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NAPABA Names Susman Godfrey LLP Recipient of the 2025 NAPABA President’s Award

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

2025 NAPABA President’s Award Recipient: Susman Godfrey LLP

WASHINGTON — The 2025 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) President’s Award will be presented to Susman Godfrey LLP. The award recognizes the firm’s steadfast commitment to uplift the legal profession and the rule of law in the United States.

The NAPABA President’s Award is given annually to individuals or entities who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to NAPABA and the broader legal community.

“I am proud to confer the President’s Award to Susman Godfrey LLP,” said NAPABA President Thy Bui. “As both a legal professional and civil rights organization with a core commitment to diversity and upholding the rule of law, NAPABA knows the vital importance of standing up against the wave of attacks against the legal community and upholding our values. Susman Godfrey LLP not only shares our commitment but also lives it. I am thrilled to commend the firm for its unwavering focus to defend the legal profession and the rule of law when it mattered the most.”

Susman Godfrey LLP is a nationally leading boutique litigation law firm founded in Houston, Texas. Today, with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle, the firm has a reputation as one of the “nation’s most impressive – and most feared – litigation boutiques.” Kalpana Srinivasan, a 2014 recipient of the NAPABA Best Under 40 Award, and Vineet Bhatia lead the firm as managing partners.

Earlier this year, the current Administration issued an executive order against Susman Godfrey LLP and endeavored to strip the firm’s ability to function. The executive order, among other things, criticized the firm’s espousal of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. It also disagreed with the firm’s work pertaining to elections. For example, in April 2023, Susman Godfrey LLP secured a $787.5 million settlement for its client, Dominion Voting Systems, to resolve Dominion’s claim of defamation against a prominent media outlet for its statements pertaining to the 2020 presidential election.

Susman Godfrey LLP challenged the executive order, and in June 2025, the firm succeeded when the District Court permanently enjoined the executive order. The court found that the executive order amounted to “unlawful retaliation…for activities that are protected by the First Amendment, including [the firm’s] representation of certain clients…and its expression of its beliefs regarding diversity.” An independent judiciary, as the court recognized, presumes an “informed, independent bar,” which is a “necessity for the rule of law.”

We agree. The firm, in advancing those principles, currently represents the American Bar Association in a lawsuit against the current Administration that challenges the unwarranted attacks against lawyers and law firms.

NAPABA congratulates Susman Godfrey LLP as this year’s recipient of the NAPABA President’s Award, which will be bestowed on Friday, November 7, 2025, during the President’s and Trailblazer Awards Reception at the 2025 NAPABA Convention in Denver, Colorado.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

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The 2025 NAPABA Convention is Your Place to Network

2025 NAPABA Convention

Your Chance to Network

The 2025 NAPABA Convention is your ultimate networking hub.

More than a conference, the Convention is where legal professionals from every stage of their career connect, collaborate, and cultivate lasting professional relationships. From committee meetings and receptions to informal meetups, you’ll find countless opportunities to exchange ideas, share best practices, and engage with peers who understand your work and your passion.

Explore the full range of our networking opportunities on the Convention agenda for countless ways to connect.

These peer-led groups—often organized around specific practice areas, career stages, or shared interests—are a direct line to knowledge-sharing networks and communities that can help you grow your practice, expand your client base, and stay ahead of emerging legal trends. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, partnership, or simply a supportive circle of colleagues, the NAPABA Convention is where those connections begin.

Early Bird Registration Ends Soon

You only have until 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, August 26, to lock in the Early Bird rate. That’s only one week away! Registering now means you’ll save $150 and secure your spot at an event you can’t miss.

Register for #NAPABA2025

For more information about the 2025 NAPABA Convention, please visit the Convention website.

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 NAPABA Committees & Networks | 2025 Co-Chair Applications are Open

Lead and Inspire:
Become a NAPABA Committee or Network Co-Chair

Deadline: September 12, 2025

NAPABA’s committees and networks are vibrant, peer-led communities that connect members through shared practice areas, professional interests, and lived experiences. Committees focus on substantive legal topics and advocacy priorities such as labor & employment law, civil rights, and emerging technologies. Networks bring together members with common career paths or life experiences—such as in-house counsel, military service, or solo practice. These groups foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and leadership development.

Serving as a co-chair is a meaningful opportunity to:

  • Lead within a respected national bar association
  • Develop and showcase your leadership and subject-matter expertise
  • Build lasting relationships with colleagues across the country
  • Shape impactful programs, events, and initiatives that align with NAPABA’s strategic goals

If you are ready to take on a leadership role within NAPABA, we invite you to apply for open 2025 Committee and Network Co-Chair Positions.

