On September 22, 2025, the AABANY Intellectual Property Committee gathered at Dumpling Xi for its monthly dinner filled with laughter, conversation, and delicious dumplings.
The attendees enjoyed authentic, hand-crafted dumplings, which many described as “comfort food that feels like home.” Each bite transported us back to family kitchens and hometown flavors, sparking nostalgia and connection.
Equally special was the community that came together. The dinner was a true reunion, with old friends reconnecting over shared plates and fond memories, while also warmly welcoming new faces into the group.
Attendees also shared war stories on the cases they have worked on, while exchanging practical tips and strategies with one another. These discussions highlighted the spirit of collaboration and mentorship that defines the IP Committee.
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 ahead.
If you’re interested in future dinners, keep an eye on the AABANY calendar for upcoming events. To learn more about this committee, visit the IP Committee subpage on the AABANY website.
Many thanks to AABANY, AALFNY, PBCS, AAFE, and all the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of our pro bono legal clinic in Manhattan on September 17th, 2025.
During the clinic, our volunteers provided invaluable assistance to 20 clients, addressing a range of legal matters including housing, immigration, civil litigation, estate and property, personal injury, fraud and theft. Our volunteer attorneys and interpreters thoughtfully addressed client concerns, offered clarity through their answers, and facilitated connections to appropriate legal resources via AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS).
We are committed to offering services in both Mandarin and Cantonese to ensure continued support for individuals facing linguistic or cultural barriers when seeking guidance on substantive and procedural legal matters.
We thank again all the volunteers at the September 17th Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic for their time, professionalism, and contribution.
Volunteer attorneys:
Yen-Yi Anderson
Sam (Ming-Sheng) Hou
Jack (Zixu) Hsia
Justin Lee
Beatrice Leong
Lily Li
Arthur Lin
Zixuan Luo
Jie Shi
Jieman Tan
Jameson Xu
Cecilia Yang
Interpreters/shadowers:
Nandar Win Kerr
Carrie Nie
Shang Zhai
Wendy Zeng
Please join us at our next Pro Bono Clinics:
November 8th [Brooklyn link here] from 12:30pm – 2:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, NY, NY 11232
November 19 [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002
December 3 [Queens link here] from 6:30 – 8:30 PM, AAFE One Flushing Community Center, NY, NY 11355
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 how you can get involved with AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics, visit probono.aabany.org.
Federal Public Defender Vacancy – The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invites applications from qualified candidates for the position of Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut. The term of office is four years, with potential for appointment to successive terms. For announcement, please click here. For application, please click here. The current authorized annual salary is $195,200.
The Federal Public Defender, functioning under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 3006A(g)(2)(A) and the Criminal Justice Act Plan for the District of Connecticut, provides criminal defense services to individuals unable to afford counsel. The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut has offices in Hartford and New Haven. The Federal Public Defender supervises a staff of assistant federal defenders, research and writing attorneys, investigators, paralegals, mitigation specialists, and support personnel.
The website for the office is: Office of the Public Defender District of Connecticut. Applicants must satisfy the following conditions: (1) be a member in good standing in the bar of the state in which the candidate is admitted to practice;
(2) have a minimum of five years criminal practice experience, preferably with significant federal criminal trial experience, which demonstrates an ability to provide zealous representation of consistently high quality to criminal defendants;
(3) possess the ability to effectively administer the office, including the following management areas:
Budget, procurement, and travel
Human resources
Space, facilities, and property;
(4) have a reputation for integrity; and
(5) demonstrate a commitment to the representation of those unable to afford counsel.
As the chief executive of the Office of the Federal Public Defender, the Federal Public Defender holds ultimate responsibility for the administration of the Office. The Office serves as a resource center for all practicing federal defense attorneys in the District, providing regularly scheduled training programs as well as advice and counsel when needed. The Federal Public Defender works nationally with other federal defenders on evolving issues in federal criminal law and other areas of shared concern.
The Second Circuit uses an open and competitive selection process. A Merit Selection Committee will review all applications and interview the most qualified candidates. With consideration of the District Court’s recommendation, the Committee will refer the best qualified candidate to the Court of Appeals for selection and appointment. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability. The selected nominee will be required to complete a background investigation prior to appointment. The Federal Public Defender may not engage in the private practice of law.
