On January 21, 2026, AABANY’s Solo and Small Firm Practice, Litigation, Judiciary, and Membership Committees hosted “Solo & Small Law Firm Litigators: Strategies for Success and Why Clients Should Care” at the Welcome to Chinatown Hub, at 115 Bowery, bringing together attorneys and non-attorneys for a dynamic and engaging discussion.
Panelists Tristan Loanzon, David Mou, Tiffany Miao, and Alysha Naik shared valuable insights and perspectives on building and sustaining successful solo and small-firm litigation practices, highlighting both career paths and the real value these firms offer clients.
The conversation was expertly guided by moderator Bianca Lin, Co-Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Committee, whose thoughtful questions and discussion topics prompted a lively and meaningful exchange. Audience members were highly engaged, asking insightful questions that added depth to the conversation and demonstrated strong interest in the panelists’ practical takeaways.
The program also included dedicated networking time before and after the panel, which gave attendees a meaningful opportunity to connect, meet new faces, and continue the discussion. The evening was complemented by delicious food catered by Nom Wah, generously made possible by our corporate sponsors, DocketBird, AmeriJudge, and Legal Consultants for Everyone.
AABANY extends its deepest thanks to our panelists, moderator, sponsors, and attendees for making this event such a memorable and rewarding experience.
At the Clinic, our volunteers met with 12 clients and provided guidance on a range of legal issues, including housing, immigration, wills and trusts, fraud and discrimination matters. The collective efforts of our volunteers ensured that each client received personalized support and answers to their pressing legal questions. We are deeply grateful for everyone’s presence and contributions, and look forward to continuing this important work together!
Volunteer attorneys:
Wendy (Wen-Hsien) Cheng
Hung Yi Chien
Ivy (Ting-Yu) Chien
Jingjuan (Max) Guo
Kevin Hsi
Richard In
Evonne Lee-Bach
Grace Ouyang
Anthony Wong
May Wong
Gary Yeung
Interpreters/shadowers:
Nikita Kohli
Sinbay Tan
Wendy Zeng
We invite all interested individuals to attend Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee’s 30-minute Housing Law training (Non-CLE) on February 18 from 6:00–6:30 PM at the AAFE Community Center. Led by Jack Hsia, Esq. and Deng Lin, Esq., the training will review common housing questions participants may encounter, including eviction timelines, defenses to nonpayment and holdover cases, and legal options related to housing repairs and landlord harassment. To register for the training, click here.
To continue supporting our community, join us at our upcoming Pro Bono Clinics:
February 18 [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002
March 14 [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
April 1 [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355
Thanks once again to all our volunteers for attending the Pro Bono Clinic.
We look forward to your participation in our future clinics!
To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, visit probono.aabany.org.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, AABANY’s In-House Counsel Committee and the Corporate Law Committee hosted its annual Winter Soiree. Returning once again to Le Chalet at Saks Fifth Avenue, the event transformed the heart of midtown into a warm, alpine-inspired venue where members came together for one of AABANY’s most well-attended and successful Winter Soirees to date.
The Winter Soiree, one of AABANY’s marquee events, proved more vibrant than ever this year. With nearly 200 attendees and a record 25 sponsors, attendees roared with chatter and laughter, while strengthening professional relationships, forging new connections, and celebrating the collaborative spirit that exemplifies AABANY’s legal network.
Guests started to arrive around 6:00 p.m. and were embraced by Le Chalet’s warm interior and balcony view of the city skyline. The intimate and collegial setting provided an ideal backdrop for meaningful dialogue among distinguished senior attorneys, partners, and the senior in-house counsel that represented a wide variety of sectors including financial services, technology and software development, healthcare, investment banking, insurance, real estate, media and entertainment, sports and licensing, consumer electronics, retail luxury goods, food and beverage, aviation, oil and gas, utilities, and environmental services. The companies represented included Mastercard, Pfizer, Con Edison, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Meta, Tiffany & Co., JP Morgan Chase, American Express and Johnson & Johnson.
Over 20 General Counsels were in attendance this year, representing some of the largest corporations in the country. Representing a remarkably diverse cross-section of the corporate and legal landscape, attendees engaged in thoughtful conversations on a wide range of topics while enjoying an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, wines, cocktails, and other refreshments as the evening unfolded.
Shortly after 7:00 pm, David Sohn of J.P. Morgan Chase, Co-Chair of the In-House Counsel Committee, delivered opening remarks. He highlighted his Committee’s work in advancing the legal profession and advocating for the AAPI legal community, and thanked Saks, all our sponsors, and the guests for helping to make the event a success through their presence. He then invited Ken McClure, representing Broadridge Financial Solutions and AABANY’s’ Diamond Sponsor, to address the audience.
