On December 17, the Jewish Lawyers Guild held their annual Chanukah Party in the Rotunda of the New York State Supreme Court on 60 Centre Street. The festivities began at 6 pm, well after the courthouse closed for regular business and judicial proceedings. The atmosphere was lively as a large crowd gathered not just to celebrate Chanukah but also to honor Justice Jeffrey K. Oing of the Appellate Division, First Department on his retirement at the end of the year. Justice Oing has served on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Lawyers Guild and was a past recipient of the Guild’s Golda Meir Award.
AABANY was a proud co-sponsor of this event and among the AABANY leaders and members in attendance were President Joseph Eng, Jr., Membership Director Alysha Naik, and Executive Director Yang Chen. Former Presidents Vince Chang and P.C. Cheng also came out for the celebration. Among the AAPI judges at the event were Hon. Lillian Wan, Hon. Margaret Chan, Hon. Shahabuddeen Ally, Hon. Christopher Chin, Hon. Austin D’Souza and Hon. Judy Kim.
Many past and current leaders of the Jewish Lawyers Guild took turns at the podium to praise and congratulate Justice Oing for his time on the bench and his service to the bar and the community. One of the speakers was Hon. Michael Katz, who served alongside Justice Oing when they were both court attorneys earlier in their careers. “When I prepared my remarks for this evening, I was going to roast Justice Oing,” he began. “But I soon realized that it would be a futile effort. Justice Oing isn’t ‘roastable.’ There is just no unkind thing that can be said of him … even in jest.” Justice Katz’s sentiments reflected what all the judges and attorneys before and after him thought about Justice Oing: He is a beloved jurist, attorney, and human being, who has earned the respect and admiration of those who have had the privilege to know him and serve with him.
AABANY thanks the Jewish Lawyers Guild for throwing a great holiday party. We are especially grateful that they honored Justice Oing on the occasion of his retirement, and they certainly did it in style, with a large crowd, copious amounts of delicious food, and a grand setting.
Please join AABANY in congratulating Justice Oing on his retirement and thanking him for his trailblazing legal and judicial career. Knowing Justice Oing, we do not expect that he will be sitting on his laurels for long and look forward to hearing about what is in store for the next chapter in his journey.
With the end of the holiday season and the start of a New Year, we want to give our gratitude and admiration for all the working parents in the legal professions who balance their demanding schedule at work and at home.
On November 12, 2024, the Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee hosted the “Mothers-in-(Practicing) Law” Panel, which was moderated by Yen-Yi Anderson, Co-Chair of Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee and Managing Principal at Anderson & Associates Law P.C., and invited speakers: Hon. Lillian Wan, Associate Justice of Appellate Division, Second Department; Ada Wang, IP Litigation & Antitrust Senior Associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati; Michelle Li, Director at Perella Weinberg Partners, and Megan Rha, Partner at Rha Kim Grossman & McIlwain LLP. The engaging discourse allowed panelists and the audience to discuss the challenges of a demanding legal profession for women and the added responsibilities of child-rearing.
The burden of child-rearing affects working parents in the legal profession emotionally, mentally, and physically. To follow up, on November 13, 2024, the Professional Development Committee hosted the “Fathers-in-(Practicing) Law” Panel with moderator Willow Liu, Esq, and featured speakers Benjamin Hsing, AABANY’s President-Elect and Partner at Venable, LLP., and Kwok Ng, Co-Chair of the Pro Bono & Community Services Committee and Associate Court Attorney in NYC Civil Court. The speakers talked about how legal employers viewed paternity leave in the past versus now, how paid family leave creates equity for both mothers and fathers to care for newborns, and how to set life balance needs and boundaries to protect their family time.
Being a lawyer is already an incredibly challenging profession, and adding the responsibility of parenting requires extraordinary strength, endurance, and time management. To excel both in legal careers and as loving parents, our speakers emphasized being tolerant (remember to breathe, and it’s ok even when it’s not ok), practicing self-care, such as getting adequate rest (if possible) and taking walks, and working as a team with your work colleagues, family, and significant other. In the end, all can agree that family comes first!
To working parents in the legal profession, don’t be too harsh on yourselves. You are not alone! Please consider joining the Parents Committee (in formation) to share parenting advice. For more information about that Committee email us at [email protected].
