Day: July 18, 2023

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AABANY Files Comments in Response to the March 24, 2023 Public Briefing on the Federal Response to Anti-Asian Racism in the United States

The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) submitted a letter on April 24, 2023 to the United States Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) expressing concern about the ongoing issue of anti-Asian hate and violence in the United States, particularly in New York. In the letter, we highlighted the increase in incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined the efforts of AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force (AAVTF) in addressing these issues, including hosting webinars, publishing reports, advocating for legislative changes, and providing resources to support victims. While we appreciate the USCCR for drawing attention to anti-Asian crimes, we believe that there is much more work to be done. AABANY presented three recommendations to combat anti-Asian hate crimes: improved hate crime data reporting, recognition of the community as a victim and investigative partner, and appropriate training for prosecutors and law enforcement. We emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, law enforcement, and community organizations to ensure the safety of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

To read AABANY’s public comment in its entirety, please click here. AABANY gratefully acknowledges the efforts of Chris Kwok, Issues Committee Chair, and AABANY Student Leaders Jinny Lim, J.D. candidate, Seton Hall Law School ‘24, and Catherine Tran, J.D. Candidate, Columbia Law School ‘25, in preparing this submission.

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AABANY Asia Practice Committee Presents: Unlocking the Path to Partnership – In-Depth Insights from Ms. Portia Ku, Partner at O’Melveny & Myers’ New York Office

On July 15, 2023, AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee hosted via Zoom an inspiring guest speaker session with Ms. Portia Ku, a partner at O’Melveny Myers’ New York office, who shared her personal journey and provided invaluable insights to empower aspiring lawyers. This event was designed for young lawyers with an Asian background seeking successful legal careers in international law firms. Hardy Zhou, Co-Chair of Asia Practice Committee, and Chenyi Wang, from Carter Ledyard & Milburn LLP, served as moderators. For those who missed the event, please listen to the recording by clicking on the image above.

Ms. Ku addressed various topics crucial to the participants’ professional advancement, including her extensive legal career in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the U.S. and mainland China, her career path to partnership in an international law firm, building a successful legal career as an Asian lawyer, challenges and tips for LL.M. graduates in the United States, achieving success as a female lawyer, navigating recessionary periods, and considerations between working in the United States and Greater China. The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing the audience to actively participate by posing questions to Ms. Ku. She graciously provided valuable responses, further enriching the attendees’ understanding of successful legal careers. The event proved to be a tremendous success, offering participants practical strategies, inspiration, and knowledge to excel in their legal careers.

AABANY expresses gratitude to Ms. Ku for sharing her expertise. We also thank CLECSS (China Legal Education and Career Seminar Series) for co-sponsoring this event.  Thanks to all the attendees for taking time out of their day to learn and support. To learn more about the Asia Practice Committee and how you can get involved, click here.