On March 23, 2025, the Asia Practice Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) hosted a successful Annual Dinner Party at Evergreen in Midtown East in Manhattan. The event brought together a diverse group of legal professionals and entrepreneurs with an interest in Asia Practice for an evening of meaningful networking and engaging conversations.
The night began with welcoming remarks from Hardy Zhou, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee, who emphasized the importance of fostering strong relationships within the AABANY community. Hardy also highlighted how the Asia Practice Committee continues to bridge connections between professionals in law and business related to Asia, creating a space for sharing experiences and exploring opportunities for collaboration.
Attendees enjoyed lively discussions and had the opportunity to build new relationships with legal professionals from various practices. The evening proved to be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and explore potential collaborations.
A special thank you to all those who attended and contributed to the event’s success. We look forward to more events that bring our community together and support the growth of legal professionals. To learn more about the Asia Practice Committee, visit their page on the AABANY website. We look forward to more great events from this Committee in the new fiscal year that started on April 1st.
On March 27, 2025, the AABANY Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee marked a significant milestone: the 10th Anniversary of the Community Pro Bono Clinics. The celebration took place at House of Joy in Chinatown, bringing together nearly 50 friends, volunteers, and past and present PBCS leaders.
Guests enjoyed a full six-course Chinese banquet at one of Chinatown’s most popular and well-established restaurants. The evening concluded on a sweet note with ice cream from The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, featuring classic flavors like almond and mango.
The night was filled with laughter, heartfelt conversations, and reunions as members, friends, and volunteers reconnected, caught up, and reminisced about their shared commitment to pro bono service. The atmosphere was festive and joyful, a true testament to the strong and loving community that has formed around the AABANY Pro Bono Clinics over the past decade.
On a large screen, a slideshow played, displaying nostalgic moments from clinic sessions over the years across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, showing both longtime volunteers and new faces. Familiar figures such as Beatrice Leong, Kwok Ng, and Gary Yeung were seen in many images, capturing their dedication and presence, while new volunteers continued to join, ensuring the mission carried forward.
As guests enjoyed their meal, a series of inspiring, authentic, and humorous speeches were delivered by Co-Chairs Kwok Ng, Gary Yeung, and Beatrice Leong, alongside former PBCS Committee Co-Chairs May Wong and Karen Kithan Yau, as well as Executive Director Yang Chen and President-Elect (now President) Ben Hsing. Each speaker reflected on the clinic’s journey, its impact on the community, and the dedicated volunteers who have made it all possible. More than just a community initiative, AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics represent a movement, uniting individuals through a shared purpose: to break barriers, provide legal access, and uplift the underserved.
AABANY’s Pro Bono Legal Clinic was launched in 2015 to provide members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, particularly those with limited English proficiency (LEP), with meaningful access to justice. Over the past ten years, PBCS has brought together AABANY members to help nearly 3,000 people in underserved AAPI communities across New York. Through its walk-in Clinics in Manhattan’s Chinatown, Downtown Flushing in Queens, and Brooklyn’s Sunset Park, AABANY has worked tirelessly to break down linguistic and cultural barriers to legal assistance. The Clinics have addressed issues such as immigration, housing, labor rights, and family law, helping to bridge the gap in legal services for underserved communities.
Donors for the 10th anniversary celebration included Board Member (and Past President) Dwight Yoo, PCBS Committee Co-Chair Lina Lee, and the following AABANY Committees:
Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS)
Labor & Employment
Military & Veterans Affairs (MVA)
Tax
Career Advancement
Student Outreach
Judiciary
Government Service & Public Interest (GSPI)
As AABANY starts its new fiscal year on April 1, 2025, the Pro Bono Clinic schedule remains as follows:
Manhattan Clinics – every third Wednesday of the month
Queens Clinics – first Wednesday of even-numbered months
Brooklyn Clinics – second Saturday of odd-numbered months
The AABANY Pro Bono Clinics have been instrumental in ensuring that underrepresented communities receive the legal support they need. By addressing barriers such as language access, financial limitations, and cultural obstacles, these clinics have provided thousands of individuals with necessary legal information, resources, and guidance that might otherwise be out of reach. The continued dedication of volunteers, attorneys, and supporters ensures that this initiative remains a pillar of advocacy and service in New York City’s AAPI and immigrant communities.
As the AABANY Pro Bono Clinics enter their next chapter, their success remains rooted in the dedication of volunteers, attorneys, and supporters. However, expanding reach and strengthening impact will remain a priority as the need for legal assistance in underrepresented communities continues to grow. Those interested in supporting the clinics can volunteer, donate using the link or QR code below, or spread the word. Together, this strong and compassionate community will continue to make justice accessible to all.
Please join us in congratulating the Pro Bono Clinic on this historic milestone and offer our gratitude for their selfless service to the AAPI and immigrant communities in New York. Please consider volunteering for an upcoming Pro Bono Clinic.
On March 21, 2025, Brooklyn Law School’s Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) hosted its annual Alumni Dinner at the Forchelli Conference Center, celebrating the achievements of its diverse community and recognizing three distinguished alumni for their contributions to the legal profession. This year’s theme, “Empowering Journeys: Celebrating AAPI Leadership and Impact,” highlighted the dedication and service of these honorees.
Hon. Karen Lin ’95 and Kwok Kei Ng ’16, both members of AABANY, received well-deserved recognition for their commitment to public service and community advocacy. Their efforts have significantly advanced legal accessibility and mentorship within the AAPI community.
Hon. Karen Lin, judge in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Queens County, received the Public Service Award and delivered a powerful speech reflecting on the pioneering achievements of Asian American trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. As a former Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, Judge Lin has been a longtime advocate for pro bono legal services, working tirelessly to expand resources for underserved communities. Her leadership continues to inspire young legal professionals to engage in meaningful advocacy and service.
Kwok Kei Ng, honored with the Community Service Award, shared an inspiring personal story of growth and the importance of passing the torch forward. As Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, Kwok has played a pivotal role in continuing and expanding AABANY’s pro bono efforts. His dedication to ensuring that legal resources reach those most in need has made an impact on both the AAPI and broader legal communities.
Jason Jia ’11, recipient of the Achievement Award, was also recognized for his contributions to the legal profession. Jason reminded attendees of the importance of adapting to and embracing AI and other emerging legal technologies, encouraging students to define success on their own terms beyond grades and law school performance.
Brooklyn Law School President and Dean David D. Meyer and Dean Joy Kanwar joined the evening’s celebration. Dean Meyer delivered encouraging remarks on APALSA’s role in building a strong, supportive community. Dean Kanwar reflected on APALSA’s humble beginnings and its growth into the thriving and impactful group it is today.
All honorees were celebrated for their leadership and commitment to service. The recognition of AABANY members Karen Lin and Kwok Kei Ng reflects their significant contributions to the legal profession, particularly in advancing pro bono work, mentorship, and community advocacy. Their work embodies the spirit of AAPI leadership, paving the way for future generations of legal professionals and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Please join AABANY in congratulating Judge Lin, Kwok, and Jason on their well-deserved recognition.
