On June 3rd, 2023, AABANY held its Brooklyn Pro Bono Legal Clinic at Homecrest Community Services Bensonhurst Center where dedicated volunteers came together to provide free legal services to the community. Our volunteers met with 14 clients and discussed issues relating to identity theft, insurance benefits, fraud, divorce, and government benefits.
In partnership with Homecrest and other community partners, the Clinic provided a haven for community members with limited English proficiency to better understand the legal process, discuss potential legal solutions, and help clients understand their rights.
The Clinic was made possible by volunteers who generously donated their time and expertise to help those in need. It provides vital support to those who may face linguistic or cultural barriers in attempting to gain access to legal services. The volunteers’ dedication to pro bono work, aiding in both Mandarin and Cantonese, is emblematic of the Committee’s commitment to serving all members of the community.
The Pro Bono Clinic is organized by AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee. To learn more about the Committee’s work visit here. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who made the Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic such a success:
Volunteer Attorneys:
Andrew Wu
Ashley Shan
Francis Chin
Kwok Kei Ng
May Wong
Ming Chu (Judy) Lee
Ye Qing
Interpreters & Shadowers:
Anna Bao
Vincent Tsay
Please come and join our upcoming Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic on 6/21, starting at 6:30pm at e new location, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE), 111 Norfolk Street, New York, NY. You can sign up to volunteer by completing this form by 6/16 at 12:00 PM.
On May 31, 2023, AABANY’s Student Outreach and IP Committee hosted a virtual panel titled “What Do IP Lawyers Do?” The event, held on Zoom from 6:30-7:30 pm EDT, featured insightful discussions and valuable insights from industry professionals. Opening remarks were delivered by William Lee, SOC Vice Chair, setting the stage for an engaging conversation.
The panel was moderated by Chenyun Ma (Columbia Law School) and Kristen Liu (Seton Hall Law School), coordinated by Monica Shin (Fordham Law School), and featured the following distinguished panelists:
Gloria Tsui-Yip: Partner at Gottlieb, Rackman & Reisman
Vivian Cheng: Principal at Fish & Richardson
Keala Chan: IP Counsel at Population Council
Throughout the event, a variety of topics were explored, shedding light on the nature of IP law and the responsibilities faced by IP lawyers. The panelists delved into questions such as the key tasks performed by IP lawyers, the different types of IP, and the significance of a science background in the field. They also shared their experiences handling complex cases, debunked common misconceptions about IP law, and discussed the unique aspects of practicing IP law across industries.
In addition to addressing the core aspects of the profession, the panelists also delved into career-related inquiries. They provided valuable insights into the skills and qualities necessary for success as an IP lawyer, recommended relevant courses for aspiring professionals, and examined the nuances between working at a law firm and an in-house legal department.
The virtual panel concluded with a lively Q&A session, allowing attendees to further engage with the panelists and gain additional insights. The event proved to be an invaluable opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of the field and gather practical advice for their future endeavors.
AABANY extends its gratitude to the Student Outreach Committee, IP Committee, and SOC Vice Chair William Lee (Associate, Mayer Brown LLP) for their efforts in organizing this enlightening event.
To learn more about the IP Committee, click here. To learn more about the SOC, click here. To learn more about upcoming AABANY events, click here.
On May 30, 2023, the IP Committee gathered at Dim Sum Palace for their first Committee dinner of the new fiscal year. Members, non-members and newcomers connected and conversed over delicious Cantonese Chinese dishes ordered family style, starting with dim sum like Shrimp Har Gow and moving on to Peking Duck wraps, Spicy Fish Fillet, Beef Chow Fun and more. Our lively conversations touched upon the recent developments and potential trajectory of AI technology as it relates to the legal industry, the recent decision in the Andy Warhol case, and the pains of becoming dual-admitted in California.
The IP Committee welcomed several first-time attendee law students and intern, and was also graced with the presence of Yang Chen, AABANY’s Executive Director, and Beatrice Leong, VP of Programs and Operations. It was Beatrice’s birthday, and we enjoyed a birthday cake to help her celebrate. Long-standing IP Committee members and newcomers alike enjoyed lively discussions over an endless array of authentic Cantonese cuisine.
A special thanks to those who were able to join us for our event and we are always looking forward to seeing more faces! If you are interested, please sign up for the IP Committee mailing list and look out for our next event. To learn more about the IP Committee, please visit: https://www.aabany.org/page/145.
On May 5, 2023, the Society of Asian Federal Officers held its 32nd Annual Awards and Scholarship Banquet at Golden Unicorn Restaurant. AABANY Board Member, Won Shin, Chief of Appeals, U.S. Attorney’s Office, S.D.N.Y., was awarded Prosecutor of the Year. Charlie Lai and Jack Tchen, Founders of The Museum of Chinese in America (MoCA), received the Civilians of the Year award.
