Don’t Miss Out – Apply Now for the 2025 Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy in Washington, DC!

We are thrilled to invite you to apply for the 2025 Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) – an exclusive, transformative experience designed to elevate aspiring and current bar leaders like you! The CBLA will take place in the heart of Washington, D.C., from June 29 – July 1, 2025. This is your chance to accelerate your leadership journey and connect with fellow bar leaders from across the country.  

Why Apply for CBLA?

This isn’t just another leadership program – it’s a game-changing opportunity to take your career to the next level:

  • Expand Your Network – Connect with influential leaders from NAPABA and top national bar associations.
  • Learn from Experts – Gain invaluable leadership insights from renowned professionals in an intimate, collaborative setting.
  • Sharpen Your Skills – Acquire the tools you need to lead effectively, whether in a local or national bar association.
  • Impact Your Future – Leave with the skills and confidence to organize, manage, and inspire in any bar leadership role.

Spots are limited! Apply today to ensure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be an active member of NAPABA
  • Complete a two-part application process, including a virtual component
  • Submit your resume to Keevin Woods ([email protected]) and Matthew Archer-Beck ([email protected]) with the subject line: “[Applicant’s Name]’s CBLA 2025 Resume”


Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered, so make sure everything is in order!



About CBLA  

The Collaborative Bar Leadership Academy (CBLA) is a joint initiative of the American Bar Association, its Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession and the Commission on Disability Rights, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the National LGBT Bar Association, the National Native American Bar Association, and the South Asian Bar Association of North America. Together, we aim to empower and prepare leaders to shape the future of the legal profession. Our coordinated effort is designed to strengthen the pipeline of bar association leaders through leadership training, professional development training, and networking.    

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to develop, connect, and lead in the legal world. We can’t wait to see you in Washington, DC!  

What NAPABA Will Be Advocating for at Lobby Day

May 20-21, 2025 | Washington, DC

Are you joining us for NAPABA’s largest advocacy day on Capitol Hill? NAPABA Lobby Day is your opportunity to meet with policymakers and champion the pressing issues affecting our communities. Now is the time to come together, take action, and make our voices heard to drive meaningful change.

  • NAPABA Supports the AANHPI Community
    • Ensuring Language Access
    • Protecting the Legacy of Fred Korematsu
    • Recognizing the Rich History and Vibrancy of the AANHPI Community
  • NAPABA Calls for Fair and Humane Immigration System
    • Advancing the Right to Counsel
    • Supporting Asylum Seekers
    • Protecting Immigrants from National Origin Discrimination
  • NAPABA Defends Rule of Law & the Legal Profession
    • Protecting Judges from Threats
    • Supporting Funding for Legal Services Corporation
    • Strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • NAPABA Advances Democracy and Civil Rights
    • Ensuring Equal Rights for the LGBTQ+ Community
    • Advancing Critical Voting Rights
    • Preventing Anti-Asian Alien Land Laws

Will you make sure your voice is represented?


Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month Congressional Reception

Tuesday, May 20, 2025 | 6-8 PM ET

Join NAPABA members and community leaders from across the country as we celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with members of Congress. The reception will bring together Lobby Day participants, members of Congress and their staff, and leaders in the AANHPI community.



For any questions about Lobby Day, please email the NAPABA Lobby Day Team at [email protected].

AABANY Hosts 2nd Annual Wellness Retreat at Blue Cliff Monastery

On March 22, 2025, AABANY hosted its 2nd Annual mindfulness wellness retreat at Blue Cliff Monastery in upstate New York, designed exclusively for AABANY. The retreat provided a safe space to relax, reflect, and connect with one another while focusing on one’s mental and emotional well-being.

In continuation of AABANY’s 2023-24 theme, “Embracing Wellness and Well-Being: Strengthening the Legal Profession by Investing in Ourselves,” the retreat was organized with the support of AABANY’s Professional Development Committee. 

Over thirty AABANY members, family, and friends attended, starting the day with an orientation and introduction to meditation and mindfulness practices. After some time to relax and connect with each other, members joined in group singing outside before going on a walking meditation led by the monastics. Attendees were taught how to be mindful of their surroundings, their breathing, and walking, as they enjoyed the nature around them in peaceful silence. 

Afterwards, attendees practiced a mindful lunch in silence for the first 20 minutes, focusing on the vegetarian meal prepared by the monastery, being mindful of the food, how it nourishes the body, and the preparation of the food by the monastics. As meals were finished, attendees washed their own plates and utensils, again focusing on being mindful and present.

In support of the monastery and to experience a working meditation, various activities were presented to the attendees, including raking leaves, planting seeds, and cleaning and cutting vegetables for future meals. This was also an opportunity to connect with guests from CUNY Law School, who had their annual retreat at the same time. 

