On December 17, 2024, the AABANY Intellectual Property (IP) Committee held its final dinner of the year at Dhaba Indian Cuisine, a cozy spot perfect for a cold winter evening. Members, both new and returning, gathered to enjoy flavorful and spicy dishes, while sharing career updates and holiday plans. The Committee was also happy to welcome a guest from out of town.
The dinner provided an excellent opportunity for members to connect, reflect on the past year, and look forward to the opportunities that 2025 holds.
The IP Committee is excited to continue its dinner series in the new year, creating additional chances for members to network, learn from each other, and engage with professionals in the IP community.
A big thank you to everyone who attended! The IP Committee always welcomes new members to join our growing and dynamic community.
To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, visit the IP Committee’s page on the AABANY website.
The Prosecutors Committee of AABANY (Asian American Bar Association of New York) hosted its 16th Anniversary Reception on November 13, 2024, at the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department (27 Madison Avenue, Manhattan) from 5:30 to 9:00 PM. The Prosecutors Committee, founded in 2008, aims to support the advancement and professional development of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) prosecutors, to build a network between current and former APIDA prosecutors, recruit APIDA law students into the field, and create trust and communication between the APIDA community and local prosecutors’ offices. Bridget G. Brennan, Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding public service, commitment to diversity, and staunch support of the Prosecutors Committee since its inception in 2008.
The Committee, co-chaired by Kin Ng and Diana Wang, represents a community that includes over 100 APIDA prosecutors currently serving in New York. The AABANY Prosecutors Committee’s growing membership is comprised of prosecutors of APIDA heritage from all five New York City District Attorney’s Offices and Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, as well as Assistant Attorney Generals from the New York State Attorney General’s Office, and federal prosecutors from the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
Photo by Laura BadgerPhoto by Laura Badger
Around 150 attendees, including members of the Prosecutors Committee, District Attorney Executives, state and federal judges, and community leaders, filled the Appellate Division courthouse to capacity for this celebratory event. The evening featured distinguished guests who delivered heartfelt congratulatory remarks to Ms. Brennan, who was appointed as New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor in 1998 and is the first woman to hold that position.
Ms. Brennan oversees a staff of 200 lawyers, investigators, and professional personnel for an office that prosecutes serious narcotics offenses and related crime throughout New York City’s five boroughs. Ms. Brennan has been an Assistant District Attorney since 1983, when she joined the New York County District Attorney’s Office. During her tenure there, she was designated both a homicide and sex crimes prosecutor. She became a deputy chief in a financial crimes bureau before joining the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office in 1992. She first served as chief of the highly regarded Special Investigations Bureau, overseeing some of the nation’s most significant narcotics investigations, then as Chief Assistant from 1995 to 1997. Before her legal career, Ms. Brennan was a print, radio, and television reporter in her native Wisconsin, where she graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School with a Juris Doctor degree. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin.
The evening’s event, held in the stunning landmarked courtroom with its iconic stained-glass dome, began with welcome remarks from Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department. Like Ms. Brennan, Justice Renwick is herself a trailblazer, as the first woman of color to serve as Presiding Justice of any Appellate Division in New York State, and only the second woman to lead the First Department since its creation in 1894.
Thereafter, the speakers honoring Ms. Brennan included the following representatives from local prosecutors’ offices:
Hon. Michael E. McMahon, Richmond County District Attorney
Bronx County DA’s Office, Chief Assistant Derek Lynton
Kings County DA’s Office, Chief Assistant Nancy Hoppock
New York County DA’s Office, Chief Assistant Meg Reiss
Nassau County DA’s Office, Executive ADA Brian Lee
Queens County DA’s Office, Bureau Chief Rosemary Chao
Suffolk County DA’s Office, Bureau Chief Lucie Kwon
Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office, ADA Anju Malhotra, who introduced Ms. Brennan
AABANY thanks Prosecutors Committee Co-Chairs Kin Ng and Diana Wang, as well as Vice-Chairs Grace Vee, Sabeeha Madni and Chanterelle Sung, for organizing this memorable event. AABANY also thanks Justice Renwick and the Appellate Division, First Department, for providing the beautiful courthouse for this special celebration.
AABANY congratulates Hon. Shahabuddeen A. Ally on his recent appointment as Administrative Judge of the New York City Civil Court, overseeing operations across all five boroughs. This important role highlights Judge Ally’s dedication to justice, fairness, and his strong leadership within New York’s legal community. AABANY is proud to count such an illustrious jurist among our membership.
Appointed by Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, Judge Ally brings extensive experience and a fresh perspective to the position. As the first person of South Asian descent and the first Muslim male to serve in this role, his appointment is a significant step forward in promoting diversity within the judicial system. His appointment takes effect on Jan. 2, 2025.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Judge Ally shared: “Serving as the court’s Administrative Judge, with the opportunity to guide it in its mission to meet the peoples’ needs, is truly an honor and a privilege.”
To read the full article in the New York Law Journal, click here.
