Paralegal Pathways Initiative (PPI) at Columbia Law School is a semester-long training program aimed at supporting formerly incarcerated individuals to transition into careers within the legal field. Through skills-based legal training and professional mentorship, PPI empowers participants to develop valuable career and interview skills.
PPI is now accepting applications for their upcoming Spring 2026 class, and wants to extend this opportunity to as many potential applicants as possible. Please reach out to (ppi@law.columbia.edu) if you know of anyone who may be interested or are interested yourself!
We extend our sincere gratitude to AAFE, AABANY, AALFNY, PBCS, and all the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of our Pro Bono Legal Clinic in Manhattan on October 15th, 2025.
During the clinic, our volunteers provided free legal services and information to 16 clients, addressing a range of matters including housing, immigration, family and matrimonial, estate and property. Our volunteer attorneys and interpreters thoughtfully addressed client concerns, offered clarity through their answers, and facilitated connections to appropriate legal resources via AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS).
We are committed to offering services in both Mandarin and Cantonese to ensure continued support for individuals facing linguistic or cultural barriers when seeking guidance on substantive and procedural legal matters.
We thank all the volunteers at the October 15th Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic for their time, professionalism, and dedication:
Volunteer Attorneys:
Yen Yi Anderson
Jack (Zixu) Hsia
Justin Lee
Beatrice Leong
Arthur Lin
Jieman Tan
Anthony Wong
Gary Yeung
Interpreters/shadowers:
Kaleah Haddock
Emily Kam
Nikita Kohli
Qi (Ellie) Wang
Ruixuan Yi
Shang Zhai
Wendy Zeng
We invite you to continue supporting our community by joining us at our upcoming pro bono clinics:
November 8th [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
November 19th [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002. This clinic is preceded by an Immigration Basics Training at 6pm.
December 3rd [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355. This clinic is preceded by an Immigration Basics Training at 6pm.
We look forward to your participation in our future clinics! To learn more about how you can get involved with AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics, visit probono.aabany.org.
On the evening of October 9, 2025, AABANY’s Solo and Small Firm Practice (SSFP) Committee hosted a lively happy hour at Cha Cha Tang, bringing together solo and small firm practitioners, in-house counsel, aspiring small firm practitioners, and others for an evening of networking, community, and good food. Although titled “Solo and Small Firm Practice Committees Happy Hour,” the event drew a wide mix of participants. The energy in the room reflected the entrepreneurial spirit that defines the SSFP Committee.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious spread of shared plates, including potstickers, shumai, shrimp dumplings, scallion pancakes, and more. The cozy atmosphere of Cha Cha Tang provided the perfect setting for meaningful conversations, new connections, and the exchange of experience amongst a wide range of attendees.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success. Your enthusiasm and engagement are what make these gatherings special. If you missed the event, don’t worry; more opportunities are coming! Keep an eye on AABANY’s Events Calendar for upcoming programs and networking opportunities. To learn more about the SSFP Committee, click here.
We extend special thanks to the Co-Chairs of the SSFP Committee, Yen-Yi Anderson and Bianca Lin, and Vice Chair Tiffany Miao for their coordination and organization. Also to our sponsors at Allegaert Berger & Vogel LLP, whose generosity helped make this event possible.
We thank our volunteers and partners for their invaluable contributions to the Queens Pro Bono Legal Clinic on October 1st, 2025. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), the Asian American for Equity (AAFE), AALFNY, AABANY, all of our dedicated volunteers and the MOIA immigration resource workshop participants.
We especially thank Commissioner Manuel Castro, Lily Liang, Community Liaison, and Shaina Torres, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) for their insightful community education training and for sharing MOIA resources with us to help create a better and safer New York City for everyone.
Thanks to our volunteers’ dedication, we were able to assist 15 clients with a wide range of legal concerns, including housing, immigration, matrimonial and family law, employment, and criminal cases.
Our volunteer attorneys and interpreters demonstrated exceptional patience and commitment in addressing client questions, offering guidance, and connecting them with further legal support through AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS). We are proud to offer our services in both Mandarin and Cantonese, allowing us to continue our mission of providing crucial support to individuals facing linguistic or cultural barriers in accessing quality legal care.
