NAPABA Honors Don Liu with the NAPABA INSPIRE Award
WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is proud to announce that Don Liu, who recently announced his retirement as Chief Legal and Compliance Officer of Target Corp., will receive the NAPABA INSPIRE Award. The NAPABA INSPIRE Award is presented to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions of national significance towards achieving representation and influence for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) in the legal profession and society. The NAPABA INSPIRE Award has been awarded only twice in NAPABA’s history — the first time to former Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakayue of the California Supreme Court in 2010, and the second to George Takei, actor, author, and activist, in 2016.
Don Liu, a nationally renowned leader and legal counsel for several of the Nation’s most recognized corporations, has made a steadfast, lifelong commitment to ensuring that AANHPI attorneys can thrive and advance to the highest levels of the legal profession. He co-founded NAPABA’s 10X10 Initiative and later the 20X20 Initiative, originally designed as an aspirational “stretch” five-year effort to place 20 AANHPI General Counsels at Fortune 500 companies by 2020. The initiative was so successful that it inspired the current 50X25 Initiative and the development of the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Poder 25 Initiative, for which Don serves as a strategic advisor. Don Liu founded NAPABA’s In-House Counsel (IHC) Network, served as its first chair, spearheaded the creation of NAPABA’s IHC Summit and IHC Mentoring Program and continues to be active in its programs. Under Don’s leadership, the IHC Network has assisted countless AANHPI attorneys in gaining greater professional visibility and helped promote countless AANHPI lawyers into senior in-house counsel positions.
“Don Liu recognized early on his career that the barriers he faced as a young attorney can be overcome, and he helped build an entire infrastructure to steer and guide AANHPI lawyers on a path to success,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “The NAPABA INSPIRE Award is a testament to Don’s dedication to increasing diversity in the profession, his courage in standing up for a more just society, creativity and vision, and his relentless dedication in mentoring hundreds of young attorneys.”
The NAPABA INSPIRE Award also recognizes Don Liu’s contributions towards improving our community on a national scale. Responding to the overwhelming need to deliver legal services to victims, Don Liu, together with several Asian American leaders within the legal profession, founded the Alliance for Asian American Justice. The Alliance brought together the collective power of both large law firms and legal departments to form a pro bono legal services network dedicated to ensuring that victims of hate would receive the legal assistance that they need. It provided opportunities not only for firms, but also for corporations to join the collective effort opposing anti-Asian hate. For these reasons and many more, NAPABA is privileged to recognize the incredible work and dedication of Don Liu with the NAPABA INSPIRE Award.
NAPABA will formally present the award during the Gala at the 2024 NAPABA Convention in Seattle on Saturday, November 9.
### The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 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.
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, AABANY hosted its 2024 Annual Dinner with the theme “Building a Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future” at Cipriani Wall Street. Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of AABANY, the event was hosted again during Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month with over 700 attorneys, judges, prosecutors, in-house counsel, government officials, and dignitaries who came out to celebrate with us at the Annual Dinner.
The event began with an invite-only General Counsel Reception which was attended by 40 General Counsels and numerous sponsor guests. We thank our General Counsel Reception sponsor, Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone for helping us start off the night strong! To see the full list of General Counsels who accepted AABANY’s invitation, please click here.
The General Counsel Reception occurred simultaneously with a Cocktail Reception in the West Ballroom where numerous guests mingled, caught up with each other, made new connections, and took photos at the step-and-repeat.
After the Cocktail Reception, the dinner and program began with CeFaan Kim as the night’s excellent host and charismatic Master of Ceremonies. First course was already plated as CeFaan kicked off the program. He invited to the stage Karen Kim, Immediate Past President, to deliver her remarks as the outgoing President. She was followed by our first honoree, Iris Lan, Esq., recipient of AABANY’s Public Service Award.
