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Thank You to Our Volunteers at the November Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic

While the season changes and the leaves turn colors, one thing remains constant: our volunteers and their incredibly generous support for our Pro Bono Clinics. 

AABANY thanks our co-organizers, Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), Pro Bono & Community Service Committee (PBCS), and all the dedicated volunteers who contributed to the success of our Pro Bono Clinic in Brooklyn on November 8th, 2025. 

November Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic

We give a special acknowledgement to Vishal Chander, another highly committed volunteer, Co-Chair of the Issues Committee, and a member of the AABANY Board of Directors.

As he was preparing to swear-in as a new Board Director for NAPABA in Denver, CO, Vishal generously stepped up to remotely cover immigration cases for us. We deeply appreciate his dedication and willingness to support our work even while traveling and taking on a new leadership role. Congratulations to Vishal on his new position at NAPABA. We are grateful for his integrity and commitment to the AABANY Pro Bono Clinic.

During this month’s Clinic, our volunteers provided invaluable assistance to 16 clients, addressing a range of legal matters including housing, immigration, family and matrimonial, estate and property, invasion of privacy, 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.

As an interpreter at this Clinic, I had the opportunity to sit in on several deeply moving cases that revealed the human stakes behind legal procedures. One immigration case involved a young woman whose father had abandoned the family years ago. She hoped to apply for a green card based on abandonment and emotional hardship. After discussion, her case appeared to fall under Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), which provides a pathway to lawful permanent residency for minors who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents, and who cannot safely return to their home country. In that room, I watched not just attorneys offering legal guidance, but human beings holding space for grief, confusion, and hope. It reminded me how the law, while technical in form, carries deeply human consequences for those whose lives depend on it. The attorneys ran back and forth, trying to get them resources and help, making clear what their choices were and how they could get help. 

Another case involved a Spanish-speaking mother and her children who had fallen three years behind on rent after the mother made the difficult but necessary decision to evict a roommate who had sexually assaulted her daughter. Without the financial support, and with her son refusing to contribute while still living in the home, she was unable to recover and pay rent. The attorneys carefully explained possible remedies, guiding her through how to appear in Housing Court, how to request a court-appointed attorney, and how to apply for a One Shot Deal, an emergency rental assistance program for tenants facing eviction due to financial hardship. They also discussed longer-term legal planning and referred her to additional community-based support services. What struck me most was the compassion with which they approached her situation, emphasizing not only what could be done legally, but how she could emotionally and practically navigate the process.

The pro bono work done through AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics is not just about dealing with legal challenges –  it is about the restoration of dignity, clarity amid fear, and giving structure to lives interrupted by crisis. Access to justice is not merely a legal right, but a human one.

We are grateful for all the volunteers at the November 8th Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic for their time, professionalism, and contribution:

Volunteer attorneys:

  • Vishal Chander
  • Victoria Cheng
  • Megan Gao
  • Kwok Kei Ng
  • Arthur Lin
  • Jie Shi
  • Shuyao Wang
  • May Wong
  • Tiffany Wong
  • Gary Yeung
  • Alexander Yuan

Interpreters/Shadowers:

  • Kaila Chen
  • Nikita Kohli
  • Yiyang Shen
  • Wendy Zeng
  • Jessie Zhou

We invite you to continue supporting our community by joining us at our upcoming pro bono clinics:

December 3rd [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355 [Immigration Law training provided. Find out more below.]

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

January 10th [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Upcoming Community Education Training Speaker and Topic Announcement

With the collaboration of the Immigration and Issues Committees, Vishal Chander, one of PBCS’s incredible volunteers and Issues Committee Co-Chair, will provide a thirty-minute Basic Immigration Training Part 2 on December 3rd at Queens Pro Bono Clinic from 6 – 6:30pm.  Part 1 was conducted at the Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic on November 19, and if you missed it, the video will be made available soon.

This training series will prepare lawyers and law students the fundamentals of advising pro bono clients who are or have family in removal (deportation) proceedings.

Note: Attorneys seeking CLE credits must attend both sessions to earn 1 CLE credit hour. No partial credit is available.

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. 

