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AABANY Real Estate Committee Presents “What’s Happening in Queens” Networking Event

On June 26th, 2025, at JP Morgan Chase Bank in Bayside, AABANY’s Real Estate Committee hosted their “What’s Happening in Queens” networking event, which brought together a variety of people interested in making meaningful connections in the Queens real estate scene. As people entered, they were encouraged to leave their business cards and enter a raffle whose winners would be announced later that night. Lucky attendees would win goodies such as AmTrust umbrellas, blankets, or water bottles. There was a light buffet set up on the main space of the bank, allowing people to converse while eating an assortment of Italian and Chinese dishes. 

Approximately 25 attendees were able to forge new connections with each other and reconnect with old friends. Those with an established presence in the Queens real estate scene were able to enlighten emerging professionals with advice on their future career paths through explaining their own journeys and current professions. Professionals specializing in various sectors, from real estate insurance law to real estate capital management, were able to network and converse.

The event featured a fireside chat with Thomas Grech, President & CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and George Xu, the President of Century Development Group LLP, moderated by Real Estate Committee Co-Chair Margaret Ling. Tom shared some remarkable stats about Queens, and most notably mentioned that Queens is considered one of the most diverse urban areas in the world. Tom talked about new developments in real estate happening in Queens, such as the new casino and soccer stadium being built in Queens near Citi Field. Tom also talked about how the Queens Chamber of Commerce is now the most diverse chamber in New York. Tom spoke highly of his diverse staff which speaks 18 languages, and how they help communicate with small business owners. Margaret praised Tom for how he helped small business people especially during the pandemic. 

Margaret then turned to George, who is behind the exciting opening and development of multiple new hotels in the heart of Flushing. George talked about opening hotels such as The Westin Flushing LaGuardia Airport and the Four Seasons by Sheraton Flushing. He also talked about how the opening of these hotels would help local businesses by economically revitalizing  the area.

Margaret concluded the fireside chat by thanking everyone for coming out and encouraging people to network afterwards. Tom and George thanked Margaret for the talk and for giving back to the community. Margaret, aside from her position at AmTrust as New York State Underwriting Counsel, helps teach underprivileged kids golf at First Tee in New Jersey. She emphasized that her most important motivator was teaching kids how to be good people, which is her way of “giving back to the next generation.”

Margaret then announced the raffle winners to the eagerly awaiting audience. Afterwards, attendees continued chatting, networking, and enjoying food.

Thank you to AmTrust Title Group, JP Morgan Chase Bank, and the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) for co-sponsoring this event. Thank you to Margaret Ling and the Real Estate Committee Co-Chairs for organizing this event. To learn more about the Real Estate Committee go here.

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NAPABA Statement in Response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc.

For Immediate Release:
Date: June 27, 2025		Contact
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Today, in the cases involving challenges to the executive order that limits birthright citizenship, the U.S. Supreme Court narrowed the scope of the preliminary injunctions that can be available to pause the executive order before a final judgment can be rendered. This discrete, preliminary issue will now return to the district courts for them to craft an injunction that, in the Court’s view, is no “broader than necessary to provide complete relief to each plaintiff with standing to sue.” The Court did not address the constitutionality of the executive order.  

In the meantime, as the parties litigate over the scope of the injunctions, and as three federal courts of appeals evaluate the substantive challenges to the executive order, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) reaffirms the principles that underlie our amicus briefing to the courts that Executive Order 14160 must be set aside.

First, EO 14160 upends the Fourteenth Amendment’s promise of an equal claim of citizenship to all persons born in the United States. Under the plain text of the Fourteenth Amendment and longstanding historical precedent, EO 14160 is patently unconstitutional.

Second, EO 14160 distorts the holding of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898). As we explained in our amicus brief, the Court upheld the conferral of citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents under the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. The brief underscored the historical significance of this precedent and the role of Asian Americans in shaping our nation’s foundational immigration and civil rights precedents.

Lastly, if EO 14160 is implemented, disproportionate harms would result for Asian American communities. In the United States, 65% of Asian American adults are immigrants. Asian immigrants account for a substantial percentage of the overall immigrant population, with 17% of all undocumented immigrants having Asian ancestry and more than 88% of individuals holding H-1B visas. Under EO 14160, children of these categories of immigrants would be excluded from citizenship, despite being born, raised, and educated in the United States and despite knowing no other country of allegiance.

The question of a child’s citizenship in the United States ought not to be dependent on the stature or circumstances of their parents. Nor should it turn on whether a child is born in one state versus another. For the guarantees of the Fourteenth Amendment to be vindicated, birthright citizenship must apply to all children across the United States. 