Too often, those who face language barriers find themselves overwhelmed and powerless in the face of a complex legal system. Without access to interpretation or culturally informed advocacy, they may not fully understand their rights or the options available to them. Seeing the fear and uncertainty in their eyes is a stark reminder of the urgent need for accessible legal aid.
For many of the AABANY volunteers, this mission is deeply personal. As children or descendants of immigrants, our attorneys and interpreters understand firsthand the struggles that accompany language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and systemic inequities. Helping these clients is, in many ways, like helping our own parents, neighbors, and communities – a way to honor those who paved the way before us and ensure that others today do not face the same struggles alone.
AABANY remains steadfast in its commitment to give back to AAPI communities, advancing access to justice and empowerment to those who have been marginalized by the barriers of language, culture, or circumstance.
Here are some of the clients’ comments from this evening’s pro bono clinic:
“I felt truly listened to; the attorneys explained everything clearly and patiently.”
“Very wonderful legal service.”
“Made me feel less alone in my situation.”
We thank the following volunteer attorneys:
Wendy (Wen-Hsien) Cheng
Richard In
Johnny Thach
Yilan Wang
Anthony Wong
May Wong
Helen Wu
Gary Yeung
Our sincere appreciation also goes to our dedicated interpreters and shadowers:
Nandar Win Kerr
Ruixuan Yi
Wendy Zeng
Shang Zhai
Jessie Zhou
We invite you to continue supporting our community by joining us at our upcoming pro bono clinics:
November 8th [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
November 19th [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002
December 3rd [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355
Future Community Education Speaker and Topic Announcement
In collaboration with the Issue Committee, Vishal Chander, one of PBCS Committee’s incredible volunteers and Issues Committee Co-Chair, will provide 30-minutes Basic Immigration training Part 1 on November 19th at Manhattan Clinic and Part 2 on December 3rd at Queens Clinic from 6 – 6:30pm.
This training series will prepare lawyers and law students the fundamentals of advising pro bono clients who are or have family in removal (deportation) proceedings. CLE credits will be given to attorneys who attend both trainings.
We look forward to your participation in our future clinics!
On the evening of September 30, the AABANY Student Outreach, Tax, and Trusts & Estates Committees, in collaboration with Cardozo Law School’s APALSA, presented a Tax and Trusts & Estates Career Panel. The program was organized as a single event divided into two parts, offering students a comprehensive look into two dynamic and specialized areas of law.
In the Tax Law portion, Eric Min of Baker McKenzie, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Tax Committee, and Hardy Zhou of Cooley, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee, discussed their career paths and the intricacies of cross-border tax practice. The session was moderated by Christine Shea, AABANY Student Outreach Committee Student Ambassador.
The Trusts & Estates portion featured Yi Stewart, Litigation Associate at Farrell Fritz and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Trusts & Estates Committee; Shu-Ping Shen, Wealth Advisor at JPMorgan Bank; George Martin, Senior Associate at ArentFox Schiff; and Bich-Nga Nguyen, Executive Director at Morgan Stanley. The panelists shared insights from their work in litigation, private practice, and wealth management, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the field. This section was moderated by Bich-Nga Nguyen.
Throughout the evening, students gained a valuable overview of the diverse issues that tax law and trusts & estates law encompass—from corporate transactions and international matters to estate planning and fiduciary litigation. Panelists also offered practical advice on career development, networking, and coursework selection to help students distinguish themselves in the job market.
At the conclusion of the program, the panelists—joined by Trusts & Estates Committee Co-Chair Natasha Chang—networked with attendees, answering follow-up questions and sharing additional insights in an informal setting.
Special thanks go to Cardozo APALSA for hosting the event and providing catering, and to all participating committees and volunteers for making this collaborative event a success.
To learn more about the Tax Committee, click here. To learn more about the Trusts & Estates Committee, click here. To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee, click here.
On Friday, September 19th, 2025, the New York State Supreme Court hosted the 18th Annual Caren Aronowitz Unity in Diversity Event, co-sponsored by more than 25 bar associations, court committees, and professional organizations. Among the co-sponsors was the Asian American Bar Association of New York, represented by Yang Chen (Executive Director), Carrey Wong (Deputy Executive Director), and Jessie Zhou (Legal Intern).
The event opened with a majestic performance by the New York State Courts Pipes and Drums, dressed in full Scottish attire. Their music, solemn yet celebratory, created an atmosphere of reverence and set the stage for a program honoring both tradition and community.
