On March 19, 2026, AABANY hosted its inaugural book club meeting where a dedicated group of members gathered at Anderson & Associates‘ new office at 347 W 36th St., Suite 1003, to share their favorite reads and literary interests. The meeting was hosted by Yen-Yi Anderson, Co-Chair of the Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee, and S. Yan Sin, now AABANY’s Board Secretary for the 2027 fiscal year which started on April 1. Attendees included Jaehee Yoo, Hannah Lee, Wendy Zeng, Eva Lee, and Regina Chiem. The group enjoyed delicious Korean corndogs and boba teas while they talked about their favorite books.
The discussion began with a deep dive into what truly defines a “great book” in the eyes of a reader. Some attendees suggested that a great book is one that fundamentally changes your outlook on life or features a blurb on the cover so captivating that it demands to be read. Others argued that beautiful prose is essential to the experience, while some noted that a book is worthwhile if it is a classic, even if the reading process is difficult rather than traditionally enjoyable. The group agreed that the best books are those you return to over the years to measure how you have personally evolved since your last reading.
The book club attendees shared an extensive and diverse list of recommendations of books spanning many genres and styles. Among the suggested titles are classics like The Brothers Karamazov, contemporary fiction hits like Severance, The Daughters of Afong Moy, and Disorientation, nonfiction reads like Breaking Rank, and even memoirs like the touching Tuesdays with Morrie.
To conclude the evening, the book club attendees selected No. 10 Doyer Street as the first official book for the club to read during the month of April.
This successful first gathering set a thoughtful and engaging tone for many meetings to come. Whether you’re a speed reader or someone who lingers on every sentence, we’d love to have you join the conversation. To register for the next meeting, see this link here. A huge thank you to everyone who made our first meeting so memorable. See you in April!
The Korean Community Media Broadcasting TV, INC. (KCMB-TV) recently posted a video memorializing the January 15, 2026 Prayer Walk that honored the memory of Michelle Go and reflected on the four years since her tragic passing. Featured speakers in the video included Justin Go (father of Michelle Go and advocate), Rachel Lee (President and General Counsel, Stand with Asian Americans), Yang Chen (Executive Director, Asian American Bar Association of New York), and Richard In (Executive Director, Korean American Empowerment for Community).
This gathering served as a solemn reminder of the outpouring of love and support for her family while highlighting the failure of a system that neglected both mental health and public safety. Justin Go described Michelle as a “cheerleader” and an “adventurer” who sought the best in everyone she met. He shared a moving tribute, noting that his family grieves for her every day while thinking about what “should have been, could have been, would have been.” Rachel Lee spoke on the importance of mental health support and public safety priorities. Richard In urged the community toward a path of healing and systemic reform. The video concluded with a collective call for New York City government to prioritize the safety of all New Yorkers and to speak out against all forms of hate.
Several distinguished members of AABANY were participants in this remembrance and movement for justice. Retired Federal Judge Marilyn Go, who was a founder of AABANY, joined the walk to celebrate the life Michelle lived. Grace Vee, the Senior Appellate Counsel in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and Law Professor Elaine Chiu were also present to lend their support. Rachel Lee and Richard In, who spoke on the video, are also AABANY members. You can find the full video at this link.
The ongoing efforts of the Go family and their supporters will be recognized at the Asian American Federation (AAF) Gala, to take place on April 22 at Tribeca 360. Justin Go and his Pro Bono Legal Team, which includes AABANY members the Honorable Marilyn Go (retired), Lawrence G. Wee (Partner at Milbank LLP), and Jennifer H. Wu (Founding Partner at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone, LLP), will be honored as Courage Awardees for their advocacy and dedication to Michelle’s legacy.
On March 26, 2026, AABANY’s Solo & Small Firm Committee and Tax Committee co-sponsored the webinar “Navigating the New OBBBA Landscape.” This presentation arrived at a critical time as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4, 2025, with some provisions taking retroactive effect going back to January 1, 2025.
Parag P. Patel, Co-Chair of the Tax Committee, led the session by providing a comprehensive update on how solo and small law firms can optimize their financial affairs. He emphasized that the new law offers various ways for small business owners to minimize their liabilities if they understand the specific requirements and limitations of the Act.
Several major changes affect individual taxpayers under the OBBBA through the year 2028. The State and Local Tax deduction cap has been significantly increased to $40,000, which offers substantial relief to those living in high-tax jurisdictions. Seniors who are at least 65 years old are now eligible for a $6,000 deduction, provided their income falls within the established limits. The Act also introduces new deductions for reported tips and overtime pay to assist service and hourly workers. Furthermore, individuals may now deduct interest on car loans up to $10,000 annually for vehicles that were assembled in the United States.
