Author: Rachel Kim

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Hon. Lillian Wan Receives Special Recognition from Governor Kathy Hochul

On February 18, 2026, at the Governor’s Lunar New Year celebration in Manhattan Chinatown, Justice Lillian Wan received a Special Citation from Governor Kathy Hochul. This recognition commemorates Justice Wan’s work in serving fellow New Yorkers with distinction and upholding the highest standards of excellence in public service. Justice Wan expressed deep gratitude for receiving the Special Citation from Governor Hochul, made all the more meaningful by being honored alongside Asian American Federation (AAF) CEO Catherine Chen and Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) Co-Executive Director Vanessa Leung, two leaders whose contributions to the Asian-American community have been noteworthy and impactful.

In 2022, Governor Hochul appointed Justice Wan to the Appellate Division, Second Department, making her the first Asian American woman to sit in the Appellate Division in New York State. Despite achieving this milestone in the New York State courts, Justice Wan’s path to the bench was not one she originally envisioned for herself. As a practicing attorney, she never appeared before a judge who looked like her, so she never considered it a possibility. That changed when she began working closely with Surrogate Judge Margarita López Torres, the first Latina Surrogate Judge in New York State. Judge López Torres became her mentor and encouraged her to apply for a mayoral appointment to the family court bench, where her experience was strongest, and that the City of New York would benefit from having her as a judge. “She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Justice Wan reflected. 

Since being appointed to the bench in 2012, Justice Wan has witnessed a remarkable shift in representation. When she started, Asian American judges across New York State made up under 2% of the judiciary. Today, that number has grown to about 5% of the approximately 1,300 sitting New York state judges.

Governor Hochul, who awarded Justice Wan the special recognition, has played a meaningful role in that progress. Since taking office in August 2021, the Governor has appointed nine Asian American judges, six of whom have been appointed to the New York State Court of Claims, a higher number than any Governor in the State’s history. She has also appointed three Asian American judges to the Appellate Division, the mid-level appellate court in New York State. Justice Wan was appointed to the Appellate Division, Second Department in May 2022. Justice Philip Hom was appointed in 2024. Most recently, Justice Margaret Chan was appointed to the Appellate Division, First Department. Justice Wan, Justice Hom, and Justice Chan are all members of the Asian American Bar Association of New York. 

Justice Wan’s own path was shaped not only by Judge López Torres but also by the Honorable Randall T. Eng, former Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, Second Department, and now practicing attorney who holds a truly historic distinction: he was the first Asian American judge in the entire state of New York, appointed to the Criminal Court by Mayor Ed Koch in 1983. Justice Eng mentored Justice Wan early in her career and instilled in her a philosophy she carries to this day: visibility matters. Your job is essential, but you need to do more. Asian American attorneys and judges must be active in bar associations, judicial organizations, their law schools, their universities, and their communities. They should embrace leadership roles and ensure people know who they are.

Justice Wan has made it her personal mission to be for others what Judge López Torres and Justice Eng were for her. She remains accessible, attends various events to stay visible, and holds leadership positions in organizations that uplift the Asian-American legal community. As a mentor, Justice Wan sees talented attorneys routinely talking themselves out of applying for judicial positions, convinced that others are more qualified, that they haven’t been around long enough, or that it simply isn’t their turn. Her advice to students and legal professionals who want to follow her footsteps is direct: apply anyway. Often, the only difference between the person who gets the position and the person who doesn’t is that the latter didn’t second-guess themselves. 

Besides individual efforts, Justice Wan points to the power of community organizations in building a stronger pipeline. The Asian American Bar Association of New York runs a robust Judiciary Committee that vets judicial candidates, provides letters of endorsement, conducts mock interviews, and hosts educational programs about the path to becoming a judge. The Asian American Judges Association of New York, of which Justice Wan is a past president and current board member, works to support judges and grow their numbers. The organization is open to everyone, not just Asian American judges, and its mission is rooted in the belief that a bench that reflects the full population it serves is stronger and more just.

The Special Citation from Governor Hochul captures both the breadth of Justice Wan’s career and the philosophy that has defined it, recognizing her historic appointment to the Appellate Division, Second Department, alongside her leadership in the organizations that uplift Asian American attorneys, women in law, and the broader legal community. It is a recognition that spans decades of work, from her earliest years on the bench to the mentorship and visibility efforts she continues today. Justice Wan has spent her career being the judge she did not see when she was a young attorney, and in doing so, has made sure that fewer people will have to wonder whether someone like them belongs on the bench.

