On October 18th, 2023, AABANY held its Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic at the AAFE (Asian Americans for Equality) Community Center, at 111 Norfolk Street. Our dedicated volunteers gathered on Wednesday evening to provide invaluable, free legal services to the community. The clinic was met with a large number of volunteers, eager to give back to the New York AAPI community. Volunteer interpreters and attorneys met with clients, discussing a range of issues, encompassing family, immigration, and employment law.
AABANY would like to thank our Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee, AAFE, our community partners, and our hard-working volunteers for giving us their time and energy. Our success could not be possible without your support. AABANY hopes to continue making a positive impact on the community and providing much-needed legal services to those in need. We extend our sincere gratitude towards the following individuals:
Volunteer Attorneys:
Anna Wang
Beatrice Leong
Helen Lee
Hongye Mao
Francis Chin
Menglong (Anthony) Zhu
Osamu Watanabe
Tiange (Tim) Chen
Wenhsien Cheng
Xue Luan
Yan Lian Kuang-Maoga
Yan Sin
Yang Xu
Yi Stewart
Interpreters and Shadowers:
Cecilia Yang
Gaohany Guo
I-Kai Lee
Jieman Tan
Justin Lee
Ruo Yang
Shi Tang
Suzie Yu
Yiming (Roselyn) Chen
Yu-Syuan Huang
Yuwen Long
AAFE:
Elton Ye
Ling Ren
Once again, AABANY thanks all the volunteers, AAFE, community partners, and the PBCS Committee who made this Pro Bono Clinic possible. Please join the next Queens Pro Bono Clinic taking place on November 1st at One Flushing Community Center. For more information, please click here.
The Trailblazer Award honors outstanding attorneys and organizations that make an impact in the legal profession and within the AANHPI community. This lifetime achievement award is NAPABA’s highest honor and recognizes the outstanding achievements, commitment, and leadership of lawyers who have paved the way for the advancement of other AANHPI attorneys.
Trailblazers have demonstrated vision, courage, and tenacity in their practice. They have also made substantial and lasting contributions to the AANHPI legal profession, as well as the broader AANHPI community.
We’re proud to recognize these deserving honorees of the 2023 NAPABA Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the 2023 NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis.
2023 Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award Recipients
Director Kiran A. Ahuja U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Kiran A. Ahuja serves as the Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). After more than two decades in public service and executive nonprofit work, she was nominated by President Joe Biden for her current role before being confirmed by the United States Senate on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. Director Ahuja is the first South Asian American and first Asian American woman to lead OPM. Learn more about Kiran.
Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta U.S. Department of Justice
Vanita Gupta is the 19th United States Associate Attorney General and has served as the third-ranking official at the Department of Justice since her confirmation by the Senate on April 21, 2021. Associate Attorney General Gupta supervises the Department of Justice’s civil litigating divisions. She also oversees the grantmaking components of the Department. Learn more about Vanita.
Lisa Loo Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Lisa S. Loo, as Vice President for Legal Affairs and Deputy General Counsel at Arizona State University, focuses on special projects and initiatives, commercial transactions, procurement, real estate and immigration matters. Lisa is a founding board member of the Arizona Asian American Bar Association. Learn more about Lisa.
Florence T. Nakakuni Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii
Florence T. Nakakuni is the former United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. She was appointed in 2009 by President Barack Obama, replacing Edward H. Kubo Jr. who left to become a Judge on the Hawaii First Circuit Court. She is the first female United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. Learn more about Florence.
Ambassador Katherine C. Tai U.S. Trade Representative
Ambassador Katherine C. Tai was sworn in as the 19th United States Trade Representative on March 18, 2021. As a member of the President’s Cabinet, Ambassador Tai is the principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy. Prior to her unanimous Senate confirmation, Ambassador Tai spent most of her career in public service focusing on international economic diplomacy, monitoring, and enforcement. Learn more about Katherine.
Commissioner Mark T. Uyeda U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Mark T. Uyeda was sworn into office on June 30, 2022, after being nominated by President Joseph Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Commissioner Uyeda has served on the staff of the SEC since 2006. He most recently served on detail from the SEC to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs as a securities counsel to the committee’s minority staff. He is the first Asian Pacific American to serve as a Commissioner at the SEC. Learn more about Mark.