Iris began her speech by praising AABANY for its work in preventing AAPI Hate, as well as its support for the AAPI legal community. To close out, Iris told a story attributed to United States Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson. The story was centered around three stone basins: “Each stone basin represents a judge or a lawyer,” Iris stated. “Some see their work as merely a way to earn a living. Others perhaps view their work as applying legal precedent molding their decision.” Iris then described the third stone basin as one that builds a “cathedral,” representing the building of a path for others to walk through. She thanked AABANY, as an embodiment of this third basin, for “building the cathedral of the future.”
After Iris received her reward, a short video was shown, celebrating 35 years of AABANY. It discussed the birth of AABANY as an organization established to support the community of AAPI legal professionals and the wider AAPI community. It then chronicled AABANY’s growth from a small group that would host social events to an organization with a wide-reaching mission and membership. It also delved into how AABANY contended with the COVID-19 pandemic and the uptick in anti-Asian hate, and the birth of the anti-Asian Violence Task Force.
Following the 35th anniversary video, White & Case LLP was presented with the Law Firm Diversity Award for its dedication to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal field. Sylvia Chin accepted the award on behalf of the firm. Congratulations to White & Case on this well-deserved honor. To read more about the award, read the press release here.
After a brief time for guests to continue networking, AABANY was proud to honor the Honorable Denny Chin, United States Circuit Judge, United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, with AABANY’s Impact Leadership Award
Judge Chin delivered a powerful speech on the importance of resilience and highlighted some of his most memorable career moments, such as sentencing Bernie Madoff in 2009.
In addition, we presented the 2024 class of Don H. Liu Scholars: Felicia Hou, Grace Koh and Yangji Sherpa. Read more about the program here. Before this year’s class of DHL Scholars was presented, a short film celebrated the tenth anniversary of this program and its many accomplished and worthy recipients.
The dinner ended with a short trailer for the documentary, Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate, produced by the AABANY Anti-Asian Violence Task Force. The film featured numerous victims and survivors of anti-Asian hate, including Justin Go, father of Michelle Go, who spoke eloquently about her murder in January 2022. After the trailer played, CeFaan Kim stated, “Do not be afraid, and make sure you are heard.”
Next, AABANY President Joseph Eng made closing remarks, celebrating community leaders, former presidents of AABANY, and founders in attendance, as well as discussing the “next 35 years” of AABANY, expressing the hope that the paths those leaders and founders had forged would become familiar ones for success. He envisioned a future where “exceptional is the norm,” where AAPI voices are strong and heard throughout the legal community and beyond, and where young AAPIs are encouraged and inspired to enter the profession. He finished by again congratulating the night’s award winners, thanking the sponsors, and finally thanking his wife, Alejandra.
After the dinner, attendees who wished to extend the celebration went up to the Mezzanine for the afterparty, which continued until midnight.
We thank the AABANY 2024 Annual Dinner Planning Committee and volunteers for their hours of hard work to organize this annual dinner and making it a celebration to remember. Thank you to AABANY 2024 President Joseph Eng for his leadership of the 2024 Annual Dinner Planning Committee.
We gratefully acknowledge all our sponsors whose generous contributions allow us to continue our work of supporting the AANHPI legal community and the AANHPI community as a whole. Thank you to our top sponsors:
Lastly, we thank everyone who attended the 2024 Annual Dinner for making our 35th anniversary so special and memorable. You can view the photo albums and videos from the 2024 Annual Dinner here.
Please save the date for the 2025 Annual Dinner taking place on May 29, 2025.
WASHINGTON – The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY), the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) are anguished at the tragic death of Victoria Lee during an encounter with police officers in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on July 28, 2024. We stand in solidarity with the Korean American community in the Fort Lee area, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Victoria Lee’s family and loved ones.
Members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities are not immune to the challenges caused by mental health crises, which may be exacerbated by cultural and language barriers. Ms. Lee’s death underscores the pressing need for greater mental health awareness and services.
We strongly encourage the Attorney General of New Jersey to provide candid and timely information, including in language for the local community, as the investigation unfolds. We further call on the Fort Lee Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor, and local leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Korean American community in order to ensure that similar tragedies are not repeated.