Hon. Suzanne J. Adams (Administrative Judge of the New York County Supreme Court Civil Term) offered welcome remarks, affirming the court’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Then, she introduced Ukrainian singer Valeriia Kuzmuk, who moved the audience with her renditions of traditional and contemporary Ukrainian songs.
The program then continued with a dedication by Hon. Deborah A. Kaplan (Justice of the New York County Supreme Court), who reflected on the legacy of the late Caren Aronowitz. Known for her tireless dedication to cultural programming at the courthouse, Aronowitz was remembered as a beloved colleague whose vision continues to inspire annual celebrations of unity. Special recognition was given to Simone Abrams and Yesenia Herrera (members of the New York County Clerk’s Office) for their efforts in planning the program.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Hon. Adam Silvera (Deputy Chief Administrative Judge of the New York City Courts). Justice Silvera highlighted the importance of building unity through diversity, reminding all attendees that the legal profession is strengthened when it embraces every community it serves.
Following the program, attendees were invited to enjoy a reception featuring a wide variety of dishes contributed by all co-sponsoring associations and committees. From savory entreés to sweet desserts, the tables offered a vibrant display of cuisines that showcased the rich cultural traditions across many diverse communities. AABANY’s spread was a true highlight—an array of of pork, shrimp, chicken, and edamame dumplings; pillowy pork and duck buns; egg fried rice; savory noodles; and Chinese greens. The aromas filled the room, drawing attendees to the tables again and again.
As the event drew to a close, the Unity in Diversity program once again achieved its purpose — to celebrate the richness of difference, to honor those who paved the way, and to strengthen the bonds of communities.
We thank the Gender Fairness Committee, Supreme Court, Civil Term, New York County, the New York County Supreme Court, Civil Term Equal Justice in the Courts Committee and the Cultural Diversity Sub Committee, and the New York County Clerk’s Office for their organization and continued commitment to inclusion and diversity. We thank all co-sponsoring associations, committees, and societies for their dedication and generosity in tabling, and we honor the memory of Caren Aronowitz, whose vision continues to unite the court and community year after year.
Many thanks to AABANY, AALFNY, PBCS, AAFE, and all the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of our pro bono legal clinic in Manhattan on September 17th, 2025.
During the clinic, our volunteers provided invaluable assistance to 20 clients, addressing a range of legal matters including housing, immigration, civil litigation, estate and property, personal injury, fraud and theft. Our volunteer attorneys and interpreters thoughtfully addressed client concerns, offered clarity through their answers, and facilitated connections to appropriate legal resources via AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS).
We are committed to offering services in both Mandarin and Cantonese to ensure continued support for individuals facing linguistic or cultural barriers when seeking guidance on substantive and procedural legal matters.
We thank again all the volunteers at the September 17th Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic for their time, professionalism, and contribution.
Volunteer attorneys:
Yen-Yi Anderson
Sam (Ming-Sheng) Hou
Jack (Zixu) Hsia
Justin Lee
Beatrice Leong
Lily Li
Arthur Lin
Zixuan Luo
Jie Shi
Jieman Tan
Jameson Xu
Cecilia Yang
Interpreters/shadowers:
Nandar Win Kerr
Carrie Nie
Shang Zhai
Wendy Zeng
Please join us at our next Pro Bono Clinics:
November 8th [Brooklyn link here] from 12:30pm – 2:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, NY, NY 11232
November 19 [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002
December 3 [Queens link here] from 6:30 – 8:30 PM, AAFE One Flushing Community Center, NY, 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 how you can get involved with AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics, visit probono.aabany.org.
Federal Public Defender Vacancy – The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut. The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. For announcement, please click here. For application, please click here. The current authorized annual salary is $195,200.
The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the District of Connecticut, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut has offices in Hartford and New Haven. The Federal Public Defender supervises a staff of assistant federal defenders, research and writing attorneys, investigators, paralegals, mitigation specialists, and support personnel.
The website for the office is: Office of the Public Defender District of Connecticut. Applicants must satisfy the following conditions: (1) be a member in good standing in the bar of the state in which the candidate is admitted to practice;
(2) have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants;
(3) possess the ability to effectively administer the office, including the following management areas:
Budget, procurement, and travel
Human resources
Space, facilities, and property;
(4) have a reputation for integrity; and
(5) demonstrate a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.