Please join AABANY in congratulating Justice Wan on receiving this recognition from Governor Hochul.

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Corporate Law Committee Hosts Spring Social, Sponsored by Datasite and PNC Bank

On March 18, 2026, AABANY’s Corporate Law Committee hosted their Spring Social event at Blue Blossom near Bryant Park. This event brought together a vibrant group of legal professionals for an evening of connection and celebration. During the evening, AABANY members and friends gathered for lively conversation, delicious food, and yummy cocktails. The popular event was so successful that at times the second floor room was packed with attendees. Conversations flowed easily at this networking event, where many corporate attorneys relaxed over a delicious menu of dumplings, noodles, and lobster. Whether catching up with familiar faces or forging new professional relationships, attendees left the evening energized and inspired.

The Corporate Law Committee remains deeply committed to fostering a strong and supportive sense of community among corporate law attorneys in the New York Tri-State area throughout the year. Through thoughtfully curated events like this one, professional development opportunities, and meaningful engagement, the Committee strives to create spaces where members can thrive both personally and professionally. This Committee is spearheaded by Co-Chairs John Hwang from Linklaters, Tracy Feng from Paul Hastings, and Keli Huang from Kirkland & Ellis, along with Vice-Chairs Kyle Zhu from Orrick and Ashley Wong from Amazon. Their dedication and leadership continue to elevate the Committee’s impact across the AABANY community.

The Corporate Law Committee extends its gratitude to the generous sponsors, Datasite and PNC Bank, for making this event a success.

– Written by Ashley Wong, AABANY Corporate Law Committee Vice-Chair

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AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee and Women’s Committee Host a Careers in Media Law Panel at Perkins Coie

On Wednesday, March 18th, AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee and Women’s Committee organized the Careers in Media Law Panel, hosted by Perkins Coie. The panel featured a diverse group of professionals in media law: Roger Chao (Senior Counsel at A+E Global Media), Jessica Cheng (Associate at Perkins Coie), Amy Gajda (Jeffrey D. Forchelli Professor at Brooklyn Law School), and Alicia Matusheski Khaled (Senior Counsel at Perkins Coie). The event was held at Perkins Coie’s midtown Manhattan office in the SoHo conference room, where around 15-20 lawyers, students, and other registrants attended.

The panelists engaged in a riveting discussion of media law, the field’s niches, and the influence of AI on their work. Topics such as the First Amendment and privacy were brought into the conversation, specifically how these areas were being put in jeopardy and questioned by AI’s emergence. The panelists also engaged in a lighthearted, realistic discussion about the challenges of working within media law, as well as the rewards. They found the work they did to be stressful sometimes. One example included the stress in getting a contract or agreement through as a deadline looms, because not closing the deal can mean delays in production and content that was waiting to be used or seen by millions of people. But what the panelists found most rewarding was seeing the shows, games, or other media they worked on in the news and loved by fans.

The audience was incredibly engaged and interested in what was shared. Attendees asked questions generally about the field of law, but also specific questions, including discussion of AI and its impact. After the panel discussion and Q&A, the attendees and panelists networked over a spread of hors d’oeuvres featuring lime-and-garlic-grilled shrimp and truffled potato croquettes as well as strawberries dipped in chocolate for dessert. Those who attended in the hopes of gaining more insight into media law left with a deeper understanding of the field’s intricacies and the stories of the experts who worked within it.

​AABANY thanks Perkins Coie for the refreshments and the beautiful space. Thank you also to our panelists, who were deeply engaged in conversation and who passionately shared stories, information, and tips about media law.

To learn more about AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee, click here. To learn more about AABANY’s Women’s Committee, click here. You can find out more about upcoming events by visiting the calendar on AABANY’s website.

 — Written by Emily Kam, AABANY Student Outreach Committee Vice-Chair

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A Flavorful Finale: AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Wraps Up the Fiscal Year at CHILI

On Monday, March 16, 2026, the AABANY Intellectual Property (IP) Committee gathered for its final dinner of the 2025-2026 fiscal year at CHILI, a Michelin-recognized Sichuan restaurant in Midtown Manhattan.