Each year on May 1st, the United States observes Law Day in celebration of our legal system and the freedoms we enjoy. This year, the Office for Justice Initiatives and the Historical Society of New York Courts invite high school students in New York State to participate in an art contest inspired by this year’s American Bar Association’s Law Day theme The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.
All submissions must be received by February 25, 2025. The winner will be announced on May 1, 2025. For more information, including rules and how to enter, please click here.
The 2024 NAPABA Convention in Seattle was a record-breaking event—over 3,400 attendees and 1,100 first-timers! Ours was the largest gathering of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) lawyers ever and remains cause for celebration and an achievement that will inspire us as we head into 2025.
During Convention, NAPABA members came together to connect, learn, grow, and celebrate the strength of our vibrant AANHPI community. Your presence, engagement, and enthusiasm were truly inspiring and left a lasting impact.
2025 is right around the corner, and we want to kick off the new year on the right note! If you haven’t already, RSVP to one of our January 2025 Meet & Greets. These events offer a great opportunity to network and build valuable connections within the dynamic NAPABA community. Walk-ins aren’t permitted so make sure you save your spot now!
January 9 | 5:00 – 6:30 pm Denver, CO RSVP by January 7
January 31 | 5:00 – 6:30 pm Phoenix, AZ RSVP by January 29
On Monday, December 16, 2024, AABANY’s Women’s Committee hosted the “Building Your Own House: Balthazar Breakfast with Jennifer Wu” at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP. The event featured a delicious spread of pastries from Balthazar, along with seared tuna steak salad, fresh fruit, and both cold and hot beverages.
The conversation was moderated by Aileen Huang and Ananya Pillutla, associates at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP. Jennifer shared her journey from her early years as an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP to her time at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where she was elected partner. In her next chapter, Jennifer launched her own firm — creating her own “house” — where the firm’s partnership is 50% women.
One of the key moments of the discussion was when Jennifer compared Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to a dance party: “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is dancing with you; and equity is playing your music.” For Jennifer, building her own house was about playing her own music.
Jennifer also shared her personal philosophy of not overplanning and letting life unfold naturally. When asked about her favorite karaoke song, she revealed that it’s not about perfection but about enjoying the experience. From her husband, she learned that the most fun comes not from delivering the perfect performance, but from the genuine passion and enjoyment of the music, regardless of skill.
The participants left the breakfast feeling more connected, supported, and inspired by Jennifer’s insights and authenticity.
Thanks to everyone who attended, and thanks to Jennifer and Groombridge, Wu for being such gracious hosts. To learn more about the Women’s Committee and how you can get involved, please click here.
The Prosecutors Committee of AABANY (Asian American Bar Association of New York) hosted its 16th Anniversary Reception on November 13, 2024, at the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department (27 Madison Avenue, Manhattan) from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. The Prosecutors Committee, founded in 2008, aims to support the advancement and professional development of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) prosecutors, to build a network between current and former APIDA prosecutors, recruit APIDA law students into the field, and create trust and communication between the APIDA community and local prosecutors’ offices. Bridget G. Brennan, Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding public service, commitment to diversity, and staunch support of the Prosecutors Committee since its inception in 2008.
The Committee, co-chaired by Kin Ng and Diana Wang, represents a community that includes over 100 APIDA prosecutors currently serving in New York. The AABANY Prosecutors Committee’s growing membership is comprised of prosecutors of APIDA heritage from all five New York City District Attorney’s Offices and Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, as well as Assistant Attorney Generals from the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and federal prosecutors from the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
Photo by Laura BadgerPhoto by Laura Badger
Around 150 attendees, including members of the Prosecutors Committee, District Attorney Executives, state and federal judges, and community leaders, filled the Appellate Division courthouse to capacity for this celebratory event. The evening featured distinguished guests who delivered heartfelt congratulatory remarks to Ms. Brennan, who was appointed as New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor in 1998 and is the first woman to hold that position.