After some time to further connect and relax with others over tea, with some stopping by the bookstore at the monastery, attendees experienced a relaxation meditation. Everyone rested on mats, providing an opportunity to focus on oneself, away from the challenges of the legal profession as well as the current state of the world. 

To conclude the day, AABANY attendees participated in Dharma Sharing, where everyone shared a little bit about themselves and what they were grateful for that day. Special thanks were made to AABANY, Sister Empathy, and Blue Cliff Monastery for organizing the retreat. Thanks also to AABANY member Khanh Nguyen for helping make arrangements with the monastery, AABANY Professional Development Committee Co-Chair May Wong for helping make van transportation arrangements, and AABANY member Francis Chin for assisting in making sure everyone was accounted for on the van. Finally, thanks to Yang Chen for helping with the overall logistics to make AABANY’s 2nd Annual Wellness Retreat a success.

Attendees offered positive feedback and gratitude for the opportunity to spend the day on mindfulness, with many asking whether the retreat would be organized again next year. The retreat provided a much-needed day of rest for attendees to re-charge and focus on their self-care, as well as spend time with family, friends, and new friends. AABANY thanks Sister Empathy, Brother Emptiness, and the other monastics for their warmth, generosity, and guidance throughout the retreat.

If you have ideas for programs or speakers on the topic of wellness and well-being, please reach out to AABANY at [email protected]. AABANY’s Wellness Resources Guide provides a variety of information, including links to free assistance programs, trainings, and hotlines, which can be accessed here.

To learn more about the Professional Development Committee, please visit here. More information about Blue Cliff Monastery can be found here.

For more photos from the retreat, the album can be viewed here.

Apply Now: 2025 NAPABA In-House Counsel (IHC) + Partners Summits August 28-29th

In-House Counsel (IHC) + Partners Summits August 28-29 | New York

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the NAPABA In-House Counsel (IHC) Summit and Partners Summit, taking place August 28-29, 2025, in New York City! These premier gatherings bring together top legal professionals for two days of high-impact networking, strategic career development, and actionable insights from industry leaders.

Which Summit Is Right for You?

In-House Counsel (IHC) SummitPartners Summit
Designed for senior in-house attorneys looking to accelerate their leadership trajectory, this program features guidance and insights from General Counsels, C-Suite Executives, and search firm leaders on how to navigate leadership transitions and position yourself for top legal roles at Fortune 1000 companies.A dynamic program for law firm partners to strengthen leadership skills, develop business strategies, and connect with the next generation of NAPABA legal leaders. Hosted alongside the IHC Summit, this event also provides a unique opportunity to build relationships with senior in-house attorneys from Fortune 1000 companies.



Why Attend?

✔️ Engage with Fortune 1000 legal decision-makers
✔️ Gain actionable strategies to elevate and advance your career
✔️ Expand your network and forge meaningful connections with top in-house attorneys and law firm partners

AABANY Asia Practice Committee Presents: Annual Dinner Party 

On March 23, 2025, the Asia Practice Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) hosted a successful Annual Dinner Party at Evergreen in Midtown East in Manhattan. The event brought together a diverse group of legal professionals and entrepreneurs with an interest in Asia Practice for an evening of meaningful networking and engaging conversations.

The night began with welcoming remarks from Hardy Zhou, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Asia Practice Committee, who emphasized the importance of fostering strong relationships within the AABANY community. Hardy also highlighted how the Asia Practice Committee continues to bridge connections between professionals in law and business related to Asia, creating a space for sharing experiences and exploring opportunities for collaboration.

Attendees enjoyed lively discussions and had the opportunity to build new relationships with legal professionals from various practices. The evening proved to be an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and explore potential collaborations.

A special thank you to all those who attended and contributed to the event’s success. We look forward to more events that bring our community together and support the growth of legal professionals. To learn more about the Asia Practice Committee, visit their page on the AABANY website. We look forward to more great events from this Committee in the new fiscal year that started on April 1st.

AABANY Co-Sponsors Fireside Chat with Bethany Li, Executive Director of AALDEF

On Thursday, February 27th, AABANY with FALA New York, NACAL, SABANY, and NYU’s APALSA co-sponsored a Fireside Chat with Bethany Li, the new Executive Director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). Moderated by Vishal Chander, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Issues Committee, the event gave insight into AALDEF’s history, Bethany’s journey into public interest law, and the pressing civil rights issues facing Asian American communities today.

Bethany Li first took the audience through the history of AALDEF, highlighting how AALDEF has been instrumental in landmark cases that have shaped Asian American advocacy. She emphasized that AALDEF’s history is deeply intertwined with the history of Asian Americans in the United States, stating, “Much of AALDEF’s history coincides with what we understand and study as Asian American history.” 