Application forms are posted on the Court’s website at http://www.ca2.uscourts.gov. Completed application packages must be in the format required by the Second Circuit and received no later than December 1, 2025.
NAPABA is proud to announce the 2025-26 Board of Governors, who will be sworn in during the 2025 NAPABA Convention in Denver.
Our NAPABA community thrives because of dedicated members who step into leadership roles across the organization. From the national Board of Governors to our affiliate leaders, substantive committees, affinity networks, and professional development programs, NAPABA’s impact is fueled by the vision, energy, and service of our volunteers.
We are grateful for all of our leaders and their commitment to advancing NAPABA’s mission and strengthening the AANHPI legal community.
If you are interested in serving and shaping the future of NAPABA, please contact Priya Purandare to learn more.
2025-26 NAPABA Board of Governors
Executive Committee
President – Joseph Yao, Retired
President-Elect – Jason DeJonker, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Treasurer – Arlene Yang, Center for Employment Opportunities
Secretary – Annette Kwok, Owens Corning
Immediate Past President – Thy Bui, Maynard Nexsen
Executive Director – Priya Purandare, Ex Officio, NAPABA
Regional Governors
Northeast – Alan Y. Wong, KabaFusion
Northwest – Eric de los Santos, Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.
Eastern California/Nevada – Glicel Sumagaysay, Law Office of Glicel Sumagaysay
Central California – Jason Liang, Liang Ly LLP
Northeast – Kathleen Chen, Johnson & Johnson
Northern California – Lisa Mak, Flynn Group
Southeast – Onchantho Am, University of Central Florida
Central – Phil Bautista, Taft Stettinius & Hollister
Southwest – Phil Kim, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton
Southern California – Tony Wang, O’Melveny & Myers LLP
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, AABANY hosted its 16th Annual Fall Conference, themed “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!” at New York Law School. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the school for hosting and supporting this gathering of the AAPI legal community. The day began with a buffet-style breakfast, during which attendees enjoyed coffee, pastries, bagels, and light bites, reconnecting with familiar faces and forming new connections.
Morning Sessions
From 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, participants attended one of three CLE panels:
At 12:30 PM, AABANY President Ben Hsing gave welcoming remarks to a packed Plenary Lunch Session, setting the stage for a live reenactment of the landmark cases Ozawa v. United States (1922) and United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind (1923). The reenactment dramatized two pivotal cases from the early 20th century in which the U.S. Supreme Court denied naturalization to two Asian immigrants—Takao Ozawa, a Japanese immigrant who argued that his light skin and cultural assimilation qualified him as “white,” and Bhagat Singh Thind, an Indian Sikh man who claimed to be Caucasian, citing Aryan ancestry, to assert eligibility for citizenship under the “free white person” requirement.
The emotional resonance of the performance was heightened by the fact that the judges in the reenactment were sitting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women judges from state and federal courts. In the original cases, the highest court in the land had defined Ozawa and Thind as racially “other,” excluding entire communities from the privilege of citizenship. A century later, to see a full panel of AAPI women judges presiding from the bench—occupying the very institutional role that had once excluded people like Ozawa and Thind—was profoundly moving. The visual and symbolic contrast between the historical rulings and the present-day makeup of the judiciary underscored how legal institutions can be both instruments of exclusion and, over time, sites of transformation.
The reenactment was followed by a fireside chat with Professor Rose Cuison-Villazor moderated by Albert Tong, Student Outreach Committee Chair, which unpacked the historical and contemporary significance of these rulings in shaping concepts of citizenship, race, and identity. For many attendees, the moment crystallized both how far the community has come and how history continues to shape present realities.
Diversity Career Fair (DCF): Building Bridges Between Talent & Opportunity Hosted by the Career Advancement Committee, the Diversity Career Fair (DCF) ran from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Employers from public, corporate, nonprofit, and legal services sectors hosted informational tables and, in some cases, first-round on-site interviews. Attendees engaged in meet-and-greets, exchanged resumes, and connected with recruiters and legal professionals. The DCF served as a vital platform for career exploration and networking within the AAPI legal community, allowing attendees ample opportunities to explore career openings by visiting employer tables and meeting with representatives from approximately 20 public and private sector organizations and companies. On-site interviews took place with 5 of the participating employers, and resumes were collected from around 11 of the participating employers.
