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NAPABA 2026 Convention Registration is Now Open!

November 12-14, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA

This November, we are convening in Los Angeles for what is shaping up to be the largest Convention in NAPABA history. We invite you to join thousands of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and industry professionals for three days of dynamic programming, meaningful connections, and inspiring experiences. The Convention offers something for every stage of your professional journey.

Become a member to save!

Members can save up to $675 on Convention registration. In addition to Convention savings, members enjoy year-round benefits such as access to Convention scholarships, exclusive programming, meaningful connections that move your career forward, and leadership opportunities.

If you’re planning to attend, now is the perfect time to renew or become a member and maximize your benefits. Become a member today. AABANY members can contact main@aabany.org to get your discount code (if you have not already done so).

Early-bird registration ends August 24. Join NAPABA and register to save!

Join or Renew Your Membership
Register for Convention

Housing Information

This year’s host hotel is the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE located at 900 W. Olympic Blvd. NAPABA has negotiated discounted sleeping room rates at the host hotel as well as five additional nearby properties. Discounted rates are only available for registrants. Complete your registration to get access to the booking links. View more information about our housing block here.

Speakers Announcement

NAPABA is thrilled to announce that Emmy Award-winning The Daily Show correspondent, stand-up comedian, and actor Ronny Chieng, and Min Jin Lee, acclaimed author of Pachinko, Free Food for Millionaires, and the forthcoming American Hagwon, will join us as headliners at the 2026 NAPABA Convention. With backgrounds in law, Ronny and Min Jin have become leading voices in entertainment and literature, respectively. They will share their distinctive perspectives on the intersections of immigration, culture, and the law.

RONNY CHIENG

MIN JIN LEE

Questions?

Additional information, housing details, and registration rates can be found on the NAPABA website. For further questions, email NAPABA at convention@napaba.org.

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Join the AABANY LRIS Panel for the 2026–2027 Term

The AABANY Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS) invites both current panelists and interested practitioners to participate in our referral network for the 2026–2027 term. AABANY’s LRIS is an ABA-recognized program that serves as a trusted bridge connecting the public with experienced and qualified legal professionals. While our mission has a particular focus on serving the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, our referral services are available to the public at large, generating a broad and diverse range of client inquiries across numerous practice areas.

We welcome qualified attorneys from all practice concentrations to join — or continue their tenure on — our distinguished panel of practitioners.

Panel Benefits & Operations

  • Pre-Screened Referrals: Our dedicated Intake Coordinator carefully screens and pre-qualifies all incoming client inquiries before they are referred to panel members. By assessing the nature, viability, and technical aspects of each matter in advance, we help ensure that referrals directed to your office align closely with your practice areas and experience. This process minimizes time spent reviewing weak or unsuitable leads and significantly reduces your firm’s administrative intake burden.
  • Expanded Client Base & Marketing Support: The LRIS consistently receives daily inquiries from throughout the New York metropolitan area, across the United States, and internationally. Participation allows your firm to benefit from AABANY’s longstanding reputation, expansive professional network, and established public visibility. In addition to ongoing local media outreach, search engine optimization, and referrals from courts, government agencies, and elected officials, LRIS will soon launch a comprehensive cross-platform marketing initiative directed toward New York City Council offices, mayoral offices, state legislators, congressional representatives, community organizations, and other public-facing institutions to further increase referral volume and public awareness of the program. Joining the LRIS panel offers a cost-effective and sustainable way to expand your client base without materially increasing your firm’s marketing budget.
  • Meaningful Community Service & Professional Impact: Participation in LRIS also provides an important opportunity to deliver meaningful legal assistance to individuals and families who may otherwise face barriers to accessing quality legal representation. Many callers seek guidance navigating unfamiliar legal systems, language obstacles, or urgent legal issues without knowing where to begin. By serving on the panel, you contribute directly to improving access to justice while strengthening ties within the broader community.
  • Professional Credibility & Network Visibility: As part of an ABA-recognized legal referral service administered by AABANY, panel membership also enhances your professional visibility within one of the nation’s largest and most active affinity bar associations. Panel attorneys benefit from increased exposure to prospective clients, fellow practitioners, judges, public officials, and community stakeholders.

Annual Panel Fee: $250

To renew your participation or submit a new application, please complete the LRIS Panel Application.