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AABANY Prosecutors Committee and Student Outreach Committee Co-Hosts Summer Welcome Event at TapHaus 33

On June 24, 2025, AABANY’s Prosecutors Committee and Student Outreach Committee held their Summer Welcome Event in collaboration with the New York Chapter of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA) at TapHaus 33, a bar in Midtown Manhattan. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) and judges over great drinks and small bar bites. 

Prosecutors from all over the city attended this casual gathering that perfectly blended professional enrichment with summer socializing, highlighting the strong sense of camaraderie within the prosecutor community. The energetic and community-focused setting enabled conversations on everything from the unique challenges prosecutors face to the importance of mentorship in the profession. 

The event also provided a great opportunity for Committee members to catch up and for law students to make meaningful new connections. Students were able to engage in thought-provoking discussions with ADAs and judges about career paths, courtroom experiences, and the motivation behind pursuing public service. Many expressed how these candid conversations offered valuable insight into the realities of a prosecutor’s role and what life is like in public service. 

With over 50 attendees, the event was a great success, especially given the sweltering summer heat wave. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so special. The Prosecutors Committee looks forward to hosting more events in the coming months. Join us next time and bring a friend!

To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee and how you can get involved, visit their page here. To learn more about the Prosecutors Committee and how you can get involved, visit their page here.

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Administrative Law Judge Job Opening at NYC Office of Administrative Trials & Hearings (OATH)

About OATH

The City of New York’s Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) is the nation’s largest administrative tribunal, holding approximately 400,000 trials and hearings a year. As the City’s central, independent administrative law court, OATH adjudicates a wide range of matters filed by nearly every city agency, board and commission. OATH also houses the Center for Creative Conflict Resolution which provides mediation and restorative justice support to City government agencies and the general public, and the Administrative Judicial Institute, a resource center that provides training, continuing education, research and support services for administrative law judges and hearing officers.

The OATH Trials Division adjudicates a wide range of issues that can be referred by any City agency, board or commission. Its caseload includes employee discipline hearings for civil servants, Conflicts of Interest Board cases, proceedings related to the retention of seized vehicles by the police, City-issued license revocation cases, real estate, zoning and loft law violations, City contract disputes, cases involving violations of paid sick day and fair workweek laws and the City Human Rights Law.

Job Description

OATH is seeking a talented and experienced legal professional to serve as an Administrative Law Judge within OATH’s Trials Division. OATH Administrative Law Judges handle all aspects of cases filed by city agencies, from the initial conference to the written decision. Administrative Law Judges are supported by a shared team of administrative professionals and law clerks. The core work includes:

– Presiding at pre-trial settlement conferences;
– Conducting formal trials pursuant to OATH’s rules of procedure (including opening statements, witness testimony, documentary evidence, closing arguments, etc.);
– Adjudicating motions and other legal requests from the parties;
– Researching and applying the relevant federal, state, and local law to cases;
– Preparing written decisions that include a summary and analysis of evidentiary and legal issues; and
– Participating in special projects at OATH

OATH Administrative Law Judges are subject to the NYS and NYC Codes of Judicial Conduct, and must maintain the highest standards of ethics, both professionally and personally. OATH Administrative Law Judges work under the supervision of the Chief Administrative Law Judge and a Supervising Administrative Law Judge. OATH Administrative Law Judges are appointed to a term of five years by the Chief Administrative Law Judge.

HYBRID OFFICE / REMOTE WORK SCHEDULE AVAILABLE AFTER INITIAL TRAINING PERIOD.

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE – 30181

Minimum Qualifications

1. A license to practice law in the State of New York and not less than five (5) years of recent full-time relevant legal experience gained subsequent to Bar admission; or
2. A satisfactory equivalent.

Preferred Skills

– Ten (10) years experience as a litigator and/or neutral adjudicator (hearing officer, judge, referee, mediator, etc.). – Exceptional analytical ability, ability to prepare well-reasoned decisions within strict time frames. – Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse caseload in a timely manner, from case initiation to closure – Outstanding writing skills. – Qualities of judicial demeanor, including poise, discretion, patience, collegiality, and sound judgment. – Experience handling complex trials. – Drafting, revising, and finalizing high quality judicial decisions that include detailed factual narratives and thorough legal analysis, and issuing these decisions promptly. – Proficiency in Word, Microsoft Outlook, and computerized legal research, and adept at learning new computer systems to manage cases and research caselaw. – Experience working with shared administrative and support resources.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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Fall 2025 United States Court of International Trade Judicial Intern Vacancy

The Chambers of Judge Timothy M. Reif of the United States Court of International Trade seeks qualified second- or third-year law students for a fall 2025 internship on a part-time (at least 15 hours per week) or full-time basis. The U.S. Court of International Trade is an Article III federal court with national jurisdiction in matters related to international trade. Judge Reif also sits by designation on the United States District Courts for the Western District of North Carolina and the Eastern District of Oklahoma.