Bethany later shared personal stories of her childhood in Massachusetts, attributing much of her fine-tuned awareness of systemic injustices to her exposure to the immigrant struggle at an early age. This went on to influence her path to public interest law where, at Amherst, she became more involved in Asian American activism through internships at different journalistic and legal organizations, including one experience during college in which she interned at AALDEF. She later attended Georgetown Law, where she studied under Mari Matsuda, one of the nation’s leading critical race theorists, who cemented her commitment to social justice.

Reflecting on her return to AALDEF as Executive Director, she described it as a homecoming and stressed her commitment to expanding AALDEF’s litigation work, strengthening pro bono partnerships, and mentoring the next generation of civil rights attorneys.

The conversation turned to the role of law firms and private attorneys in supporting AALDEF’s mission. Bethany encouraged attorneys to take on pro bono cases, financially support AALDEF’s work through sponsorships, donations, and participation in events like AALDEF’s Annual Gala, and to advocate within their institutions for greater engagement in civil rights litigation and standing up against government policies that harm immigrant communities. She noted that law firms play a crucial role in civil rights litigation, so their support is greatly appreciated. However, she also acknowledged that pro bono support has become more challenging in the current political climate as firms have refused to attach their names to even non-controversial cases.

Bethany also shared valuable insights for law students interested in public interest law. She specifically stressed the importance of getting hands-on experience through internships, clinics, and pro bono opportunities and seeking mentorship from experienced public interest lawyers. Additionally, Niji Jain, the Legal Director of AALDEF, noted the importance of a strong cover letter while applying, saying that “as a lawyer, writing is your craft.” Bethany also mentioned one of AALDEF’s goals in the coming years: launching an Asian American Training Institute to train the next generation of civil rights litigators and community lawyers.

Vishal’s final question to Bethany was regarding whether she had a call to action for the audience. Bethany gave a powerful piece of advice, citing her former Professor Mari Matsuda, saying, “Do the work that gives you energy.”

The event concluded with Bethany taking a few questions from the audience, during which they engaged in discussions about AALDEF’s future priorities, the challenges of mobilizing Asian American communities, and ways to get involved.

AABANY extends its deepest gratitude to NYU Law School for hosting, FALA New York, SABANY, and NYU’s APALSA for co-sponsoring and making this possible, and especially Bethany Li for her time and insights. We also thank the AABANY Committees that worked so hard to put on this event, namely the IP Committee, Issues Committee, GSPI Committee, and Professional Development Committee. Thank you as well to everyone who attended this important discussion.

Hon. Dorothy Chin Brandt Looking Back at the Founding and Legacy of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission

Three years ago, the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission (originally known as the New York State Judicial Commission on Minorities) released a series of interviews with the Commission’s founding mothers and fathers on the New York Courts Amici podcast site. The series, assembled and organized by John M. Caher, Senior Advisor for Strategic and Technical Communications, concluded with an interview of the Hon. Dorothy Chin Brandt. Justice Brandt passed away on January 27, 2025, and we take this opportunity to look back at her interview and appreciate her legacy of promoting diversity in the judiciary. 

Hon. Dorothy Chin Brandt was the first female Asian American Judge to be elected in the state of New York when she was elected to the New York City Civil Court in 1987. Shortly after being elected, she became a founding member of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission. Brandt said that “the [New York] courts were perceived as unfriendly or not friendly to minorities,” which paved the way for establishing the Commission, with a mission to “find out what was the perception and how it could be remedied.” Brandt was ecstatic to be part of a commission that would help eradicate racism in the courts. Her personal experiences of discrimination throughout her career would provide valuable context and information for this endeavor.

The Commission collected anecdotes from around New York state to figure out the perception of the courts rather than investigating the courts themselves, because, according to Brandt, “perception is different from reality, but in a lot of ways it’s stronger than reality because that’s what people think and feel is going on, and maybe it’s harder to counteract.”

To combat this perception, the Commission immediately put mandatory diversity and sensitivity training in place for the whole court system. They also looked towards legal education and tried to get more minorities interested in and learning about law because there was such little diversity in the courts at the time. She noted happily that now there are many more minority lawyers, talking specifically about Asian Americans by saying, “We have a lot more Asian-American lawyers. We didn’t have an Asian-American bar at that time in 1988…but now we have a full-fledged bar association, Asian American Bar [of New York], and very full force, very active.”

Lastly, Brandt attributed much of the major progress in the United States regarding equality in the courts to the work the Commission has done in  New York on the perception of racism in the courts. Through the Commission’s work, they “got people’s attention and presented examples of what was not right, and everybody recognized this is not right.” She further noted that many other states followed New York and set up minority commissions of their own. Brandt ultimately emphasized the importance of the work of the Commission, remarking how if it was not for them, people might still be treated just based on their race, religion, ethnicity, etc. when they enter into the court system. 