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Request for Public Comment from NY Courts on Proposed Rule Changes Regarding AI and Equal Rights Amendment

The Administrative Board of the Courts is soliciting public comments on the following proposed amendments to court rules:
 

  • Artificial Intelligence:  Proposal to add a new Part 161 to the Rules of the Chief Administrator of the Courts regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence in preparing court documents
  • Equal Rights Amendment:  Proposal to amend Section 100.3(B) of the Code of Judicial Conduct, Rule 8.4(g) of the Rules of Professional Conduct, and Section 1210.1(10) of the Statement of Clients Rights, to conform those provisions to the language contained in the Equal Rights Amendment

Copies of both requests are also available on the UCS website at https://ww2.nycourts.gov/rules/comments/index.shtml.

Any comments on these proposed rule changes should be sent by email to rulecomments@nycourts.gov by December 29, 2025. 


Please feel free to reach out to David Nocenti at dnocenti@nycourts.gov if you have any questions. 

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Spring 2026 Legal Internship for Law Students with the New York Unified Court System

Legal internships in the New York State Courts are programs for law students to gain experience in public service. Interns research and analyze legal issues and are responsible for drafting orders, proofreading opinions, verifying citations, preparing jury charges, and verdict forms. The internship program provides hands-on experience, professional development, and opportunities to work on projects that promote access to justice. Legal Interns, appointed in the Civil Term by Justices of the Supreme Court, are assigned to Judges designated as Acting Supreme Court Justices. This internship position is assigned to Hon. Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster, Supreme Court Justice in Bronx County Supreme Court – Civil Term.

This is an unpaid, in-person, eight-week legal internship program for law students interested in becoming a judge or public interest attorney. Interns are expected to participate for 12 hours weekly. Legal interns will receive rare opportunities to develop legal research, oral advocacy, and writing skills. Additional features of the program include weekly lunch-and-learn sessions with attorneys and judges across practice areas, individualized mentorship, and practical advice for law school success. The Internship program is designed to be a pipeline program for law students interested in careers in the courts and public service. 

The in-person legal internship will be hosted from February 16, 2026, through April 10, 2026 (internship location – Bronx Supreme Court – Civil Term, 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, New York). The application deadline is January 9, 2026.  

Interested students should email: BXSUPCIV-IA11@NYCOURTS.GOV.

  • The subject line should be “Legal Internship – Spring 2026″  
  • You must include the following documents as one attachment: 
    • A cover letter addressed to Hon. Mary Lynn Nicolas-Brewster, Acting Supreme Court Justice, Bronx  Supreme Court, Civil Term.
    • Please highlight previous public service work or work involving equal justice issues.
  • Your resume.
  •  A writing sample – please respond to the essay prompt below:  
    • ESSAY PROMPT: In this personal injury action involving a motor vehicle accident, Plaintiff has failed  to provide responses to discovery demands and Defendant ABC Holding has moved for an order  dismissing the action in accordance with the Court’s prior April 10, 2025 order. That self-executing  order granted dismissal of Plaintiff’s complaint unless within sixty (60) days of the order, Plaintiff  provided responses to Defendant ABC Holding’s discovery demands. The Court directed dismissal of  Plaintiff’s complaint, pursuant to CPLR 3126, if there was a failure to comply with its Order. Plaintiff  failed to provide the discovery contemplated by the April 10, 2025 order and Defendant ABC Holding  has now moved to dismiss the complaint based on Plaintiff’s failure to comply with this Court’s self executing order of dismissal issued on April 10, 2025. Please draft the analysis and  conclusion/determination section of the proposed decision and order (please limit to 500 words  or less). Please limit your research to First Department case law. 

We look forward to your participation.

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Church Pension Group Screens “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” Documentary

On Thursday, October 30, 2025, the Church Pension Group (CPG) hosted a screening of Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate, a documentary produced by the Anti-Asian Violence Task Force (AAVTF) of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY). CPG is a financial services organization that provides retirement, health, life insurance, and related benefits for its clergy and lay employees.  The screening was held for employees in the New York office, with a virtual option available for staff in the Vermont office.