Pictured are (left to right): David Sohn, Karen Kim, Won Shin, Katherine Loanzon and David Chiang.
Congratulations to Won Shin on this well-deserved award and recognition! Click here to read AABANY’s press release on Won Shin being awarded Prosecutor of the Year by the Society of Asian Federal Officers.
The Nominations and Elections Subcommittee is accepting nominations for Officer and Director candidates and applications for At-Large Board Member candidates for the 2023-24 NAPABA Board of Governors through June 30 at 8 pm ET. Officers and Directors are elected positions and At-Large Board Members are appointed to serve.
As the nation’s largest Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) membership organization, NAPABA continues to grow exponentially—maturity, stature, and staff. The NAPABA Board of Governors cultivates the strategic direction of the organization, provides resources to achieve goals and strategy, and exercises oversight ensuring the advancement of NAPABA’s strategic plan. The governing Board of 23 and national staff of eight complement and collaborate with each other—together united with a shared focus on advancing NAPABA’s mission through different perspectives and actions.
NAPABA is committed to having a governing board that reflects the diverse AA and NHPI legal community and has the right blend of skill, expertise, community connections, and diverse perspectives. We value an inclusive culture that embraces our diversity and empowers leaders to engage with each other and the community in a meaningful way by building trust, increasing transparency, and maximizing impact. We seek outstanding individuals of high character and integrity with proven leadership and board governance skills and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to NAPABA. The deadline for Officer and Director nominations and applications for At-Large Board Member candidates is June 30, 2023 at 8:00 pm ET.
To be considered for a NAPABA Officer, Director, or At-Large position, candidates must be a current individual member in good standing as of the date that the nominations or applications are submitted.
Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy
WASHINGTON – In response to the troubling rise in state legislative activity attacking an individual’s right to purchase real property based on the purchaser’s citizenship, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) endorses the Preemption of Real Property Discrimination Act. Introduced today in the United States House of Representatives by Rep. Judy Chu of California, who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Rep. Al Green of Texas, the bill would nullify any state law that prohibits or otherwise restricts an individual’s right to purchase real property based merely on that individual’s citizenship.
“NAPABA will not stand idly by when our community, especially those who trace their ancestry to China, becomes the target of ill-advised efforts by state policymakers to strip them of their fundamental rights to pursue a livelihood,” said Sandra Leung, the President of NAPABA.
“These efforts eerily recall ancient alien land laws, which were enacted over a hundred years ago, that barred Asian immigrants from owning land. Such laws belong in the dustbin of history, and they have no place in our nation today. While policymakers are free to address the legitimate national security concerns of the United States, they may not enact discriminatory laws on the backs of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.”
NAPABA’s support today for the Preemption of Real Property Discrimination Act coincides with the leadership of NAPABA affiliates across the nation to combat state legislation targeting our community. This past week, the Louisiana Asian Pacific American Bar Association (LAPABA), with NAPABA’s support, opposed legislation that, if enacted, would have barred innocent parties from purchasing or leasing real estate. Similarly, the Alabama Asian Bar Association (AABA), also with NAPABA’s support, led the opposition to a bill in Alabama that would prevent “any individual who is a citizen of China” from purchasing any real estate.
The actions of LAPABA and AABA build on NAPABA’s collaboration with our Florida affiliates – the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Tampa Bay (APABA-TB), the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of South Florida (APABA-SF), the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association (GOAABA), and Jacksonville Asian American Bar Association (JAABA) – and our Texas affiliates – the Asian American Bar Association of Houston (AABA Houston), the Austin Asian American Bar Association (Austin AABA), and the Dallas Asian American Bar Association (DAABA) – in combatting similar efforts in Florida and Texas. NAPABA is grateful for their leadership.
NAPABA extends its thanks and appreciation to Chairperson Chu and Rep. Green for introducing the bill.
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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting APA communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.
On Tuesday night, the AABANY Litigation, Membership, and Prosecutors’ Committees hosted a happy hour at Peachy’s, a wonderful AAPI-owned venue in the heart of Chinatown.
The happy hour provided a chance for members and guests of the three committees to reconnect (or connect for the first time) with friends, old and new. It was a welcome opportunity to socialize over delicious craft cocktails and appetizers, especially for those starved for in-person events after the long pandemic.
This event was a great kick-off to the new fiscal year. Thank you for all who joined us for the event, and we hope to see more of you at future events.
Please join the first quarterly meeting of the AABANY Litigation Committee, taking place via Zoom on May 31, to meet the Co-Chairs, hear plans for the upcoming year, share ideas for programs, and learn how you can get more involved. Register by May 30 here.