뉴욕한인 변호사 협회(KALAGNY), 뉴저지 동양인 변호사 협회(APALA-NJ), 전미 동양인 변호사협회(NAPABA), 뉴욕 동양인 변호 사 협회(AABANY), 그리고 뉴욕 필리핀 변호사협회(FALA-NY)는 2024년7월28일 뉴저지 포트리에서 출동한 경찰과의 대치 끝에 비극적인 죽음에 이른 빅토리아 리(26세) 씨 사건에 대하여 비통한 마음을 금치 못하고 있습니다. 저희 협회들은(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 포트리 지역의 한인 커뮤니티와의 연대를 표명하며, 빅토리아 리씨의 가족과 친지에 게 깊은 애도를 표합니다.
모든 동양계 미국인들은 정신건강에서 초래한 문제로부터 자유롭지 않으며, 이러한 문제는 문화 및 언어 장벽에 의하여 악화될수 있습니 다. 빅토리아 리씨의 죽음은 정신건강에 대한 인식 개선과 서비스 기회가 절실히 필요하다는 것을 분명히 보여주는 사건입니다.
저희는(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 이번 사건에 대하여 뉴저지 검찰청이 수사진행 과정을 빠짐없이 신속하게 제공하도록 하며, 정보 제공 시 해당 지역사회의 언어로 번역된 정보를 포함하여 제공하도록 뉴저지 법무장관 에게 강력히 촉 구 합니다. 저희는 아울러 포트리 경찰, 버겐카운티 검찰 그리고 지역 리더들이 한인 커뮤니티와의 의미 있는 대화를 통해 이와 같은 비극 이 다시는 반복되지 않도록 보장하는 노력을 해줄 것을 요청하는 바입니다.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 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 Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) is a professional membership organization of attorneys and law students engaged with the issues affecting the Korean American community in Greater New York, which include New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Incorporated in 1986, KALAGNY seeks to encourage the professional growth of its members as well as provide legal support for the Korean American community. To achieve these goals, KALAGNY provides its members with training and resources useful for professional advancement; expands access to legal services and education in greater New York’s Korean American communities; identifies opportunities for its members to serve the communities in which provides a forum for the expression and exchange of opinions concerning social, political, economic, legal and other issues of concern to our members. KALAGNY is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (“NAPABA”).
The Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA- NJ) was founded in 1985 and is the largest specialty bar association that collectively represents the interests of Asian and Pacific American lawyers in the State of New Jersey. APALA-NJ focuses on ensuring greater representation of Asian and Pacific American attorneys in various sectors of the legal profession.
The Asian American Bar Association of New York is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) professional membership organization of attorneys concerned with issues affecting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Incorporated in 1989, AABANY seeks not only to encourage the professional growth of its members but also to advocate for the AAPI community as a whole. AABANY is a New York regional affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).
The Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) promotes the professional development, interests, and success of Filipino-American legal professionals in the Metro New York area. FALA-NY also endeavors to foster connections between Filipino-American legal professionals and the broader Filipino community. Members of FALA-NY’s Board affiliated with the state and federal court system in New York and New Jersey have abstained from FALA-NY’s endorsement of this statement.
On August 14, 2024, the AABANY Litigation Committee came together for their second quarterly dinner, this time held at Hwa Yuan Szechuan in Chinatown. AABANY’s Litigation Committee is “dedicated to attorneys and law students who are interested in litigation [and] provides a forum and resources for networking and learning, and sponsors events that are of interest to its members.”
At the dinner, lively chatter filled the air, as attendees enjoyed banquet-style dining where dishes were served one at a time, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Vegetable dumplings, Peking duck, sweet eggplant, tofu, and fish were among the dishes served.
Attendees talked about their litigation experiences, strengthened relationships in their network, and met new litigators to add to their roster of contacts. Discussions ranged from providing legal career advice to law students and aspiring litigators to banter over how spicy the food was.
Thank you to the Litigation Committee for organizing this event and to all of those who attended.
