Author: Lucy Jung

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AABANY Member Siyan (Joane) Wong Debuts “Mother Warriors” Solo Exhibition at Equity Gallery

The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) congratulates member and past Labor & Employment Law Committee Co-Chair Siyan (Joane) Wong on her first solo exhibition, Mother Warriors, on view at Equity Gallery in New York City from March 12 through April 11, 2026. An opening reception was held on March 12 from 6-8 p.m., with an artist talk scheduled for March 21. The exhibition features a series of paintings portraying the lives and labor of immigrant Chinese women.

Wong, a first-generation Chinese immigrant and self-taught artist, draws inspiration from the everyday experiences of immigrant workers, including those in garment factories, restaurants, homecare, and street vending. Through richly patterned compositions and expressive figures, her work seeks to make visible the resilience, dignity, and humanity of working-class Chinese women navigating life in the United States.

In addition to her artistic practice, Wong previously worked as a workers’ rights lawyer and recently transitioned to focus on painting full-time. Her exhibition also highlights community engagement: accompanying gallery spaces feature works by contemporary artists exploring themes of migration and labor, as well as contributions from local high school students reflecting on the immigrant experience.

AABANY is proud to celebrate her artistic achievements and continued commitment to amplifying the voices and stories of immigrant communities.

For more information about the exhibition, please read the full press release here.

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NAPABA to Host Webinar Previewing Supreme Court Case on Birthright Citizenship

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) will host a webinar titled “SCOTUS Oral Argument Preview: Who is Allowed to be a U.S. Citizen? Defending Birthright Citizenship and the Role of Asian American History” on Thursday, March 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

The program will preview the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments in Trump v. Barbara, a case addressing the scope of birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment. On April 1, 2026, the Court is scheduled to hear arguments concerning Executive Order 14160, which declared that only children born to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents would automatically receive citizenship at birth. The executive order immediately faced legal challenges across the country.

NAPABA joined a broad coalition of bar associations in filing amicus briefs opposing the order. The March 26 webinar will discuss NAPABA’s role in defending birthright citizenship in the lower federal courts and before the Supreme Court, as well as the broader legal and historical context surrounding the issue.

The panel will feature Professor Beth Lew-Williams, Director of the Program in Asian American Studies and Professor of History at Princeton University. Professor Lew-Williams is the author of The Chinese Must Go: Violence, Exclusion, and the Making of the Alien in America (Harvard University Press, 2018), a widely acclaimed work examining the history of anti-Chinese violence and exclusion in the United States.

Also joining the discussion is Wendy M. Feng, Counsel at Seyfarth Shaw LLP and lead outside counsel for the legal team representing NAPABA in the litigation. The program will be moderated by Edgar Chen, NAPABA Special Policy Advisor.

Together, the panelists will examine the legal arguments in Trump v. Barbara, the historical foundations of birthright citizenship, and the role Asian American legal history plays in shaping contemporary constitutional debates.

Registration for the webinar is free and open to the public. Click here to learn more and register for the event.

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Invitation to Volunteer for Virtual ABA National Client Counseling Competition

The ABA Law Student Division invites you to serve as a volunteer client for the virtual 2025-2026 Client Counseling Competition National Finals on March 20-21, 2026, held via Zoom!

We are currently seeking volunteers to participate as clients in the National Client Counseling Competition. Volunteers will receive a short client script and a short orientation to help prepare for the round. Each client will also be provided with a packet that includes instructions for participants, the consultation scenario, and a detailed confidential memorandum outlining the client’s background and concerns.

Register Here

Competition Schedule:

Friday, March 20
Preliminary Round 1: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Preliminary Round 2: 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 21
Semifinal Round: 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Volunteers like you make our competitions a foundational experience for law students honing their real-world skills.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

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Solo and Small Firm Practice & Prosecutors Committees Host a Book Reading and Discussion of Strangers in the Land with Author Michael Luo

On March 2, 2026, AABANY’s Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee and Prosecutors Committee hosted a book reading and discussion featuring Strangers in the Land, the critically acclaimed 2025 book by Michael Luo, Executive Editor at The New Yorker. The event was moderated by the Honorable Marilyn Go (Ret.), the first Asian American woman to serve as a federal judge in the United States, and was hosted by Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP.

During the event, Luo shared stories from his book, tracing various aspects of Chinese and Chinese-American history from the Gold Rush era to the rise in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. One story described an early Chinese immigrant who came to America after attending a missionary school in China, where the head of the school invited students to accompany him back to the United States. The individual later faced the harsh effects of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which barred Chinese immigrants from naturalization, and his citizenship was revoked. Despite these barriers, he managed to reenter the United States and even attempted to volunteer for the Union Army during the Civil War, though he was turned away.

Reflecting on the broader themes of the book, Luo noted, “This question of who gets to be an American is one that is going on right now – who belongs in America. I don’t know what it would take for this representation to reach that tipping point.”