The Trial Advocacy Program (TAP): Hands-On Training and Mentorship from Eminent Trial Lawyers
Returning to the Fall Conference this year, TAP (Trial Advocacy Program) gave junior attorneys structured, mentored experience in key trial advocacy skills, with lectures, demonstrations, and exercises in opening and closing statements, as well as direct and cross-examinations. Participants prepared ahead of time, based on a mock trial problem, to present opening statements and conduct direct and cross-examinations before a faculty of experienced trial lawyers in breakout rooms, and received individual feedback and coaching. The program concluded with powerhouse closing argument demonstrations by two distinguished trial lawyers, Hugh Mo and William Campos, that captivated the audience. For video of Hugh Mo’s closing statement for the defense, courtesy of Mo Law Firm, see here.
Afternoon Sessions: Community & Innovation in Practice
From 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, attendees had their selection of:
These sessions continued the balance between community impact and emerging legal trends.
Link-Up Reception: Cultivating Professional Connections
One of the highlights of the day was the Link-Up Reception designed to foster meaningful engagement between law firm attorneys and senior in-house counsel seeking external legal services. Open only to invited in-house counsel, Gold-level sponsors and above, and representatives from 2025 Annual Dinner and Winter Soiree sponsors, the Link-Up Reception was a benefit offered to higher-tier sponsors, giving them increased exposure and direct access to in-house decision-makers.
By offering a direct and selective networking opportunity in a concentrated timeframe, the Link-Up Reception helped to enhance business development possibilities and strategic connections for participating in-house and outside counsel.
Cocktail Receptionand Trailblazer Award Presentation
Following the Link-up reception, a general Cocktail Reception was held. The Cocktail Reception created a more open, celebratory atmosphere where attendees – including attorneys, law students, and pre-law students – could meet and mingle, after a full day of CLE and other programs. Attendees socialized, reflected, and strengthened connections over hors d’oeuvres and beverages. For many, the Cocktail Reception presented an excellent chance to connect with judges, seasoned practitioners, and peers in an informal setting — a space where mentorships may begin, collaborations were seeded, and the day’s theme of community and collective growth came to life in real time.
During the Reception, following remarks by AABANY President-Elect Varuna Bhattacharyya, Hon. Justice Jeffrey K. Oing, former Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department, introduced Justice Kim.
AABANY’s Executive Director Yang Chen then presented the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, honoring leadership, innovation, mentorship, and sustained community impact, to Hon. Judy H. Kim, Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County. In her acceptance speech, Justice Kim highlighted the importance of mentorship and community. She recounted a particularly memorable time when an intern wrote to her, “You have shown me into a world that I thought I would never be able to be part of, and the gift that you have given me is priceless.” These words left a deep impact on everyone, reminding us of the importance of mentorship in this competitive world. This celebration closed the conference on a note of recognition, gratitude, and community.
We extend deep thanks to:
More than 50 student volunteers from area law schools and colleges for providing wide-ranging support, including assisting with registration, logistics, and CLE sign-in and sign-out
Albert Tong, Chair of the Student Outreach Committee, for coordinating the volunteers before and during the Conference
Our sponsors, whose support made the Fall Conference and its educational, professional development, and networking opportunities possible
All moderators, panelists, program chairs, and above all, attendees, whose participation embodied the theme – “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!”
For more photos of the event, please visit the links below:
Thanks to our photographers, Jessie Zhou (AABANY legal intern), Tohir Hodjakulov, and Shiyun Zhang (student volunteers).
We hope the 2025 Fall Conference enriched your professional journey and strengthened the bonds within our AAPI legal community. Thank you for being part of this signature AABANY event — we look forward to seeing you at future programs!
The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) brought together attorneys for a night of fun and networking on October 3, 2025, as the Young Lawyers Committee teamed up with the Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee to host a lively social at Puttery. Guests enjoyed imaginative mini-golf courses while connecting with colleagues in a relaxed, playful setting.