The evening served as a festive conclusion to a productive year, bringing together a diverse mix of legal professionals—from seasoned IP attorneys, in-house and government attorneys, to law students—to network and reflect on the year’s achievements before the new fiscal year begins on April 1. The gathering offered the attendees, all AABANY members at different stage of their careers, an opportunity to share insights and forge connections that extend well beyond the courtroom or office. Conversations flowed easily between the fourteen attendees, from those who have spent decades navigating the complexities of intellectual property law to those just beginning to find their footing in the profession, creating a sense of mentorship and mutual inspiration. As the evening drew to a close, attendees departed with renewed energy and a shared sense of purpose, ready to carry the momentum of the past year into the promising opportunities that the new fiscal year is sure to bring.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this special evening. We look forward to many more meals, meaningful conversations, and moments of connection in the new fiscal year.

If you’re interested in future dinners, keep an eye on the AABANY calendar for upcoming events. To learn more about the IP Committee, visit their subpage on the AABANY website.

– Written by Ada Wang, AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Co-Chair

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Thank You to Our Volunteers at the Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic in March

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the AABANY Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee held another successful legal clinic in Brooklyn, with a special collaboration with the South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY). This event also marked a major milestone: our 100th in-person Pro Bono Clinic since returning from the pandemic!

Thank you to the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), CPC Brooklyn, our community partners, and Rachna Agarwal (SABANY Pro Bono Chair).  A special thank-you goes to all the volunteer attorneys and law students who stayed late to ensure every client was seen.

Our volunteers assisted 27 clients with matters including identity theft, wills and trusts, employment, family, matrimonial, housing, and real estate. 

In addition to providing vital legal guidance, Pro Bono Clinics serve as a training ground for law students and young attorneys to practice communicating complex legal concepts in layman’s terms. We appreciate our volunteers for taking the time to listen to clients’ stories and giving them a space to be heard. The dedication of our volunteers continues to bridge the justice gap in our community.

Finally, at the Pro Bono Clinic, we celebrated the birthday of AABANY member and long-standing Pro Bono Clinic volunteer, May Wong! May was also the AABANY 2022 Member of the Year. Happy Birthday, May!

Volunteer attorneys:

  • Vishal Chander
  • Natalie Moulton-Levy
  • Rachna Agarwal
  • Wendy Zeng
  • Kwok Kei Ng
  • May Wong
  • Sanketh Bhaskar
  • Olivia Mao
  • Francis Chin
  • Helen Ding
  • Arthur Lin
  • Minyao Wang
  • Beatrice Leong

Law students:

  • Sam Chen
  • Eva Zhou
  • Yining Pan

– Written by Kwok Kei Ng, AABANY PBCS Committee Co-Chair

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AABANY Holds 2026 Annual Meeting of Members at King & Spalding on February 11th

On Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, AABANY held its Annual Meeting of Members at King & Spalding. The evening reflected on the accomplishments of the past year and looked forward to electing leadership for the new fiscal year ahead. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to King & Spalding for generously hosting us in their stunning new space, which was modern and spacious.

AABANY President Benjamin Hsing called the meeting to order shortly after 7 pm and established a quorum. Ben explained the voting procedures and encouraged everyone present to cast a vote, even if they had voted online before the meeting.

Once all ballots were filled out and collected, Ben called up Board Director Katherine Loanzon and President-Elect Varuna Bhattacharyya to serve as the Tellers to tally up the votes. They departed to a separate room to perform that task, counting up the votes cast in person at the Annual Meeting and via electronic voting beforehand. While the votes were being tallied, Ben invited the Membership Director, Alysha Naik, to present the Membership Director’s report. He then invited Assistant Treasurer H. Anthony Park to give the Treasurer’s Report, sharing information about AABANY’s financial performance during the past fiscal year.

Next, during the Annual Report of the Board, Ben presented a look back at major events in 2025, reflecting on AABANY’s remarkable year, guided by the theme “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us.” He highlighted the year’s signature events, including the Winter Soiree, AAPI Heritage Month celebrations, and the Annual Dinner at Cipriani Wall Street, which drew over 750 attendees. He also noted the 16th Annual Fall Conference, which featured CLE programming, a Career Fair, a Trial Advocacy Program, and the presentation of the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award to Hon. Judy Kim, the first Korean-American judge elected to the New York State Supreme Court. He celebrated AABANY’s first-ever Diwali Dinner as a milestone that reflected the community’s diversity.

