2024 NAPABA Awards

Deadline to Submit Nominations | Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Join NAPABA in honoring outstanding attorneys and organizations that have made an impact in the legal profession within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific (AANHPI) communities by submitting a nomination for the 2024 NAPABA Awards!

Join us November 7-10 in Seattle as we celebrate them and all of our membership at the 2024 NAPABA Convention

Here are just a few of the awards we’re seeking nominations for. Visit our Awards page to see all of the awards, requirements, and information for application.

The NAPABA Military and Veteran Service Award recognizes individuals within the AANHPI legal community serving the U.S. Armed Forces as uniformed personnel, civilians or veterans and is meant to acknowledge AANHPI attorneys who exhibit the highest integrity, competency, and commitment to serving others, the AANHPI community, and their country and whose character and commitment reflect the highest standards of the Armed Forces. Last year’s recipient, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Song, has exhibited those qualities in his military and legal service. Learn more about Brian

The NAPABA Pro Bono Service Award recognizes an attorney or a team of attorneys for outstanding achievements in pro bono service that involved impact litigation to advance or protect civil rights or provided direct legal services to individuals in the furtherance of the administration of justice.

Last year’s honoree, Jennifer Wu, has shown her commitment to service in her client-centered approach and community leadership. Learn more about Jennifer.

The NAPABA Women’s Leadership Award recognizes the accomplishments of women lawyers and is presented to an individual who has achieved excellence in her field or who has demonstrated leadership and advancement of women or women’s issues.

Last year’s honoree, Jenny Ma, is an experienced litigator leading reproductive rights cases in state and federal courts. Learn more about Jenny.

The NAPABA Public Sector Leadership Award seeks to honor a NAPABA member in the public sector (government, non-profit, legal aid – federal or state) for their outstanding achievements in their legal profession.

Last year’s honoree, Jonathan Cruz, is the Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice. Learn more about Jonathan.


The NAPABA In House Counsel Diversity Leadership Award honors an in-house NAPABA member who has demonstrated leadership and a commitment towards supporting NAPABA partners and diversity in the legal profession.Last year’s honorees, Ivan Fong and Simone Wu, exemplify leadership. Learn more about both of them.

The NAPABA In-House Counsel Rising Star Diversity Leadership Award honors an in-house NAPABA member with 10 or less years of in-house experience who has demonstrated leadership and commitment towards supporting NAPABA partners and diversity in the legal profession.

Please note: To be considered in the selection process nominees must be a NAPABA member. A NAPABA membership helps legal professionals raise their professional profile by providing members with exclusive opportunities and national recognition through awards. Not a member? Learn more on how to become a member today! 

Thanks to the Volunteers at the April Queens Pro Bono Clinic in Flushing 

On Wednesday, April 10th, AABANY Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee hosted their Queens Pro Bono Clinic at the Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) Community Center in Flushing. With the help of AABANY, PBCS, and AAFE staff and volunteers, 22 clients were assisted with housing, immigration, and employment issues.   

One of the clients paid $300 to an attorney to help her write a letter to management regarding a bed bug infestation matter. For someone with young children and a large family, the legal expense of $300 is financially burdensome. A housing attorney volunteer referred her to free legal services and advised her to document the situation and mobilize neighboring tenants to seek relief from the landlord. She was extremely grateful that the PBCS Committee, through the Pro Bono Clinic, offers free legal consultation and referral services. 

In another case, a client came to discuss student loans and consumer debt and thought that her only option was bankruptcy. After discussing the NYS Exempt Income Protection Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and specific student loan forgiveness options, she felt relieved that she had more choices and greatly appreciated the information she received. 

Here are some clients’ responses: 

“Perfect management. Impressive lawyers.”

“Excellent! Thumbs up for Ms. May Wong.” 

Please join us at the Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic on May 15, 2024, at AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002. Sign up here by May 10 to volunteer:  https://forms.gle/SD2VMY8X6yE4vsxW9.

If you are interested in speaking at an upcoming  Bring-Your-Own-Lunch (BYOL) Sidebar Meeting to discuss updates on the law, common issues asked at the Pro Bono Clinics, and other miscellaneous topics, please contact [email protected].  

Thank you to the volunteers and community partners for supporting the Queens Pro Bono Clinics!

Volunteer AttorneysInterpreters & Shadowers
Beatrice LeongJennifer Shi
Eugene KimJing Liang
Gary YeungJuliet Romero
Kevin HsiShi Tang
Lina LeeYuhan Chen
May WongNuala Naranjo (AAFE)
Richard InInaki Herrera (AAFE)
Shirley LuongGabriel Hisugan (AAFE)
Willow Liu

Celebrate 2024 AAPI Heritage Month with AABANY!

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month this year, AABANY is presenting or co-sponsoring several events this month. We hope to see you all there! Follow the links for more details, and please note the registration deadlines.

May 4, 2024

AABANY Presents: Bi-Monthly Pro Bono Clinic in Brooklyn

12:00 pm – 3:30 pm, Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc. 4101 8th Avenue 4th Floor Brooklyn, New York 11232.

Registration is closed for this event.

May 7, 2024

AABANY Presents: Asian Americans and the Law: The Constitution in Action

4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, King & Spalding 1185 6th Ave New York, New York 10036.

Registration is closed for this event.

May 8, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: The Asian American/ Pacific Islander LGBTQ Struggle for Justice

12:30 – 2:00 PM, QUEENS SUPREME COURT 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, 2nd Floor Courtroom 25 Jamaica, New York 11435

Registration is closed for this event.

