June 8, 2026 - WE Blog @ AABANY

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

NAPABA, SABA-SD, PALSD, FALSD, and KABA-SD Statement in Response to Shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego

For Immediate Release:
May 29, 2026

WASHINGTON – On May 18, 2026, two armed individuals attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County, California. They killed three people (Amin Abdullah, 51, Nader Awad, 57, and Mansour Kaziha, 78), and the perpetrators were later found dead nearby. Local and federal law enforcement described the shooting as a hate crime.

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the South Asian Bar Association of San Diego (SABA-SD), the Pan Asian Lawyers of San Diego (PALSD), the Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego (FALSD), and the Korean American Bar Association of San Diego (KABA-SD) mourn the loss of life and unequivocally condemn this act of hate. We stand with the Muslim community and with the families of the victims.

Who we are, and how and where we choose to worship, are part of the tapestry of American life. A refuge for peace and prayer must never be transformed into a place of violence by perpetrators of hate. As we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we not only acknowledge the richness and diversity of our AANHPI communities, but we also emphasize that hate—whether in the form of Islamophobia, anti-Asian hate, or any other form of bigotry—has no place in our society. We remain committed to eradicating hate in all its forms, including by urging governments at every level to fully support and strengthen hate prevention efforts.

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee Hosts Networking Night at Blue Panda Office Spaces

On May 21, 2026, the Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee (SSFP) of AABANY hosted its first Networking Event of the fiscal year at Blue Panda Office Spaces in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Members and guests gathered for an evening of networking, conversation, and collaboration. In an intimate setting, attendees had the opportunity to connect with fellow solo and small firm practitioners, share professional experiences, exchange recommendations for favorite restaurants and local spots, and discuss ideas for future Committee programming and events. The casual gathering fostered meaningful conversations and helped strengthen relationships within the AABANY community.

Attendees enjoyed wine, soda, and light bites while learning more about the Committee’s plans for the year ahead.

AABANY extends its sincere thanks to Blue Panda Office Spaces for sponsoring and hosting the event. Located in Williamsburg, Blue Panda offers thoughtfully designed private offices, flexible workspace options, and meeting rooms, providing a welcoming environment for attorneys and other professionals serving Brooklyn and Manhattan.

We thank everyone who attended and look forward to seeing you at future SSFP Committee events throughout the year.

– Written by Tiffany Miao, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Solo & Small Firms Practice Committee

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

Fall 2026 Internship Applications Opened for Hon. Dora L. Irizarry of Eastern District of New York

Are you a rising 2L or 3L looking to see how federal litigation works from inside a courtroom? Do you want to sharpen your legal research and writing under the guidance of a sitting federal judge? If so, here is an opportunity worth circling on your calendar. The Honorable Dora L. Irizarry, a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, is now accepting applications for Fall 2026 internships in her chambers. Whether you are pursuing a career in litigation, public service, or simply want to understand the federal system from the inside, time in chambers is hard to beat.

Who Judge Irizarry Is Looking For:

Must be a rising second or third year law student.
Must have good grades.
Must have good research, writing, and analytical skills, although
participation in Law Review or a Journal is not a prerequisite.
Military and/or other life/career experience is a plus

What to Include in Your Application

One-page cover letter briefly describing why you are interested in a legal career and why you are interested in an internship with Judge Irizarry specifically.
Resume.
Official law school transcript.
One recent writing sample no longer than 10 pages, double spaced. Journal or research articles will not be accepted.
Two to three letters of recommendation.

How to apply?

Email your complete package as a single PDF to irizarry_chambers@nyed.uscourts.gov.

Have questions before you send?

You can reach chambers directly at 718-613-2150.

Please note that, while these are not paid internships, the Judge will participate in any appropriate sponsored program that provides academic credit or stipends for interns.

The deadline for receipt of materials is June 30, 2026.
To learn more, click here.

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

NAPABA ADR Institute & Prospective Partners Program Applications Now Open

NAPABA is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for two of their premier professional development programs: the ADR Institute and the Prospective Partners Program (PPP). These programs offer unmatched opportunities to advance your career, develop meaningful relationships, and cultivate leadership.

ADR Institute

The ADR Institute is a two-day career and skills development program designed to provide participants with both a broad overview of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and substantive, hands-on training for careers in mediation and arbitration. Led by experts in the mediation and arbitration field, the program seeks to diversify the pool of mediators and arbitrators in the United States and expand the use of ADR among program participants.

Dates: November 11–12, 2026, in Los Angeles, CA
Cohort Size: Limited to 20–25 participants
Program Fee: $500 for NAPABA members | $750 for non-members

Apply for the ADR Institute by clicking here

Prospective Partners Program (PPP)

The Prospective Partners Program provides strategic mentorship and leadership development for senior associates and of counsel who are on track for partnership consideration within the next 12–18 months. Join a powerful network of senior in-house counsel and law firm partners who are committed to helping you navigate this important career transition with confidence.

Dates: November 12–13, 2026, during NAPABA’s Convention in Los Angeles, CA
Cohort: Highly selective, limited to 10 participants
Program Fee: $400 for NAPABA members | $650 for non-members

Apply for the Prospective Partners Program (PPP) by clicking here

Questions? Contact programs@napaba.org