If you have any questions, would like to verify your current panel status, or would like additional information about the program, please feel free to contact us at main@aabany.org.

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AABANY’s IP Committee Connects at May Dinner at Blue Blossom NYC

On Friday, May 22, 2026, the AABANY Intellectual Property Committee hosted its highly anticipated May Dinner at Blue Blossom NYC in Midtown Manhattan. Generously supported by Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, the casual gathering served as a Committee bonding highlight during AAPI Heritage Month. The event brought together a dynamic group of 17 legal professionals, innovators, and students to network, share insights, and celebrate the local IP legal community.

Co-Chairs Jeffrey Mok, Gregory Pan, and Ada Wang led the evening, which featured a welcoming atmosphere at the 108 W. 39th Street venue. Attendees included representatives from the sponsoring firm, such as Wendy Cheng, as well as several late registrants who joined the group for an evening of engaging discussion. The sponsorship from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP helped facilitate the event, resulting in a casual and enjoyable evening for all.

If you’re interested in future dinners, keep an eye on the AABANY calendar for upcoming events. To learn more about the IP Committee and their initiatives, visit their subpage on the AABANY website.

Written by Ada Wang, Co-Chair, AABANY’s Intellectual Property Committee

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AABANY Book Club Explores “Juvenilia” by Ken Chen

On June 16, 2026, AABANY’s Book Club had a fun and creative discussion at Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas on the collection of poetry, Juvenilia, by Ken Chen, selected by book club member Hannah Lee.

Dissecting syntax and diction, ruminating on intention and imagery, book club members stretched their minds and imaginations to find meaning and understanding in this creative work. Themes of immigrant families, heartbreak, and the passage of time were explored.

Join AABANY Book Club at their next meeting on August 11th where they’ll be discussing I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron!

— Written by S. Yan Sin, for AABANY Book Club

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Congratulations to AABANY Members Named to the City & State’s 2026 Asian Trailblazers List

On May 4, City & State published their 2026 Asian Trailblazers List. As stated in the article:

City & State’s annual Asian Trailblazers highlights many of the high-ranking Asian Americans who are on the rise in New York. The list, researched and written in partnership with journalist Natasha Ishak, features trusted advisers to politicians such as Gov. Kathy Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer. It includes behind-the-scenes political consultants and policy strategists shaping the direction of New York. And it spotlights advocates and activists who are improving daily life in Asian American communities – and for all New Yorkers.

City & State New York

AABANY is proud to congratulate five of its members who were named to this year’s list.

Margaret Ling

Margaret Ling / JC Penny Photo Studio

Kim L. Yu

Kim Yu / Alissa Randall, All About Headshots

Anna Mercado Clark

Anna Mercado Clark / KC Kratt Photography

Lawrence Han

Lawrence Han / Rivkin Radler

Becky Baek

Becky Baek / Farrell Fritz

Please join us in congratulating Margaret Ling, Kim Yu, Lawrence Han, Ana Mercado Clark, and Becky Baek on this well-deserved recognition.

To see the full list, click here.

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New York Unified Court System Seeks Comment on Certification of Retired Justices of the Supreme Court

The Administrative Board of the Courts of the New York State Unified Court System seeks comment from persons who are able to evaluate the performance of the following Justices of the Supreme Court who are seeking certification to continue judicial service pursuant to N.Y. Const. Art. VI, §25(b) and Judiciary Law §115:

FIRST JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
Hon. Tandra Dawson
SECOND JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
Hon. Joseph Risi
FOURTH JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT
Hon. Louis Gigliotti
Hon. Debra Givens

In order to assist in its evaluation, the Board seeks comment on the following qualities and abilities of these judges:

  • Legal ability, including knowledge of the law, legal experience, legal scholarship, and writing.
  • Competence to perform the duties of the office, including organizational, management, and human relations skills; physical and mental health; and work ethic.
  • Judicial demeanor, integrity and character, and commitment to equal justice under law.

How to Comment: Any person wishing to offer comments relating to the performance of any of these candidates for certification or recertification may address written comments to David Nocenti, Counsel, by email to JSCcertification@nycourts.gov, with “2027 Certification – Public Comment” in the subject line. Comments may also be sent by postal mail to Counsel’s Office, 25 Beaver St., 10th Fl., New York, N.Y. 10004.

