Author: Kiran Raval

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AABANY Congratulates Manisha M. Sheth on Receiving the 2024 NAPABA Women’s Leadership Award

AABANY congratulates Manisha M. Sheth, past Board Director and AABANY member and Partner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, for receiving NAPABA’s 2024 Women’s Leadership Award. The award is well-deserved, recognizing Manisha’s exceptional accomplishments as a lawyer and her leadership and advancement of women’s issues within the legal profession. Manisha’s work aligns with the values and mission of AABANY, making her an inspiring leader in the larger legal community. The award was presented at the 2024 NAPABA Convention in Seattle, Washington during Saturday night’s Gala on November 9.

When asked about how she maintains an environment of fairness and equality within the workplace, Manisha highlighted three fundamental tenets. First, the need for merit-based advancement: though some aspects of the legal profession are subjective, others are not, like number of hours worked and win percentage. She emphasized a “culture of openness and transparency … because if people know how they are being evaluated and how they compare against their peers, that transparency creates a culture of performance-based advancement.” Second, the importance of treating others with respect and kindness – a simple, yet deeply important practice. And third, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to stand out, particularly by hiring and retaining diverse individuals and by ensuring that cases are fairly distributed.

One of Manisha’s particularly formative experiences in her early career came during her tenure as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 2003 to 2008. Manisha prosecuted defendants facing both misdemeanor and felony crimes, remarking that she felt “most proud of” the cases in which the defendant was a person with an education and the means to succeed, yet instead chose to pursue criminal activities. Many of her cases involved victims and witnesses who were reluctant to testify so Manisha quickly had to learn to “read and understand the emotional side of people … [because] sometimes people are nervous to talk to you … [and] there is a reluctance to tell you what happened.” Manisha reflected that this skill of making people feel comfortable continues to help her to this day, and has become one of her most important abilities as an advocate for her clients.

Wanting to shift her focus to the “world of complex civil litigation,” Manisha decided to switch from the public to private sector, moving to Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP in New York City in 2008. At the firm, one of her most important cases was representing the Federal Housing and Finance Agency, in a historic public private partnership. She described the case as “the case of a lifetime,” working to obtain recovery against 16 of the world’s largest financial institutions due to their misrepresentations in the offering documents for Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) by over 400 RMBS trusts. Manisha served as lead or co-lead counsel on nine of those cases, formulating and developing the FHFA’s arguments and trial strategies. This was one of the most significant court actions taken by any federal regulator since the advent of the mortgage crisis, and the single largest set of actions ever filed by a governmental entity. All but one of the cases settled, and Manisha and her team won over $22 billion for the American tax payer. Manisha noted that the case was especially valuable because she had the opportunity to represent the federal government in private practice.

Manisha then returned to public service as Executive Deputy Attorney General for the Division of Economic Justice at the Office of the New York Attorney General (OAG). She was responsible for managing nearly 250 attorneys and staff in six affirmative litigation bureaus – Antitrust, Investor Protection, Internet & Technology, Taxpayer Protection, Consumer Frauds & Protection, and Real Estate Finance. Manisha explained that one of her primary and most rewarding responsibilities was to “identify and set the enforcement priorities” for the Division. She was also responsible for deciding whether to open an investigation, developing and implementing case strategies, and resolving cases by trial or settlement. She particularly enjoyed the position because she was able “to address problems facing New York residents,” and, under her leadership, in the year 2018 alone, the Division brought in nearly $1.4 billion in recoveries.

When Manisha decided to return to Quinn Emanuel in 2019, the Firm’s founder, John Quinn, asked her to create and lead the firm’s Sexual Harassment and Employment Discrimination practice, thereby becoming the first AmLaw 100 firm to have a plaintiff-side practice. She was also asked to lead the Firm’s Government & Regulatory Litigation Practice.  