The event offered young practitioners and solo attorneys alike a chance to build meaningful relationships outside the courtroom, blending professional networking with a creative twist. It was a perfect way to kick off the fall season with camaraderie and community.
On September 17, 2025, AABANY’s Labor & Employment Law and In-House Counsel Committees hosted a fireside chat with Grace Fu, Chief Legal & Administrative Officer at Nanit. Grace shared her experience with AABANY members about working with unions in her prior role as Chief Legal and Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President at Barneys New York.
The event, hosted at Littler Mendelson P.C.’s midtown Manhattan office, aimed to explore the “labor” side of the practice of labor and employment law. Grace explained that her role at Barneys was the first time she had in-depth exposure to labor and employment law, and highlighted the learning curve that came with participating in collective bargaining and addressing the needs of a unionized workforce. She shared stories from her interactions with employees and union officials at Barneys, and expressed gratitude for the unique experience she gained in her dual role in both the Legal and Human Resources departments while at Barneys.
The fireside chat was followed by a Q&A session where Grace continued to provide insight and perspective on her role at Barneys, and shared how she has carried lessons from those experiences to her current role at Nanit.
The Labor & Employment Law Committee plans on scheduling quarterly fireside chats with leaders in the field of labor and employment law. Please be on the lookout for future events, which will be posted on the AABANY calendar!
The Kings County District Attorney’s Office is undertaking a major hiring initiative and actively recruiting both new and experienced attorneys to join one of the largest and most dynamic prosecution offices in the country. They have a range of open positions that reflect the breadth of their practice and are seeking candidates with varied interests, experience levels, and career goals. If you are looking for meaningful public service in a fast-paced, values-driven environment, they want to meet you.
About the Office: A National Model for Modern Prosecution The Kings County District Attorney’s Office serves Brooklyn’s 2.8 million residents and is New York City’s busiest prosecutor’s office. Under the leadership of District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, their office is recognized nationally for its modern, community-centered approach to prosecution, grounded in fairness, integrity, accountability, and public trust.
With more than 1,200 attorneys, investigators, and professional staff, they handle a wide and complex range of cases that reflect the size and diversity of the borough they serve. Their work covers the entire criminal justice system, from misdemeanors to homicides to appellate litigation. They also operate many specialized bureaus and units focused on priority and emerging areas of law. These include gender-based violence, hate crimes, gang-related offenses, elder exploitation, financial fraud, tenant and homeowner protection, animal crimes, environmental crimes, cybercrime, and cryptocurrency. Their attorneys have access to advanced tools and support through their in-house Digital Evidence Lab, Forensic Science Unit, and Virtual Currency Unit. In addition, their Conviction Review Unit is held up as a national model for identifying and correcting past injustices. They are committed to both safety and reform, with an approach that combines strong enforcement with smart prevention strategies, including restorative justice programs, trauma-informed services, and tailored diversion initiatives that reduce recidivism and support healing. Their model is working. In 2024, Brooklyn recorded the lowest number of shootings ever, and that progress continues in 2025.
Opportunities for New and Experienced Attorneys: Grow Your Career with Impact They are hiring at all levels of experience. Entry-level Assistant District Attorneys receive comprehensive training and gain courtroom experience handling meaningful cases early in their careers. Their most recent class came from more than 30 law schools in 15 states, reflecting a wide range of backgrounds and talents. They are also seeking lateral attorneys from across the legal profession. Whether your background is in prosecution, defense, public interest, or private practice, they invite you to explore a role within their office. Opportunities are available throughout the organization.
Benefits and Work Culture They offer competitive salaries, comprehensive New York City employee benefits, and membership in the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS). Most bureaus offer one day of remote work per week for experienced attorneys, and some positions may be available on a part-time basis. The Kings County District Attorney’s Office is committed to building and sustaining a team that reflects the diversity of Brooklyn. They are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Interested candidates should fill out online applications at apply.brooklynda.org
We extend our sincere gratitude to AABANY, AALFNY, PBCS, CPC, RaisingHealth and all the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of our pro bono legal clinic and our community outreach activity at RaisingHealth’s Health Empowerment Celebration in Brooklyn on September 20th, 2025.