Eligibility Criteria

Ideal co-chair candidates will:

  • Bring relevant personal or professional experience to the committee or network’s focus
  • Show a clear commitment to NAPABA’s mission, especially in leadership development
  • Be a NAPABA or NAPABA affiliate member in good standing
  • Commit to serving a six-year term

Application Requirements

Please submit the following materials as a single PDF:

  • Resume or CV highlighting relevant experience
  • Statement of Interest demonstrating the following:
    • Your leadership experience in NAPABA, local NAPABA affiliates, or related organizations
    • Your commitment to integrity and professional excellence
    • Additional relevant experience not included in your resume
  • Professional Bio (a law firm or company profile is acceptable)
Apply Now

2025 Committees and Networks with Co-Chair Vacancies

  • Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee
  • Cannabis/CBD/Hemp Law & Policy Committee
  • Civil Rights Committee
  • Dispute Resolution Committee
  • Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee
  • Financial Services Network
  • Government Enforcement & Compliance Committee
  • Health Law Committee
  • Immigration Committee
  • In House Counsel Network
  • Intellectual Property Committee
  • International Law Committee
  • Labor & Employment Committee
  • Law School Professors and Administrators Network
  • LGBTQ Network
  • Litigation Committee
  • Mass Torts & Class Actions Committee
  • Military & Veterans Network
  • Partners Network
  • Pro Bono & Community Service Committee
  • Public Sector Network
  • Solo & Small Firm Network
  • Women’s Leadership Network
  • Young Lawyers Network

Questions?

Reach out to us at membership@napaba.org.

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LGBTQ, Solo and Small Firm Practice, and Student Outreach Committees Host Popcorn Chicken and Bubble Tea Social

On August 14, 2025, AABANY’s LGBTQ, Solo and Small Firm Practice, and Student Outreach Committees hosted a Popcorn Chicken and Bubble Tea Social event at Anderson & Associates in Lower Manhattan. AABANY members, attorneys, law students, interns, and all participants were able to enjoy a variety of snacks from popcorn chicken, takoyaki, and buns to tea and traditional boba. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity  to meet both new and familiar faces, and all attendees made good use of the time to network and chat.

The Chairs and Co-Chairs of each co-sponsoring Committee, Gregory Hom, Yen-Yi Anderson, and Albert Tong shared their upcoming events and encouraged everyone to continue attending similar events in the future by checking AABANY’s calendar. Thanks to everyone who came out. To learn more about the LGBTQ Committee, click here. To learn more about the Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee, click here. To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee, click here.

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Launch of NYSCEF E-Filing Pilot Program – Superior Criminal Court

NYSCEF Resource Center: www.nycourts.gov/efile|nyscef@nycourts.gov |646.386.3033

Electronic Filing (NYSCEF)
Kings County Supreme Court – Criminal Term
320 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Pursuant to Administrative Order 131/25, which authorizes a pilot program for the consensual/voluntary filing and service of documents by electronic means (“e-filing”) in superior criminal court proceedings, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas has designated Kings County Supreme Court – Criminal Term as the first court to implement the program.

Hon. Matthew J. D’Emic, Administrative Judge for Criminal Matters, 2nd Judicial District, is pleased to announce the pilot program will go into effect on September 18, 2025.

Training is available

Training sessions will be offered by the NYSCEF Resource Center to assist attorneys and other court users with the transition.

Scheduled sessions:

Thursday, September 4, 2025, 2:00pm
Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 10:00am

To register for a Superior Criminal Court e-filing training session, go to www.nycourts.gov/efile and click on the date you wish to attend.

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AABANY’s Annual Picnic Brings a Taste of Chinatown to Central Park

There’s no better way to celebrate summer than with great food, great company, and the beauty of Central Park — and the Young Lawyers Committee’s Annual Picnic delivered all three. This year, we once again partnered with Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli, a beloved Chinatown staple owned by Billy You and Eric Lee, to bring their signature banh mi sandwiches straight to the Great Lawn.

On picnic day, about 50 attendees gathered to savor these flavorful sandwiches, relax on the lush green lawns, mingle with fellow members, and enjoy lively outdoor activities. Among the many attendees were Yang Chen, AABANY Executive Director, Carrey Wong, AABANY Deputy Executive Director, Benjamin Hsing, AABANY President, Development Director Beatrice Leong, and various other Committee Chairs and members. YLC’s Co-Chairs Justin Lee and Jameson Xu organized the event and were in attendance as well. Membership Director Alysha Naik brought a few board games for people to play and enjoy.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, conversation, and a strong sense of community — a reminder of what makes the AABANY network so special. From families spreading picnic blankets to friends catching up under shady trees, the picnic offered a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy a taste of Chinatown without leaving the park. 

To see the album of photos, go here.