Executive Director Yang Chen then gave the Annual Report of the Committees. He introduced AABANY’s 2025 Year End Report, noting that this was the first time it had been published since the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Deputy Executive Director Carrey Wong, emphasizing that the Year End Report would not have been possible without her diligence and many hours of work behind the scenes. He further explained that the hiatus was not due to any slowdown in AABANY’s activities. In fact, quite to the contrary, AABANY’s membership and programming have continued to grow at an impressive pace, reflecting the organization’s strength and momentum over the past few years.

Yang also presented highlights from the 26 Committees, expressing his gratitude to the Vice Presidents of Programs and Operations, Pei Pei Cheng de Castro and Tai Chien, as well as all the Committee Chairs, for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. He shared key accomplishments and standout events from various Committees, then concluded with the presentation of the Committee of the Year, Program of the Year, and Member of the Year awards.

Committee of the Year: Issues Committee

The Committee of the Year Award was presented to the Issues Committee in recognition of its outstanding contributions and impact over the past year. When asked for his reflections on receiving the honor, Co-Chair Vishal Chander shared that he and Co-Chair Rachel Lee view the Committee’s mission as deeply significant and timely. He noted that they felt a strong responsibility to meet the moment and lead with purpose, striving to uphold the Committee’s important work with utmost dedication and integrity.

Program of the Year: Dumplings and Discussion Series

The Program of the Year Award was presented to the Dumplings and Discussion Series hosted by Jeffrey Mok. The Dumplings & Discussion series has been a welcoming forum for prominent, industry-leading attorneys to share their stories and have a candid dialogue over delicious dumplings. Speakers in 2025 included Alan Chang of the New York Yankees, Michelle Lee of MediaCo, Christopher Chan of JLL Technologies, Sonia Low of the Javits Center, Liz Nie of Acorns, Stephen Mar of Odeko, and Osamu Watanabe of Moelis.

Member of the Year: Jeffrey Mok

The Member of the Year Award was presented to Jeffrey Mok for his exceptional dedication and contributions to AABANY over the past year, including his outstanding work as the Co-Chair of the IP Committee and organizing many popular and worthwhile events, such as Board Games Nights and the Dumplings & Discussion series. 

When asked about receiving both the Program of the Year and the Member of the Year awards, Jeffrey reflected that the past year had been truly inspiring and energizing in deepening his involvement with AABANY. Praising AABANY’s work with the Pro Bono Clinics and the Issues Committee, he shared that being part of such a passionate and dynamic community made all the effort worthwhile. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, even in a small way, and said he looks forward to continuing the work and participating in more impactful events in the year ahead.

After presenting the awards, President-Elect Varuna Bhattacharyya announced the election results. The following officers were elected to serve a one-year term for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2026, and ending March 31, 2027 (the “2027 Fiscal Year”):

Officers

John Hwang
President-Elect 

Pei Pei Cheng de Castro
Vice President, Programs and Operations

Taiyee Chien
Vice President, Programs and Operations

H. Anthony Park
Treasurer

S. Yan Sin
Secretary

Francis Chin
Membership Director

Gilyana Jones
Development Director

The following candidates were elected as Directors to serve two-year terms beginning on April 1, the first day of the 2027 Fiscal Year:

Directors

Henry C. Chan
Vishal Chander
Joseph Eng
Kelly Koyama-Garcia
Rachel Lee
Beatrice Leong
Alysha Naik
Diana Wang
Jennifer Wu
Kevin Yam
Dwight S. Yoo

Looking ahead, President-Elect Varuna Bhattacharyya shared her vision for the coming year. When asked about her plans for her term, she spoke about the importance of rising to meet the challenges of the future while intentionally cultivating the next generation of leaders. With mentorship as a central focus, she is committed to strengthening the pipeline of Asian American attorneys and ensuring that AABANY continues to empower and uplift tomorrow’s leaders today.

Special thanks go to AABANY Immediate Past President Joseph Eng, Partner at King & Spalding, and the wonderful staff at King & Spalding for hosting AABANY’s 2026 Annual Meeting.

We thank everyone who attended the Annual Meeting and everyone who voted, whether by proxy or in person. Congratulations to all the award recipients and the newly elected Officers and Directors. 

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Advocate for the AANHPI Community with NAPABA at Lobby Day

May 19-20, 2026 | Washington, DC

Registration is open for NAPABA’s Lobby Day, and we want your voice!

Each year, NAPABA brings the AANHPI legal community to Capitol Hill to advocate directly with Congressional leaders and elevate the issues impacting our communities. Lobby Day is a powerful opportunity to turn your commitment into action and ensure your perspectives are heard and represented at the national level.