Co-Chairs Peter Wei and Jack Jiaqi Chen joined David to introduce the AABANY Winter Soiree’s Platinum Sponsors: Haynes Boone (represented by Brian Sung); Perkins Coie (represented by Dennis Hopkins); Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP (represented by Phil Richter); Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP (represented by Jennifer Wu and Jenny Wu); and Seyfarth Shaw LLP (represented by Varuna Bhattacharyya, AABANY’s President-Elect).
The speakers expressed the importance of AABANY’s role in shaping a more diverse, supportive, and forward-looking legal profession. They spoke to the value of investing in the organization’s mission and noted AABANY’s lasting influence on the professional development and advancement of Asian American attorneys.
Closing out the remarks, Corporate Law Committee Co-Chair John Hwang, Partner at Linklaters LLP, explained the Committee’s mission to provide a forum for corporate law firm attorneys where they can exchange ideas and experiences as AAPI attorneys in that practice area. John also acknowledged his Co-Chairs, Tracy Feng, Partner at Paul Hastings and Keli Huang, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, as well as Vice-Chairs Kyle Zhu, Associate at Orrick, and Ashley Wong, in-house counsel at Amazon, for their leadership and contributions to the Committee. John concluded by expressing gratitude to the Winter Soiree’s Gold and Silver Sponsors, after which the guests returned to mingling and networking.
AABANY extends its deepest gratitude to the 2026 Winter Soiree sponsors, whose generous support made the event possible:
Silver Sponsors Allegaert Berger & Vogel LLP Anonymous Blakes Clark Smith Villazor LLP Con Edison Leason Ellis LLP McCarthy Tetrault Miao Law LLC Steno
AABANY also extends its sincere appreciation to the Co-Chairs of the co-sponsoring Committees—David Sohn, Peter Wei, Jack Chen, of the In-House Counsel Committee, and Tracy Feng, John Hwang, and Keli Huang, of the Corporate Law Committee—for their dedication and leadership. Special thanks are due to the organization’s staff, Yang Chen, Executive Director; Carrey Wong, Deputy Executive Director; and Apollo Baltazar, Administrative Assistant, as well as interns Eva Lee and Aleasha Wattoo, and former intern Kirin Moy, whose hard work and support contributed to the evening’s success.
The Winter Soiree started to wind down around 8:30 pm., as guests left the warm embrace of Le Chalet to brave the winter evening, bringing an energetic and memorable night to a close. AABANY thanks all who attended and looks forward to continuing this festive tradition and welcoming the community back for future events.
On Thursday, January 22, AABANY welcomed nearly 40 attorneys, mediators, and law students to 60 Centre Street for “Pathways to Court‐Connected ADR,” a 90‐minute CLE program designed to expand understanding of New York’s court‐sponsored mediation programs. Co‐sponsored by KALAGNY, NYSCDM, and the New York County Supreme Court Civil Branch ADR Team, the program offered both in‐person and virtual attendance, drawing a diverse and engaged audience eager to learn more about the growing landscape of court‐connected dispute resolution.
The session featured a robust lineup of panelists — Stephanie Pearl, Kamella English, Lawrence Han, Michael Henry, and Rachel Yoo — with Dejana Perrone moderating the discussion. Together, they delivered a candid, practical, and often inspiring look at how ADR functions inside the courts and how practitioners can meaningfully participate.
A Deep Dive into Court-Sponsored ADR
The program opened with an overview of court‐sponsored ADR, including the purpose of Part 160, the types of cases eligible for mediation, and the benefits of early intervention. Speakers provided helpful context on how ADR has evolved across districts and why mediation continues to play a critical role in improving access to justice.
From there, attendees heard directly from ADR Coordinators Kamella English and Stephanie Pearl, who walked through the day‐to‐day responsibilities of their roles and offered guidance on how practitioners can connect with coordinators when seeking case information or exploring volunteer opportunities.
Practical Guidance for Advocates and Mediators
The conversation then shifted to the role of advocates and mediators in the mediation process. Panelists Lawrence Han, Rachel Yoo, and Michael Henry shared insights on how mediation compares to litigation, how to prepare clients for the process, and how to navigate the court’s roster of neutrals. Their reflections highlighted the importance of preparation, empathy, and clear communication — qualities that shape both client experience and case outcomes.
The panel also addressed when a case is “ready” for mediation, including timing considerations under Part 160 and practical perspectives from mediators handling professional liability and other complex matters.