One significant case that Manisha worked on as a leader of the Sexual Harassment and Employment Discrimination practice took place in 2020, where she represented two shareholders of L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret. After Manisha and her team read an expose in the New York Times, which revealed a culture of misogyny and toxicity at Victoria’s Secret, they served a books-and-records demand on L Brands, asking it to produce any documents relevant to the issue. When the company failed to adequately comply, Manisha, on behalf of her clients, filed a books-and-records action in the Delaware Chancery Court. L Brands quickly expressed interest in resolving the matter. She later reflected that “one of the most rewarding parts of the settlement was that the company agreed to extensive corporate reform.” This included revamping their sexual harassment reporting procedure, as well as an annual audit process for all employees and models. Manisha’s actions in this case had other unintended, yet positive results; she explained that though “the allegations were more about sexual harassment … [we revealed that] in the industry, models were homogenous … [consequently] there was a call for more diversity in the public image.” L Brands committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and using data metrics to ensure that those goals were met, creating a DEI Council and hiring an external DEI consultant.

Within Quinn Emanuel, Manisha has worked to retain and support diverse individuals by ensuring that they are staffed on her matters and by serving as a mentor to summer associates each year.  She has found Quinn Emanuel to be a very welcoming environment, particularly because of the Firm’s supportive leaders, saying, “The culture at Quinn is very casual and very collegial … people are always willing to help each other out … we have fun practicing together.”

Throughout her career, Manisha has also committed to strengthening and supporting the Asian American community. She served on the Board of AABANY from 2016-2019, and has attended various events as an active AABANY member. Manisha is also an active member of SABANY, previously serving on their Board of Directors from 2013 to 2015. 

Please join AABANY in congratulating Manisha on receiving the NAPABA Women’s Leadership Award. To learn more about the award, please click here.

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NAPABA Applauds the Confirmation of Sharad Desai to the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona

For Immediate Release:
Date: November 19, 2024		Contact:
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate confirmed Sharad Desai to the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. Mr. Desai is the first Asian American Article III judge to serve in the District of Arizona.

“NAPABA applauds the historic confirmation of Sharad Desai,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA. “An active member of the community and an advocate of diversity and inclusion, Mr. Desai brings experiential diversity as an in-house counsel to a District where the AANHPI population has grown over 50 percent over the last decade.”

Sharad H. Desai has been Vice President and General Counsel for Honeywell International’s Integrated Supply Chain and Information Technology divisions in Phoenix, Arizona, since 2023. He has worked in senior legal counsel roles at Honeywell since 2015. From 2007 to 2015, Mr. Desai worked as an attorney with the Phoenix law firm Osborn Maledon, P.A., first as an associate and later as a partner. He began his legal career as a law clerk for Justice Rebecca White Berch on the Arizona Supreme Court from 2006 to 2007. Mr. Desai received his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 2006 and his B.A. and B.S. from the University of Arizona in 2003.

“Nearly 20% of President Biden’s confirmed Article III judges are AANHPI,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Today, 40 AANHPI Article III judges have been confirmed during the Biden Administration, and 70 AANHPI active Article III judges are serving.”

NAPABA thanks President Biden for nominating and Senator Sinema and Senator Kelly for supporting Sharad Desai’s historic nomination.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 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 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 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.

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NAPABA Applauds the Confirmation of Amir H. Ali to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

For Immediate Release:
Date: November 19, 2024		Contact:
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate confirmed Amir H. Ali to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

“NAPABA congratulates Amir Ali on his confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA. “Mr. Ali is an experienced civil rights litigator known for building coalitions, setting multiple landmark precedents at the U.S. Supreme Court and appellate courts that transcend ideology. NAPABA is proud to have supported his nomination.”

Amir H. Ali served as President and Executive Director of the MacArthur Justice Center from 2021-24 and Director of the Criminal Justice Appellate Clinic at Harvard Law School since 2018. Previously, Mr. Ali worked in private practice as an associate at Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, DC, from 2013-17. He also served as a law clerk for Justice Marshall Rothstein on the Supreme Court of Canada from 2012-13 and Judge Raymond C. Fisher on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2011-12. Mr. Ali received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2011 and his B.S.E. from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, in 2008.

“In President Biden’s single term, he has tied the number of AANHPI judges confirmed under the five terms of Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Thirty-nine AANHPIs to Article III judges have been confirmed since 2021, and 69 AANHPI active Article III judges are serving.”

We thank President Biden for nominating and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton for recommending and supporting Mr. Ali’s nomination.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 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 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 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.