The Litigation Committee is open to hearing suggestions for future events. To learn more about the Committee, how to get more involved, and how to contact the Committee Co-Chairs to share your ideas, please click here.
The national Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition (“TTMC”) takes place at the NAPABA Convention each year and students compete in their regions and then advance to the national competition.
Amanda Yu and Christopher Arcitio will be assisting in coordinating the Northeast Regional Competition in New York City on September 27, 2024 from 9am to 5pm at the United States Court of International Trade at One Federal Plaza, New York, New York under the leadership of Judge Jennifer Choe-Groves of the United States Court of International Trade.
Amanda and Christopher are looking for volunteers to serve as brief graders or bailiffs for the Northeast Regional Competition. The brief graders would be practicing attorneys (preferably who have been practicing 4 years or more) and the bailiffs would be current law students or first and second year attorneys. Volunteers in addition to brief graders and bailiffs can also sign up using the appropriate link below.
Brief graders will have approximately two weeks to grade between 6-10 briefs and brief score sheets would be due September 13, 2024 (Friday) or two weeks before the competition date. Bailiffs and volunteers are asked to come to the courthouse on the date of the competition (September 27, 2024) for a 1.5 hour slot and obtain training on site (keeping track of competition team’s time, preparing and collecting scoresheets, reporting any technology or trial related issues, answering questions, and leading competitors to their competition rooms). The bailiffs and volunteers will also have the opportunity to interact with the TTMC Judges, who are sitting judges on the bench from various state and federal jurisdictions or veteran practicing attorneys.
Deadline to Register: August 25, 2024 at 11:59 PM PST
Registration is now open for the 2024 Judge Thomas Tang and Dr. Pearl Tang Moot Court Competition! This is the 31st anniversary of an annual tradition that fosters crucial advocacy and legal skills among law students nationwide.
This year students will need to satisfy two new requirements in order to compete:
Each competitor must be a member of an Asian American/Pacific Islander bar association (e.g. APALSA chapter at a law school, NAPALSA, NAPABA, a NAPABA local affiliate, South Asian Bar Association, Korean American Bar Association, etc.); and
Each competitor is required to submit a short written statement (no more than 150 words) addressing the legacy and/or impact of Dr. Pearl Tang and/or Judge Thomas Tang on the competitor personally and describing the competitor’s commitment to supporting the Asian American/Pacific Islander community in the future.
Teams will be able to choose between online and in-person regional competitions. Regional Competitions will be held on the following dates, subject to possible changes at the discretion of the National Committee:
Regional 1 | In-person in Dallas, Texas: Friday, September 20, 2024
Regional 2 | In person in Los Angeles, California: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Regional 3 | In-person in New York, New York: Friday, September 27, 2024
Regional 4 | Virtual on Zoom: Saturday, September 28, 2024
This year, we are encouraging local NAPABA Members, Affiliates, and National Associates to sponsor moot court teams, including providing support by paying registration fees for teams, providing coaching on written and oral advocacy skills, and paying for students’ travel to compete in regional and national competitions. Each law school is limited to two teams but local NAPABA Affiliates and National Associates are not limited in the number of teams they may sponsor. Students are encouraged to reach out to local NAPABA Affiliates and National Associates to obtain support from sponsors.
Please note: attorneys and/or judges who coach law students may not judge the moot court competition in the same year.
Click the images below to download flyers you can share.
On July 20, 2024, AABANY successfully hosted its second annual Wellness Day at Brooklyn Law School during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This event was made possible through the generous support of our dedicated speakers and sponsors, enabling us to address crucial topics including how to be resilient and open to change, depression and finding a support group and resources, imposter syndrome, and more, all of which were in line with AABANY’s wellness and well-being initiatives begun by Immediate Past President Karen Kim during the 2024 fiscal year.
Mental health and well-being, particularly within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and in the context of the legal profession, have often been overlooked and under-discussed. With the culture of the legal profession tending to glorify working long hours, AABANY seeks to break down barriers and shed light on these critical issues, providing a non-judgmental and supportive platform for necessary conversations to take place.