ALL COMMENTS RECEIVED WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AND OTHERWISE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED, COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN JULY 17, 2026.

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AABANY’s Student Outreach and Young Lawyers Committees Present Boba Break: An Evening of Community, Mentorship, and Bubble Tea

On May 29, 2026, AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee and Young Lawyers Committee partnered to host Boba Break: Recharge and Connect at King & Spalding. This event brought together law students, young attorneys and members of the AABANY community for an evening of conversation, connection and, of course, boba (bubble) tea in a welcoming and informal setting.

Throughout the evening, attendees exchanged experiences, discussed career paths, shared advice and expanded their professional networks. Law students had the opportunity to connect with practicing attorneys and young lawyers, while attorneys reconnected with colleagues and met the next generation of legal professionals. This event embodied AABANY’s commitment to fostering mentorship, community and meaningful relationships within the profession.

The photos from the evening capture the energy and enthusiasm of the attendees, highlighting the meaningful conversations and new connections formed throughout the event that may continue well beyond the evening. Event photos are now available and can be accessed here: click here.

AABANY extends its sincere gratitude to King & Spalding for hosting the event and to everyone who attended. The enthusiastic participation from law students, young lawyers and community members made the event a memorable success. We look forward to continuing to create engaging opportunities that strengthen relationships across the AABANY community and to support the growth of future legal leaders.

– Written by Helen Ding, Co-Chair, Student Outreach Committee

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NYSCDM Divorce Mediation Training Discount [CLEs Available]

The New York State Council on Divorce Mediation (NYSCDM) is offering a sale with a $150 discount through June 21, 2026 on their NYSCDM 60-Hour Divorce Mediation Training.

The training program includes the following:

  • Live Classes for the Summer Cohort Starting on July 13, 2026
  • Part-146 Approved for 40 Hours
  • 40 CLEs Provided to Attorneys
  • Free One-Year Membership in NYSCDM 
  • Free One-Year Participation in a Special Peer Group for NYSCDM Program Graduates
  • Free Participation in the Pathway Partners Program
  • Scholarships are available 

To learn more, click this link. The program consists of:

  • Part 1 (20+ hours) go-at-your-own-pace, online training on essential legal, mental health, and financial subjects featuring various experts. 
  • Part 2 (40 Hours) Live Divorce Mediation Skills Training online with Expert Trainer and Experienced Coaches.

The trainer for the Summer Cohort is Lara Traum, Esq.:

  • An experienced family and divorce mediator, author, trainer and Past President of NYSCDM. 
  • A partner at Roytberg Traum Law and Mediation, P.C. and works with NY, interstate, and international families.
  • Frequent mediation and ADR trainer mediation for professional organizations, bar associations, and educational institutions.
  • Co-author of the ABA book: Effectively Representing Clients in Family Mediation (coauthored with Forrest S. Mosten and Hon. Elizabeth Potter Scully) and her second book, coauthored with Forrest S. Mosten, is Family Lawyer as Peacemaker.

NYSCDM’s Summer 2026 Live Mediation Skills Training (Part 2), via Zoom, will be:

7/13 – 9:30am-3:30pm (half hour lunch, 12:15-12:45)

7/14 – 9:30am-3:30pm (half hour lunch, 12:15-12:45)

7/15 – 9:30am-3:30pm (half hour lunch, 12:15-12:45)

7/16 – 9:30am-3:30pm (half hour lunch, 12:15-12:45)

7/27 – 9:30am-3:30pm (half hour lunch, 12:15-12:45)

7/28 – 9:00am-3:30pm (WORKING LUNCH) – ROLE PLAY DAY

7/29 – 9:30am-3:30pm (half hour lunch, 12:15-12:45)

7/30 – 9:30am-3:00pm (half hour lunch, 12:15-12:45)

Also includes morning mini breaks and afternoon mini breaks.

Register & Start Training TODAY by clicking here.

After completion of the program, you will receive:

  • Free One-Year Membership in NYSCDM — You will have full access to numerous member-only benefits including: a 24/7 online directory promoting your services, repository of templates, agreements and forms, a members-only Google Group, educational peer groups throughout New York, free and low-cost educational trainings, and more! 
  • Free participation in a Special Peer Group for program graduates, led by expert mediators.
  • Free participation in the Pathway Partners Program, which connects trainees with experienced mediators/guides. 
  • Support from the NYSCDM Mediation Family, via other peer groups, educational programming, networking and more!