During the audience Q&A, attendees raised questions about the absence of Asian American history in mainstream education and discussed how recent anti-Asian hate and geopolitical tensions continue to shape perceptions of Asian Americans today, focusing on how the People’s Republic of China is an increasingly powerful country and enemy to the United States. Luo shared similar concerns, highlighting how the history recounted in his book was during a period of weakness for China and that the historical developments are likely to impact the law dealing with the social issues raised by the audience.

We thank Michael Luo for sharing his work and insights, and the Honorable Marilyn Go (Ret.) for moderating the discussion. Please visit AABANY’s website for more upcoming events like this one, such as AABANY’s first book club meeting on March 19, 2026.  To learn more about the Solo & Small Firms Practice Committee click here.  To learn more about the Prosecutors Committee, click here.

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AABANY Co-Sponsors Community Screening of “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” Documentary at Philippine Consulate

On February 25, 2026, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), together with the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA), and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA NY), joined the Philippine Consulate General in New York for a screening of Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate. The documentary, produced by AABANY and AALFNY, shares the experiences of individuals and families affected by anti-Asian violence in New York and highlights the legal and community responses that followed.

Philippine Consul General Senen Mangalile opened the evening by emphasizing the importance of confronting hate through unity and truth, thanking AABANY and AALFNY for documenting the community’s experiences. As he reflected on the documentary’s purpose, he reminded attendees that hate cannot be fought with more hate, but by showing that it has no basis or merit.

The film featured deeply personal stories from Justin Go, father of Michelle Go; Sungkon Lee, father of Christina Yuna Lee; and Noel Quintana, a survivor of a violent subway slashing to his face. Their accounts highlighted the lasting impact of anti-Asian violence, the challenges victims face in seeking recognition and support, and the critical role of pro bono legal advocacy.

Following the screening, a panel discussion moderated by AABANY Executive Director Yang Chen featured Noel Quintana, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Commissioner Glenn D. Magpantay, and Groombridge Wu Co-Founder and Partner Jennifer H. Wu. Panelists reflected on the ongoing presence of anti-Asian hate, the cultural barriers that sometimes prevent victims from speaking out, and the complexities of representing victims navigating trauma, media attention, and systemic barriers.

Throughout the discussion, speakers emphasized the importance of solidarity and coalition-building with other communities confronting hate and discrimination. The evening concluded with closing remarks from AALFNY President Sylvia Chin, who highlighted AALFNY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, scholarship programs, and AABANY’s ongoing pro bono initiatives supporting the community.

The program ended with a reception where attendees continued reflecting on the documentary’s message and the ongoing work needed to combat anti-Asian hate.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Co-Sponsors who supported the screening: 

Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY)
Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA)
Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA NY)
Philippine Consulate General

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Community Partners who promoted the screening: 

Asian American/Asian Research Institute (AAARI) 
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) 
Chinatown Partnership 
Chinese Progressive Association (CPA) 
Pan Asian Repertory Theatre 
Potluck Asian America

We thank the nearly 100 attendees who came, representing different facets of the New York community, despite the difficult travel conditions presented by the snowstorm. 

If anyone is interested in hosting their own  screening of this documentary, contact Daphne Mei, Program Manager of the AABANY Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, at [email protected].


For more photos from the event, click here.

– Written by Rachel Kim and Lucy Jung

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AABANY Committees and NYU APALSA Host Fireside Chat with Hasan Shafiqullah on Current Immigration Enforcement Trends and Ethics

On March 3, the AABANY Issues Committee, Immigration Committee, Government Service and Public Interest Committee, Pro Bono and Community Service Committee, Intellectual Property Committee, Student Outreach Committee, and Young Lawyers Committee, in partnership with NYU Law’s Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA), hosted a fireside chat with Hasan Shafiqullah of the Legal Aid Society’s Immigration Law Unit at NYU School of Law. The event brought together attorneys, law students, and members of the legal community to discuss current immigration enforcement trends, detention practices, and the ethical challenges facing immigration practitioners.

The conversation highlighted the rapid pace of immigration policy changes during the Trump administration and their continuing impact on immigration practice. Shafiqullah noted that more than 1,000 immigration policy changes were implemented through executive action during Trump’s first term, and that similar patterns appear to be emerging again, alongside proposals such as the Laken Riley Act, which would significantly expand mandatory detention.

Despite these developments, Shafiqullah emphasized that federal courts remain an important avenue for relief. Through habeas corpus petitions, federal District Courts can review unlawful detention and order new bond hearings or release when appropriate. He noted that “District Court judges are understanding that due process won’t permit arbitrary action.”

The program concluded with a discussion about the emotional toll of immigration practice. Because many asylum clients have experienced severe trauma, attorneys often face vicarious trauma as well. The Legal Aid Society supports its staff by providing trainings on handling burnout, secondary trauma, and sustainable public interest practice.