Doors opened for Wellness Day at 9 am with the first 25 attendees to sign-in receiving a complimentary AABANY yoga stretch band. Attendees were encouraged to come in casual attire, and the program was also offered via Zoom, to accommodate those who were unable to attend in-person. The full-day event kicked off with breakfast from Paris Baguette, allowing participants to network and connect with one another over pastries and coffee for an enjoyable hour. At 10 am, AABANY’s Immediate Past President, Karen Kim delivered welcoming remarks. She expressed her gratitude to all the attendees who joined this impactful event and the pivotal role of the speakers and sponsors, recognizing their significant contribution to wellness and mental health advocacy.
Joseph Milowic III, the Founder of the Lawyers Depression Project, kicked off the event with a touching presentation. He started off his program, titled “A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness Practice,” by talking about his battle with depression, forgiveness, and how he learned to prioritize his own wellbeing, peace and self-care.
Joseph shared how he changed his life’s path trajectory by recounting his story and opening up about his struggles. Joseph emphasized the significance of forgiveness – forgiving others but most importantly, oneself. He shared how once you’ve released the lingering negative energy from your mind, it makes you lighter with more space for more important problems. Joseph and the audience took a moment of silence, letting those who participated finally release the grudges they had been harboring for much too long.
Joseph founded the Lawyers Depression Project in order to help those who have been in a similar situation as him, quickly realizing that by sharing his story he was helping others see that they are not alone. Towards the end of his presentation Joseph listed ways to help a struggling loved one, which consisted of recommending books or therapy, sending prayers, and simply letting them know you care. Thank you, Joseph Milowic, for setting a conciliatory tone for the day and reinforcing the importance of prioritizing wellness and forgiveness for personal and professional growth.
For more information about the Lawyers Depression project and Joseph Milowic, please visit his website here.
Next to speak was Precious L. Williams, a charismatic business owner, international professional speaker, and serial entrepreneur, who shared her inspiring story of triumph in her program titled “Making the Right Moves.” Precious recounted that her father was a drug addict, that she grew up in poverty and also experienced homelessness, but none of these setbacks stopped her from being driven to succeed.
Precious emphasized in her presentation that she was a plus-sized woman of color who was abusing alcohol, and that she had to work twice as hard as everyone else to get by. She expressed her belief that it doesn’t just take hard work to make it to the top, it takes courage. She attended law school feeling embarrassed and out of place, and instead of approaching life day by day, she had to live moment by moment. A significant component to Precious’s wellness journey was forgiving and embracing her family once again, with them showing up to support her at her graduation. She soon began making more efforts to improve her health by attending counseling sessions, starting medication, becoming sober, and learning new cleaning and cooking techniques. Following up, she worked on how to present herself and found a trusted network that supported her completely. We are grateful to Precious L. Williams for sharing her motivating story and for showing everyone that their mental health journey will be worth the hardships.
For more information about Precious L. Williams, please click here.
When the morning session concluded, attendees were treated to lunch sponsored by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. The lunch break provided an informal and relaxed opportunity for everyone to chat, mingle, and network over delicious and comforting Korean cuisine. Sarah B. Wong, a Partner at Willkie Farr, gave remarks on the importance of wellness in the workplace. She encouraged attendees to prioritize their own health and balance in their daily lives. Thank you to Willkie Farr for their support of wellness and well-being in the legal community.
The afternoon session started off with a fireside chat titled, “The Eras Tour: Coping Mechanisms for Stress throughout Our Careers,” featuring Sonia Low, VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, Founder and President, Future Bright Dermatology. . They began with going through the different “eras” of their own lives, and how they coped with stress in each, describing how their coping mechanisms had evolved from jetting off to a concert when they were younger, to becoming running buddies as working mothers. They continued their presentation by involving the audience with a brief interactive “self care assessment,” going over seven different aspects of self care. Sonia and Elaine stressed the importance of all areas of self care in order to have a satisfying life as well as going over coping mechanisms and tactics to employ when you’re feeling the stress of life again. Participants were encouraged to embrace intense learning, reconnect and become a part of a community that means something to each one of them, and to live life to the fullest.