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AABANY Co-Sponsors Community Screening of “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” Documentary at Safe Horizon for AAPI Heritage Month

On May 29th, 2026, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) joined the Safe Horizon AAPI Affinity Group in New York for a screening of the “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” documentary. The documentary produced by AABANY and AALFNY (Asian American Law Fund of NY) shares the experiences of survivors and families affected by the rise in anti-Asian violence in New York during the Covid-19 pandemic and highlights the legal and community response that followed. 

The Safe Horizon AAPI Affinity Group welcomed a gathering of colleagues in office and also over Zoom and emphasized the importance of allyship and community in increasingly uncertain times. The in-person contingent held a Kimbap making activity that accompanied the documentary screening, highlighting the importance of cultural celebration along with education. 

The film featured deeply personal stories from Justin Go, father of Michelle Go; Sungkon Lee, father of Christina Yuna Lee; and Noel Quintana, a survivor of a violent subway slashing to his face. Their accounts highlighted the lasting impact of anti-Asian violence, the challenges victims face in seeking recognition and support, and the critical role of culturally sensitive pro bono legal advocacy.

Following the documentary screening, Safe Horizon AAPI Affinity Group Co-Chair Audrey Williams facilitated a discussion with Rachel Lee, President & General Counsel of Stand with Asian Americans and a member of AABANY’s Board and Anti-Asian Violence Task Force. The Q&A covered a diverse series of topics, ranging from the Task Force’s work to broader questions touching upon what is at the root of anti-Asian hate. Moreover, in reflecting on Safe Horizon’s role as a victim services nonprofit, Audrey and Rachel discussed the particular application of hate-crime definitions and culturally responsive care. Audrey and Rachel also responded to questions and comments from the group that joined virtually. 

We thank the attendees who joined us in-person and virtually to attend the screening and provided their attention and deeply insightful comments. We are also grateful to the AAPI Affinity Group at Safe Horizon for hosting such a wonderful event, which incorporated both joy and serious discussion in an effort to give a platform to the survivors and families of Anti-Asian violence. 

If anyone is interested in hosting their own  screening of this documentary, contact Daphne Mei, Program Manager of the AABANY Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, at daphne.mei@aabany.org. To contact the Task Force, email aavtf@aabany.org.

–Written by Kate Mao, for the AABANY Anti-Asian Violence Task Force

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In the News: Kwok Kei Ng, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service Committee, Honored at the Hon. Randall T. Eng Award Program at Appellate Division, Second Department

On May 27, 2026, the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department of the New York State Supreme Court held its fourth annual Hon. Randall T. Eng Award Program in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month at 45 Monroe Place in Brooklyn Heights. This event was covered by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle and by the World Journal. This year, the Hon. Randall T. Eng Award was presented to Assembly Member Steven Raga (Assembly District 30), Associate Court Attorney Kwok Kei Ng of the New York County Criminal Courts, and Jo-Ann Yoo, Deputy Executive Director of Asian Americans for Equality. Of note, honoree Kwok Kei Ng serves as the Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service Committee and runs AABANY’s Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinics.

The World Journal traced Ng’s path through the court system, beginning his career as a court interpreter, translating for Cantonese and Mandarin speakers in Brooklyn Family Court. Ng then served in the borough’s Supreme and Civil Courts and, today, as a court attorney in New York County Criminal Court. He received the award in recognition of his efforts in partnering with the New York State Unified Court System and the Brooklyn Bar Association to develop CLE programming that enhances language access in the courts.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle story recounted Ng’s acceptance speech, in which he spoke of standing on the shoulders of giants. “And many of these giants are here in this room,” he said. “Some of you paved the way for me before I arrived; some of you invited me in; and some of you encouraged me, and for that I am grateful.” His family joined him on stage to accept the award. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle also reported on AABANY President Varuna Bhattacharyya making closing remarks at the Award Program. She described the honorees as “exceptional individuals who exemplify all that the Randall T. Eng Award is intended to recognize and represent.” She added that they “have helped redefine what leadership looks like,” and closed with a call to action: “As we leave here tonight, let us continue building a legal community that reflects not just the diversity of our society, but its full promise.”

To read the World Journal article (written in Chinese), click here.

To read the Brooklyn Daily Eagle article, click here.

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