Pathways to Joining a Roster
In the second half of the CLE, panelists outlined the steps to join a court roster, the qualities that define an effective neutral, and the ongoing efforts to expand and diversify ADR panels across New York. Speakers emphasized the need for mediators who bring cultural competence, multilingual abilities, and varied professional backgrounds — all essential to serving New York’s diverse communities.
The panel closed with success stories from ADR programs, illustrating how early mediation, skilled neutrals, and thoughtful program design can lead to meaningful resolutions for litigants. These stories underscored the human impact of ADR and the value of continued investment in court‐connected mediation.
Thank You from AABANY
AABANY extends its sincere thanks to all panelists and to the New York County Supreme Court Civil Branch ADR Team for their partnership and generosity. We are grateful to KALAGNY and NYSCDM for co‐sponsoring the program, and to every attendee who joined us for an afternoon of learning, connection, and community building.
The enthusiasm in the room — and online — reflected a shared commitment to expanding access to justice through thoughtful, culturally responsive ADR practices. It was a vibrant and memorable event, and we look forward to continuing the conversation in future programs.
To learn more about the ADR Committee, click here.
– Written by: Rachel Ji-Young Yoo, Co-Chair of AABANY’s ADR Committee
The Honorable Dora L. Irizarry, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, is accepting applications for Summer 2026 internships.
Qualifications:
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.
Interested law students should forward their application package in PDF format as a single document via email to irizarry_chambers@nyed.uscourts.gov.
Application package must include:
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.
The deadline for receipt of materials is February 27, 2026.
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.
If you have questions, please contact chambers at: 718-613-2150.
In observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPIHM), please join NAPABA on May 19-20, 2026 in Washington, DC for NAPABA’s annual Lobby Day.
At Lobby Day, the NAPABA community travels from across the United States to the Nation’s capital to demonstrate not only the strength of our community, but also to advance the critical issues facing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community with leaders on Capitol Hill. Let’s bring our collective voice to the halls of Congress.
Lobby Day activities and events include:
Training
Hill Visits
Debrief Reception
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception.
Congressional Reception
NAPABA members and community leaders from across the country will gather from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET for a Congressional Reception recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event will bring together Lobby Day participants, members of Congress and their staff, as well as leaders from the AANHPI community.
For the full Lobby Day schedule, click on this link: Schedule
NAPABA Lobby Day Eligibility
Please note that only active NAPABA members or active members of NAPABA affiliates are eligible to participate in Lobby Day. To become a NAPABA member, click here.
The NAPABA Law Foundation offers many ways to advance your legal journey and strengthen your connection to the legal community. Be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming deadlines!
2026–2028 Community Law Fellowship
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15, 2026, 5 pm ET
About the Fellowship:
This two-year fellowship supports early-career attorneys as they gain hands-on legal experience at a nonprofit or community-based organization. The Fellowship provides:
A $60,000 annual salary, paid directly to the host organization
Health and fringe benefits provided by the host
A $10,000 completion bonus for the Fellow
Opportunities to work on behalf of underserved communities and grow as a public interest leader
Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026, 5 pm ET
About the Scholarship:
The NAPABA Law Foundation has partnered with the Choi Family to create the Han C. Choi Scholarship to honor a NAPABA Trailblazer, mentor, and leader who embodies grit and courage in the face of great adversity. The Scholarship Fund will benefit a 1L or 2L law student who exhibits academic excellence, leadership, volunteerism, mentorship experience, and demonstrates an interest in AAPI civic issues. Special consideration will also be given to applicants who have been adversely affected by cancer (as a survivor, or family member of a victim or survivor).
Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026, 5 pm ET
About the Fellowship
In partnership with the Fred T. Korematsu Institute, NLF will be accepting applications for the Fred T. Korematsu Summer Fellowship Program. The program will provide $6,000 to a law student for a meaningful summer internship at a public interest organization. The fellow will work to further Fred T. Korematsu’s legacy as a civil rights pioneer. Initial funding was provided by Parkin Lee and The Rockefeller Group.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 5 pm ET
About the Scholarship
The SAIL Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to an individual who will be a 2L student starting in the 2026 Fall Semester (current 1L students should apply) who has outstanding professional promise and leadership potential. The amount awarded is $7,500, split equally over 2 years.
For Immediate Release: January 23, 2026 Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director
WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026 in Congress. The bill, if enacted, would ensure that all individuals have meaningful access to critical Federal services, regardless of English proficiency.
In March 2025, President Donald Trump revoked Executive Order 13166 and designated English as the official language of the United States. For nearly 25 years, EO 13166 required that every federal agency meet the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency when it delivers critical services. EO 13166 brought the full import of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits entities that receive federal funding from discriminating based on national origin, to life. NAPABA objected to the revocation of EO 13166 at the time and called on Congress to act in response. Following our advocacy efforts, NAPABA welcomes the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026, which would restore the key guarantees of EO 13166.
