Tag: 2025

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AABANY in 2025: Thanks for Another Great Year

As 2025 draws to a close, AABANY reflects on a successful year centered around the theme, “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!” We deeply appreciate the involvement and commitment of our members. 

Below are some key highlights from the year. Our sincere thanks also go to all our generous sponsors, whose support remains vital to AABANY’s mission of promoting and enhancing equity and inclusion in the legal profession. We are grateful for the continuous collaboration with our community partners in the ongoing effort to uplift and advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community across New York.

Winter Soiree

In its 15th year, the AABANY Winter Soiree continued to be one of the year’s premier networking opportunities, specifically designed for executive and senior in-house and law firm attorneys. Hosted by the In-House Counsel Committee and the Corporate Law Committee, the invite-only event has evolved from its previous incarnations as the Summer Soiree and the Wine Tasting and Networking Reception. The 2025 iteration took place on Thursday, January 23, at Le Chalet. Located within the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue, the cozy, ski-lodge-inspired lounge offered an elegant and intimate setting, fostering an evening of meaningful connections and professional camaraderie.

Annual Meeting of Members

AABANY’s Annual Meeting of Members was held at King & Spalding on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. The primary focus of the meeting was the election of the new Board of Directors and Officers for the FY2026 term, which officially commenced on April 1, 2025.

During the event, then-President Joseph Eng delivered the Annual Report of the Board, providing a summary of the past fiscal year’s major achievements. Executive Director Yang Chen presented the Annual Report of the Committees. The following awards were presented to recognize exceptional dedication to AABANY during FY2025:

  • Committee of the Year: Professional Development Committee
  • Program of the Year: Pre-Holiday Multi-Association Gathering
  • Member of the Year: Gary Yeung

Congratulations are extended to all the award recipients and to the newly elected Officers and Directors.
The evening concluded on a poignant note with a farewell to Deputy Executive Director Alice Biagini, whose last day was February 11th. In her eight months with AABANY, Alice significantly enhanced our operations and activities, providing invaluable support to our Board members, Committee Chairs, and the general membership. She will be greatly missed by all those she worked with.

Annual Judges’ Reception

AABANY’s Judiciary Committee hosted its Annual Judges’ Reception on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Fordham Law School. The event, which drew about 70 attendees, was a yearly opportunity to honor newly elected, appointed, elevated, and retired Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) judges throughout New York. It was an evening characterized by reflection, gratitude, and a forward-looking hope for greater AAPI representation within the judiciary.

Chinatown Manpower Project (CMP) 2025 Law & Justice Gala Honoree

AABANY was an honoree at the Chinatown Manpower Project (CMP)’s Law & Justice Gala on April 24, 2025. The event, which drew over 400 guests, was a lively evening of celebration, networking, and philanthropy. AABANY was recognized for our essential work in advocating for rights, advancing the interests of immigrants, amplifying Asian American voices, and ensuring justice for all.

Other distinguished honorees included the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), AABANY’s 501(c)(3) affiliate; Edward J. Cuccia, Esq.; and the Honorable Karen Lin, AABANY member. The Spirit of Immigrants Award was jointly presented to Nikki Kwok and Hailey Kwok.

AAPI Heritage Month

2025’s AAPI Heritage Month was again filled with nonstop events that were organized or co-sponsored by AABANY and its various Committees.  It kicked off with a Karaoke Showdown on May 1, 2025 that was co-sponsored with KALAGNY and FALA New York.  Then AABANY sponsored a “Sunday Run Day” series where members met up at 8:30am on Sundays near the 86th Street A station to run and prepare for the May 24th AAPI 5k run at Hudson River Greenway.  AABANY also co-sponsored the South Brooklyn AAPI Heritage Month Celebration on May 10th.  On May 14th, AABANY co-sponsored the Third Annual Hon. Randall T. Eng Award Program at the Appellate Division, Second Department, in Brooklyn.  Before a room full of distinguished judges, elected officials, and community leaders, we celebrated three trailblazing public servants whose work embodies integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to justice: Senator Stephen Chan, Justice Anar R. Patel, and Lieutenant Mido Mary Wu.