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NAPABA Applauds the Confirmation of Judge Mustafa Kasubhai to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon

For Immediate Release:
Date: November 19, 2024		Contact:
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate confirmed Judge Mustafa Kasubhai to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. Judge Kasubhai is the first Asian American Article III judge in the District and the first American Muslim to serve within the Ninth Circuit.

“NAPABA congratulates Judge Mustafa Kasubhai on his confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon,” said Thy Bui, President of NAPABA. “A 2018 NAPABA Trailblazer, Judge Kasubhai represents the best and brightest of our profession and membership.”

Judge Mustafa Kasubhai has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Oregon since 2018. Previously, Judge Kasubhai served as a Circuit Court Judge in Lane County, Oregon, from 2007 to 2018. Prior to his appointment to the state bench, Judge Kasubhai served on the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board from 2003 to 2007. From 1997 to 2003, Judge Kasubhai worked in three different private practice roles—as a solo practitioner, as a partner at Kasubhai & Sanchez, and as an associate at Rasmussen, Tyler & Mundorff. Judge Kasubhai received his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1996 and his B.S. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1992

“President Biden has nominated 42 AANHPIs to Article III courts, and 38 have been confirmed,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “We thank President Biden for nominating and Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley for supporting Judge Kasubhai’s historic nomination.”

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 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 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander 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.

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Thank You for Joining AABANY at our 15th Annual Fall Conference: “Building a Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future”

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, AABANY hosted its 15th Annual Fall Conference, “Building a Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future,” at Fordham University of Law. The Conference was co-sponsored by Fordham Law School’s Center on Asian Americans and the Law, and AABANY greatly appreciates Fordham’s support of this event.

The conference began with a buffet-style breakfast. Attendees chatted over pastries, coffee, bagels, and other assorted breakfast items, reconnecting with colleagues, while also introducing themselves to unfamiliar faces. 

The first part of the morning programs began at 9:00am and ran until 10:30am, presenting upon a diversity of topics, including: 

This year’s conference theme was “Building a Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future,” and the morning programs explored this topic in great detail. “Problem-Solving Courts and Person-Centered Justice,” for example, discussed the emergence and proliferation of problem-solving courts within the New York judiciary, their impacts on recidivism, and the judiciary’s vision to further expand the breadth of problem-solving courts within New York. Another program, “Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession: Transforming Practices and Future Trends,” considered the impact of AI and Generative AI on the legal profession. By promoting innovation, adaptability, and responsible use of AI, the program sought to foster a forward-thinking legal community.

After a 15 minute break, the second part of the morning programs, scheduled between 10:45am and 12:15pm, commenced, exploring the following topics:

The third and final installation of AABANY’s “Pathways to the Bench” series, coordinated by the Young Lawyers Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Government Service and Public Interest Committee, was also held during the latter half of the morning session. While the first two segments of the series had focused on showing how someone can become a federal clerk or state court attorney and explaining the nuances of landing on the bench, this capstone program, titled “Pathways to the Bench: Steps to the Federal Judiciary,” centered around four AAPI judges, who each shared their particular pathways to the bench, hoping to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and to give them the tools to do so.

To see photos from the morning session please click here.

Opening at 10:30am, the Fall Conference offered its annual Diversity Career Fair, organized by the Career Advancement Committee, featuring public sector, corporate, and law firm employers, each hosting informational sessions, meet-and-greets, and more. Participating employers included the Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C., the Office of the New York State Attorney General, Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and several District Attorneys’ offices. Employers and prospective employees conversed extensively, exchanging questions and learning more about one another. Some employers also collected resumes and conducted on-site first round interviews, allowing candidates to express their interest in working for participating employers. To see photos from the Diversity Career Fair, please click here.

Throughout the day, AABANY also hosted Link-Up Sessions, organized by the In-House Counsel Committee and Corporate Law Committee, which provided an opportunity for participants to engage in live meetings with in-house counsel who had indicated a current or future need for outside legal services. Applicants were pre-screened by in-house counsel based on their needs, and selected participants were then invited to join one or more Link-Up Sessions at the Fall Conference. These sessions facilitated connections between corporate law firm attorneys and in-house counsel.