Interns will work closely with Judge Reif and his law clerks on assigned cases. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct legal research on the cases and administrative decisions that come before the court, prepare written memoranda and assist the clerks and Judge Reif in preparing drafts of judicial opinions. Interns will also have the opportunity to assist Judge Reif in preparing for and to observe oral arguments and hearings that happen during the tenure of the internship. As a specialized court, cases typically involve (1) decisions of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security whether and at what rate to levy customs duties, (2) decisions of the U.S. International Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Commerce whether to levy antidumping and countervailing duties on certain imports, as well as (3) other types of legal disputes arising out of the importation of goods. Interns are required to have strong writing and analytical skills. An interest in international trade law and/or administrative law is recommended, albeit not required.


Applications will be accepted until August 15, 2025 (decisions will be made on a rolling basis). Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, law school transcript, writing sample and a list of the names of three references to TMR_Applicants@cit.uscourts.gov. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Please note that all internships are unpaid, and that U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required. Interns may work remotely.

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Thank You to Our Volunteers at the June 18th, 2025 Pro Bono Clinic in Manhattan

AABANY extends our sincerest gratitude to the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE), and all of our dedicated volunteers for contributing to the success of our Pro Bono Legal Clinic on June 18th, 2025. 

During the clinic, our volunteers met with clients addressing issues ranging from housing, real property, financial, family and matrimonial matters. Our volunteer attorneys and interpreters demonstrated exceptional expertise in addressing client concerns, answering legal questions, and connecting them with legal resources through AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS).

College and law student volunteers gained valuable hands-on experience that deepened their understanding of the unique legal challenges faced by underserved individuals in the Asian American and Pacific Islander  community. By shadowing the volunteer attorneys, the student volunteers assisted with client intake and helped translate the consultations. A frequent issue clients faced at this clinic were overdue rent and unexpected payment notices. Due to the linguistic barriers that many clients faced, they often struggled to understand their rights, which led to ineffective communication with landlords and housing authorities. This confusion contributed to heightened stress about their circumstances. Our volunteer attorneys and interpreters played a crucial role in clarifying legal obligations and guiding clients through potential future steps. 

We are dedicated to providing services in both Mandarin and Cantonese to ensure support for individuals who may struggle to obtain quality legal services due to linguistic or cultural barriers when seeking guidance concerning substantive laws and procedural issues.

Thank you again to all of our volunteers at the June 18 Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic:

Volunteer Attorneys

Justin Lee 
Beatrice Leong 
Lily Li
Bich-Nga Nguyen 
Cynthia Park 
Tammy Tran 
Mike Tse
Chenyi Wang
May Wong
Gary Yeung 
Jungeun “Evelyn” Yu 
Francis Chin

Interpreters/Shadowers

Sisu Chou
Katelyn Hai 
Emily Kam 
Nandar Win Kerr
Nikita Kohli
Emily Lai
Nasirn (Nienyin) Lin 
Carrie Nie 
Christine Shea 
Tianyuan Shu 
Tammy Tam
Albert Tong 
Shang Zhai
Kenny Ip

We invite you to continue supporting our community by joining us at our upcoming pro bono clinics:

July 12 [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30-2:30 pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232 

July 16 [Manhattan link here], from 6:30-8:30 pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002 

August 6th [Queens link here] from 6:30-8:30 pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355 

Thank you once again to all our volunteers for their commitment to pro bono service and for making a meaningful difference in our community.

We look forward to your participation in our future clinics! 

To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, visit  probono.aabany.org.

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AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Hosts Dinner at Tosokchon NYC

On June 23, 2025, the Intellectual Property Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) hosted its June dinner at Tosokchon, a beloved Korean restaurant in Manhattan’s Koreatown. Attendees bonded over their shared interest in intellectual property law while enjoying lively conversations and savoring a variety of delicious Korean dishes, including japchae, kalbi, and kimchi pancake.

