The conversation highlighted the rapid pace of immigration policy changes during the Trump administration and their continuing impact on immigration practice. Shafiqullah noted that more than 1,000 immigration policy changes were implemented through executive action during Trump’s first term, and that similar patterns appear to be emerging again, alongside proposals such as the Laken Riley Act, which would significantly expand mandatory detention.
Despite these developments, Shafiqullah emphasized that federal courts remain an important avenue for relief. Through habeas corpus petitions, federal District Courts can review unlawful detention and order new bond hearings or release when appropriate. He noted that “District Court judges are understanding that due process won’t permit arbitrary action.”
The program concluded with a discussion about the emotional toll of immigration practice. Because many asylum clients have experienced severe trauma, attorneys often face vicarious trauma as well. The Legal Aid Society supports its staff by providing trainings on handling burnout, secondary trauma, and sustainable public interest practice.
AABANY thanks Hasan Shafiqullah and the Legal Aid Society for sharing their insights, and thanks APALSA and the co-sponsoring committees for organizing this timely and informative program.
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.
The JAMS Fellowship Program, designed to help expand and diversify the pipeline of future alternative dispute resolution (ADR) professionals, is now accepting applications. Through education, mentorship, and hands-on exposure for attorneys who are interested in pursuing careers as mediators and arbitrators, the program provides fellows with training, access to experienced neutrals, and insight into the practice of ADR.
Applications are due no later than April 24.
Please contact Joanne Saint Louis, Director and Inclusive Engagement & Practice Development at [email protected] with any questions.
For more information on the fellowship, follow this link.
How to Apply
Additional documents required are:
A cover letter detailing your interest, experience and achievements in the ADR field.
A current resume/CV.
Two recommendation letters from persons knowledgeable about your interest and experience (if any) in dispute resolution.
A personal statement (no more than two pages). The personal statement should be a narrative describing your motivation for pursuing a career in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and highlighting key experiences that have shaped your journey, including academic achievements, community impact, professional experiences, and any challenges you have overcome, as well as any contributions you hope to make within ADR.
High school students across New York State are invited to participate in the 2026 Law Day Art Contest, organized by the Office for Justice Initiatives and the Historical Society of the New York Courts. This annual contest celebrates Law Day on May 1, a national observance recognizing the importance of the rule of law and the freedoms it protects.
This year’s theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream,” encourages students to reflect on how the legal system supports freedom, fairness, and opportunity. Participants are asked to create an original piece of artwork that expresses what this theme means to them.
The contest highlights the principle that no one stands above the law, and that the rule of law helps empower individuals to pursue their dreams without fear. Through art, students have the opportunity to explore and share their perspectives on justice, equality, and the ideals that shape American society.
Winning entries will receive cash prizes:
First Place: $500
Second Place: $300
Third Place: $200
The submission deadline is March 20, 2026.
Follow this link for additional information, questions, or to view last year’s winning artwork or email [email protected].
Students interested in art, law, or civic engagement are encouraged to participate and share their creative vision of how the rule of law supports the American Dream.
On March 3, 2026, in a front-page article, the New York Law Journal reported on the historic appointment of the Honorable Karen Lin as an Associate Justice of the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court, Second Department. Justice Lin is the first Asian American woman to serve on this appellate bench in the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts, marking an important milestone for New York’s judiciary.
Her appointment represents an important milestone for Asian American representation in New York’s judiciary, where AAPI judges remain underrepresented relative to the communities they serve.
“Justice Lin is a trailblazer and an inspiring role model for Asian Americans,” said Benjamin Hsing, President of the Asian American Bar Association of New York. “It is critical that Asian Americans are properly represented in the New York State judiciary to strengthen public confidence in our courts and to help ensure justice and fairness for Asian American communities across the city and state.”
Justice Lin’s appointment marks an important moment for representation in New York’s courts and reflects her longstanding commitment to public service. Click to view the full article here (subscription required).
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, AABANY’s Trusts & Estates Committee gathered to celebrate the Year of the Horse with a festive dinner in Midtown Manhattan. Held at Tang Pavilion, the evening brought together 18 attendees for a lively night of yummy food and community-building.