On the night of May 14, AABANY members and supporters gathered at CitiField / Mets Stadium in Flushing for the Mets v. Pirates Baseball Game in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month (top photo in this section).  The same night, AABANY co-sponsored a “Talking with Trailblazers” event at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, which featured the Honorable Denny Chin  and Kathy Hirata Chin.  Later in the month, on May 18, AABANY co-sponsored an event called “Asian Americans in Public Service” with various public service professionals in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month.  AABANY’s Government Service and Public Interest Committee together with AABANY’s Judiciary Committee also co-sponsored “A Legacy of Leadership & Resilience: Then and Now, In the Context of Korematsu and Thind” at the Queens Supreme Court on May 20, 2025.

The month wouldn’t be complete, of course, without AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics, which were held on May 21 in Manhattan and on May 31 in Brooklyn.  A screening of the documentary “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” followed by a discussion with two esteemed panelists (Judge Marilyn D. Go and Rachel Lee) on hate crimes happened on May 28, 2025 in partnership with Richmond County District Attorney’s Office.  

The month also included the Community Memorial Service for Justice Dorothy Chin-Brandt on May 24, 2025 at the Glow Cultural Center in Flushing, an event that commemorated her profound contributions to the judicial system and the Asian American community.

AAPI Heritage Month concluded with AABANY members and friends marching in the Fourth Annual AAPI Cultural and Heritage Parade in Midtown Manhattan on June 1, 2025.  As we did in prior years, AABANY wore matching red and blue t-shirts and were joined by AABANY Immediate Past President Joseph Eng Jr. and his son Max who brought a Chinese lion head and drum to perform a traditional Chinese Lion Dance along the parade route up Sixth Avenue. 

36th Anniversary Annual Dinner

On May 29, 2025, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) hosted its 36th Anniversary Annual Dinner at the elegant Cipriani Wall Street, under the theme: “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!” Held once again during AAPI Heritage Month, the event welcomed approximately 750 guests, including attorneys, judges, prosecutors, in-house counsel, government officials, and community leaders.  AABANY also hosted nearly 50 General Counsels in the GC Reception held before the dinner, thanks to the General Counsel Reception Sponsor Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone.

The honorees for AABANY’s Annual Dinner included:  

  • Women’s Leadership Award: Professor Elaine Chiu, St. John’s University School of Law 
  • Corporate Leadership Award: Henry Hadad, Senior Vice President, Deputy Counsel, Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Law Firm Leadership Award: Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

AABANY also congratulated Don H. Liu Scholars Program’s 2025 Scholars:
– Cindy Guo, Harvard Law School
– Teja Kim, UCLA School of Law
– Mikka Vapor, University of Pennsylvania Law School

Thanks to everyone who attended and helped to make our Annual Dinner a success!  To read AABANY’s blog post of the event, including the photo albums linked on the bottom of the blog post, please click here.

Summer Receptions

The warmer weather of Summer 2025 provided the perfect backdrop for AABANY to host a variety of successful receptions and mixers. One highlight was the Summer Associates Mixer on July 22, co-hosted with the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) at Tap Haus 33. This event provided a relaxed atmosphere for fostered networking, conversation, and community building by connecting summer associates and law students with practicing attorneys.

Another well-attended gathering was the Summer Reception held on July 17 with the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY). This annual reception served to recognize the AALFNY Public Interest Scholarship recipients and featured a distinguished guest speaker: Judge Denny Chin, Co-Director of the Center on Asian American and the Law at Fordham Law School.

Wellness Events

AABANY maintained a strong focus on attorney wellness throughout 2025 with several key events.

The year kicked off on March 22, 2025, with the 2nd Annual Mindfulness Wellness Retreat held exclusively for AABANY members at Blue Cliff Monastery in upstate New York. This retreat offered a much-needed sanctuary for participants to relax, reflect, and connect, prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being.

Mid-year, AABANY successfully hosted its Third Annual Wellness Day on June 21, 2025, at Brooklyn Law School. Made possible by the dedicated support of AABANY’s speakers and sponsors, the event upheld the wellness initiatives championed by former AABANY President Karen Kim. Attendees engaged with crucial topics impacting physical and mental health, including strategies for managing daily stressors, the impact of unhealthy drinking culture in the legal profession, recognizing signs of depression, and identifying support groups and resources.