Language access is particularly important for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The majority of the Asian American community are immigrants. Nearly 32% of the community is limited English proficient. The Asian American population is comprised of over 50 different ethnicities and speak over 100 different languages. NAPABA has long championed linguistic access for AANHPI communities in the legal system, including through our groundbreaking report, which highlighted and provided recommendations on the state of language access in federal and state courts and agencies. Every individual deserves access to critical, federally funded services.
NAPABA is grateful to Rep. Grace Meng, the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, along with Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Daniel Goldman, for their leadership and introducing the Language Access for All Act of 2026. This action coincides with the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision in Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974), which recognized the right of English learners to participate meaningfully in public school education and served as a catalyst for language access throughout the Nation. We call on Congress to advance this legislation swiftly.
In a recent feature in The M Magazine (November/December 2025 issue), an East Coast Korean-American community publication, Rachel Yoo of Rachel Yoo Law Group was profiled for her work in conflict resolution and family law within the Korean-American community. The article, titled “법정의 승리보다 저녁 식탁의 평화를 택했습니다” (Choosing Peace Around the Dinner Table Over Victory in Court), explores Yoo’s mission to empower those who have been silenced in family conflicts and educate the community about peaceful alternatives to traditional litigation.
Rachel Yoo, a Part 146 Certified Mediator and Co-Chair of the ADR Committee at the Asian American Bar Association of New York, challenges the cultural tendency among Korean Americans to suppress family conflicts out of fear of community judgment. She warns that this silence often backfires, allowing small issues to escalate into major legal battles. In close-knit communities where relationships are deeply intertwined, Yoo advocates for professional mediation rather than attempting to resolve disputes privately, where emotions can override rational thinking.
As a certified mediator, Yoo creates safe spaces for guided dialogue, helping families express their concerns constructively without public exposure or personal attacks. Her philosophy—”Silence is not the answer. Speak up.”—is transforming how Korean Americans approach family conflict, replacing avoidance with structured communication that preserves both dignity and relationships while preventing escalation.
For Immediate Release: January 21, 2026 Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director
WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Justice Sanjay T. Tailor on his groundbreaking appointment to serve as a justice on the Illinois Supreme Court.
“Justice Tailor’s appointment marks a historic milestone in NAPABA’s mission for its members, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) lawyers, and their broader communities,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA. “In 2022, NAPABA’s Portrait Project 2.0 found that only nine Asian American jurists served on state high courts, a number that remained constant until now. As the first Asian American to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court, Justice Tailor has broken barriers and serves as a beacon of achievement for our legal community and for anyone aspiring to such heights.”
Justice Tailor brings more than two decades of judicial experience to the Illinois Supreme Court. He has served for 23 years on Illinois’s trial and appellate courts, including as an Associate Judge and Circuit Judge and, most recently, as a Presiding Justice of the First District Appellate Court. Prior to joining the bench, he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County and practiced law in the private sector. Justice Tailor taught as an adjunct professor at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. He earned his B.A. from the University of Delaware and his J.D., with honors, from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.
“Through his many leadership roles, including as the president of the Asian American Judges Association of Illinois, and through his engagement with NAPABA affiliates like the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA Chicago) and the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA Chicago), Justice Tailor has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and the community throughout his career,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “His groundbreaking appointment highlights the importance of continued efforts to ensure that those in the AANHPI legal community are recognized, supported, and elevated to positions of leadership across the country.”
“We are proud and thrilled to see Illinois become one of a small number of states that have a judge on its highest court who is Asian American,” said Stephen Lee, President of AABA Chicago. “AABA formed decades ago in part to help Asian American attorneys become judges and to help our judiciary better reflect the people whom it serves, and this is a huge milestone not just for Justice Tailor and Asian American attorneys but for everyone.”
“The South Asian Bar Association of Chicago proudly congratulates Justice Tailor on this historic appointment as the first Asian and South Asian Justice to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court,” said Saman Haque, President of SABA Chicago. “This milestone reflects the strength of our justice system and the importance of representation. As a founding member of SABA Chicago, Justice Tailor has remained steadfast in his commitment to inclusion and equity, and to mentoring and encouraging attorneys to hone their craft. We celebrate this achievement and look forward to the lasting impact of Justice Tailor’s leadership and service.”
NAPABA extends its sincere congratulations to Justice Sanjay Tailor and wishes him continued success in his service on the Illinois Supreme Court.