Following the film, a panel discussion was held, featuring members of the AAVTF: Jennifer H. Wu, Co-Founder and Partner at Groombridge Wu Baughman & Stone; James Lin, a career-long prosecutor retired from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office; and Chih-wei Wu, Associate at Groombridge Wu. The conversation was moderated by Redd Nuñez, Senior Project Manager at CPG.

Panelists reflected on how they first became involved with fighting anti-Asian hate, what unfolded in their respective experiences, the lessons they learned along the way, and how communities can continue to move forward. Their responses drew from experiences in victim advocacy, civil rights litigation, and criminal prosecution. Jennifer Wu shared how she testified before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in 2023 regarding the federal response to anti-Asian racism. To read more about her testimony, please click here.

Attendees described the event as “meaningful and eye-opening,” noting that “the stories and perspectives truly resonated” and encouraged deeper understanding of anti-Asian hate and pathways toward collective community action.

Special thanks to the Church Pension Group for hosting the documentary screening and to the panelists for their dedicated advocacy in supporting the victims, the AAVTF, and the AAPI community.

If you are interested in hosting a screening and panel discussion, please contact Daphne Mei, Program Manager for AAVTF , at daphne.mei@aabany.org.

— Written by Daphne Mei, Program Manager, AAVTF

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Kwok Kei Ng Honored as Community Leader at 2025 Brooklyn Democratic Gala

AABANY is proud to celebrate Kwok Kei Ng, who was recognized as a Community Leader at the 2025 Brooklyn Democratic Gala on October 30, 2025 for his outstanding dedication to public service and community engagement.

A cornerstone of AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee since 2019, Kwok has been instrumental in the success of the Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic. In his role as Co-Chair, he has cultivated strong, trusting relationships with local community-based organizations and mobilized volunteer attorneys to serve the community. Furthermore, his commitment to justice extends to his service on the board of the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), where he supports scholarships and community-focused initiatives that help expand access to justice.

Kwok’s career is marked by a deep commitment to the justice system. Beginning as a court interpreter, he now serves as a court attorney and remains a strong advocate for language access within the courts. In addition, as the Deputy Vice President of the High School Division for the Sonia and Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program, he has facilitated summer internships with federal and state judges for over a hundred high school students.

Please join AABANY in offering Kwok our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honor. We always welcome more volunteer attorneys, law students, and interpreters to support our vital efforts. To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, please visit probono.aabany.org.  

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Volunteer to Judge the 76th Annual National Moot Court Competition – Earn 2 CLE Credits!

The City Bar is seeking attorneys (admitted 2+ years, preferably with litigation experience) to judge the Regional Rounds of the 76th National Moot Court Competition on Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20, 2025 at the New York City Bar.

Seventeen teams from the NYC area will compete for two spots in the National Rounds, held in January 2026. All Regional Round Judges are invited to a celebratory reception on January 30.

This year’s case explores key issues around Fourth Amendment protections and qualified immunity.

Please complete the Judge Volunteer Form by November 10 indicating the date(s) and time(s) you wish to participate.

If you have any difficulty accessing the form, please e-mail sglazer@nycbar.org indicating the date(s) you are available to judge. Shortly after we receive your form, we will email you the Record on Appeal, the confidential Bench Memorandum and the round(s) you are assigned to.

Feel free to circulate this invitation amongst colleagues admitted at least two years, preferably with a litigation background. If you have any questions about the competition or are interested in joining our Moot Court Competition Committee, please email sglazer@nycbar.org For general information about the competition, please visit our webpage.

Thanks, and Happy Mooting!

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AABANY’s Young Lawyers and Intellectual Property Committees Host Escape Room Social

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee and Intellectual Property Committee co-hosted an Escape the Room Social at Escape the Room NYC.

Attendees put their analytical and problem-solving skills to the test in a race against time. Divided into two themed rooms—The Agency and Jurassic Escape—participants faced unique missions that challenged their teamwork and creativity.

In The Agency, teams collaborated to decipher codes, analyze maps, and assist James Bond in completing his mission before his cover was blown. Meanwhile, in Jurassic Escape, participants raced against the clock to outsmart prehistoric predators, shut down an evil corporation, and make their daring escape to safety.

