Author: Rachel Kim

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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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NAPABA Supports the Language Access for All Act of 2026

For Immediate Release: January 23, 2026
Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026 in Congress. The bill, if enacted, would ensure that all individuals have meaningful access to critical Federal services, regardless of English proficiency.

In March 2025, President Donald Trump revoked Executive Order 13166 and designated English as the official language of the United States. For nearly 25 years, EO 13166 required that every federal agency meet the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency when it delivers critical services. EO 13166 brought the full import of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits entities that receive federal funding from discriminating based on national origin, to life. NAPABA objected to the revocation of EO 13166 at the time and called on Congress to act in response. Following our advocacy efforts, NAPABA welcomes the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026, which would restore the key guarantees of EO 13166.

Language access is particularly important for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The majority of the Asian American community are immigrants. Nearly 32% of the community is limited English proficient. The Asian American population is comprised of over 50 different ethnicities and speak over 100 different languages. NAPABA has long championed linguistic access for AANHPI communities in the legal system, including through our groundbreaking report, which highlighted and provided recommendations on the state of language access in federal and state courts and agencies. Every individual deserves access to critical, federally funded services.

NAPABA is grateful to Rep. Grace Meng, the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, along with Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Daniel Goldman, for their leadership and introducing the Language Access for All Act of 2026. This action coincides with the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision in Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974), which recognized the right of English learners to participate meaningfully in public school education and served as a catalyst for language access throughout the Nation. We call on Congress to advance this legislation swiftly.

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In the News: Rachel Yoo Speaks on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Korean American Community

In a recent feature in The M Magazine (November/December 2025 issue), an East Coast Korean-American community publication, Rachel Yoo of Rachel Yoo Law Group was profiled for her work in conflict resolution and family law within the Korean-American community. The article, titled “법정의 승리보다 저녁 식탁의 평화를 택했습니다” (Choosing Peace Around the Dinner Table Over Victory in Court), explores Yoo’s mission to empower those who have been silenced in family conflicts and educate the community about peaceful alternatives to traditional litigation.

Rachel Yoo, a Part 146 Certified Mediator and Co-Chair of the ADR Committee at the Asian American Bar Association of New York, challenges the cultural tendency among Korean Americans to suppress family conflicts out of fear of community judgment. She warns that this silence often backfires, allowing small issues to escalate into major legal battles. In close-knit communities where relationships are deeply intertwined, Yoo advocates for professional mediation rather than attempting to resolve disputes privately, where emotions can override rational thinking.

As a certified mediator, Yoo creates safe spaces for guided dialogue, helping families express their concerns constructively without public exposure or personal attacks. Her philosophy—”Silence is not the answer. Speak up.”—is transforming how Korean Americans approach family conflict, replacing avoidance with structured communication that preserves both dignity and relationships while preventing escalation.

To read the full article (in Korean), click here.

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NAPABA Applauds the Appointment of Justice Sanjay T. Tailor to the Illinois Supreme Court

For Immediate Release: January 21, 2026
Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Justice Sanjay T. Tailor on his groundbreaking appointment to serve as a justice on the Illinois Supreme Court.

“Justice Tailor’s appointment marks a historic milestone in NAPABA’s mission for its members, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) lawyers, and their broader communities,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA.  “In 2022, NAPABA’s Portrait Project 2.0 found that only nine Asian American jurists served on state high courts, a number that remained constant until now. As the first Asian American to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court, Justice Tailor has broken barriers and serves as a beacon of achievement for our legal community and for anyone aspiring to such heights.”

Justice Tailor brings more than two decades of judicial experience to the Illinois Supreme Court. He has served for 23 years on Illinois’s trial and appellate courts, including as an Associate Judge and Circuit Judge and, most recently, as a Presiding Justice of the First District Appellate Court. Prior to joining the bench, he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County and practiced law in the private sector. Justice Tailor taught as an adjunct professor at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. He earned his B.A. from the University of Delaware and his J.D., with honors, from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

“Through his many leadership roles, including as the president of the Asian American Judges Association of Illinois, and through his engagement with NAPABA affiliates like the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA Chicago) and the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA Chicago), Justice Tailor has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and the community throughout his career,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “His groundbreaking appointment highlights the importance of continued efforts to ensure that those in the AANHPI legal community are recognized, supported, and elevated to positions of leadership across the country.”

“We are proud and thrilled to see Illinois become one of a small number of states that have a judge on its highest court who is Asian American,” said Stephen Lee, President of AABA Chicago.  “AABA formed decades ago in part to help Asian American attorneys become judges and to help our judiciary better reflect the people whom it serves, and this is a huge milestone not just for Justice Tailor and Asian American attorneys but for everyone.”

“The South Asian Bar Association of Chicago proudly congratulates Justice Tailor on this historic appointment as the first Asian and South Asian Justice to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court,” said Saman Haque, President of SABA Chicago. “This milestone reflects the strength of our justice system and the importance of representation. As a founding member of SABA Chicago, Justice Tailor has remained steadfast in his commitment to inclusion and equity, and to mentoring and encouraging attorneys to hone their craft. We celebrate this achievement and look forward to the lasting impact of Justice Tailor’s leadership and service.”

NAPABA extends its sincere congratulations to Justice Sanjay Tailor and wishes him continued success in his service on the Illinois Supreme Court.

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NAPABA Applauds the Confirmation of Judge John Truong to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

For Immediate Release: January 15, 2026
Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Judge John Truong on his confirmation to serve as an Associate Judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

“Judge John Truong is a talented and experienced litigator who has deep ties to the D.C. legal community,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA. “With a long career in public service, coupled with his leadership in the community – including as a former president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area (APABA-DC) and a recipient of the NAPABA Best Under 40 Award in 2009 – Judge Truong will be an exceptional addition to the court that serves the Nation’s capital city.”

Prior to his confirmation, Judge Truong was Deputy Chief in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where he prosecuted fraud and misconduct cases. He has previously represented federal officials and agencies in civil litigation, prosecuted criminal offenses, and practiced at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Judge Truong also taught as an Adjunct Professor at George Washington University Law School. He clerked for Judge Ricardo M. Urbina of the U.S. District Court for D.C. and holds a B.A. from the University of Southern California, an M.A. from American University, and a J.D. from American University’s Washington College of Law.

“Judge Truong is a role model for our legal community. His professional achievements reflect the values that NAPABA works to advance every day,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “We are confident that Judge Truong will continue to serve the community with distinction in this important role.”

NAPABA thanks President Trump for the nomination and the U.S. Senate for its confirmation of Judge Truong.

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Request for Public Comment from NY Courts on Proposed Rule Changes Regarding Professional Conduct

The Administrative Board of the Courts is soliciting public comments on the following two proposed amendments to court rules:

  • Attorney advertising:  Proposal to amend Rule 1.0 and Rules 7.1 to 7.4 of the Rules of Professional Conduct relating to attorney advertising and solicitation
  • Attorney risk assessments:  Proposal to amend Rule 1.16 of the Rules of Professional Conduct to impose a duty of inquiry and risk assessment on lawyers when accepting, declining or terminating an engagement, in order to avoid involvement in illegal conduct by clients

Copies of both requests are available on the UCS website here.

Any comments on these proposed rule changes should be sent by email to [email protected] by February 20, 2026. 

Please feel free to reach out to David Nocenti at [email protected] if you have any questions. 

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