where a dedicated group of members gathered at Anderson & Associates‘ new office at 347 W 36th St., Suite 1003, to share their thoughts on this month’s book. In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) month, the group decided to read Nobel Prize-winning South Korean author Han Kang’s We Do Not Part. The meeting was hosted by Yen-Yi Anderson, Co-Chair of the Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee, and S. Yan Sin, AABANY’s Board Secretary for the 2027 fiscal year. While they shared their insights, the attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner of dumplings, green beans, and fried rice.

The conversation centered on a moving story of friendship set against the tragic backdrop of the 1948 Jeju massacre in South Korea. Throughout the evening, the participants explored complex themes of memory, trauma, and human connection. Kang’s novel is widely celebrated, having earned a place as a New York Times bestseller and winning the National Book Critics Circle Award.

The group also discussed recent news regarding the dismissal of the CEO of Starbucks in South Korea following a controversial marketing campaign that touched on historical state-sponsored suppression. As The Guardian reported, the chief executive was dismissed after the company ran a promotional event using slogans that evoked a massacre of pro-democracy protesters during the country’s dictatorship era, which subsequently sparked public outrage and boycott calls. The coffee chain had launched a “Tank Day” campaign on May 18 for its “Tank” tumbler series. The date coincided with one of the most politically sensitive days in the South Korean calendar, when citizens commemorate the 1980 democratization movement in Gwangju. By pairing the date “5/18” with the slogan “Tank Day,” the online campaign inadvertently evoked the armored vehicles used by the military regime to crush the uprising.

This successful gathering set a thoughtful and engaging tone for many meetings to come. Whether you’re a speed reader or someone who lingers on every sentence, we’d love to have you join the conversation. See you in June!

Written by Eva Lee, Intern at Anderson & Associates

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AABANY Celebrates AAPI Heritage Night with the New York Liberty at Barclays Center

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, the AABANY Membership Committee hosted an incredible evening of community, culture, and basketball for AAPI Heritage Night at Barclays Center. Members, family, and friends gathered in Brooklyn to cheer on the home team as the New York Liberty took on the Golden State Valkyries, making it a memorable celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

While the Liberty ultimately fell to the Valkyries with a final score of 87-70, the energy inside the arena remained electric. It was the perfect, high-spirited alternative for local sports fans looking for a fantastic live experience right here in Brooklyn, especially on a heavy New York sports night that was competing directly for the city’s attention with Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals (Knicks vs. Cavs) over at Madison Square Garden.

The crowd at Barclays was treated to spectacular cultural showcases and high-profile guests throughout the evening:

  • Halftime Performance by Aum Dance Creations: The crowd was treated to a mesmerizing halftime show by Aum Dance Creations. Founded by Director Rina Shah, this New Jersey-based academy is dedicated to preserving traditional Indian classical dances like Kathak and Bharat Natyam, while blending them with the high-energy rhythms of modern Bollywood, contemporary, and hip-hop styles. Their dynamic fusion performance captured the stadium’s attention on the big screen, bringing a vibrant and culturally rich showcase to center court.
  • Special Guest Suni Lee: Adding to the excitement, Olympic gymnast and two-time gold medalist Suni Lee was in attendance. When she was featured on the Jumbotron, the arena erupted in cheers, highlighting the incredible achievements of AAPI athletes on the global stage.

Beyond the action on the court, the night served as a wonderful opportunity for AABANY members to connect, support the community, and show their local pride. A portion of the proceeds from the group’s ticket sales went directly toward supporting AABANY’s ongoing mission of advocacy and community service.

Thank you to everyone who came out to make the night such fun!

–Written by Francis Chin, AABANY’s Membership Director

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AABANY Corporate Law Committee Hosts First Meet & Greet of FY27 to Connect with Committee Members

On May 19, the AABANY Corporate Law Committee kicked off the new fiscal year with a virtual Meet & Greet, bringing together members and prospective members to share ideas on programming for the year.  Attendees ranged from recent law school graduates just beginning their careers to seasoned attorneys returning to corporate practice. Corporate Law Committee leadership, which includes Co-Chairs Keli Huang (Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP) and Ashley Wong (Associate Corporate Counsel at Amazon), along with Vice Chairs Kyle Zhu (Associate at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP) and Judy Lin (Associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP), introduced themselves and opened the floor to attendees. The conversation was centered on understanding the types of events that would be most beneficial to the members, and the leadership team came away with a clear direction: social events and CLE-eligible programming that support both professional development and genuine community-building.

The Committee leadership also shared about two upcoming AABANY marquee events. First, the AABANY Annual Dinner, taking place next Thursday May 28th, is expected to draw hundreds of attendees and offers one of the year’s premier networking opportunities across the broader AABANY community. Then September 26th, the Fall Conference, hosted at the Fordham Law School, promises another outstanding occasion to connect with colleagues, exchange ideas, and build the cross-practice relationships that make this community so valuable. Both events reflect the Committee’s commitment to creating spaces where members can forge lasting professional connections and strengthen the synergy within the AABANY network.