The legislation provides permanent benefits designed to stimulate business growth and investment for law firms and other small enterprises. Bonus depreciation is now permanently set at 100% for qualified property acquired after early 2025. The Section 179 expensing limit has risen to $2,500,000, and the phaseout threshold has been adjusted to $4,000,000 to account for inflation. Businesses may once again deduct domestic research and development expenses permanently, and some small businesses can even apply this change retroactively to 2022. Additionally, the calculation for business interest expense limits has been restored to align with EBITDA standards.
While these updates offer many advantages, taxpayers must be aware of the income-based phase-outs that could limit their total deductions. Many of the individual tax benefits are scheduled to revert to previous levels by 2030, making long-term planning essential for legal professionals.
AABANY continues to support its members by translating complex legislative shifts into actionable strategies for the legal community. This webinar successfully provided attendees with the tools needed to navigate the new tax reality with confidence.
To learn more about the Tax Committee, go here. To learn more about the Solo & Small Firm Committee, go here. For a listing of upcoming events, check out the calendar on AABANY’s website.
On March 30, 2026, AABANY’s Military & Veterans Affairs (MVA), Commercial Bankruptcy & Restructuring (CB&R), and Young Lawyers (YLC) Committees co-hosted a lively happy hour at Sling Bar in Urban Hawker Midtown, celebrating the end of fiscal year ’26.
The event brought together AABANY members and non-members for an evening of networking and camaraderie over margaritas, beers, gyozas, and sushi rolls. Attendees included both long-time members and first-time participants, creating a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.
Throughout the evening, colleagues reconnected and new relationships were formed, with conversations spanning diverse practice areas, career paths, and shared professional experiences. Many attendees also took the opportunity to exchange ideas and perspectives on programming and initiatives for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Committees look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to foster meaningful connections within the AABANY community in FY27.
To learn more about the Military & Veterans Affairs Committee, please visit this page. To learn more about the Commercial Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee, please visit this page. To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee, please visit this page. Upcoming events from the Committees can be found on the calendar of AABANY website.
—Written by Jameson Xu, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee
On March 25, AABANY was delighted to host another engaging installment of the Dumplings & Discussion series, featuring Grace Fu, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of Nanit—and this year’s AABANY Annual Dinner honoreefor the Corporate Leadership Award. The evening, which took place at the New York office of Fish & Richardson, was filled with candid conversation, thoughtful insights, and, of course, delicious dumplings.
Grace generously shared her career journey, reflecting on the decisions that shaped her path. She touched on her professional growth, navigating change, and lessons learned along the way. Grace shared what went into her decisions each time she changed careers into a different field, while carrying many essential skills with her along the path of her journey. Grace also touched upon working as a woman in the legal field, citing advice she was given in her career. Grace’s openness and authenticity resonated deeply with attendees at all stages of their careers.
We are incredibly grateful to Grace for taking the time to join us and for sharing her insights so generously. Her perspective and experiences made for a memorable and inspiring discussion.
Thank you as well to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success. We look forward to continuing the Dumplings & Discussion series with more opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with one another.
—Written by Jeffrey Mok, AABANY Board Director and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Intellectual Property Committee
On March 12, 2026, AABANY’s Tax Committee and Asia Practice Committee co-hosted a vibrant dinner event at Chi Restaurant & Bar. The gathering brought together a diverse group of attendees, including seasoned attorneys, young professionals, and NYU tax LLM students, all eager to connect and share insights. Conversations ranged from emerging trends in Asian markets to recent developments in tax law, fostering both professional growth and community building. Guests enjoyed an array of Asian-inspired dishes while networking with new acquaintances and reconnecting with familiar colleagues in a welcoming atmosphere.
Building on the success of this event, the Tax Committee intends to host additional networking events throughout the year, collaborating with other AABANY Committees to broaden participation. We warmly invite professionals from all backgrounds to join our future gatherings and stay connected with our growing community.
For more information on AABANY’s Tax Committee, click here. For more information on AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee, click here. You can also check out AABANY’s website for information on other committees, as well as a calendar of upcoming events.
– Written by Eric Min, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Tax Committee
On the morning of Thursday, January 15, 2026, nearly 50 people braved the bone-chilling winds in Times Square to participate in a Prayer Walk commemorating the anniversary of Michelle Alyssa Go’s passing.
Four years ago, on an early Saturday morning, Michelle was standing near the edge of the downtown R subway platform at Times Square when Martial Simon charged at her and pushed her in front of an oncoming train, leading to her death.