Nearly 50 members of the bar “came out” to celebrate the diversity within the LGBT, Asian American, and South Asian communities with the LGBT Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and host Linklaters LLP. A companion reception is planned for Washington DC hosted by Blank Rome LLP on Nov. 16. RSVP here.
LGBT Asian American and South Asian attorneys in corporate, commercial, government, and public interest practice gathered to build peer-support and expand their network. David Lat, Founder, Original Jurisdiction and Above the Law, shared welcoming remarks. Thank you for joining us again.
Law firm sponsorships will help “Build Back the LGBTQ+ API community Better!” in collaboration with the Asian American Federation. Two years of lockdowns, a year of anti-Asian violence, and a record number of state anti-LGBT bills, have stunted the LGBTQ Asian community’s growth. Sponsors will support a series of training workshops for the LGBTQ Asian American community. Thank you for all your support!
On October 17, 2023, the IP Committee and the Labor & Employment Committee together hosted a bowling event at Frames Bowling Lounge in Midtown Manhattan. New and familiar faces gathered to mingle and bowl, alongside classic plates including angus beef sliders, buffalo wings, and perfectly crispy fries. With 4-5 players per lane across three lanes, attendees brought on the competition and the game was on! The spacious two-floor bowling lounge had a liveliness and energy that certainly made the Tuesday evening feel like a Friday, and the food was so good that it had everyone taking the leftovers home in smaller boxes.
We would like to thank all of our attendees for a fun night and Jane Hong (IP Committee vice-chair) and Jennifer Kim (Labor & Employment Committee vice-chair) who took the lead in making this event come to life. We are always looking forward to seeing more faces and welcoming newcomers and members alike. To learn more about the Labor & Employment and IP Committees, please visit this page and this page.
For Immediate Release: October 17, 2023 Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy
WASHINGTON – On Sunday, an unimaginable nightmare visited a Palestinian American family in Plainfield, Illinois, a suburban region outside of Chicago. Local law enforcement officials have accused the family’s landlord of murdering a six-year-old child and attempted murder of the child’s mother in their home. The Will County Sheriff’s Office concluded that the perpetrator targeted the family because of their Islamic faith.
No words can capture the anguish and devastation that this vile act of hate has brought. We send our deep, heartfelt condolences to the family, and we stand with the Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities throughout the United States.
Acts of hate must have no quarter anywhere. As the nation responds to the current conflict in the Middle East, we must not overlook our common humanity. Hate, whether in the form of anti-Asian hate, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, white supremacy, or any other act of bigotry must be condemned across the board.
On Monday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released its national crime statistics for 2022, reminding us that our work to eradicate hate must continue. With unrelenting focus, NAPABA, the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago, the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago, and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of Chicago are committed to do so.
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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 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.
The NAPABA In-House Counsel Mentoring Program has operated for nearly two decades and is responsible for hundreds of professional relationships that have resulted in the development of in-house counsel leaders who have shined in their career.
This program provides mentee attorneys the opportunity to expand their professional network and find meaningful support and connection with other diverse attorneys who understand the challenges of the practice and can foster new ideas that inspires career growth. Mentors will harness their leadership skills and expertise to pass along perspective, wisdom, and practical skills gained throughout their career.
Interested in Applying?
The deadline to apply is October 17, 2023. For questions, please contact Sumbal Abid, Operations Manager.
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023 on the corner of Canal and Elizabeth Streets in Manhattan’s Chinatown, a crowd gathered for the 12th Annual Commemoration of Private Danny Chen. Danny Chen ended his life while deployed in Afghanistan after suffering from persistent and severe verbal and physical abuse by his fellow soldiers as a result of his race.
At the Commemoration, Pvt. Danny Chen’s life and legacy were told in twelve chapters by twelve speakers. The speakers included his family and friends, his teachers and mentors, community activists speaking on behalf of Chinatown Head Start and OCA-New York, and award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang. The Commemoration transported us from Danny Chen’s colorful childhood in Manhattan’s Chinatown to the gruesome details of the harassment and humiliating treatment he was subjected to while he served his country. You can watch the 12th Annual Commemoration of Private Danny Chen here.