Beyond these signature events, the Corporate Law Committee is actively exploring programming ideas that speak directly to where the legal profession is heading. Keli shared that the Committee is already planning its popular summer social event, and this time it is in a karaoke location not yet open to the public that AABANY members will get to experience before its opening. Another exciting program under consideration is an event on artificial intelligence focusing on the responsible use of AI in legal practice, managing client expectations around emerging tools, and leveraging technology to make legal work more efficient. Given how rapidly AI is reshaping the industry, this is exactly the kind of timely, practical programming that members expressed enthusiasm for. Stay tuned and keep an eye on the AABANY Calendar for announcements. We hope to see you at upcoming events! To learn more about the Corporate Law Committee and how you can get involved, click here.

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New York Courts Request Public Comments on Mandatory Electronic Filing Proposal

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas, J.S.C., is soliciting public comments regarding the proposal to authorize mandatory e-filing in New York State Courts’ Electronic Filing System (“NYSCEF”).

The proposal would implement mandatory e-filing for all new probate, administration, and miscellaneous proceedings in the Surrogate’s Court of Bronx, Kings, Queens, and Richmond Counties. This would mandate e-filing in 61 of the 62 Surrogate’s Courts statewide, with New York County as the only exception. The proposed implementation, if approved, will take effect on or around June 30, 2026.

Persons wishing to comment on this proposal should e-mail their submissions to efilingcomments@nycourts.gov no later than June 24, 2026.

A copy of the request and all other proposals related to mandatory e-filing programs are also available on the Unified Court System’s website at this link.

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Henry VI at Public Theater – Special Discount Code Available

HENRY VI : A Trilogy in Two Parts
June 9 to July 19, 2026
The Public Theatre Newman Theater
425 Lafayette Street, NY 10003

The Coalition of Asian and Pacific Americans (CAPA) invites everyone to join them to support NAATCO (National Asian American Theater Company) for an unquestionably unique and amazing upcoming production of Shakespeare’s HENRY 6 , at the legendary Public Theater at Astor Place / downtown Manhattan.

Discount code is H6OUTREACH — please apply this right away on their website, before making your selections or before login / check out.

Each ticket will cost $45.

For more information and ticket purchase (hurry, they’re running out fast !!) : https://publictheater.org/productions/season/2526/henry-vi-a-trilogy-in-two-parts/

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AABANY Hosts Third Annual Wellness Retreat at Blue Cliff Monastery

On May 16, 2026, AABANY held its third Annual Wellness Retreat at Blue Cliff Monastery in the Catskills region of New York. Nearly twenty members, family, and friends gathered on a gorgeous spring day to step away from the hustle-and-bustle of life and immerse themselves in mindfulness and connection.

This year’s retreat was organized by AABANY’s newest Committee, the Wellness Committee, co-chaired by Karen Kim, past AABANY President, and Regina Jin as inaugural Co-Chairs. The Committee seeks to promote attorney well-being and help members cultivate balance and joy in both professional and personal life.

The retreat began with a Dharma Talk led by Sister Empathy in the Monastery’s small meditation room.  The space offered an intimate and cozy setting for our group, providing a perfect start to the day. Attendees learned to be more mindful through breathing, setting the tone for a day of reflection and awareness. 

After orientation, participants set out for a walking meditation, attuning themselves to each step, the rhythm of their heartbeat, the gentle breeze, the rustle of leaves, and the songs of birds. It was a moving reminder of how mindfulness can awaken the senses and ground us in the present moment.

Lunch in the Sisters’ Dining Hall was another highlight. Everyone practiced mindful eating in silence for the first half-hour, savoring a fresh, local vegetarian spread that included veggie stir-fry, brown and white rice, fried tofu wrapped in seaweed, and hearty vegetable soup. Washing plates afterward became part of the mindful experience, reminding attendees that every act, even the simplest, can be performed with presence and care.

The afternoon was a playful and meditative blend. Attendees explored the Monastery bookstore, hiked the monastery trails, and joined an “Amazing Race”-style working meditation, stuffing foam cushions into covers. Laughter and focus mingled in equal measure. Mindfulness can be both grounding and fun.

The retreat concluded with Dharma Sharing, where participants shared personal experiences and reflections. Stories of gratitude, insight, and connection flowed freely, inspiring everyone and reinforcing the power of mindful community.

This year’s Wellness Retreat was a rejuvenating and joyful experience. Attendees left with practical ways to bring mindfulness into daily life, memories of laughter and quiet reflection. We were reminded that taking time for self-care is not just a luxury; it’s essential.

AABANY extends heartfelt thanks to Sister Empathy and the Monastery team for making this day so nurturing and memorable.

If you have ideas for programs or speakers on the topic of wellness and well-being, please share them with AABANY at main@aabany.org.   AABANY’s Wellness Resources Guide provides a variety of information, including links to free assistance programs, trainings, and hotlines, which can be accessed here.

To learn more about the Wellness Committee, please visit here. More information about Blue Cliff Monastery can be found here.

For more photos from the retreat, the album can be viewed here.

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