We are thrilled that AABANY received the Bar Leaders Innovation Award from the New York State Bar Association for our Annual Wellness Day program. The award was presented on October 29, during the Bar Leaders Fall Meeting Reception held at the New York City Bar Association. What started as a thoughtful initiative has grown into a beloved annual event that brings our community together to focus on mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It’s become a highlight of the year for many of our members.

Finally, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the 3rd Annual Pre-Holiday Multi-Association Gathering brought together AABANY and 20 other associations at the New York City Bar Association. The evening featured a potluck dinner and a CLE Program on Wellness Resources. Because the event fell on Veterans Day, the CLE program included a Fireside Chat focusing on veterans in the legal profession, moderated by President Ben Hsing.

Fall Conference

AABANY successfully hosted its 16th Annual Fall Conference, “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!,” on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at New York Law School. The day commenced with a buffet breakfast, allowing attendees to network over coffee, pastries, bagels, and light bites.

Program Highlights:

  • Morning and Afternoon CLEs: Twelve different panel presentations throughout the day focusing on a wide range of topics, from disability rights, to intellectual property, to community empowerment.
  • Plenary Lunch Session and Trial Reenactment: This session featured a reenactment of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases Ozawa v. United States (1922) and United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind (1923). The dramatization explored these two pivotal early 20th-century decisions that denied naturalization to Asian immigrants: Takao Ozawa, who argued his light skin and assimilation qualified him as “white,” and Bhagat Singh Thind, an Indian Sikh man who claimed Caucasian status based on Aryan ancestry to meet the “free white person” requirement for citizenship.
  • Diversity Career Fair (DCF): Hosted by the Career Advancement Committee, the DCF ran from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Recruiters and legal professionals from public, corporate, nonprofit, and legal services sectors hosted informational tables, with some conducting first-round on-site interviews. Attendees were able to network, exchange resumes, and meet with potential employers.
  • Trial Advocacy Program (TAP): Returning this year, TAP offered junior attorneys structured, mentored training in essential trial advocacy skills. The program included lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises focused on opening and closing statements, as well as direct and cross-examinations. Participants prepared based on a mock trial problem and presented opening statements as well as conducted direct and cross-examinations before a faculty of experienced trial lawyers in breakout rooms, receiving individual feedback and coaching.
  • Link-Up Reception: A key networking event of the day, the Link-Up Reception was designed to facilitate engagement between law firm attorneys and senior in-house counsel seeking external legal services. This exclusive benefit was open only to invited in-house counsel, Gold-level sponsors and above, and representatives from the 2025 Annual Dinner and Winter Soiree sponsors, providing higher-tier sponsors with increased exposure and direct access to in-house decision-makers.

Closing and Award Presentation:
A highlight that closed the conference was the presentation of the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award during the general Cocktail Reception. The award, which recognizes leadership, innovation, mentorship, and sustained community impact, was presented to Hon. Judy H. Kim, Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County.

In her acceptance speech, Justice Kim emphasized the profound importance of mentorship and community. She shared a moving anecdote from an intern who wrote to her, “You have shown me into a world that I thought I would never be able to be part of, and the gift that you have given me is priceless.” This reflection left a deep impression on all attendees, reinforcing the value of guidance and support in the legal profession.

To read more about the Fall Conference, click here.

First-ever Diwali Dinner

On October 28, 2025, AABANY held its first-ever Diwali Celebration at Bengal Tiger on 56th St in Manhattan.  Co-sponsored by the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens (SAICBA-Q), the sold-out event brought together dozens of members of both AABANY and SAICBA-Q to celebrate the Festival of Lights — a holiday oftentimes celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.  People celebrate by lighting oil lamps, decorating their homes, setting off fireworks, and exchanging gifts and sweets.  The event was well attended by members of all backgrounds ranging from students to associates to partners to judges to non-lawyer allies.  It was great to see many attendees wear festive attire for the occasion.  Attendees were able to order from a variety of appetizers, chaats, entrees, and desserts, and enjoyed mango lassis as well.  We look forward to making this an annual event going forward with increased capacity to accommodate members’ interest in attending.  AABANY and SAICBA-Q also look forward to co-hosting other events in the future, including a potential Holi celebration in the spring of 2026.