After the morning programs concluded, attendees grabbed lunch boxes and headed to the Costantino Room, where the Plenary Lunch Session began at 12:30pm. The program, titled “Organizing to be Heard: The Importance of Redistricting and Coalition Building in the NYC Asian American Community,” featured five speakers: 

  • Hon. Marilyn D. Go (Ret.), Commissioner, New York City Districting Commission
  • Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Assemblymember, New York State Assembly
  • Elizabeth R. OuYang, Coordinator, APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force
  • Grace Pyun, Acting Executive Director and General Counsel, New York City Districting Commission
  • John Park, Executive Director, MinKwon Center

Vishal Chander, Managing Attorney, the Chander Law Firm PC, moderated this timely and important discussion.

Attendees listened attentively as the panelists discussed the impacts of congressional, state, and local district lines on communities, ranging from their influence on election results to the distribution of government funds. They then discussed the 2020 Redistricting Cycle and how it brought into attention the importance of redistricting due to the significant growth of Asians in New York, laying out the legal framework of districting and the impacts of voting rights laws on redistricting. Being that many of the panelists played influential roles within the 2020 Redistricting Cycle, they also shared personal anecdotes and experiences from that time. With preparations for the 2030 Redistricting Cycle beginning soon, the speakers emphasized the importance of continuing to educate the community on this topic and how the AAPI community can be heard in that process. To see photos from the Plenary Lunch Session, please click here.

The afternoon session began at 2:30pm, running in two segments. The first segment went from 2:30pm to 4pm and included the following programs: 

The second segment then took place from 4:15pm to 5:45pm, including the following programs:

Topics covered included diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession, how to interview clients, and how to understand implicit biases in the workplace. These programs exemplified the diversity of discourse that the Fall Conference sought to facilitate, providing crucial insights and exposing attendees to a broad range of ideas and perspectives. To see photos from the afternoon session, please click here.

After a packed day of learning, the Fall Conference concluded with a Cocktail Reception, sponsored by Falconeri, held in the Soden Lounge and Bateman Room. Attendees networked with one another, connecting over drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

During the Cocktail Reception, AABANY honored Hugh H. Mo with the 2024 Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, bestowed annually to “an individual who has carved a path for others to follow, served the community as a mentor and role model, and made a lasting impact on the AAPI community through his or her dedication and commitment.” Hugh H. Mo, Founder and Principal of Mo Law and a co-founder of AABANY, perfectly exemplifies the award’s mission, having been a leader in the AAPI community and legal profession for nearly five decades. To read the full press release about Mr. Mo receiving this honor, please click here.

To see photos from the Cocktail Reception, go here and here.

AABANY thanks several groups for making the Fall Conference possible. First, we would like to thank the approximately 40 student volunteers who ensured that the CLE programs ran smoothly and without delay. They hailed from schools all across New York City and the northeast region, including:

  • Brooklyn Law School
  • Cardozo School of Law
  • Columbia Law School
  • CUNY School of Law
  • Fordham College at Lincoln Center
  • Fordham School of Law 
  • Hunter College
  • New York Law School
  • Northern Highlands Regional High School
  • Rutgers Law School
  • Seton Hall Law School
  • St. John’s University School of Law
  • Syracuse University College of Law
  • Tufts University

The volunteers assisted with registration, handled inquiries, and checked-in and checked-out attendees for CLE credits. Their support was instrumental in making the Fall Conference a success, and AABANY extends our heartfelt appreciation. We also thank Catherine Tran and Joon Choe, co-chairs of the Student Outreach Committee, for their efforts in recruiting and coordinating these volunteers.

AABANY also thanks our generous sponsors, without whom the Fall Conference would not have been possible:

  • Falconeri (Cocktail Reception Sponsor)
  • Broadridge Financial Solutions (Elite Sponsor)
  • Jackson Lewis PC (Elite Sponsor)
  • Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP (Gold Sponsor)
  • The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C. (Gold Sponsor)
  • Anytime AI (Silver Sponsor)
  • Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Silver Sponsor)
  • Cooley LLP (Silver Sponsor)
  • Fish & Richardson P.C. (Silver Sponsor)
  • Milbank LLP (Silver Sponsor)
  • Anderson & Associates Law, P.C. (Bronze Sponsor)
  • Roundblock (Bronze Sponsor)
  • Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC (Bronze Sponsor)
  • Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati (Bronze Sponsor)

To see some photos of our sponsors, go here.