As guests arrived, they were directed to a separate private room reserved for the Committee, creating an intimate setting for the celebration. Co-Chair Natasha Chang thoughtfully ordered a wide-ranging selection of dishes for everyone to share, ensuring the table was filled with a delectable and generous spread. The meal began with scallion pancakes, cucumber salad, and frosted peanuts, followed by familiar favorites including Orange Chicken, Shredded Beef with Small Hot Peppers, Assorted Noodles, Beef Noodle Soup, Sweet & Sour Pork Ribs, Boneless Chicken Feet, and Smoked Fish. The steady arrival of dishes encouraged camaraderie as attendees around the table’s central lazy susan spun the glass turntable to share each dish and sample a bit of everything.
Beyond the delicious food, the dinner served as a valuable networking opportunity. Attendees went around the table introducing themselves and sharing their practice areas and career paths. The conversation evolved into a thoughtful reflection on the attendees’ respective law journeys. Many shared what they might have done differently, including whether taking one or more gap years before law school or gaining more practical experience earlier on. Some also talked about how the practice of law is changing with new technologies like AI and how future lawyers will need to adapt to these shifts.
Adding to the festive spirit, attendee Julie Min Chayet from Fiduciary Trust International passed around traditional red envelopes to all of the attendees. Inside were $2 bills and chocolate gold coins representing prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead. The thoughtful gesture sparked smiles and appreciation around the tables.
As we move forward into the Year of the Horse, AABANY’s Trusts & Estates Committee looks ahead with enthusiasm and renewed energy for the year’s programming and initiatives. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of celebration and camaraderie.
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
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.
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.
Storytellers are invited to submit to the 3rd Annual Asian American Stories Video Contest, presented by AAUC (Asian American Unity Coalition) in collaboration with Silicon Valley Community Media and Ding Ding TV. This year, $20,000 in total prizes and grants will be awarded across Youth and Adult categories.
Submissions should be one minute long and must be received by March 31, 2026. Full details and additional contest information is available here.
The 2026 theme, “Coming to America,” focuses on personal journeys: the motivations, challenges, and aspirations that shaped the decision to build a life in the United States, whether your own story or someone else’s. Click here to view last year’s entries.
To support participants, two complimentary virtual workshops will be offered:
Session A: March 1, 2026 at 7:00 PM Pacific. Sign up here. Session B: March 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM Pacific. Sign up here.
Each session cover the following topics:
Contest Mastery: A deep dive into the 2026 rules and submission details.
Production Training: Practical tips on how to film and edit your 1-minute video.
Live Q&A: Get direct answers to your questions from our organizers.
Individuals are encouraged to spread the word to your networks and anyone interested in sharing meaningful stories. Personal narratives help preserve community history and inspire future storytellers.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to individuals entering either the Youth or Adult division. Participants may submit one entry total.
AWARDS
A ticket (worth $150) to the award ceremony.
$5,000 (total $ 20,000) in grants for your future production.
UCA sponsored trip to Las Vegas.
First 20 submissions will receive an Asian American Stories T-shirt.
In a recent feature on the American Bar Association’s Law Practice Today podcast titled “How to Build a Successful Law Firm That Feels Like Family,” Jennifer Wu, Founding Partner of Groomsbridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, shared her firm’s unique approach to fostering a long-term, family-like culture within their law practice. Wu is a patent litigator, a Director on the AABANY Board, and formerly Co-Chair of AABANY’s Women’s Committee.
In the podcast, hosted by Terrell A. Turner, CPA, Wu emphasizes the importance of providing honest feedback to junior attorneys as a means of building the long-term, familial culture at her firm.
“What we do better at our firm is that if I’m going to be rowing in this boat with you forever, maybe I’m going to give you tips on how to hold your oar or how to steer the boat or how to put on your life jacket. There’s really not a benefit to me holding back in my feedback and telling you later, because we’re going to be in this together for a long time, you might as well know now in a kind way, in constructive feedback, what I really think,” she said.
Additionally, Wu highlights the societal shift from a distinct separation between work and family life to the blending of the two in the workplace, which she incorporates to the firm’s values and her commitment to making the practice of law a joyful and fulfilling experience.
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.