Pro Bono Clinics

We thank the Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee for another year of Pro Bono Clinics and their continued efforts to aid the AAPI community in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. The PBCS Committee held monthly clinics in Manhattan with our community partner AAFE (Asian Americans for Equality) at their Norfolk Street site on the Lower East Side. Together with AAFE, the Committee held bi-monthly clinics in downtown Flushing at AAFE’s offices there. The Committee held bi-monthly clinics in Brooklyn with our community partners, including the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC).  To read the blog posts summarizing each Clinic, please see this link.  Our Pro Bono Clinics need you! Please consider volunteering. Click on the flyer for more information.

Events and Programs from Our Committees

We would also like to thank AABANY’s Committees for organizing and hosting various events and programs throughout this fiscal year. To learn more about AABANY’s 27 Committees go here. To date, after three quarters so far of this fiscal year, our Committees have put on some 120 programs, which averages out to 3 or 4 events per week. Below are a few highlights:

Intellectual Property Committee – Board Game Nights

AABANY’s IP Committee held four board game nights in 2025 – on March 7, April 9, July 23 and December 18.  Hosted by the law firm of Fish & Richardson in Time Square, the evenings invited attendees to unwind and connect over friendly competition.  To read more about board game nights, see here.

Real Estate Committee – “What’s Happening in Queens”

On June 26th, 2025, at JP Morgan Chase Bank in Bayside, AABANY’s Real Estate Committee hosted their “What’s Happening in Queens” networking event, which brought together a variety of people interested in making meaningful connections in the Queens real estate scene. 

In 2025, the Real Estate Committee also put on a number of programs, many of which provided New York CLE credits.  A sampling of the programs includes: 

  • Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Real Estate Fraud (May 21)
  • Transfer on Death Deeds Law Under NY Real Property Law (May 28 – co-sponsored with the Trusts & Estates Committee, and June 17)
  • Clearance and Closing a Residential Real Estate Transaction (August 19)
  • 1031 Exchange Basics and Foreign Real Estate Regulations (November 19)
  • The Basics of Title Insurance Underwriting (December 4)

Corporate Law Committee Golf & Game Night at Five Iron Golf

AABANY’s Corporate Law Committee, under the leadership of Vice Chairs Ashley Wong and Kyle Zhu, hosted the exciting Golf & Game Night on Friday, July 11. This high-energy event, generously sponsored by PNC Bank and held at Five Iron Golf in Midtown Manhattan, offered attendees virtual golf, ping pong, drinks, and a chance for community connection. It drew a diverse group of attorneys, in-house counsel, and professionals—spanning fields from international tax law to capital market transactions—for a night that successfully blended fun with a corporate-law focus.

GCs Uncorked

AABANY concluded September with an intimate and engaging wine tasting and live music event called “GCs Uncorked” at Saltwater NYC, the cozy coffee shop and wine bar co-owned by Sumeet Chugani, General Counsel at Cloaked. The special, packed evening on September 30 brought together AABANY members and senior in-house counsel for conversation and connection.

LGBTQ Committee – Fall LGBTQ Reception

AABANY’s LGBTQ Committee and the South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY) successfully co-hosted the 2025 Fall LGBTQ Reception on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Held at A&O Shearman’s Manhattan office, the event was a memorable gathering that fostered connections among attorneys, law students, and professionals within the Asian American, South Asian, and LGBTQ communities.

Intellectual Property Committee – Dumplings and Discussion Series

AABANY’s IP Committee continued the ever popular “Dumplings and Discussion” Series with various industry leaders, sharing their journey in the legal profession and offering insights over plates of dumplings.  Some of the featured guests include:

  • Alan Chang, General Counsel/Senior Vice President, New York Yankees (December 7)
  • Michelle Lee, General Counsel, Media Co (November 12)
  • Christopher Y. Chan, General Counsel, JLL Technologies (August 26)
  • Sonia Low, Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (July 30)
  • Liz Nie, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Acorns (June 16)
  • Stephen Mar, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, Odeko (April 23)
  • Osamu Watanabe, General Counsel, Moelis (March 18)

The above sampling of events represents just a fraction of the numerous programs put on by AABANY’s Committees over the first three quarters of this fiscal year. In addition, AABANY co-hosted with other bar associations and community groups more than 30 programs. It has been a busy 2025!

AABANY at the NAPABA Convention in Denver

AABANY showed up in force at the 37th National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention. Held at the Sheraton in downtown Denver, CO, from November 6 to 8, 2025, this year’s Convention was notable for being the second-largest convening in NAPABA history.