We would also like to acknowledge our 2024 Annual Dinner Sponsors for their generous year-round support of AABANY. In particular, we would like to recognize Broadridge Financial Solutions, our Diamond Sponsor, and Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, our General Counsel Reception Sponsor. For a full list of the 2024 Annual Dinner Sponsors, please click here. Thanks again for your continued support and commitment to AABANY; it empowers us to fulfill our mission and produce events like the Fall Conference.

Furthermore, AABANY thanks all of our esteemed moderators and panelists for their time and participation in this year’s Fall Conference. We also extend our gratitude to the Program Chairs for organizing such an excellent lineup of programs. And, finally, we sincerely appreciate all the attendees for making this such a special and enlightening experience for the entire AABANY community. We hope to see you at upcoming AABANY events. 

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Student Outreach and Corporate Law Committees Host “Navigating OCI with Corporate Attorneys” Panel

On October 28, 2024, the Student Outreach Committee and Corporate Law Committee hosted a panel discussion titled “Navigating OCI with Corporate Attorneys” at Paul Hastings LLP. The event was designed to equip students with practical advice on navigating the On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) process, featuring insights from seasoned corporate attorneys and law firm partners. 

Moderators Joon Choe (Andersen Tax LLC) and Cat Tran (Columbia Law School ‘25) facilitated a dynamic conversation with panelists Kevin Lam (Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP), Tracy Feng (Partner, Paul Hastings LLP), Gordon Mak (Partner, Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP), and Kyle Zhu (Senior Associate, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP). The discussion covered a range of topics critical to students preparing for OCI. 

The discussion began with panelists sharing what drew them to their practice areas and how their experiences at their firms shaped their careers. They emphasized the importance of exploring different practice areas early on and encouraged students to stay curious. When selecting a law firm, panelists advised considering factors like firm culture, mentorship, and growth opportunities. They suggested attending firm receptions and informational interviews to gain a better sense of each firm’s environment.

As OCI timelines have accelerated in recent years, the panelists recommended that students prepare in advance by updating resumes and starting to network early. They emphasized the importance of proactive engagement, advising candidates to build relationships with attorneys and mentors. To stand out in applications, the panelists suggested tailoring resumes and cover letters to highlight unique experiences and interest in certain law firms. 

Networking and interviewing were other key areas of focus. Panelists shared tips on building authentic connections, suggesting students follow up after events with personalized emails. For virtual interviews, they highlighted the importance of a professional setup and preparing thoughtful questions to ask interviewers. On diversity and inclusion, panelists recommended asking specific questions about firms’ D&I initiatives to gauge their commitment. The event ended with a Q&A session on international work opportunities and networking strategies, followed by a networking reception for further conversation and opportunities for attendees to connect with the panelists and each other.

We hope this event provided attendees with the tools and confidence to navigate the legal recruiting landscape. Thank you again to Paul Hastings LLP for their partnership, our panelists for their insights, and to all who attended, for making the evening a success.

To learn more about the Corporate Law Committee, please click here. To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee, please click here.

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AABANY Military & Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Amos Kim Honors Veterans on Veterans Day

The following is a message from Amos Kim, Chair of AABANY’s Military & Veterans Affairs Committee:

I wanted to take a moment to wish every Veteran a Happy Veterans Day. Thank you to all those that served this great nation and its people.

My family came to this country in the early 80’s, making me the first American-born person in my family. I was also the first to attend college, and of course, law school. We weren’t financially secure by any means, but, through the GI Bill, I was able to attend law school. Although my finances were taken care of in law school, it was through AABANY and KALAGNY that I was able to navigate my way to the firm I work for today. I share my background to emphasize that I didn’t initially join the U.S. Navy and serve for 8 years on submarines simply as a service to this country. Instead, I enlisted to better myself and serve my family. Through my experiences, however, I grew to understand that I served a larger purpose, one that not only served my family, but all those who came to this country with hopes and a vision for a brighter future.