Thanks to everyone who came out, and for bringing friends, families, and pets! If you missed this year’s gathering, we hope to see you next summer! To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee, please visit aabany.org/page/123

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Bankruptcy Judgeship Opportunity, Western District of New York – United States Court Of Appeals For The Second Circuit [Deadline Extended Until September 5]

August 11, 2025 – Bankruptcy Judgeship Vacancy – [Extension of application period until September 5, 2025] -The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invites applications from qualified candidates for a 14-year appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge in the Western District of New York (Rochester). The extension deadline to submit an application is September 5, 2025.  If you applied earlier, there is no need to re-submit your application. For announcement, please click here. For application, please click here.

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Thank You to Our Volunteers at the August 6 Pro Bono Clinic in Queens

We extend our sincere gratitude to AABANY, the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee, Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE), and our dedicated volunteers for contributing to the success of our pro bono legal clinic in Queens on August 6th, 2025. 

The clinic began with an orientation by Gary Yeung, Co-Chair of the PBCS committee, where volunteers were instructed on how to fill out intake forms and interact professionally with the clients.

At the clinic, our volunteers offered essential support to clients facing challenges in housing, worker’s compensation, finance, and immigration. Seasoned volunteer attorneys, along with student observers and interpreters, helped alleviate client stress by providing legal insights, language assistance, and access to a broad range of legal resources including referrals to AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS).

College and law students gained legal knowledge and experience through shadowing, notetaking, and asking intake questions. Many clients had limited proficiency in English, and volunteers who spoke Mandarin and Cantonese aided both attorneys and clients by acting as interpreters.

Clients most frequently encountered housing-related issues and immigration issues. These included problems such as co‑op boards neglecting to hold their required annual shareholder meetings and landlords breaching leases. Clients also brought concerns about their loved ones’ immigration status, for example, asking if they would be let back into the country if they were to travel outside the United States. Volunteers helped clients understand their circumstances and outlined general next steps should they choose to pursue further legal action.

Many volunteers stayed afterwards to connect. Law students were able to converse with experienced lawyers about the types of problems encountered during the client consultations and asked them further questions about their various legal fields. Afterwards, some remaining volunteers went to grab dessert at Yuan Yang, located on Prince Street nearby.

We thank again all the volunteers at the August 6th Queens Pro Bono Clinic for their time, professionalism, and contribution:

Lawyers

Wendy Cheng

Richard In

Lord Chester So

Wendell Y. Tong

May Wong

Meng Zhang

Shadowers

Katelyn Hai

Cindy Huang

Nikita Kohli

Haau-Yi Li

Zhibiao Peng

Albert Tong

Shang Zhai

Haoyue Wang

We invite you to continue supporting our community by joining us at our upcoming Pro Bono Clinics:

August 20th [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002

September 17th [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002

September 20th [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Thanks once again to all our volunteers for attending the Pro Bono Clinic.

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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The NAPABA Nook is Back for 2025 — And We Want to Feature You!

Calling all authors! Have you written a book that inspires, empowers, or tells a great story? We are thrilled to share that we are bringing back the NAPABA Nook at the 2025 NAPABA Convention!

What is NAPABA Nook?

It’s a cozy, pop-up library space at the Convention where we spotlight NAPABA’s talented authors and writers. Selected books will be beautifully displayed along with instructions on how attendees can purchase them online.

Who Can Apply:

If you are an author or a writer, we invite you to submit your book for consideration for the NAPABA Nook. Whether your book dives into law, career tips, personal growth, storytelling, or any genre that reflects your voice, we want to feature YOU!

Criteria:

  • Books must be published between 2024 and 2025
  • Only one book per author may be featured
  • Selected authors must provide a courtesy copy to be displayed in the Nook
  • Only new books will be considered for 2025. Books that were featured in previous years may not be eligible for inclusion again.

To submit a book for consideration, please complete this form no later than 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday, September 23.

Submit a Book

For more information about the 2025 NAPABA Convention, please visit the Convention website.

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Kings Supreme Court, Criminal Term, Announces NYSCEF Voluntary E-Filing Pilot Program

Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term has been selected to be the first court of criminal jurisdiction in New York State to introduce E-filing (NYSCEF). A voluntary pilot program for Criminal Term E-filing will commence on Monday, September 8th, 2025.  

This pilot program allows attorneys to opt into e-filing, providing flexibility during this initial phase. While participation is not mandatory, the program aims to demonstrate the benefits of e-filing and encourage widespread adoption.

The future site where attorneys would log on and file documents is linked here: NYSCEF Home. Attorneys admitted to the New York State Bar can access the NYSCEF site by logging on with their registration credentials, agreeing to the posted terms, and establishing an account.

If there are any further questions about this program, please contact Brian McAllister, Chief Clerk for Criminal Matters, at Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, at bmcallis@nycourts.gov or via phone at (347) 296-1100.

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