AABANY members Rocky Chin and Marilyn Go, as well as Yang Chen, Executive Director attended the ceremony. The New York Timesreported on the observance.
Pvt. Danny Chen’s legacy is immortalized by the opera An American Soldier. With a libretto by Tony and Grammy winner David Henry Hwang, An American Soldier recounts the powerful true story of a young soldier from Manhattan’s Chinatown who sought to serve his country, only to find his biggest threat was the very people who swore to protect him. It is told through the multidimensional music of Huang Ruo and directed by Obie Award winner Chay Yew. The opera will premiere in NYC from May 12–19, 2024 at the Perelman Performing Arts Center.
To keep Pvt. Danny Chen’s legacy alive means to continue the fight against racially motivated injustice and discrimination. Twelve years after his death, Asian Americans are still perceived by individuals and elected officials as “perpetual others.” AABANY, alongside numerous community partners, will continue to honor Pvt. Denny Chen’s legacy as we pursue our mission of advancing social justice, diversity and inclusion for the AAPI community.
On September 23, 2023, AABANY hosted its 14th annual Fall Conference, “Embracing Wellness and Well-being,” at the Fordham University School of Law. This year’s conference was co-sponsored with Fordham Law School’s Center on Asian Americans and the Law. AABANY was also honored to co-host the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA) 4th Annual Conference. AABANY thanks NAPIPA for contributing many excellent programs to the Fall Conference, including the Plenary Lunch Session.
Credit: Rosa Margarita McDowell
The conference kicked off with breakfast, which welcomed legal professionals from around the country to Fordham Law School. Attendees chatted over coffee, pastries and other breakfast fare, sharing their excitement and anticipation, before heading off to attend the morning’s CLE programs.
The morning session of the conference offered a variety of topical programs to choose from, including:
The sessions ran concurrently, in two 90-minute blocks in three parallel tracks.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Embracing Wellness and Well-being,” which was well- reflected in this year’s diverse lineup of programs. The morning’s panels laid a strong foundation for the rest of the event, addressing complex and evolving challenges within the legal profession, while emphasizing the importance of well-being and community engagement. This thematic emphasis on well-being resonated throughout the event, encouraging attendees to reflect on their roles as legal professionals while nurturing their personal and collective wellness. To see photos from the morning session go here.
During the first part of the morning session, AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force premiered their video, “Voices against Anti-Asian Hate.” The documentary featured survivors of anti-Asian hate attacks and community supporters, followed by a panel discussion among members of the Anti-Asian Violence Task Force involved in the production of the video. For more information about the screening, click here.
Credit: Qijun (Simon) Ma
In a fourth track, the Fall Conference’s Trial Advocacy Program (TAP) was held. TAP offered junior lawyers a unique opportunity to hone their trial skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. This year’s TAP program was particularly noteworthy for conducting the first two segments over Zoom, in the weeks leading up to the Fall Conference. The program unfolded over two virtual sessions on specific dates. The first segment, held on September 13th, delved into Opening Statements and Direct Examinations. The second session, which took place on September 20th, covered Cross Examinations and Closing Statements, further enriching participants’ trial skills and knowledge.
The culmination of the TAP program occurred in-person, at the Fall Conference, kicking off with an engaging keynote speech delivered by Brian Lee, Executive ADA at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. His insights and expertise added tremendous value to the program. Following the keynote address, TAP participants conducted a mock trial, where participants had the chance to put their newly acquired skills into practice. Seasoned trial lawyers graciously served as mentors during this mock trial, providing invaluable feedback and guidance to help participants refine their trial advocacy skills. Thanks to all the TAP mentors and participants who made this year’s TAP a success.
Starting at 10:30 am, the Fall Conference offered a Diversity Career Fair, featuring a range of public and private sector organizations eager to network and connect with passionate young professionals. Participating employers included Legal Services NYC, The Legal Aid Society, the U.S Department of Justice, and several District Attorneys’ offices. Attendees were able to converse with representatives, receiving answers to questions and learning more about working at the various agencies, organizations and companies. Some employers collected resumes and held on-site interviews, providing the opportunity for candidates to express their interest in working for participating employers.