The casual setting offered a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions on topics ranging from recent IP developments to sharing insights from their experiences across the four core IP areas: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The evening also featured thoughtful conversations about how attendees’ diverse experiences guided them to their current positions. Some attendees had backgrounds rooted in science and engineering, while others entered the intellectual property field through a more traditional legal path. Several attorneys offered valuable advice on law school applications to our college student attendees, fostering a supportive environment for the next generation of legal professionals.

The IP Committee’s monthly dinners aim to build an inclusive community where individuals can explore ideas and expand their networks. Thank you to all who attended and helped make the evening a success!

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can participate, visit the IP Committee’s page on the AABANY website.

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2025 NAPABA Convention | Early Bird Registration Starts Now!

2025 NAPABA Convention

Get ready—NAPABA is heading to the Mile High City! Registration is now open for the 2025 NAPABA Convention, our signature event and one of the largest annual gatherings of attorneys, judges, law professors, and students. NAPABA is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive community open to all—where everyone is empowered to engage, contribute, and lead. We hope you and your colleagues join us.

This year’s Convention in Denver promises thought-provoking programs, dynamic networking, and countless opportunities to connect with peers and leaders who are shaping the future of the legal profession. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, grow your community, or simply be inspired—there’s something here for you.

Early Bird pricing only lasts for a limited time. As a current NAPABA member, you’ll get the best deal for the Convention if you register now!

Register Now

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW | REGISTRATION & HOUSING

When you register early, you’ll be first in line for our special hotel rates, a la carte plenaries, and gala tickets! This year, a room block has been secured at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, the Convention host hotel. We’ve also secured overflow hotels at the Hilton Denver City Center and the Sonesta Denver Downtown, both within walking distance to the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. The unique booking link will be provided AFTER you register for the 2025 NAPABA Convention.

To enhance your Convention experience and put you in control of your schedule, the Friday and Saturday Plenary Luncheons and the 37th Anniversary Gala will be available for purchase a la carte. To attend these ticketed events, you must add them to your registration for an additional fee.

SCHOLARSHIPS

NAPABA strives to keep the Convention affordable for our members and offers one of the best values among legal education conferences. Scholarships may be used towards Convention registration, airfare, lodging, and/or ground transportation.

  • General Convention Scholarship Application | Deadline: August 5 at 8 pm ET
  • Law Student Scholarship Program Application | Deadline: September 16 at 8 pm ET
Learn More About Scholarships

QUESTIONS

Additional resources about the Convention are on our website. For further questions, email us at convention@napaba.org.

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NAPABA Connects | 2025 Application Now Open!

NAPABA Connects 2025

Applications Due: July 15, 2025

We’re excited to announce that the in-house counsel application is now open for NAPABA Connects, our premier program designed exclusively for in-house counsel NAPABA members who register for Convention and to Solo and Small Firm, Gold, or higher-level sponsors.

Through NAPABA Connects, in-house counsel will be matched with law firm attorneys for one-on-one meetings, giving you the opportunity to expand and diversify your preferred provider network. In addition to the opportunity to meet with new outside counsel, NAPABA will be offering in-house counsel the opportunity to meet with existing preferred provider firms. These curated meetings are designed to foster connection and long-term collaboration. By participating, both in-house counsel and law firm attorneys can strategically grow their networks and support each other’s professional advancement.

Don’t wait to submit your application—this is a program you don’t want to miss!

Apply Now

Please note that participants must be registered for the 2025 NAPABA Convention (November 6–8, Denver, CO). As part of this program, NAPABA will offer participating in-house counsel a partial Convention registration reimbursement depending on the number of meetings you volunteer to participate in. The maximum reimbursement amount is $750.

Questions? Contact programs@napaba.org.

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AABANY Dumplings & Discussions Featuring Liz Nie

On June 16, 2025, AABANY held another installment of its Dumplings & Discussion Series. The series presents notable leaders in the legal industry in a fireside chat, in a casual, intimate setting. We were honored to have Liz Nie as our featured guest of the night. Liz is the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Acorns, a financial technology company. Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed pork and chive dumplings, shu mai, shrimp rolls, and many other delicious Chinese dishes. AABANY Board Director Jeffrey Mok moderated the discussion.

Over the course of the evening, Liz enthusiastically discussed her journey in the legal profession. She described her personal experiences that led to her current role as General Counsel and her transition into the fintech industry, and offered valuable insights into the industry.

Liz’s discussion elicited many thought-proving questions from all the attendees, resulting in a lively Q&A.

Afterwards, everyone continued to enjoy food and drinks while forming new connections and cultivating old ones at the networking reception. 

Check the AABANY calendar for future editions of the Dumplings & Discussion series.

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