On behalf of Hon. Raja Rajeswari, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Language Access, please see the announcement below.
In 2025, the NYS Unified Court System provided language access to over 400,000 court users statewide. In an effort to continue providing equal access to the courts, we would like to inform you of the following opportunity.
The NYS Unified Court System needs Bengali, Burmese, Cham, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Khmer, Laotian, Malay, Malayalam, Punjabi, Sylheti, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Urdu, Vietnamese as well as the various languages of the Philippines, such as Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Kapampangan, and Pangasinense.
Interested candidates may apply by visiting https://nycourts.powerappsportals.us/pdci-application/. Please note the Office of Language Access will be accepting online applications from September 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025. Candidates who apply during this timeframe will be notified to schedule their written exam during the first two weeks of December 2025.
Candidates who successfully complete the NYS Unified Court System’s Language Skills Screening will be placed on the Per Diem Registry available to the courts statewide.
Per Diem Court Interpreters
are called based on the language needs of the courts,
are paid $220 for a half-day (up to four hours) or $385 for a full day, and
We’re excited to share new opportunities for law students and future leaders this fall. From scholarships and fellowships to the annual Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, there are many ways to advance your legal journey and deepen your connection to the AANHPI community. Explore the details below and be sure to mark your calendars for key deadlines.
Scholarships
This fall, you can apply for four scholarships through one application, ranging from $2,500–$7,500.
NLF Scholarship – $5,000; based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and service to the AANHPI community
NLF Presidential Scholarship – Two awards of $7,500; selected by the NAPABA President for outstanding leadership
The Low Family Scholarship – $2,500; for demonstrated leadership and/or community service
LimNexus Scholarship – $2,500 awarded to one student
This two-year fellowship (September 2026–August 2028) offers:
$60,000 annual salary + $10,000 completion bonus
Employment, health, and fringe benefits through the Host Organization
Substantive legal experience at a nonprofit, national, or community-based organization
Want feedback on your project before the application is due? Submit a one-page Prospectus by Monday, December 1, by 5 pm ET, for feedback from the selection committee.
In-Person: October 17, U.S. Court of International Trade, NYC (12 teams max, first come)
Virtual: October 18 (assigned once in-person fills)
Nationals: November 7–8, 2025, at the NAPABA Convention in Denver, CO
NLF awards the top winners in brief writing and oral advocacy at the Regional Competitions. Up to $10,000 in scholarships are given to the top winners at the National Competition.
The registration fee is $500 per unsponsored team (self-funded by students) and $850 per sponsored team (funded by law school or affiliates). Local NAPABA Affiliates and National Associates are encouraged to sponsor teams.
On Aug. 20 Syracuse Law APALSA hosted a fireside chat with Justice Lillian Wan (NY Appellate Division, Second Department). Assistant Dean Lily Yan Hughes, a 2025 NAPABA Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Recipient, introduced Justice Wan. Then APALSA President Rebecca Lee moderated the chat. The in-person and on-line audience was enthralled by Justice Wan’s stories of how she learned to embrace her Asian American heritage, found her calling in law, and then after another judge mentored her, finally saw that she could become a judge.
Justice Wan’s mission is now to demystify the pathway to the judiciary. It was a fabulous evening bringing together the public and legal community. Thank you to AABANY’s co-sponsorship, along with Syracuse Law Office of Career Services, Syracuse University (SU) AAPI Faculty & Staff Association, Maxwell Executive Education, Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) SU Student Chapter, SU Family Law Society, New Americans Forum, SU Asian/Asian American Studies Program, and Asian Pacific American Public Affairs (APAPA) Syracuse Chapter.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