The event attracted nearly 2,900 attendees, including AANHPI attorneys, judges, law professionals, and law students, with more than 800 people attending for the first time.

For further details on AABANY’s involvement and the many AABANY Awardees recognized at the NAPABA Convention, please check out this blog post.

Annual Holiday Party

AABANY celebrated the end of the year with our Annual Holiday Party on Friday, December 5, 2025, held at Upon The Palace, a premier Asian Fusion restaurant located in Tribeca, New York. The event presented a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect and enjoy the holiday season.

The intimate atmosphere of the restaurant’s downstairs party room was a popular choice among AABANY members, providing a private setting for mingling and enjoyment. Having previously hosted attendees after the Fall Conference in September, this location might end up becoming a favorite venue for future AABANY gatherings.

Speaking Up, Speaking Out

Throughout 2025, AABANY actively upheld our mission to foster the meaningful participation of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the legal field, issuing important statements and celebrating significant community accolades.

AABANY proudly highlighted the achievements of AAPI judges and lawyers, including:

  • January 9, 2025: AABANY congratulated Hon. Jeffrey K. Oing (Ret.) on joining JAMS, the world’s largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services.
  • June 18, 2025: AABANY applauded the appointment of Jay Y. Kim to the New York State Court of Claims by Governor Kathy Hochul, which was announced on June 10, 2025.
  • July 9, 2025: AABANY congratulated Pei Pei Cheng de Castro on her appointment by Governor Kathy Hochul, announced on June 27, 2025, to serve as Chair and Trustee of the New York State Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA) Fund.
  • July 10, 2025: Following the June 2025 primary elections, AABANY congratulated Sheridan Chu and Eve Cho Guillergan on securing the Democratic nominations for Judge of the New York City Civil Court in Queens County.
  • July 25, 2025: AABANY celebrated the historic designation of AABANY member, the Honorable Margaret Chan, by Governor Kathy Hochul to the Appellate Division, First Department of the New York State Supreme Court.
  • September 8, 2025: AABANY proudly congratulated four exceptional AAPI judges—Honorable Judy Kim, Honorable Kris Singh, Honorable Soma Syed, and Honorable Frances Wang—on their nominations to the New York State Supreme Court.
  • October 29, 2025: AABANY was proud to celebrate longstanding member Alice Young, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Womankind at their 2025 Communities Rising Gala.

AABANY advocated for our community’s interests throughout 2025 by taking key positions on important initiatives:

  • May 2, 2025: AABANY joined 23 other bar associations in filing an amicus brief in Susman Godfrey LLP v. Executive Office of the President, Civil Action No. 1:25-cv-01107-LLA, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
  • September 24, 2025: AABANY expressed deep concern over the Presidential Proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, which imposed a $100,000 fee on the entry of H-1B workers, effective for petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025. We voiced our view that this measure would disproportionately harm the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, negatively impact the New York and national economies, and raise serious legal and policy issues.

Finally, on November 13, 2025: AABANY recognized the historic election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City, noting that he is the first New York City Mayor of Asian American and South Asian ancestry.To read all the press releases from AABANY in 2025, click here.

Upcoming events

Our current fiscal year runs through March 31, 2026, and our Committees will be putting on many great events over the coming months that we hope you will join. 

For example:

  • January 9: Trusts & Estates Committee Monthly Meeting.  Click here for more information and to register by January 7th.
  • January 10: AABANY Bi-Monthly Brooklyn Pro Bono Legal Clinic.  Click here for more information and to register by January 8th.
  • January 15: Join AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force for a Prayer Walk for Michelle Go. Click here for more information and to register by January 13th.
  • January 15: AABANY Issues Committee Monthly Meeting.  Click here for more information and to register by January 13th.
  • January 20: AABANY Board Meeting.  Click here for more information and to register by January 15.  
  • January 21: AABANY Monthly Manhattan Pro Bono Legal Clinic.  Click here for more information and to register by January 19th.
  • January 21: AABANY Presents: Solo & Small Law Firm Litigators – Strategies for Success and Why Clients Should Care.  Click here for more information and to register by January 19th.
  • January 22: AABANY Presents: Pathways to Court-Connected ADR.  Click here for more information and to register by January 15th.
  • February 4: AABANY Bi-Monthly Queens Pro Bono Legal Clinic.  Click here for more information and to register by February 2nd. 
  • February 11: Save the Date – Annual Meeting of Members. Stay tuned for details. 