Sonia and Elaine introduced a mindful breathing exercise, with the prompt: “Think of an object you love.” Audience members then shared what object they were thinking about, reminding participants of what they are grateful for, even the little things. Attendees joined in an interactive discussion, sharing what they were grateful for and how to have a grateful mindset. They emphasized the importance of human connection, finding a healthy outlet and building relationships in order to become the best version of yourself and assess what will help you to ensure a healthier, more balanced legal journey.
Next, in her session titled, “Do What You LOVE: Creating a Thriving and Fulfilling Career,“ Celina Lee, Executive and Career Coach as well as the podcast host for Celina Lee Coaching, focused on career purpose and happiness. She described how, in her earlier professional life, she would often only do something if it contributed to her resume. However, this approach ended up not being a good source of joy for her as she wasn’t paying attention to her emotions and interests. Now, she is living her dream life, traveling the world and speaking at various events as a life coach. Celina encouraged attendees to spend time learning about themselves using their feelings, passions, and more, to help answer the question “What defines a happy life for you?” The internal struggle about your identity and passions can be overwhelming to many, which is why Celina emphasized “co-existing” with your thoughts and goals, as well as taking action. Rejection is an “experience of action,” and is not to be dwelled upon as it is only the first step to success.
As her session came to a close, she circled back to the various concepts she discussed:
to follow your passions (as well as not give up on those passions)
to take action without overthinking things
how courage is more important than confidence
how attendees shouldn’t be “a fake friend to [themselves].”
During her program, Celina showed us that “L.O.V.E.” is what you need to live a happy life:
The first step to a happy life is to “Learn about yourself,” know what makes you the happiest you can be.
The second step is to “Overcome internal obstacles,” as our own insecurities and self-doubts prevent us from taking action and moving forward. If your issue is understanding which are your goals and dreams, nothing is bound to happen.
The third step is to “Visualize your success” and switch your thoughts, start thinking about the best case scenario instead of the worst.
The last and final step to living a happy life is to “Explore and take action,” by asking yourself how your feelings and actions, even the negative ones, help you learn more about yourself. Treat and support yourself just as you would a dear friend along their journey.
Celina ended her session with an encouragement to attendees not to overthink and under act, stating, “20 minutes of doing something is more important than 20 hours of thinking about doing something.”
For more information about Celina Lee, please click here.
To conclude Wellness Day, Yang Chen, Executive director of AABANY, moderated a panel titled, “Prioritizing Wellness While Advancing Your Career” to discuss how important mental health is in your career as well as how to balance work and well-being. On the panel were: Sapna Palla, Partner at A&O Shearman and past President of AABANY; Glenn D. Magpantay, Commissioner to the U.S Commission on Civil Rights and Co-Chair of AABANY’s LGBTQ Committee; and Domenick Napoletano, President of the New York State Bar Association.
The speakers shared that mental health days were more foreign concepts to older generations. It wasn’t common to speak out about your mental health, let alone dedicate days to mental wellness. But over time, they have learned to manage their stress by focusing on their wellness, learning to disconnect before burning out, reserving days for wellness and exercising. Domenick Napoletano was asked how being a part of a bar association contributed to his mental health. He answered that although it is a lot of extra work to be active in many bar associations, it has served as “unofficial therapy,” with there being many individuals he has been able to share the same experiences with, instead of feeling isolated, especially as a solo practitioner. Domenick highlighted the importance of humility and finding happiness in the little things in order to achieve a fulfilling life. Having a supportive community and being able to give back to it has helped many in the legal profession progress.
The speakers went over ways that they maintain a healthy work/life balance as it is crucial to implement strategies that promote both professional success and personal well-being. Some ways they keep a healthy work/life balance include setting boundaries, spending time and calling loved ones, finding a community, carving out time for yourself, finding a healthy outlet and not shortchanging oneself when it comes to hobbies and outside interests.