Credit: AABANY
To see photos from the Diversity Career Fair, go here.
Attendees convened in the Costantino Room for the Plenary Lunch Session, featuring the program “Prosecution in the 21st Century: Discussion with Four Trailblazer District Attorneys.” The panel featured four renowned District Attorneys, including:
Eric Gonzalez, District Attorney, Kings County
Alvin Bragg, District Attorney, New York County
Darcel Clark, District Attorney, Bronx County
Thien Ho, District Attorney, Sacramento County
Participants listened intently as the DAs discussed their unique journeys and challenges as diverse attorneys and prosecutors. They talked about their roles as advocates for future diverse prosecutors and shared their visions and policies for the short- and long-term future of prosecution. Additionally, the DAs addressed the crucial issue of prosecuting anti-Asian bias incidents and hate crimes, emphasizing the importance of combating prejudice and protecting marginalized communities.
Credit: AABANY
The Fall Conference also featured the Corky Lee photo exhibit, featuring six photos taken by the renowned photographer. The exhibit highlighted Corky’s legacy of photographing every aspect of the Asian American experience. The works on display included a 2003 photo of Asian American judges from both the Federal and State judiciary, with Hon. Denny Chin and Hon. Marilyn Go (Ret.) featured in front, and a photo of Vincent Chin’s mother, illustrating the long legacy of anti-Asian hate crimes. AABANY honored Corky with an award in 2017 recognizing his invaluable contributions to society and especially the AAPI community. We continue to carry forth his legacy of activism through the work of AABANY and its partners at the 2023 AABANY Fall Conference, NAPIPA (National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association) and the Center on Asian Americans and the Law at Fordham Law School.
Credit: AABANY
The afternoon session featured more engaging and impactful programs:
These panels covered a range of topics, including work-life balance, affordable housing, hate crimes prosecution, and mental health well-being. Additionally, they discussed the importance of embracing wellness in the legal profession and promoting diversity in appellate courts. Overall, the panels provided insights and strategies for addressing these pressing issues in the legal profession. Attendees were exposed to a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and opportunities for professional and personal growth. To see photos from the afternoon session go here.
After a full day of CLE programs, TAP, and DCF, the conference closed with a cocktail reception, where panelists and attendees connected over drinks and light bites.
Credit: Qijun (Simon) Ma
“It was such an honor to be surrounded by so many different law students and lawyers from so many different areas of law, and learn more about the Asian legal community,” said volunteer Alyzah Ziga, part of the large Syracuse Law School contingent. A special thanks goes out to the dedicated student volunteers from:
Brooklyn Law School
Cardozo School of Law
Columbia Law School
Cornell University
Fordham Law School
New York Law School
New York University
NYU School of Law
Pace School of Law
Seton Hall School of Law
St. John’s University School of Law
Syracuse University College of Law
Touro Law Center
Thank you for generously contributing your time to assist with registration, address attendee inquiries, and handle attendees check-in/check-out for CLE credits. The Fall Conference would not have run as well and as smoothly without your assistance throughout the day. To see some photos of our dedicated volunteers, go here.
Credit: AABANY
The informal and relaxed atmosphere during the reception allowed attendees to actively converse and forge professional connections, a testament to the sense of camaraderie and community that had been prevalent throughout the day. “It was amazing to meet all of these like-minded and passionate Asian American lawyers. It’s always very inspiring to be around such driven, and accomplished individuals who really just want to help each other succeed. Though this was my first Fall Conference, it’s definitely not going to be my last,” said Kwonsun Jung, Young Lawyers Committee Co-Chair and associate at Lowenstein Sandler.