On December 4th, volunteers had the opportunity to participate in AABANY’s Pro Bono Legal Clinic in Queens, hosted by the Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE). The clinic was organized by AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee, with a dedicated team of attorney and non-attorney volunteers providing free thirty-minute legal consultations to members of the community facing various legal challenges.
The volunteers met with 11 clients, answering questions related to housing, torts, and contracts. One key issue that came up frequently was unreasonable rent increases. As New York continues to grow more expensive, attorneys volunteering at our clinics would be well-served with some basic knowledge to protect tenants’ rights.
Under the Good Cause Eviction law, tenants in covered housing are protected against unreasonable rent increases that exceed the local rent standard. The local rent standard is determined annually based on the inflation rate in the area, plus 5%, with a maximum cap of 10%. As of May 1, 2024, the local rent standard for the New York City area is 8.82%, which means any rent increase over this percentage may be considered unreasonable by the court, provided it occurred after April 20, 2024. See here: https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/good-cause-eviction.page.
Landlords may provide justification for higher rent increases, such as significant repairs or increased property taxes, but the final decision rests with the court. Pro Bono Clinic attorneys encourage all tenants to open their mail and file an answer in court to protect their rights.
Clients expressed gratitude for the assistance, including the following comments:
“Extremely grateful. Appreciative of your supported services. Helped me decide on many of my bigger problems.”
“Attorney Yeung’s attitude was superb – he provided translation and advice.”
Thank you again to our volunteers:
Volunteer Attorneys
Beatrice Leong
Gary Yeung
Johnny Thach
Kevin Hsi
Lina Lee
Jack Chen
May Wong
Richard In
Interpreters & Shadowers
Eugene Seong
Xiaocen Zhang
Xuxia Zhao
Please come back and join us at our upcoming clinics:
December 18, 2024, from 6:30 – 8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002, sign up here (please register by 12pm, 12/16/2024)
January 11, 2025, from 12:00 – 2:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232, sign up here (please register by 12pm, 01/08/2025)
January 15, 2025, from 6:30 – 8:00pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002, sign up here (please register by 12pm, 01/13/2025)
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this blog post should be deemed to be legal advice. Do not take any action or refrain from any action in reliance on anything contained in this blog post.
On November 9, 2024, the final session of AABANY’s self-defense series took place at the New York Wu Tang Chinese Martial Arts Institute in Flushing. These classes, held on October 26, November 2, and November 9, brought families and community members together to learn essential self-defense skills, completely free of charge for all attendees. The three sessions covered striking, kicking, escapes from holds and grabs, general awareness, and the legal ramifications of using force for self-defense or defense of others. The workshops were open to everyone, with the flexibility to attend any or all classes on a drop-in basis. The classes, led by David Chiang, a master of martial arts with over 30 years of experience, was a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, preparation, and the ability to act decisively. David is not just a Kung Fu master, but also a veteran prosecutor with 23 years of experience, a unique combination that shaped his approach to self-defense as both a physical and a legal discipline.
For many Asian Americans, especially after the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes during the pandemic, safety in public spaces has become a real concern. This workshop, like the two that preceded it, did more than just teach physical techniques like striking, kicking, and escaping from holds; it also challenged participants to rethink how we approach safety in our daily lives.
David emphasized that the easiest and safest way to protect ourselves is to avoid dangerous situations entirely. “To avoid,” he said, “you must be AWARE.” Avoidance isn’t passive, it’s proactive. It starts with paying attention to your surroundings:
Look in all directions
Observe people’s faces for signs of aggression or hate
Don’t get lost in your phone or look down on the ground
Danger is rarely a surprise. Often, the signs are there: individuals talking to themselves, yelling, or behaving erratically. Groups of rowdy people or someone holding a hidden object can signal potential threats. Recognizing these early signs gives the time needed to act. Whether it’s crossing the street, entering a public space for safety, or calling for help, taking steps early can mean the difference between safety and harm.
Photo courtesy of David Chiang
David guided participants through role-playing hypotheticals to simulate potential threats. From subway confrontations to avoiding aggressive groups, these drills helped participants gain confidence in handling worst-case scenarios. He demonstrated what to do if someone pulls a knife, attempts to push someone onto train tracks, or grabs a person from behind. The exercises were about creating distance and making decisive moves to protect oneself and others.
David addressed the misunderstandings that can arise from cultural differences. In Mandarin, the word “nei-ge” (那个)—a common filler word similar to “um” in English can sound like a racial slur to those unfamiliar with the language. This example shows the importance of cultural education and mutual respect.
Photo courtesy of David Chiang
The stereotype captured by the hashtag, #AsiansDontHitBack, gained traction during the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it originally suggested that Asians are passive or non-confrontational, it has since become a call to fight back. Participants were encouraged to reject this stereotype by focusing on being prepared, confident, and ready to act to protect themselves and their communities.
The AABANY self-defense series presented a holistic approach to safety. Participants left with a stronger sense of self-awareness and practical tools to avoid danger. With the rise of hate crimes targeting vulnerable populations, workshops like this are essential. They remind us all that safety is not just a personal responsibility but a collective one. Another set of self-defense classes will be held in the spring. Stay tuned for updates and be sure to join this empowering series!