In the field of law, imposter syndrome can be an overwhelming obstacle, particularly for women who are continuously reminded that their profession is one that is dominated by men. Sapna Palla talked about her experience with imposter syndrome. Despite her capabilities, accomplishments and achievements, she sometimes felt like she didn’t belong, hindering her professional career. Some strategies Sapna used to overcome her struggles were reframing her mindset, embracing imperfection, and developing a support network. Overcoming imposter syndrome and burnout is a journey that requires self-awareness, resilience and support.
Glenn Magpantay shared ways that he overcomes burnout despite being a self-proclaimed workaholic. The first step Glenn takes is setting boundaries and establishing clear barriers between his professional and personal life. Secondly, he reclaims his time and invests in activities that rejuvenate and recharge him when he has the time to do so. Over the years, Glenn has developed healthy coping mechanisms and sought professional help in order to improve his overall wellbeing.
Finally moderator Yang Chen highlighted the importance of finding time for yourself and your interests, to avoid shortchanging yourself on your hobbies. Yang is able to find satisfaction in pursuing personal interests and hobbies outside of law, as well as being able to give back to causes that are important to him, which assists him in protecting his sense of personal peace and relishing in his accomplishments and achievements.
Wellness Day has been a celebration of self-care, health, and the importance of nurturing both our minds and bodies. AABANY compiled a Wellness Resources guide and encouraged attendees to reach out to AABANY and the available resources for themselves, their colleagues, friends and family. AABANY’s Wellness Resources can be found here.
AABANY thanks the following Wellness Day speakers for sharing their expertise and personal journeys:
● Joseph Milowic III, Founder, Lawyers Depression Project
● Precious L. Williams, CEO, The Perfect Pitch Group
● Sonia Low, VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
● Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, Founder and President, Future Bright Dermatology
● Celina Lee, Executive and Career coach, Podcast host, Celina Lee Coaching
● Glenn D. Magpantay, Commissioner to the U.S Commission on Civil Rights
● Domenick Napoletano, President, New York State Bar Association
● Sapna Palla, Partner, A&O Shearman
● Yang Chen, Executive Director, Asian American Bar Association of New York
AABANY thanks the following sponsors for their generous support:
While you’re planning the social functions you’ll attend at the 2024 NAPABA Convention, don’t forget to think about your CLEs! We’ve taken out the guesswork by curating a list of various CLE tracks depending on your interest. Check out all of the different tracks below to see which pique your interest. Visit our agenda for the complete description of each session. Then, register for the Convention so you don’t miss out on these CLE offerings!
CIVIL RIGHTS TRACK
This year’s Civil Rights track offers a vital and timely exploration of legal issues affecting the AANHPI community. Through historical narratives, contemporary case studies, and expert discussions, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to advocate for justice and equity in their professional practice and beyond.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION TRACK
This track provides a crucial examination of the challenges and opportunities facing DEI initiatives in the current legal and political climate. By addressing the broad impacts and drawing on diverse experiences, attendees will gain valuable perspectives and tools for advancing representation and inclusion within the legal profession and beyond.
EMERGING AREAS/TECHNOLOGY TRACK
Dive into the dynamic intersection of law, technology, and diversity initiatives, focusing on the rapidly evolving sectors of digital health, artificial intelligence (AI), and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Attendees will explore the legal, ethical, and practical challenges these fields present, equipping legal professionals with the insights and strategies necessary to navigate and lead in these innovative areas.
INTERNATIONAL LAW TRACK
Gain a fresh understanding and learn from peers about cutting-edge issues in international law. This track explores the complex interplay between U.S. immigration policies and tax planning for foreign entrepreneurs and investors, focusing on the upcoming presidential elections and recent regulatory changes. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how evolving immigration policies may impact global mobility programs and the critical tax considerations for foreign stakeholders in U.S. business entities.