To listen to the full podcast, please click here.

AABANY Membership and Women’s Committees Co-Host Kiki Yeung “Cantonese Mom” & Friends at Rodney’s Comedy Club

On Sunday, March 9, 2025, the AABANY Membership and Women’s Committee with KALAGNY co-hosted a comedy show, Kiki Yeung’s “The Cantonese Mom and Friends” featuring Asian comedians at Rodney’s Comedy Club in Manhattan.

Attendees were able to Celebrate Women’s History Month with laughter as headliner Kiki Yeung performed, alongside a line-up featuring comics Kaneez Surka, Macy Kwok, Vickie Wang, and Miss Lissa performed.

Members were treated to discounted tickets and were seated together to ensure that our group could enjoy the show all together for a fun-filled night.

As the performances concluded, AABANY and their sister bar KALAGNY were invited to make remarks about the organizations on the stage. Beatrice Leong spoke on AABANY’s behalf, encouraging people to join AABANY for great community service opportunities and fun events.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event and to KALAGNY for celebrating Women’s History Month with us. Thank you especially to the Membership and Women’s Committees for organizing the event. To learn more about the Membership and Women’s Committees, visit their community pages.

AABANY Members Participate In RaisingHealth Pop-Up Event in Sunset Park

On February 15, 2025, members of AABANY volunteered to station a booth at RaisingHealth’s Pop-Up Health Fair Event in Sunset Park! Many community organizations attended to provide free health exams, serve hot meals, and distribute groceries to participants. RaisingHealth, formerly known as the Academy of Medical & Public Health Services, is a not-for-profit health service organization founded in 2010 that supports the well-being of underserved communities through culturally competent health, education, and community-building programs. 

We want to thank AABANY, RaisingHealth, our volunteers for serving the Brooklyn community, and Joseph Eng, President of AABANY, and Counsel at King & Spalding. At the Health Fair, AABANY volunteers (Kwok Ng, Co-Chair of the Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee; Gary Yeung, Co-Chair of PBCS Committee; May Wong (Co-chair of the Professional Development Committee); and Francis Chin (member of AABANY) passed out Know-Your-Rights brochures about immigration law in Chinese and Spanish, upcoming pro bono clinic flyers, and AABANY’s legal referral and information service. Our participation serves as a commitment to community lawyering and to address current immigration rights issues, such as constitutional rights, ICE raids, and fraudulent schemes that target innocent and vulnerable immigrants. By utilizing our legal knowledge, language skills, and resources, we aim to build relationships with local communities and advocate for policy and social changes in the law. 

In addition, please consider volunteering at the following pro bono clinics: 

Queens clinic – April 2, 2025 [Queens link here], from 6:00 – 8:30pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355

Manhattan clinic – April 16, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002

Brooklyn clinic – May 10, 2025, from 12:00 – 3:00pm, location tbd 

Moving forward, registrations for these clinics will be posted on AABANY’s calendar. Please be patient with us during this transition. Thank you! 

NAPABA Condemns Executive Orders Undermining the Legal Profession

For Immediate Release:
Date: March 20, 2025
Contact:
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – The legal profession is of constitutional significance. The right to counsel is fundamental, and the judiciary as a coequal branch of government is charged with peacefully resolving disputes that inevitably arise in a vast and complex nation. Undermining the legal profession undermines democracy.

Over the past few weeks, the Administration issued executive actions against three law firms: Covington Burling LLP, Perkins Coie LLP, and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. These actions included the suspension of security clearances and a review and termination of government contracts. For two of the firms, the Administration limited their access to federal government buildings and interactions between the firms and government officials.

One executive order accused global law firms of having a role “in the destruction of bedrock American principles.” Another executive order described one of the law firm’s activities as “dishonest and dangerous.” The executive actions plainly expressed a displeasure with the firms’ representation of certain clients that the Administration disfavors. Some of the executive actions are now subject to litigation.

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) condemns these attacks. From the founding of this Nation, lawyers have represented clients regardless of their stature in society. NAPABA is the national voice of the Asian Pacific American legal profession. We promote justice and equality. Members throughout our community zealously represent their clients each and every day, including those at the three law firms. When attorneys are unable to represent their clients free from intimidation and threats, our profession and justice system are jeopardized.

NAPABA also rejects the calls for the impeachment of judges simply because of their rulings. As Chief Justice John Roberts shared recently, “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.” We agree.

For the NAPABA community, we ask you to engage and express our collective voice. Become a member. Join us at NAPABA Lobby Day. Attend the NAPABA Convention. Your leadership is pivotal.

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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.