We thank all attendees for taking time out of their Halloweekend to join us for this fun and challenging adventure. Special thanks to Young Lawyers Committee Co-Vice Chair Cecilia Yang for planning and executing this successful event!

To learn more about AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee, click here. To learn more about AABANY’s Intellectual Property Committee, click here. To find out about upcoming events like this, please visit the calendar on AABANY’s website.

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AABANY and AALFNY Connect with Community at AAFE’s Financial Access Resource Fair

On November 1, 2025, The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY) participated as exhibitors at Asian Americans for Equity’s (AAFE) inaugural Financial Access Resource Fair. This event was organized in response to the growing economic pressures affecting local families, businesses, and older adults. Held at the Glow Cultural Center in Flushing, Queens, the fair took place from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

The Financial Access Resource Fair aimed to provide immediate assistance to residents and small business owners facing challenges such as paying rent, affording healthcare, securing food for their families, and sustaining small enterprises. Additionally, the event served as a dynamic platform for local nonprofit organizations to engage with community members, form connections with community partners and elected officials, share valuable resources, and promote collaboration. AABANY and AALFNY’s presence was marked by meaningful engagement and a strong commitment to community empowerment.

Throughout the three-hour event, AABANY and AALFNY welcomed approximately 73 attendees to its table. Gary Yeung, a Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee (PBCS), and Nandar Win Kerr, Treasurer and Consultant to the PBCS, represented the organizations and interacted directly with guests, taking time to understand their needs in providing information and answering questions. The PBCS team ensured that every visitor left with valuable information and a sense of support.

Gary and Nandar, on behalf of AABANY and AALFNY, provided personalized information sessions. Attendees could stop by for one-on-one conversations with the PBCS team to learn about the organizations’ joint free legal clinics in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens, and Legal Referral and Information Service (“LRIS”). These clinics and LRIS offer vital legal assistance to individuals who might otherwise face cultural or language barriers to accessing justice. By detailing the clinics’ services and answering specific questions, Gary and Nandar empowered attendees to make informed decisions about their legal needs.

To further enhance the fair experience, PBCS distributed practical items to attendees. Each visitor received a drawstring bag filled with pens and notebooks—useful tools for everyday life and especially beneficial for those seeking to organize legal documents or take notes during the information session and clinic visits. These giveaways served as both a thoughtful gesture and a tangible reminder of the resources available through AABANY’s free legal clinics.

AABANY and AALFNY’s involvement in AAFE’s Financial Access Resource Fair exemplified the spirit of collaboration and service that defines the nonprofit sector. By engaging personally with 73 attendees, providing informative one-on-one sessions about free legal clinics, and offering practical gifts, AABANY and AALFNY strengthened their relationship with the community and reaffirmed its commitment to making legal support accessible to those who need it most.

We invite you to join AABANY’s upcoming Pro Bono Clinics taking place on: 

November 19th [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002

December 3rd [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355

January 10th [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232

Big congratulations to AAFE for successfully organizing their inaugural Financial Access Resource Fair! 

— Written by Nandar Win Kerr, AABANY Pro Bono & Community Service Committee

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Thank You to the Participants of the 2025 Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition

Over the course of two days – in-person on October 17, and over Zoom on October 18 – law students from across the country participated in the 2025 Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition (TTMC).  A total of 28 teams from 11 states competed in three regional competitions, showcasing exceptional advocacy, composure, and legal reasoning. To make these competitions possible, 78 members of the bench and bar marked a total of 133 score sheets across 12 rounds.


Background

The Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition was named in honor of Judge Thomas Tang of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Dr. Pearl Tang. The competition provides law students with a platform to hone their advocacy skills while engaging with the Asian Pacific American legal community. The competition was sponsored by the NAPABA Law Foundation and NAPABA Judicial Council, and remains one of NAPABA’s signature programs for fostering mentorship, excellence, and representation among the next generation of advocates.