AABANY extends its deepest gratitude to David Chiang for his dedication to teaching self-defense and empowering the community. His unique expertise as both a martial artist and attorney provided participants with invaluable insights into safety and preparedness. AABANY acknowledges The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) for their generous grant, which made workshops like the three-part Self-Defense Series possible, enabling us to offer them free of charge to the community.
For more information about AABANY and AALFNY’s collaborative efforts to combat anti-Asian hate, including initiatives like the self-defense workshop series, readers are encouraged to review the Turning the Tide brochure, available on the AABANY homepage. Through awareness, education, and collective action, our efforts aim to create safer and stronger communities.
The Paralegal Pathways Initiative (PPI) at Columbia Law School is a 12-week training program designed to support formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition into meaningful careers within the legal field. Through skills-based legal training and professional mentorship, PPI empowers participants to develop valuable career and interview skills. Applications are now open for the upcoming Spring 2025 class, and PPI wants to extend this opportunity to as many potential applicants as possible.
Application Requirements: Interested individuals should submit an application online through this link. The application package includes:
Resume
Personal statement (500 words)
Response to a writing prompt (350-450 words)
Two references
[Optional] Additional materials/information
PPI encourages applications from individuals from marginalized communities, including those based on race, sexual orientation, religion, age, gender, or disability.
Eligibility Criteria:
18 years old or older
Ability to commute to New York City
Have been formerly incarcerated and at least one year post-release
Demonstrate a genuine interest in the legal field
Commit to attending an in-person two-hour class one night a week for 12 weeks, and additional programming and workshops
Commit to contributing to a collaborative learning environment
Complete an interview
Application Deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024
Contact Information: For more information, contact the PPI team at [email protected] or follow @paralegalpathways_cls on Instagram. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in applying.
On October 15, AABANY held the 5th installment of its Dumpling & Discussion Series. The series brings notable AAPI leaders in the legal industry, with a fireside chat in a casual, intimate setting.
We were honored to have David S. Sohn as our featured guest. David is Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase & Co. David is also a current co-chair of AABANY’s In-House Committee, and formerly an AABANY Director and Vice-President of Programs & Operations, among other leadership positions at AABANY.
Jeffrey Mok, current co-Vice-President of Programs & Operations, hosted the discussion. David shared candid thoughts about his career journey, including his path to law school and his transition between different industries. David also shared his insights on leadership and offered tips for lawyers who are early in their careers.
Attendees enjoyed a wide selection of delicious dumplings and other Chinese food.
A lively reception followed the discussion with David, and attendees made new connections with each other over food and drinks.
Check the AABANY calendar for future editions of the Dumplings & Discussion Series.
The Honorable Dora L. Irizarry, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, is accepting applications for Spring 2025 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.
• Must be vaccinated fully against COVID-19 (including a booster shot).
Interested law students should forward their application package in PDF format as a single document via email to [email protected].
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 November 25, 2024.
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.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Judge Irizarry’s chambers at 718-613-2150.
With only a week remaining in this high-stakes election season, now is the time to ensure our communities are heard and empowered. The NAPABA Policy Team is sharing the following source to support you in making a lasting impact in these final days.
Join the APIAVote multilingual hotline initiative as a volunteer! NAPABA has partnered with Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) to offer our AANHPI communities a hotline providing vital voter information in multiple languages. This is a non-partisan, multilingual informational hotline designed to help members of our community find polling places, understand how to register to vote, and ensure they have timely and factual information needed to get to the polls.
APIAVote needs persons fluent in Bengali/Bangla, Cantonese, Hindi, Punjabi, Tagalog, Urdu and has a specific urgent need for persons fluent in Korean, Mandarin, and Vietnamese!
Here is what you can expect as a volunteer:
Provide live, remote assistance from Monday, October 7th leading up to Election Day on Tuesday, November 5th!
Return calls to voters who left voicemails asking for voter assistance
Be supported every step of the way by the co-captains of APIA Vote’s Hotline: Jean Ger, Zaria Guignard, Mike Messina, Hannah Locop, and Yu Jing Chen
Hotline captains will be online and available to assist every day
No prior experience is required – all training will be provided via Zoom throughout the election cycle.
This election season is one of the most significant in recent history, and your involvement is crucial. Sign up to volunteer here! After registering, you’ll have access to on-demand training and a community of dedicated leaders ready to assist every step of the way.
For additional resources, including volunteer opportunities and voting information, visit NAPABA’s 2024 Voting Hub.
Thank you for your commitment to empowering the AANHPI community. Your voice and leadership help shape a more inclusive, informed future. Let’s make this final week count.
On July 22, the IP Committee met for a tasty Thai dinner at Charoen Krung in Manhattan. Attendees enjoyed a wide variety of classic Thai dishes. The dinner welcomed many new faces into the community, from law students to interns, to experienced private practice and in-house attorneys. Attendees shared about how they were spending their summers, as well as about projects they were tackling at work. The dinner ended with delicious Thai desserts including mango sticky rice.
Thank you to everyone who joined! The IP Committee always welcomes new members to its events!
To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, go here.