Kwok Kei Ng (Co-Chair), May Wong (former Co-Chair) and Nandar Win Kerr (Treasurer and Impact Consultant) of the Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee hosted a community outreach table at the RaisingHealth’s Health Empowerment Celebration event. We effectively referred guests with legal questions to the pro bono legal clinic in real-time and distributed “Know-Your-Rights” brochures on immigration law in Chinese and Spanish, upcoming pro bono clinic flyers, and information about AABANY’s legal referral and information service. Our participation highlights our commitment to community lawyering and addressing current immigration rights issues, including constitutional rights and fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable immigrants. By utilizing our legal knowledge, language skills, and resources, we aim to build relationships with local communities and advocate for policy and social changes.
During the clinic, our small but mighty team of volunteers provided invaluable assistance to 28 clients, addressing a range of legal matters including housing, immigration, civil litigation, personal injury and employment. Our volunteer attorneys and interpreters thoughtfully addressed client concerns, offered clarity through their answers, and facilitated connections to appropriate legal resources via AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS).
We are committed to offering services in both Mandarin and Cantonese to ensure continued support for individuals facing linguistic or cultural barriers when seeking guidance on substantive and procedural legal matters.
We especially want to thank all the volunteers at the September 20th Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic for their time, professionalism, and invaluable contributions. Your dedication, including staying later than necessary to ensure no guest was turned away, is truly admirable.
Volunteer attorneys:
Ben Choi
Arthur Lin
Kwok Kei Ng
May Wong
Jameson Xu
Karen Yau
Interpreters/shadowers: Elaine Ou Yang
Qi (Ellie) Wang
Francisco Yau-Smith
Wendy Zeng
We invite you to continue supporting our community by joining us at our upcoming Pro Bono Clinics:
October 1st [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355 (We have guest speakers from NYC MOIA regarding immigration resources. Please join us!)
October 15th [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002
November 8th [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.
At the NAPABA Convention, you’ll experience unmatched opportunities to grow, connect, and be inspired. On Friday, November 7, join NAPABA for a plenary session featuring trailblazing leaders who will examine the key issues shaping the future of the legal profession.
This year’s plenary will spotlight the Portrait Project, NAPABA’s groundbreaking study of Asian Americans in the law, and offer candid insights on how the legal community can advance representation and leadership in a time of change.
Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from Justice Goodwin Liu, Sandra Leung, Kalpana Srinivasan, and Professor Ajay K. Mehrotra as they unpack the Portrait Project and share perspectives on the challenges facing our profession.
Secure your spot today—add this a la carte session to your Convention registration and be part of this vital conversation.
Sandra Leung Executive Vice President and General Counsel (ret.), Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Professor Ajay K. Mehrotra Moderator Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Diversity and inclusion efforts are facing mounting pressure. Across the nation, they face legal and political challenges across the board, whether in the government sector, the private sector, or on university campuses. The legal profession has not escaped the backlash. In its wake, the Portrait Project, supported by the American Bar Foundation and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), provides invaluable perspectives. It explores critical empirical research to explain why the Asian American legal community continues to face persistent barriers to advancement and endure underrepresentation in the top ranks of the profession.
NAPABA works to achieve optimal representation and visibility of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) attorneys in every facet and level of the legal field and beyond. But how do we pursue this goal in the current polarized atmosphere, where employee resource groups and affinity organizations face enormous pressures and where employers are wavering on commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Join us for a lively conversation with the architects of the Portrait Project and leaders of the legal profession to hear what the latest data tells us about the state of AANHPIs in the profession. Discover how their findings can cut through the heated political rhetoric to show a better understanding of the factors that have contributed to attrition and retention, and the policies and practices that can boost representation at the leadership levels.
Military & Veteran Service Award
During the Plenary Luncheon, we will also be recognizing this year’s Military & Veteran Service Awardee. This award honors NAPABA members who have served in the United States Armed Forces and demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing justice, supporting service members and veterans, and strengthening our community.
Congressman Ted W. Lieu (CA-36) U.S. House of Representatives