AABANY’s Contributions

AABANY is proud to share that many of our members volunteered as judges and bailiffs for the Regional, held on October 17, 2025 at the St. John’s University campus in New York City. Our members generously devoted their time and mentorship to the aspiring attorneys, providing detailed feedback to the law students, asking provoking and critical questions about the case. 

The volunteer judges included federal and state judges, as well as seasoned litigators and practitioners. They offered meaningful advice in vital areas such as argument construction, speaking, composure, and presentation. Many students shared that the feedback and support they received from practitioners were among the most meaningful parts of their competition experience.

AABANY also co-sponsored the luncheon with the law firm of Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, where participants enjoyed a spread of delicious sandwiches, beverages, and snacks. 

During the lunch, Jennifer Wu (AABANY Board Director), Judge Pamela Chen (AABANY Member), and Judge Jennifer Choe Groves shared their experience and advice with the students. Jennifer Wu recalled her own time as a competitor in the Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, where several judges had told her, “You should be a litigator.” She humorously noted that one of the things she did particularly well was conceding at the right time, a small but important skill in advocacy. Reflecting on those memories, she spoke about the lasting mentorship she received during her time as a law student and her wish to pass that mentorship forward to the next generation.

Judge Chen and Judge Choe Groves echoed those sentiments, encouraging students to approach advocacy with confidence, humility, and openness to learning. Their words underscored the importance of community and the enduring relationships that the Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition helps build among judges, practitioners, and students.

About This Year’s Competition

The participants of this year’s regional rounds showcased exceptional preparation and professionalism. The participants shared creative arguments, thoughtful responses to questioning by judges, and showcased quick critical reasoning, as well as composed presentation. The atmosphere reflected the shared commitment of both students and volunteers to learning, growth, and community-building.

This year’s moot court problem addressed an interesting issue at the intersection of many current issues surrounding technology, intellectual property, copyright, and art: Who owns the copyright of an artwork created with the assistance of artificial intelligence? The case challenged participants to wrestle with questions of authorship, originality, and the evolving role of human creativity in the age of AI.

The top 18 teams from the regional competitions have advanced to the National Competition, which took place during the NAPABA Convention on November 7–8, 2025. The team that won the national competition was Audrey La and Josh Shimabukuro from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. They were the same team that won the regional competition round in New York.

We extend our gratitude to all those who made this competition possible, from the volunteers, judges, attorneys, and law student, to the TTMC National Committee and local coordinators. Your generosity of time and spirit continues to uphold the legacy of Judge Thomas Tang and ensures that mentorship, excellence, and inclusion remain at the heart of this program.

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NAPABA Congratulates Eric Tung on His Confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

For Immediate Release:
November 7, 2025		Contact:
Rahat Babar
Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON — The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) proudly congratulates Eric Tung on his confirmation to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His elevation to the federal appellate bench marks a significant achievement—both for Eric Tung and for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal community.

“We are pleased to see Judge Tung ascend to the Ninth Circuit,” said NAPABA President Joseph Yao. “His extensive record as a public servant, appellate litigator, and former Department of Justice official demonstrates a deep commitment to the administration of justice. Having qualified AANHPI attorneys in lifetime judicial roles helps ensure our judiciary reflects the diversity of our nation and benefits from the full range of talent in our community.”

Eric Tung is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Jones Day, where he focuses on appeals and motions practice in commercial litigation. He has briefed and argued matters in federal and state courts nationwide, including the Ninth Circuit, D.C. Circuit, Seventh Circuit, Florida Supreme Court, and the California Court of Appeals. His clients span a range of industries, including telecommunications, energy, banking, real estate, construction, entertainment, and digital currency.

“Judge Tung is the first AANHPI nominated and confirmed during President Trump’s second term,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Judge Tung joins the bench at a time when representation of AANHPI jurists on the federal bench remains a vital goal for NAPABA. During his first term, President Trump confirmed 13 AANHPI Article III judges. We look forward to continuing our work to advance AANHPI representation on the federal judiciary.”

Eric Tung previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California and held positions at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., including serving as a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General. He also clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and the late Antonin Scalia.

NAPABA thanks President Trump for the nomination and the U.S. Senate for confirming him swiftly.

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