Because of my initial reason for joining the military, I have often felt awkward or uncomfortable hearing someone thank me for my service to this nation. I now can say that this is no longer the case; I’ve learned that although my primary reasons for joining the Navy may have been personal and self-serving, the act of serving is only carried out by a small percentage of this country’s population. Moreover, although I didn’t see any combat because of my position as a nuclear power plant supervisor on submarines, my experiences while there (both the good and the ugly) have stayed with me to this day. Now, my family and, to a certain extent, my firm, have supported me as I cope with my military experiences today. I’m sure it is more likely than not that the military experience of each veteran has also stayed with them in one way or another.

Therefore again, I would like to thank each veteran for their service, regardless of their reason for joining in the first place, because the act of serving one’s country is honorable in and of itself. I hope everyone takes the time to care for one another and hear each other’s stories, so that we and this country do not forget the sacrifices that veterans have made.

Lastly, I’d like to announce a fun event in honor of Veterans Day. We are holding a Paintball event in Brooklyn on November 23 at 11AM. To register, visit the KALAGNY website by clicking here: https://kalagny.org/event-5932955. Attending events like these supports us immensely, so please consider coming out and having a fun time.

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AABANY Co-Sponsors 17th Annual Caren Aronowitz Unity in Diversity Program

On September 27, 2024, AABANY co-sponsored the 17th Annual Caren Aronowitz Unity in Diversity Program, held in the Rotunda of the New York County Courthouse, celebrating the importance of diversity within the legal profession. Bar associations from all across New York were in attendance, including AABANY, the Brehon Law Society, the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York, the Iranian American Bar Association, and the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association. In total, 25 bar associations were represented, with each bringing their own unique food selections for the public to enjoy, ranging from pizza and pasta to empanadas and sushi.

The program began with a loud and lively musical performance by the New York State Courts’ Pipes and Drums Band. Attendees responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause.

Afterwards, Hon. Adam Silvera, Deputy Chief Judge for the New York City Courts, spoke, sharing a brief background of the event and its purpose. He explained that this was the first time the event had been held since the COVID pandemic, making it especially important. Hon Deborah A. Kaplan, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts, also spoke, describing the event’s dedication to the late Caren Aronowitz, a beloved court employee who was instrumental in organizing many of the courthouse’s events.

The main part of the event then began. Hundreds of members of the public walked around the Rotunda, visiting each bar association’s respective table, enjoying the prepared foods. AABANY brought over a hundred banh mi sandwiches, with five different variations: beef lemongrass, curry chicken, a house special, lemongrass tofu, and pate supreme. By the end, all of the sandwiches were gone!

Thanks to the following groups for organizing this event: the Gender Fairness Committee, Supreme Court, Civil Branch, New York County; the Equal Justice Diversity Equity, and Inclusion Committee; the Cultural Diversity Sub Committee; and the New York County Clerk’s Office. Thanks to everyone who attended to make this event such a great success.

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Call for Volunteers: Thomas Tang Moot Court Nationals in Seattle, WA, November 8-9

The national Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, an appellate advocacy competition sponsored by the NAPABA Law Foundation, takes place every year at the NAPABA Convention. The event will be held in-person on November 8, 2024 (Friday) and November 9, 2024 (Saturday) in downtown Seattle, WA near the Hyatt Regency. For more information on the event, please click here.

The event’s Planning Committee is currently seeking volunteers. Specifically, the Committee is looking for judges (either current or previous judges on the bench or veteran attorneys of over 6+ years of practice) and volunteer bailiffs. The timeslots run on Friday, November 8 from 9:00am to 4:00pm in 1.5 hour increments, and on Saturday, November 9 from 8:30AM to 9:50AM and 11:05AM to 12:20 PM.

To sign up to be a judge, please click here.

To sign up to be a bailiff, please click here.

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2024-25 Board of Governors: Officer & Director Elections Results

NAPABA is committed to having a governing board that reflects the diverse AANHPI 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.

The following individuals were elected by the NAPABA membership to serve on the 2024-25 NAPABA Board of Governors. Join us in welcoming these leaders.


Joseph Yao
President-Elect
Jason DeJonker
Secretary

Arlene Yang
Treasurer
Alen Hsu
Director
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