On May 4, City & State published their 2026 Asian Trailblazers List. As stated in the article:
City & State’s annual Asian Trailblazers highlights many of the high-ranking Asian Americans who are on the rise in New York. The list, researched and written in partnership with journalist Natasha Ishak, features trusted advisers to politicians such as Gov. Kathy Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer. It includes behind-the-scenes political consultants and policy strategists shaping the direction of New York. And it spotlights advocates and activists who are improving daily life in Asian American communities – and for all New Yorkers.
City & State New York
AABANY is proud to congratulate five of its members who were named to this year’s list.
The Administrative Board of the Courts of the New York State Unified Court System seeks comment from persons who are able to evaluate the performance of the following Justices of the Supreme Court who are seeking certification to continue judicial service pursuant to N.Y. Const. Art. VI, §25(b) and Judiciary Law §115:
FIRST JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT Hon. Tandra Dawson SECOND JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT Hon. Joseph Risi FOURTH JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT Hon. Louis Gigliotti Hon. Debra Givens
In order to assist in its evaluation, the Board seeks comment on the following qualities and abilities of these judges:
Legal ability, including knowledge of the law, legal experience, legal scholarship, and writing.
Competence to perform the duties of the office, including organizational, management, and human relations skills; physical and mental health; and work ethic.
Judicial demeanor, integrity and character, and commitment to equal justice under law.
How to Comment: Any person wishing to offer comments relating to the performance of any of these candidates for certification or recertification may address written comments to David Nocenti, Counsel, by email to JSCcertification@nycourts.gov, with “2027 Certification – Public Comment” in the subject line. Comments may also be sent by postal mail to Counsel’s Office, 25 Beaver St., 10th Fl., New York, N.Y. 10004.
ALL COMMENTS RECEIVED WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD AND OTHERWISE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED, COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN JULY 17, 2026.
On May 29, 2026, AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee and Young Lawyers Committee partnered to host Boba Break: Recharge and Connect at King & Spalding. This event brought together law students, young attorneys and members of the AABANY community for an evening of conversation, connection and, of course, boba (bubble) tea in a welcoming and informal setting.
Throughout the evening, attendees exchanged experiences, discussed career paths, shared advice and expanded their professional networks. Law students had the opportunity to connect with practicing attorneys and young lawyers, while attorneys reconnected with colleagues and met the next generation of legal professionals. This event embodied AABANY’s commitment to fostering mentorship, community and meaningful relationships within the profession.
The photos from the evening capture the energy and enthusiasm of the attendees, highlighting the meaningful conversations and new connections formed throughout the event that may continue well beyond the evening. Event photos are now available and can be accessed here: click here.
AABANY extends its sincere gratitude to King & Spalding for hosting the event and to everyone who attended. The enthusiastic participation from law students, young lawyers and community members made the event a memorable success. We look forward to continuing to create engaging opportunities that strengthen relationships across the AABANY community and to support the growth of future legal leaders.
– Written by Helen Ding, Co-Chair, Student Outreach Committee
The New York State Council on Divorce Mediation (NYSCDM) is offering a sale with a $150 discount through June 21, 2026 on their NYSCDM 60-Hour Divorce Mediation Training.
The training program includes the following:
Live Classes for the Summer Cohort Starting on July 13, 2026
Part-146 Approved for 40 Hours
40 CLEs Provided to Attorneys
Free One-Year Membership in NYSCDM
Free One-Year Participation in a Special Peer Group for NYSCDM Program Graduates
Free Participation in the Pathway Partners Program
To learn more, click this link. The program consists of:
Part 1 (20+ hours) go-at-your-own-pace, online training on essential legal, mental health, and financial subjects featuring various experts.
Part 2 (40 Hours) Live Divorce Mediation Skills Training online with Expert Trainer and Experienced Coaches.
The trainer for the Summer Cohort is Lara Traum, Esq.:
An experienced family and divorce mediator, author, trainer and Past President of NYSCDM.
A partner at Roytberg Traum Law and Mediation, P.C. and works with NY, interstate, and international families.
Frequent mediation and ADR trainer mediation for professional organizations, bar associations, and educational institutions.
Co-author of the ABA book: Effectively Representing Clients in Family Mediation (coauthored with Forrest S. Mosten and Hon. Elizabeth Potter Scully) and her second book, coauthored with Forrest S. Mosten, is Family Lawyer as Peacemaker.
NYSCDM’s Summer 2026 Live Mediation Skills Training (Part 2), via Zoom, will be:
After completion of the program, you will receive:
Free One-Year Membership in NYSCDM — You will have full access to numerous member-only benefits including: a 24/7 online directory promoting your services, repository of templates, agreements and forms, a members-only Google Group, educational peer groups throughout New York, free and low-cost educational trainings, and more!
Free participation in a Special Peer Group for program graduates, led by expert mediators.
Free participation in the Pathway Partners Program, which connects trainees with experienced mediators/guides.
Support from the NYSCDM Mediation Family, via other peer groups, educational programming, networking and more!