Save The Dates

Our next marquee event is the Winter Soiree, on Jan. 22. This invitation only event is open to executive and senior-level in-house counsel and corporate law firm sponsors. For more information or for sponsorship information, contact winter.soiree@aabany.org. The deadline to sponsor is January 9.

Be sure to save the date for the 2026 Annual Dinner on May 28,2026 at Cipriani Wall Street. We will be celebrating remarkable individuals and achievements in the legal profession and community in New York.

Save the Date also for AABANY’s Fall Conference, which will take place at Fordham Law School on September 26, 2026.  Please make plans to join us! 

Thank you!

We would not have had such an active year if it were not for the support from everyone involved in AABANY. We thank our Board Officers and Directors, as well as our Committee Co-Chairs and Vice Chairs, and we are grateful for the dedication of our staff, and the hard work of our volunteers and interns. 

We also extend our appreciation to the members of AABANY– without you we would not be what we are today. As we close out 2025, our membership now exceeds 1400 paid members. We look forward to your continued support and participation in the coming year.

We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!

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2025 NAPABA Convention | Relive #NAPABA2025 with NAPABA’s Photo Gallery

The 2025 NAPABA Convention was an unforgettable three days of inspiration, connection, and community, and now you can relive it all. We’re thrilled to share the official 2025 NAPABA Convention Photo Gallery, capturing the energy, excitement, and impact of our time together in Denver.

This year’s Convention was nothing short of extraordinary. Nearly 2,900 attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students helped make it the second-largest gathering in NAPABA history. We welcomed more than 800 first-timers, reached our highest sponsorship record ever, and filled every room with the unmistakable spirit of our community.

From forward-looking conversations on the Portrait Project to a dynamic Gala Keynote featuring Rich Ting and Katie Phang, the Convention showcased the trailblazers, innovators, and rising leaders shaping the future of our profession. But the moments that mattered most were the ones powered by you—your expertise, your engagement, and your commitment to lifting our bar to new heights.

Now you can revisit those moments, and if you haven’t had a chance yet, be sure to read and share our full 2025 Convention recap, a look back at the people, programs, and conversations that made this year’s gathering exceptional.

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AABANY Shows Up in Force at the 2025 NAPABA Convention in Denver

The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) was a prominent presence at the 37th National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention, held at the Sheraton in downtown Denver, CO, from November 6 to 8, 2025. This year’s Convention boasted the second-largest convening in NAPABA history, with nearly 2,900 AANHPI attorneys, judges, law professionals and law students in attendance, including over 800 first-time attendees.

AABANY members presented and led various Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs and were recognized during luncheons and social events throughout the three-day convention.  Over 175 people connected with each other on the AABANY@NAPABA WhatsApp group before, during and after the conference.

AABANY Get-Together at Maggiano’s

AABANY’s well-attended gathering at Maggiano’s Little Italy on Thursday evening was a big hit on one of the first nights of the Convention. The location was conveniently steps away from the Sheraton, drawing over 120 attendees, including friends old and new, many from outside of New York. Guests enjoyed a buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvres, such as domestic and imported cheeses, crostini, ravioli, wagyu meatballs, fried calamari, fried zucchini, and crab cakes, along with drink tickets good for one drink. It proved to be a festive start to the Convention’s social calendar, filled with the spirit of camaraderie that defined the Convention.

Awardees and Recognition for AABANY Members

NAPABA Awards presented across various events, including the NAPABA Best Under 40 Awards Reception (Thursday), Welcome Reception (Thursday), President’s and Trailblazer Award Reception (Friday), and luncheon plenaries (Friday and Saturday).

AABANY members and AABANY past annual dinner honorees were honored this year at the Convention: (click the link to read more about each award and the 2025 awardees):

The 17th Annual Trial Reenactment: “Born American: United States v. Wong Kim Ark”

The AABANY Trial Reenactment Team presented its 17th production on Friday afternoon, November 7, to a capacity audience. The program, titled “Born American: United States v. Wong Kim Ark,” examined the landmark Supreme Court case. The case focused on Wong Kim Ark, born in San Francisco in 1873 to Chinese immigrants, who was denied reentry to the U.S. in 1895 under the Chinese Exclusion Act. Wong successfully argued that the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of birthright citizenship applied to him. The program’s exploration of birthright citizenship was especially relevant, coming shortly after President Trump signed an Executive Order on January 20, 2025, seeking to restrict this established constitutional precedent.