Why Participate?

  • Engage directly with Members of Congress and their staff
  • Receive advocacy training and issue briefings to prepare you for Capitol Hill
  • Connect with AANHPI attorneys and leaders from across the country
  • Represent and elevate your community’s voice at the national level

Register for Lobby Day

Learn More About Lobby Day

Stipend Applications Open

NAPABA is committed to ensuring that Lobby Day is accessible to members from all backgrounds and career stages. To support this goal, we offer limited travel and lodging support for active members who would otherwise face financial barriers to attending. Click the button below to learn more and apply for a stipend. The deadline to apply for a stipend is Tuesday, March 17, at 8:00 pm ET.

Apply for a Stipend

Your Lobby Day Social Media Toolkit

As part of Lobby Day, NAPABA will equip you with the tools and resources you need to be an effective advocate and share your participation in this important event. After registering, be sure to use our toolkit to share on your social media channels and invite others to join you.

Access Your Social Media Toolkit

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

To participate in Lobby Day, you must be an active NAPABA member. Become a NAPABA member today!

Join or Renew Today

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NAPABA Welcomes the National Korean American Bar Association (NKABA) and the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC)

For Immediate Release: February 19, 2026
Contact: Maureen Gelwicks, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) welcomes the National Korean American Bar Association (NKABA) as a National Associate and the Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC) as an Affiliate of NAPABA.

Formed in 2025, NKABA is a national nonprofit professional organization representing Korean American attorneys and law students across the United States. NKABA supports the professional growth of its members through education, mentorship, networking, and business development opportunities, while partnering with regional and local Korean American bar associations to advance shared goals. The organization also engages in advocacy efforts, including research and amicus work, and serves as a national network fostering connection and collaboration among Korean American legal professionals.

“We are honored to be a National Associate and welcome the opportunity to partner with NAPABA in our mission to empower Korean American attorneys nationwide,” said Samuel Yu, President of NKABA. “We hope this affiliation inspires deeper collaboration, stronger advocacy, and a shared commitment to justice.”

Established in 2024, CALA OC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing, empowering, and elevating Chinese American contributions to the legal community and civic life of Orange County. CALA OC advances its mission by supporting professional development, expanding the influence of the Chinese American legal community, and celebrating and preserving cultural heritage.

“Chinese American Lawyers Association of Orange County (CALA OC) is excited to join NAPABA and its impressive national network, as we empower our members and elevate our community while navigating the moment in which we live, a pivotal inflection point in American history,” said Amy Chen, President of CALA OC.

“We are proud to welcome NKABA and CALA OC into the NAPABA family,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA. “These organizations exemplify the leadership, collaboration, and dedication to community that define and strengthen our growing national network.”

NKABA and CALA OC join a community of over 90 local, state, regional, and national bar associations in the United States and Canada. Individual members of national associates and affiliates are entitled to discounted NAPABA membership and the benefits that accompany it. For more information about how to become a NAPABA national associate or affiliate, please visit our webpage and learn more here about the benefits of becoming a NAPABA member.

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Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Applications Now Open for US Court of Appeals, 2d Cir.

The Criminal Justice Act Committee of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit is accepting applications for service on the Court’s Criminal Justice Act Panel. CJA Panel Members represent indigent criminal defendants and petitioners for habeas corpus.

Admission to practice before this Court is a necessary qualification for membership on the Panel. The Court seeks attorneys of superior experience and proven competence in federal appellate criminal defense work. The qualifications of attorneys applying for service on the Panel will be examined by the CJA Committee’s Attorney Advisory Group, which will make recommendations for membership on the Panel. Membership on the Panel will be for a term of one to three years, at the discretion of the Court. Attorneys currently serving on the panel need not reapply until the expiration of their present term.

Application forms for membership on the Criminal Justice Act Panel are available at the Court’s website at www.ca2.uscourts.gov, or by calling 212-857-8702.

A signed original application, one copy of each of your appellate briefs, and three paper copies of the completed application and your resumé, along with a CD containing both your completed applications and resumé, must be received by the Clerk of Court by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Please check the Court’s website (www.ca2.uscourts.gov) periodically for CJA developments.

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Announcement: Summer 2026 Federal Judicial Internship with Hon. Dora L. Irizarry

The Honorable Dora L. Irizarry, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, is accepting applications for Summer 2026 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.

    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 February 27, 2026.

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.

If you have questions, please contact chambers at: 718-613-2150.

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