AABANY thanks Hasan Shafiqullah and the Legal Aid Society for sharing their insights, and thanks APALSA and the co-sponsoring committees for organizing this timely and informative program.

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JAMS Fellowship Program Now Accepting Applications

The JAMS Fellowship Program, designed to help expand and diversify the pipeline of future alternative dispute resolution (ADR) professionals, is now accepting applications. Through education, mentorship, and hands-on exposure for attorneys who are interested in pursuing careers as mediators and arbitrators, the program provides fellows with training, access to experienced neutrals, and insight into the practice of ADR.

Applications are due no later than April 24.

Please contact Joanne Saint Louis, Director and Inclusive Engagement & Practice Development at [email protected] with any questions.

Click here to access the link to the application.

For more information on the fellowship, follow this link.

How to Apply

Additional documents required are:

  • A cover letter detailing your interest, experience and achievements in the ADR field.
  • A current resume/CV.
  • Two recommendation letters from persons knowledgeable about your interest and experience (if any) in dispute resolution.
  • A personal statement (no more than two pages). The personal statement should be a narrative describing your motivation for pursuing a career in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and highlighting key experiences that have shaped your journey, including academic achievements, community impact, professional experiences, and any challenges you have overcome, as well as any contributions you hope to make within ADR.
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Enter the 2026 Law Day Art Contest: “The Rule of Law and the American Dream”

High school students across New York State are invited to participate in the 2026 Law Day Art Contest, organized by the Office for Justice Initiatives and the Historical Society of the New York Courts. This annual contest celebrates Law Day on May 1, a national observance recognizing the importance of the rule of law and the freedoms it protects.

This year’s theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” encourages students to reflect on how the legal system supports freedom, fairness, and opportunity. Participants are asked to create an original piece of artwork that expresses what this theme means to them.

The contest highlights the principle that no one stands above the law, and that the rule of law helps empower individuals to pursue their dreams without fear. Through art, students have the opportunity to explore and share their perspectives on justice, equality, and the ideals that shape American society.

Winning entries will receive cash prizes:

  • First Place: $500
  • Second Place: $300
  • Third Place: $200

The submission deadline is March 20, 2026.

Follow this link for additional information, questions, or to view last year’s winning artwork or email [email protected].

Students interested in art, law, or civic engagement are encouraged to participate and share their creative vision of how the rule of law supports the American Dream.

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In the News: New York Law Journal Publishes Front-Page Article on Historic Appointment of Justice Karen Lin to Second Department, Appellate Term

On March 3, 2026, in a front-page article, the New York Law Journal reported on the historic appointment of the Honorable Karen Lin as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, Second Department. Justice Lin is the first Asian American woman to serve on this appellate bench in the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts, marking an important milestone for New York’s judiciary.

Her appointment represents an important milestone for Asian American representation in New York’s judiciary, where AAPI judges remain underrepresented relative to the communities they serve. 

“Justice Lin is a trailblazer and an inspiring role model for Asian Americans,” said Benjamin Hsing, President of the Asian American Bar Association of New York. “It is critical that Asian Americans are properly represented in the New York State judiciary to strengthen public confidence in our courts and to help ensure justice and fairness for Asian American communities across the city and state.”

Justice Lin’s appointment marks an important moment for representation in New York’s courts and reflects her longstanding commitment to public service. Click to view the full article here (subscription required).

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Enter the Asian American Stories Video Contest 2026

Storytellers are invited to submit to the 3rd Annual Asian American Stories Video Contest, presented by AAUC (Asian American Unity Coalition) in collaboration with Silicon Valley Community Media and Ding Ding TV. This year, $20,000 in total prizes and grants will be awarded across Youth and Adult categories.

Submissions should be one minute long and must be received by March 31, 2026.
Full details and additional contest information is available here.

The 2026 theme, “Coming to America,” focuses on personal journeys: the motivations, challenges, and aspirations that shaped the decision to build a life in the United States, whether your own story or someone else’s. Click here to view last year’s entries. 

To support participants, two complimentary virtual workshops will be offered:

Session A: March 1, 2026 at 7:00 PM Pacific. Sign up here.
Session B: March 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM Pacific. Sign up here.

Each session cover the following topics:

  • Contest Mastery: A deep dive into the 2026 rules and submission details.
  • Production Training: Practical tips on how to film and edit your 1-minute video.
  • Live Q&A: Get direct answers to your questions from our organizers.

Individuals are encouraged to spread the word to your networks and anyone interested in sharing meaningful stories. Personal narratives help preserve community history and inspire future storytellers.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to individuals entering either the Youth or Adult division. Participants may submit one entry total.

AWARDS

  • A ticket (worth $150) to the award ceremony.
  • $5,000 (total $ 20,000) in grants for your future production.
  • UCA sponsored trip to Las Vegas.
  • First 20 submissions will receive an Asian American Stories T-shirt.

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