Some of the photos taken from the Trial Reenactments by AABANY can be seen at this link here.

The cast included: Hon. Denny Chin, Kathy Hirata Chin, Jacob Chen, Francis Chin, Anna Mercado Clark, Hon. Peggy Kuo, Clara Ohr, Yasuhiro Saito, Professor Rose Cuison-Villazor, Andy Hahn, Yang Chen, Linda Lin, and Vince Chang. To learn more about AABANY’s Trial Reenactments, go to reenactments.aabany.org. AABANY encourages anyone interested in performing one of our reenactments to make a request through that website. The current script will be made available in 2026.

AABANY Members as Panel Experts

AABANY members showcased their expertise by serving as presenters and panelists across a variety of CLE programs throughout the Convention. Some of the programs featuring current and former AABANY members included, but were not limited to:

Thursday’s Programming:

  • Agentic AI: Legal and Policy Frontiers in the U.S. and China (Benjamin Hsing, AABANY President; Christopher Chan)
  • International Law Committee & Women’s Leadership Network Joint Luncheon (Jennifer Choe-Groves)
  • Navigating First Decade of Legal Career (Dan Brody)
  • Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence (Blossom Kan)

Friday’s Programming:

  • Shark Tank Part III: Live Pitch Coaching (Steve Chung; Hannah Kim; Austin So; Susan Shin, former AABANY President)
  • Navigating AI Integration in Legal Practice (Eric Lin)
  • Trump & Tariffs: Protectionism and Economic Impact (Rudy Figueroa)
  • Sexual Violence Against Women: From the Code of Ur-Nammu to WWII ‘Comfort Women’ and Beyond (Linny Ng) 
  • Practicing with Bots: Training Lawyers in the AI Age (John Lee)
  • Advising Startups on Patent Strategy (Charles Chen) 
  • United States v. Wen Ho Lee – 25 Years Later (Stephen Chahn Lee)
  • AI, Ethics & Minority Rights (Shruti Chopra)
  • High-Stakes Investigations & Trials (Joon Kim)
  • General Counsel Roundtable (Linda Lin, former AABANY President)
  • What We’ve Got Here Is a Failure to Communicate: Pitfalls and Best Practices for Handling Asian Language Witnesses and Evidence (Elizabeth L. Mo)
  • Representing Clients in the Highest Stakes Investigations and Trials (Jennifer Wu, AABANY Board Member)
  • Disagreeing Better: What ADR Principles Can Teach Us on How to Bridge Divides in Polarized Times (Chris M. Kwok, AABANY ADR Committee Co-Chair)
  • Ask an Associate: Navigating Starting Your Career at a Law Firm (Brittany Clark)

Saturday Programming:

  • Originalism’s Impacts & AANHPI Communities (Chihiro Isozaki)
  • Workplace Discrimination and Arbitration (Rachel Lee, AABANY Issues Committee Co-Chair)
  • Birthright Citizenship Under Siege: The Fight for Asian American and Pacific Islander Belonging (Professor Rose Cuison-Villazor)
  • The Places You’ll Go! Careers in Specialized Fields (Ada Wang, AABANY Intellectual Property Co-Chair; Stacy Wu)
  • Birthright and Belonging: Who gets to be American in the 21st Century and Beyond? (Bethany Li)
  • Case Study: Creating a National Legal Organization (NAPABA) (Sandra Yamate)
  • Legal Career Paths: Partnership, In-House & Public Service (Christopher Arcitio)
  • There at the Beginning: Case Study on Creating a National Organization (Diane Yu, retired Chief of Staff and Deputy to the President of NYU, 2011 AABANY Annual Dinner Honoree)

Plenary Session Focus on the Portrait Project

During the Friday Plenary Lunch, discussion centered on the Portrait Project, NAPABA’s groundbreaking study of Asian Americans in the Law, supported by the American Bar Foundation and NAPABA. This research provides critical statistics demonstrating the persistent barriers to advancement and underrepresentation of the Asian American legal community in the profession’s top ranks, especially as diversity and inclusion programs face increasing national pressure. AABANY has been a financial donor to the Portrait Project.