Ms. Brennan oversees a staff of 200 lawyers, investigators, and professional personnel for an office that prosecutes serious narcotics offenses and related crime throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Ms. Brennan has been an Assistant District Attorney since 1983, when she joined the New York County District Attorney’s Office. During her tenure there, she was designated both a homicide and sex crimes prosecutor. She became a deputy chief in a financial crimes bureau before joining the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office in 1992. She first served as chief of the highly regarded Special Investigations Bureau, overseeing some of the nation’s most significant narcotics investigations, then as Chief Assistant from 1995 to 1997. Before her legal career, Ms. Brennan was a print, radio, and television reporter in her native Wisconsin, where she graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin.
The evening’s event, held in the stunning landmarked courtroom with its iconic stained-glass dome, began with welcome remarks from Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department. Like Ms. Brennan, Justice Renwick is herself a trailblazer, as the first woman of color to serve as Presiding Justice of any Appellate Division in New York State, and only the second woman to lead the First Department since its creation in 1894.
Thereafter, the speakers honoring Ms. Brennan included the following representatives from local prosecutors’ offices:
Hon. Michael E. McMahon, Richmond County District Attorney
Bronx County DA’s Office, Chief Assistant Derek Lynton
Kings County DA’s Office, Chief Assistant Nancy Hoppock
New York County DA’s Office, Chief Assistant Meg Reiss
Nassau County DA’s Office, Executive ADA Brian Lee
Queens County DA’s Office, Bureau Chief Rosemary Chao
Suffolk County DA’s Office, Bureau Chief Lucie Kwon
Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office, ADA Anju Malhotra, who introduced Ms. Brennan
AABANY thanks Prosecutors Committee Co-Chairs Kin Ng and Diana Wang, as well as Vice-Chairs Grace Vee, Sabeeha Madni and Chanterelle Sung, for organizing this memorable event. AABANY also thanks Justice Renwick and the Appellate Division, First Department, for providing the beautiful courthouse for this special celebration.
AABANY congratulates Hon. Shahabuddeen A. Ally on his recent appointment as Administrative Judge of the New York City Civil Court, overseeing operations across all five boroughs. This important role highlights Judge Ally’s dedication to justice, fairness, and his strong leadership within New York’s legal community. AABANY is proud to count such an illustrious jurist among our membership.
Appointed by Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, Judge Ally brings extensive experience and a fresh perspective to the position. As the first person of South Asian descent and the first Muslim male to serve in this role, his appointment is a significant step forward in promoting diversity within the judicial system. His appointment takes effect on Jan. 2, 2025.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Judge Ally shared: “Serving as the court’s Administrative Judge, with the opportunity to guide it in its mission to meet the peoples’ needs, is truly an honor and a privilege.”
To read the full article in the New York Law Journal, click here.
On Friday, December 6, 2024, AABANY hosted its Annual Holiday Party at Sugar Mouse, a social club located in the East Village. Registration reached capacity within just a few weeks of opening, a clear indication of AABANY members’ excitement for this event. In total, the party had over 70 attendees, arriving as early as 6:30pm and staying well into the night.
Participants enjoyed an open bar as well as a variety of food, including burgers, pizza, and mozzarella sticks. Members networked with one another, discussing their backgrounds, careers, and professional experiences, reconnecting with old friends while also introducing themselves to new faces. Those not eating or networking enjoyed the venue’s pool, ping pong, and foosball tables.
Thank you to Steno for sponsoring and supporting this event.
During the night Beatrice Leong, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service Committee, thanked everyone for attending and asked them to donate to AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinic by pledging a desired amount via text or by scanning a QR code projected on the venue’s walls. AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinic has won a number of awards over the years, and meets once a month in Manhattan and on a bi-monthly basis in Queens and Brooklyn. Even though volunteers donate their time, running these clinic’s costs money and donations to support this initiatives are always welcome. If you are interested in donating to the Pro Bono Clinic you can still do so by clicking here.
We appreciate everyone who attended and made it such a lively and exciting experience. To view all the photos from this event, please click here.
We wish everyone a happy holiday season and hope to see you at upcoming events in the New Year!
Yen-Yi Anderson, Esq., founder of Anderson & Associates Law, has forged a remarkable legal career grounded in integrity, a commitment to the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, and faith. Her firm was honored with the NAPABA (National Asian Pacific American Bar Association) 2024 Award for APA-Minority-Owned Law Firm which was presented at the NAPABA Convention during the Gala on Saturday, Nov. 9. During this time of recognition and achievement, Yen-Yi reflects on her journey, achievements, and hopes for the future.