May 8, 2024

Crowell & Moring Hosts: Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and the Fight for Marriage Equality

5:30pm – 8:30pm, Crowell & Moring

Two Manhattan West 375 Ninth Avenue New York, New York 10001

This event is the New York premier of the latest AABANY Trial Reenactment.

Registration is closed for this event.


May 9, 2024

AABANY Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee Presents: How to Start Your Solo and Small Firm Part II

6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

33 Whitehall St. Floor 8 New York, New York 10004

Registration is closed for this event.

May 10, 2024

AABANY’s Membership Committee Presents: Movie Night: Monkey Man

05/10/2024, New York

Registration is closed for this event.

May 14, 2024

AABANY Presents: May General Counsel Breakfast (Invitation Only)

9:00 am – 10:00 am

Registration is closed for this event.

May 14, 2024

AABANY Presents: Roots to Success for Asian Small Business Ventures

6:30 – 8:30 PM, Littler Mendelson P.C. 900 Third Avenue, Fl. 8 New York, New York 10022
Registration is closed for this event.

May 14, 2024

AABANY Military & Veterans Affairs Committee Presents: Group Outing to See An American Soldier
7:00 pm, Perelman Performing Arts Center

New York, New York 10006

Registration is closed for this event.

May 14, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: Multi-Bar Association Trivia Night at Jack Rabbit

6:00 pm Jack Rabbit

1010 Elmwood Ave Buffalo, New York 14222
Registration is closed for this event.

May 15, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: Trivia Night at Goldie’s Tavern
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Goldie’s Tavern

135 W 30th St New York, New York 10001

Registration is closed for this event.

May 16, 2024

AABANY Real Estate Committee Presents: “Fighting Real Estate and Deed Fraud in the Big Apple”

11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Virtual Click here to register by May 14 and find event details

Registration is closed for this event.

May 16, 2024

AABANY’s Membership Committee & Phi Lambda Fraternity Present: Networking Reception & Meet & Greet

When: May 16 2024
6 :00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Museum of Chinese in America
215 Centre St, New York, NY 10013

Registration is closed for this event.

May 19, 2024

March with AABANY – Third Annual NYC AAPI Heritage Parade

Noon
6th Avenue and 44th Street
New York, New York

Registration is closed for this event.

May 22, 2024

Annual Dinner 2024
Cipriani Wall Street
55 Wall Street New York, NY 10005

Registration is closed for this event.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

May 29, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: Hon. Randall T. Eng Award
12:45 – 2:15 PM

Appellate Division, Second Department

45 Monroe Place Brooklyn, NY 11201

Click here to register and find event details.

May 29, 2024

AABANY Co-sponsors: Franklin H. Williams Commissions AAPI Heritage Month Program

5:30 – 8:00 PM

Brooklyn Law School

Subotnick Conference Center, 205 State Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Click here to register and find event details.

May 29, 2024

AABANY Litigation Committee’s Quarterly Dinner

6:30 PM

Buddha Bodai

5 Mott St, New York, NY  10013

Click here to register and find event details.

May 30, 2024

AABANY Litigation Committee’s Quarterly Meeting

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Via Zoom

Click here to register and find event details.

May 30, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: AAPI Event with the Honorable Goodwin Liu

5:00 – 8:00 pm

BakerHostetler New York Office

45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY  10111

Click here to register and find event details.

May 30, 2024

AABANY Co-Sponsors: Trial Reenactment: From ‘Tokyo Rose’: to the China Initiative”

6:00 – 9:00 PM

A&O Shearman

599 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022

Click here to register and find event details.

May 30, 2024

AABANY IP Committee Co-Sponsors: Fireside Chat with In-House Counsel

5:30 PM

Desmarais LLP

230 Park Ave, 25th Floor, New York, NY  10169

Click here to register and find event details.

May 31, 2024

AABANY Trusts & Estates Committee Presents: Monthly Meetings

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Via Zoom
Click here to register by May 29 and find event details.

NAPABA Partners Summit

August 29-30 New York, NY
Application Deadline: May 15 at 8 pm ET

The application for the 2024 NAPABA Partners Summit is open! 

The NAPABA Partners Summit is an interactive program designed to deepen relationships and bolster the collective impact of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) law firm partners. Participants will collaborate on issues facing AANHPI partners, strategies to successfully lead and progress within law firms, and how to forge meaningful connections with the next generation of AANHPI partners. This program is hosted in parallel with the In-House Summit, providing law firm partners an opportunity to expand their network and demonstrate support for current and former public company senior and experienced in-house AANHPI attorneys who seek to elevate into general counsel positions at Fortune 1000 companies. Content of the Partners Summit is designed for partners from large law firms. 

Partners Summit programming will begin at lunch time on Thursday, August 29th and conclude at lunch time on Friday, August 30th. There will be a joint reception with In-House Counsel Summit attendees the evening of Thursday, August 29th. 

Participation in the 2024 Partners Summit is open to law firm partners who meet the following criteria:

  • NAPABA Member
  • Experienced Law Firm Partner in a leadership position at firm 
  • Demonstrated leadership within and commitment to NAPABA

The deadline to apply is May 15 at 8 pm ET so make sure your application is in before time runs out. 

Eligibility requirements and more information: napaba.org/page/partnerssummit. We hope to see you at the 2024 Partners Summit in New York! 
NAPABA | 1612 K St. NW, Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20006 | www.napaba.org