Photo by Wellington Chen
Simon, then a 61-year-old homeless man with a history of schizophrenia and prior arrests, was later charged with second-degree murder in connection with Michelle’s death. This act of violence is a tragic example of the surge in anti-Asian hate incidents occurring in America during the COVID-19 pandemic. As noted by the Pew Research Center in 2023, anti-Asian sentiment rose following inflammatory political rhetoric, disinformation, and online extremism, specifically public officials’ use of terms like “Chinese Virus.” Though Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) reported a slight decline in 2025 from 2023, anti-Asian hate crimes were still nearly triple pre-pandemic levels. California, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts reported the highest frequency.
Photo by Wellington Chen
During the Prayer Walk, Reverend Cristobal Tong led the group to four specific stops, following the routine route Michelle took that day. Justin Go, Michelle’s father, shared highlights of her tragically short life with the mourners. Born in Berkeley and raised in Fremont, California, Michelle earned a degree in economics from UCLA in 2002, an MBA from NYU in 2010, and later worked at Deloitte in mergers and acquisitions. Michelle was an avid traveler who had explored the Caribbean as a child and frequently traveled to visit friends. Justin highlighted Michelle’s selfless nature, noting that she spent her free time volunteering to help homeless people and assist low-income New Yorkers through the New York Junior League. Despite his grief, Justin emphasized the importance of celebrating Michelle’s life and encouraged loved ones to let their suffering be temporary, as Michelle would have wanted them to continue finding joy in life.
Photo by Wellington Chen
The Prayer Walk drew participation from a broad range of community figures and prominent Asian American New Yorkers. Notable attendees included attorney and activist Rockwell ‘Rocky’ Chin and retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Marilyn Go, both of whom are Co-Founders of AABANY. Additionally, Rachel Lee, President of Stand with Asian Americans and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Issues Committee, played a key role in organizing the walk.
I asked Elaine Chiu, a professor at St. John’s University School of Law, who attended the Prayer Walk, about the justice that may or may not be served for the Go family. Professor Chiu, who had previously chaired the Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, discussed the systemic failures surrounding this legal case. She emphasized that lawyers need to recognize that the justice system was not designed to effectively prosecute or assess individuals with severe and fluctuating mental instability. Furthermore, she lamented that the system is currently unequipped to provide defendant Martial Simon with adequate mental health care or to offer the Go family the justice they deserve.
Simon was initially deemed mentally unfit for trial and held at Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center. After treatment, he passed a mental health evaluation in April 2024 but stopped taking his medication upon being transferred to Rikers Island. His disruptive behavior during a court appearance on April 30 resulted in his return to Kirby.
In response to systemic mental health issues, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on May 9, 2025, allocating over $196 million to improve statewide mental health care, including $160 million for 100 new forensic inpatient psychiatric beds in New York City, and strengthening involuntary commitment laws and Kendra’s Law, which allows judges to mandate Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) for individuals with severe mental illness who cannot safely live in the community without supervision. This law ultimately aims to prevent dangerous relapses while protecting both the public and the patient.
Photo by Wellington Chen
The Prayer Walk concluded at the R Times Square subway station, where the group stood on the platform to pray near the site where Michelle was murdered four years ago. Michelle was only 40 at the time of her death, and attendees who knew her remembered her as a bright and kind individual. Her death continues to fuel concerns regarding anti-Asian violence and the “revolving door” of psychiatric institutionalization. While the prosecution remains determined to bring Martial Simon to trial, the community continues to pray that lasting justice will finally be achieved.
Photo by Wellington Chen
The Prayer Walk was organized by AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force (AAVTF), established in response to the surge in anti-Asian hate during COVID-19. The Task Force, at its formation five years ago, included leadership from AABANY’s Issues, Pro Bono and Community Service, Prosecutors, Student Outreach, Legal Referral and Information Service, and Academic Committees. Partnering with AABANY’s affiliate, the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), the AAVTF launched the Turning the Tide (T3) Project, a comprehensive initiative focused on education, communication, advocacy, and research. After releasing two reports, the AAVTF produced a documentary, “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate,” which humanized victims’ and survivors’ experiences and was nominated for best short documentary at the New York Independent Art Film Fest. Throughout 2025, the film was screened nineteen times for various groups. A notable screening at the Asia Society featured a moving panel with Justin Go, Michelle Go’s father, and Sungkon Lee, Christina Yuna Lee’s father.
To view more photos from the Prayer Walk, click this link to the photo album. To learn more about AAVTF, please email [email protected].
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
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.