As the chief executive of the Office of the Federal Public Defender, the Federal Public Defender holds ultimate responsibility for the administration of the Office. The Office serves as a resource center for all practicing federal defense attorneys in the District, providing regularly scheduled training programs as well as advice and counsel when needed. The Federal Public Defender works nationally with other federal defenders on evolving issues in federal criminal law and other areas of shared concern.
The Second Circuit uses an open and competitive selection process. A Merit Selection Committee will review all applications and interview the most qualified candidates. With consideration of the District Court’s recommendation, the Committee will refer the best qualified candidate to the Court of Appeals for selection and appointment. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment. The Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law.
Application forms are posted on the Court’s website at http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov. Completed application packages must be in the format required by the Second Circuit and received no later than December 1, 2025.
NAPABA is proud to announce the 2025-26 Board of Governors, who will be sworn in during the 2025 NAPABA Convention in Denver.
Our NAPABA community thrives because of dedicated members who step into leadership roles across the organization. From the national Board of Governors to our affiliate leaders, substantive committees, affinity networks, and professional development programs, NAPABA’s impact is fueled by the vision, energy, and service of our volunteers.
We are grateful for all of our leaders and their commitment to advancing NAPABA’s mission and strengthening the AANHPI legal community.
If you are interested in serving and shaping the future of NAPABA, please contact Priya Purandare to learn more.
2025-26 NAPABA Board of Governors
Executive Committee
President – Joseph Yao, Retired
President-Elect – Jason DeJonker, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Treasurer – Arlene Yang, Center for Employment Opportunities
Secretary – Annette Kwok, Owens Corning
Immediate Past President – Thy Bui, Maynard Nexsen
Executive Director – Priya Purandare, Ex Officio, NAPABA
Regional Governors
Northeast – Alan Y. Wong, KabaFusion
Northwest – Eric de los Santos, Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.
Eastern California/Nevada – Glicel Sumagaysay, Law Office of Glicel Sumagaysay
Central California – Jason Liang, Liang Ly LLP
Northeast – Kathleen Chen, Johnson & Johnson
Northern California – Lisa Mak, Flynn Group
Southeast – Onchantho Am, University of Central Florida
Central – Phil Bautista, Taft Stettinius & Hollister
Southwest – Phil Kim, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton
Southern California – Tony Wang, O’Melveny & Myers LLP
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, AABANY hosted its 16th Annual Fall Conference, themed “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!” at New York Law School. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the school for hosting and supporting this gathering of the AAPI legal community. The day began with a buffet-style breakfast, during which attendees enjoyed coffee, pastries, bagels, and light bites, reconnecting with familiar faces and forming new connections.
Morning Sessions
From 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, participants attended one of three CLE panels:
At 12:30 PM, AABANY President Ben Hsing gave welcoming remarks to a packed Plenary Lunch Session, setting the stage for a live reenactment of the landmark cases Ozawa v. United States (1922) and United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind (1923). The reenactment dramatized two pivotal cases from the early 20th century in which the U.S. Supreme Court denied naturalization to two Asian immigrants—Takao Ozawa, a Japanese immigrant who argued that his light skin and cultural assimilation qualified him as “white,” and Bhagat Singh Thind, an Indian Sikh man who claimed to be Caucasian, citing Aryan ancestry, to assert eligibility for citizenship under the “free white person” requirement.
The emotional resonance of the performance was heightened by the fact that the judges in the reenactment were sitting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women judges from state and federal courts. In the original cases, the highest court in the land had defined Ozawa and Thind as racially “other,” excluding entire communities from the privilege of citizenship. A century later, to see a full panel of AAPI women judges presiding from the bench—occupying the very institutional role that had once excluded people like Ozawa and Thind—was profoundly moving. The visual and symbolic contrast between the historical rulings and the present-day makeup of the judiciary underscored how legal institutions can be both instruments of exclusion and, over time, sites of transformation.
The reenactment was followed by a fireside chat with Professor Rose Cuison-Villazor moderated by Albert Tong, Student Outreach Committee Chair, which unpacked the historical and contemporary significance of these rulings in shaping concepts of citizenship, race, and identity. For many attendees, the moment crystallized both how far the community has come and how history continues to shape present realities.