LAW STUDENT WORKSHOP TRACK
The Law Student Workshop offers law students the tools and insights needed to navigate the intersection of law and technology, explore diverse career paths, and build a strong professional network. By understanding these critical areas, students will be better prepared to transition into the legal profession and achieve success in their future careers.
MENTAL HEALTH TRACK
This CLE track aims to empower legal professionals to confront mental health challenges head-on, particularly within diverse communities. By understanding the impact of stigma, addressing systemic issues, and advocating for meaningful change, participants will be better equipped to support themselves and their peers, contributing to a healthier and more inclusive legal profession.
PRACTITIONER EXPERTISE TRACK
This CLE track provides a comprehensive overview of critical and emerging legal issues, offering attendees the knowledge and tools needed to navigate complex legal environments effectively. From protecting trade secrets and managing financial distress to understanding new regulations and international arbitration trends, participants will gain valuable insights to enhance their practice and adapt to the evolving legal landscape.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRACK
This CLE track is designed to equip legal professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers. By participating in interactive pitch sessions, learning advanced networking strategies, exploring leadership paths, and understanding media communications, attendees will gain practical tools and insights to navigate their professional journeys and achieve their career goals.
SOLO & SMALL FIRM TRACK
This CLE track is designed to guide solo and small firm practitioners through two pivotal aspects of modern legal practice: harnessing advanced technology and automation to scale operations and mastering the art of personal branding in the digital age. Gain insights into optimizing workplace culture, using AI and automation effectively, and creating a compelling personal brand that stands out in a crowded market.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP TRACK
This year’s workshop will provide insights into the shadow side of perfectionism, signs that it is harming our potential, and strategies for unlearning the habits that get in the way of our career progression. Explore the psychology that underlies perfectionist tendencies, learn ways to challenge our operating assumptions, and design actionable steps so that waiting for the “perfect” time, method, or set of circumstances doesn’t get in the way of our achieving the lives and careers you want.
YOUNG LAWYERS TRACK
The Young Lawyers Workshop is an empowering and enriching experience designed to equip young lawyers with essential skills and knowledge for a successful legal career. Join this year’s workshop for comprehensive guidance on adapting to post-pandemic work environments and managing career transitions within the legal field. By mastering these elements, you will be better prepared to navigate the complexities of modern legal practice and advance your career with strategic foresight and confidence. Join us to enhance your understanding and skills in these critical areas, setting the stage for continued professional success and growth.
Want to see what else is happening? View our schedule to see the sessions and panels we’ve already added.
Unlock new career opportunities with our Career Center! We’re excited to announce our Resume Sweepstakes, designed to enhance your visibility to top legal employers and gain access to job openings and career resources.
What do you need to do? From 8/16/2024 to 9/30/2024, just upload your resume to NAPABA’s Career Center. Follow these three simple steps below:
Selected winner will be given a complimentary 2024 Seattle Convention registration or $250 Amazon gift card
On Friday Aug. 9th, 2024, a group including both AABANY members and non-members interested in meeting other Asian attorney parents, met at Dons Bogam BBQ & Wine Bar. Our goal was to gauge interest in possibly creating AABANYs 29th committee, a Parents Committee. The group included a diverse mix of attorneys, including those in public and private practice, with children ranging from babies to late teenagers, and active AABANY participants as well as new attorneys who were looking to get involved.
Every attendee held a similar passion for their careers and parenting, as well as a deep appreciation for the fact that this meeting took place during a weekday lunch rather than an evening or weekend because otherwise who would look after the kids? As we shared a meal of Korean soul food, we shared many ideas on events and resources for the proposed Parents Committee. This group plans to take the next steps to form a Committee and will continue to meet regularly for weekday lunches. This new committee looks forward to continuing to explore new cuisines around the city, building and strengthening our social and professional networks, while reducing stress and improving mental health.
Please be on the lookout for announcements about this group and reach out to [email protected] if you are interested in joining!
Please click here to fill out the Parents Committee Google Form to answer a few survey questions to help us chart a direction for this emerging committee. Thanks in advance for your input and ideas.