Reaction to Winning the NAPABA 2024 Award
Receiving the NAPABA award was both a surprise and an honor for Yen-Yi. NAPABA annually recognizes an APA-owned law firm that has achieved prominence and distinction while maintaining the highest ethical and legal standards, and has demonstrated strong commitment to advancing the APA community. Initially, Yen-Yi hesitated, unsure if she was deserving compared to giants like Hugh Mo, whom she admires. However, she thought about her journey in the legal field and her growing passion for helping others, which led her to see the award as a recognition of her relentless dedication and growth.
Yen-Yi’s humble reaction underscores her belief that “everything in law is practice,” a constant process of refining one’s skills and building relationships. Her commitment to serving the community is evident through her collaboration with New York State Senator Iwen Chu, with whom she opened a Special Needs Trust Fund for a 9-month baby suffering from a rare brain tumor. Together with Senator Chu, they were able to raise enough money to help the family afford necessary surgeries and lifelong care. In her involvement with AABANY, she would accept any referrals for pro bono work “without hesitation.” Yen-Yi reflects that she wants to be remembered as someone who made herself available. She gave her time, resources, and energy to those who needed it, including a family who suffered a vicious and brutal attack which left two young survivors in need of funding for daily medical needs. Yen-Yi’s firm assisted the victim’s family by setting up a special needs trust, submitting a safety deposit box petition through an administrative proceeding in Surrogate’s Court, and providing immigration services for an extended family member abroad so that she could come to the United States to take care of the helpless father with two young survivors.
The Role of Faith in Her Career
Yen-Yi’s faith plays a central role in her personal and professional life. Raised in Taiwan, she did not grow up religious, but her journey of faith began at NYU Law School, where she faced immense academic pressure. Her encounter with Christianity transformed her, providing her with a sense of community and purpose. Yen-Yi cites Bible study and the parable of the mustard seed as pivotal in helping her embrace a life of faith and service.
Her faith continues to guide her legal practice. She strives to emulate God’s love by helping others, remaining grounded, and offering her services to those in need. “God is love,” she reflects, and this belief fuels her desire to serve with humility and compassion.
Inspirational Figures and Key Influences
Yen-Yi is the first lawyer in her family, so she had no immediate role model to guide her into the profession. Rather, her inspiration came from figures like Robert Pennoyer, a WWII veteran and attorney at Davis Polk and later at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler. Pennoyer was the great-grandson of John Pierpont Morgan, and in his memoir As It Was, he offers a seemingly obvious yet deeply profound quote that struck Anderson as an aspiring attorney: “Every lawyer would be a better lawyer if he only knew he had to begin at the beginning.” This quote would stick and resonate with Yen-Yi for the rest of her life, as she admired how, for Pennoyer, everyday seemed like a new day – a new beginning – and his excitement and passion showed even at the age of 94, when he would still go to work enthusiastically. His lifelong passion for law deeply influenced her approach to the profession, showing her that learning and curiosity should never cease, and every day is an opportunity and a new beginning.
Yen-Yi also expresses gratitude for the support of her peers at AABANY (Asian American Bar Association of New York), who have fostered a culture of mutual support rooted in Asian heritage.
Winning the Epiq Women Award and Her Legacy
In addition to the NAPABA Award, Anderson won the 2024 Epiq Women Award for Justice and Advocacyback in the spring, which acknowledges women’s achievements and the role of legal professionals in supporting women and their rights. “I am the least deserving,” she says, but her peers see her as a leader who has demonstrated tenacity and passion throughout her career.
Looking ahead, Yen-Yi hopes to expand her firm’s impact, particularly in the areas of immigration and commercial litigation. She envisions her firm as a beacon for immigrant communities, a place where people can find trust and support. Her ultimate goal is to be remembered as someone who never gave up and who continually worked to help more people. She describes herself as someone who “always strove to do better” and always “strove to help more and more people”; certainly, her story inspires us all to strive to do the same.
To learn more about Yen-Yi and the APA-Owned Law Firm award, click here, and be sure to watch this honoree video played at the NAPABA Gala.