Diversity Career Fair (DCF): Building Bridges Between Talent & Opportunity Hosted by the Career Advancement Committee, the Diversity Career Fair (DCF) ran from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Employers from public, corporate, nonprofit, and legal services sectors hosted informational tables and, in some cases, first-round on-site interviews. Attendees engaged in meet-and-greets, exchanged resumes, and connected with recruiters and legal professionals. The DCF served as a vital platform for career exploration and networking within the AAPI legal community, allowing attendees ample opportunities to explore career openings by visiting employer tables and meeting with representatives from approximately 20 public and private sector organizations and companies. On-site interviews took place with 5 of the participating employers, and resumes were collected from around 11 of the participating employers.
The Trial Advocacy Program (TAP): Hands-On Training and Mentorship from Eminent Trial Lawyers
Returning to the Fall Conference this year, TAP (Trial Advocacy Program) gave junior attorneys structured, mentored experience in key trial advocacy skills, with lectures, demonstrations, and exercises in opening and closing statements, as well as direct and cross-examinations. Participants prepared ahead of time, based on a mock trial problem, to present opening statements and conduct direct and cross-examinations before a faculty of experienced trial lawyers in breakout rooms, and received individual feedback and coaching. The program concluded with powerhouse closing argument demonstrations by two distinguished trial lawyers, Hugh Mo and William Campos, that captivated the audience. For video of Hugh Mo’s closing statement for the defense, courtesy of Mo Law Firm, see here.
Afternoon Sessions: Community & Innovation in Practice
From 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, attendees had their selection of:
These sessions continued the balance between community impact and emerging legal trends.
Link-Up Reception: Cultivating Professional Connections
One of the highlights of the day was the Link-Up Reception designed to foster meaningful engagement between law firm attorneys and senior in-house counsel seeking external legal services. Open only to invited in-house counsel, Gold-level sponsors and above, and representatives from 2025 Annual Dinner and Winter Soiree sponsors, the Link-Up Reception was a benefit offered to higher-tier sponsors, giving them increased exposure and direct access to in-house decision-makers.
By offering a direct and selective networking opportunity in a concentrated timeframe, the Link-Up Reception helped to enhance business development possibilities and strategic connections for participating in-house and outside counsel.
Cocktail Receptionand Trailblazer Award Presentation
Following the Link-up reception, a general Cocktail Reception was held. The Cocktail Reception created a more open, celebratory atmosphere where attendees – including attorneys, law students, and pre-law students – could meet and mingle, after a full day of CLE and other programs. Attendees socialized, reflected, and strengthened connections over hors d’oeuvres and beverages. For many, the Cocktail Reception presented an excellent chance to connect with judges, seasoned practitioners, and peers in an informal setting — a space where mentorships may begin, collaborations were seeded, and the day’s theme of community and collective growth came to life in real time.
During the Reception, following remarks by AABANY President-Elect Varuna Bhattacharyya, Hon. Justice Jeffrey K. Oing, former Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department, introduced Justice Kim.
AABANY’s Executive Director Yang Chen then presented the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, honoring leadership, innovation, mentorship, and sustained community impact, to Hon. Judy H. Kim, Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County. In her acceptance speech, Justice Kim highlighted the importance of mentorship and community. She recounted a particularly memorable time when an intern wrote to her, “You have shown me into a world that I thought I would never be able to be part of, and the gift that you have given me is priceless.” These words left a deep impact on everyone, reminding us of the importance of mentorship in this competitive world. This celebration closed the conference on a note of recognition, gratitude, and community.
We extend deep thanks to:
More than 50 student volunteers from area law schools and colleges for providing wide-ranging support, including assisting with registration, logistics, and CLE sign-in and sign-out
Albert Tong, Chair of the Student Outreach Committee, for coordinating the volunteers before and during the Conference
Our sponsors, whose support made the Fall Conference and its educational, professional development, and networking opportunities possible
All moderators, panelists, program chairs, and above all, attendees, whose participation embodied the theme – “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!”
For more photos of the event, please visit the links below:
Thanks to our photographers, Jessie Zhou (AABANY legal intern), Tohir Hodjakulov, and Shiyun Zhang (student volunteers).
We hope the 2025 Fall Conference enriched your professional journey and strengthened the bonds within our AAPI legal community. Thank you for being part of this signature AABANY event — we look forward to seeing you at future programs!