Credit: Qijun (Simon) Ma
While the reception was still going on, some of the attendees departed Fordham Law School to attend NAPIPA’s 9th Annual Scholarship Banquet & Trailblazer Award Presentation, hosted at Seng Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown. AABANY congratulates Paul Jhin, President of NAPIPA, for winning the Award of Excellence. Paul has not only been a prominent leader but also a catalyst for change within the AAPI law community, serving as an inspiration to all. Judge Chin received NAPIPA’s Trailblazer Award. Judge Denny Chin’s illustrious career and commitment to justice have not only left an indelible mark on the legal community but have also inspired countless individuals. We would also like to recognize Hugh Mo, who was honored with NAPIPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Hugh’s lifelong pursuit of legal excellence and AAPI advocacy serves as a testament to his commitment to justice and equity for all. Lastly, AABANY extends its warmest congratulations to James Lin, this year’s recipient of AABANY’s Trailblazer Award. James has been a powerful and dynamic presence in the criminal justice and law enforcement community for over thirty years, and we are excited to formally recognize his considerable achievements over a long career. The evening was a true celebration of outstanding individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in our legal community, and AABANY is proud to have been a part of it. To see photo from the NAPIPA Scholarship Banquet, go here.
Credit: AABANY
AABANY wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who contributed to the success of the 2023 Fall Conference. We extend our sincere thanks to the following sponsors:
Broadridge Financial Solutions (Elite Sponsor)
ConEdison (Elite Sponsor)
Fish and Richardson (Elite Sponsor)
Perkins Coie (Gold Sponsor)
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Bronze Sponsor)
Goldstein Hall (Bronze Sponsor)
Hudson Court Reporting (Bronze Sponsor)
Kensington Vanguard (Bronze Sponsor)
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati (Bronze Sponsor)
In addition, we acknowledge and thank the Annual Dinner 2023 Sponsors for their generous year-round support of AABANY. We extend special recognition to Morrow Sodali, our After-Party Sponsor; Broadridge Financial Solutions, our Diamond Sponsor; and Kirkland & Ellis, our Pre-Dinner GC Reception Sponsor. To view a full list of our generous sponsors, please visit our sponsors page here. Your continued support empowers us to pursue our mission and create meaningful events like the Fall Conference. Thank you for your commitment to AABANY as well as its numerous programs and activities.
Furthermore, AABANY thanks all our esteemed panelists and moderators for sharing their valuable insight and time with our members and community. We express our sincere gratitude to all the Program Chairs who organized an excellent slate of programs. We are deeply grateful for their vital role in making this event an enriching and enlightening experience for all attendees. Finally, thank you to the attendees and volunteers who gave us their valuable time this weekend. The Fall Conference thrived through your participation, and we hope that we will see you again at upcoming AABANY events.
For more information about this year’s Fall Conference, you can visit our website here.
NAPABA is proud to announce the 2023-24 Board of Governors—comprised of officers, directors, regional governors, and at-large board members—who will be sworn in during the 2023 NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis.
NAPABA’s strength comes from the many volunteers who hold leadership positions across our diverse membership. From our national Board of Governors to our local affiliate leaders. From our substantive committee and affinity network chairs to the chairs of our professional development programs. NAPABA is driven by the expertise, energy, and commitment of our membership.
Congratulations to our newly elected and appointed Board members! And thank you to the countless volunteers for their leadership, service, and dedication to building a stronger AANHPI legal community.
NAPABA is committed to providing opportunities for our members to serve. If you are interested in learning more about how you can make a difference within NAPABA and the larger AANHPI community, please contact Priya Purandare.
Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy
WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden nominated Judge Edward S. Kiel to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Judge Kiel would be the first Korean American to serve in the district if confirmed.
“NAPABA congratulates Judge Edward S. Kiel on his nomination to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey,” said Sandra Leung, President of NAPABA. “A 2010 NAPABA Trailblazer awardee, Judge Kiel is an active member of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey and is well qualified to serve on the bench. We urge the Senate to confirm him quickly.”
Judge Edward S. Kiel has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of New Jersey since 2019. Previously, Judge Kiel was a partner at Cole Schotz, P.C., from 2001 to 2019. Before that, he was an associate at Cole Schotz from 1998 to 2001, at Beattie Padovano from 1994 to 1998, and at Jamieson Moore Peskin & Spicer from 1992 to 1994. Judge Kiel served as a law clerk for Presiding Criminal Judge Michael R. Imbriani of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Somerset County, from 1991 to 1992. He received his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School in 1991 and his B.A. and B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University in 1988.
“We applaud President Biden for nominating his 32nd Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander to the Federal judiciary,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “We thank the New Jersey Senators for recommending and supporting his nomination.”
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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 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.