AABANY 2010 Annual Dinner Honoree Sandra Leung, former General Counsel of Bristol Myers Squibb Company, was among the speakers, offering an in-house perspective on the representation of AANHPI attorneys. She spoke about the importance of AANHPI attorneys to be in leadership roles, stating “if you aren’t at the table, you’re on the menu.” That resonated with many attorneys who have felt not involved in the decision-making at one point or another in their careers.

Key findings highlighted by the Portrait Project indicated that while there has been progress in federal judicial appointments and General Counsel roles, underrepresentation at the highest levels persists. The research suggests Asian American attorneys would benefit from greater institutional support to counteract stereotypes, facilitate soft skills development and relationship-building, and increase leadership opportunities. Justice Goodwin Liu reinforced this theme, quoting a participant who stated, “Instead of another cooking class, talk to me about retention.”

AABANY Members Sworn into NAPABA Board

During the Premier Event, the 37th Anniversary Gala on Saturday evening, AABANY members Anushree Bagrodia (Vice President & Senior Managing Counsel, Mastercard), Sapna Palla (Past President; Trial Lawyer and Partner, White & Case LLP), and Vishal Chander (Board Member and Issues Committee Co-Chair; Managing Attorney, The Chander Law Firm, P.C.) were all officially sworn in as At-Large Members of the NAPABA Board.  

AABANY congratulates and thanks Anushree, Sapna and Vishal for their service on the NAPABA Board, along with  Glenn D. Magpantay (AABANY Board Member; Commissioner at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights) for being appointed as a Northeast Alternate Regional Governor for NAPABA.

Gala Keynote

The Gala featured a fireside chat with keynote speakers Katie Phang and Rich Ting. Their conversation spanned Rich Ting’s career transition from attorney to acclaimed actor, and explored the evolving landscape of Asian American representation in Hollywood during polarizing times. Fun fact: Rich Ting has a law degree and was about to start his legal career at a prominent law firm until Hollywood called … and now he no longer has to worry about keeping up his CLE credits.

Social Activities

Beyond the formal events, AABANY members gathered for a variety of social activities, including morning yoga sessions, board game night (organized by our own Jeffrey Mok, Board Director, Issues Committee Co-Chair, and Principal at Fish & Richardson), and karaoke (separate events sponsored by Groombridge Wu and Littler, both long-time sponsors of AABANY), as well as exploring the areas around Denver!

Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition

The national finals for the Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition took place during the NAPABA Convention. Law students from the New York area participated, alongside volunteer judges from AABANY. We congratulate  all participants and the winning team: Audrey La and Josh Shimabukuro from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, who had previously won the regional competition round in New York in October.

A Community and a Family

Despite flight cancellations and delays experienced by many AABANY members on their return home, the spirit of mutual support endured, with members reaching out, sharing resources, and ensuring everyone arrived home safely. This supportive behavior exemplified the core takeaway from the convention: AABANY is more than just a community—it is a family that comes together to uplift and assist one another. 

We look forward to the next NAPABA Convention in Los Angeles, scheduled for November 12-15, 2026 at the JW Marriott L.A. Live.

More photos, shared by various AABANY members, can be found at this album here.

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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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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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Welcome New NAPABA Leadership

NAPABA is proud to announce the 2025-26 Board of Governors, who will be sworn in during the 2025 NAPABA Convention in Denver.

Our NAPABA community thrives because of dedicated members who step into leadership roles across the organization. From the national Board of Governors to our affiliate leaders, substantive committees, affinity networks, and professional development programs, NAPABA’s impact is fueled by the vision, energy, and service of our volunteers.

We are grateful for all of our leaders and their commitment to advancing NAPABA’s mission and strengthening the AANHPI legal community.

If you are interested in serving and shaping the future of NAPABA, please contact Priya Purandare to learn more.

2025-26 NAPABA Board of Governors

Executive Committee

  • President – Joseph Yao, Retired
  • President-Elect – Jason DeJonker, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
  • Treasurer – Arlene Yang, Center for Employment Opportunities
  • Secretary – Annette Kwok, Owens Corning
  • Immediate Past President – Thy Bui, Maynard Nexsen
  • Executive Director – Priya Purandare, Ex Officio, NAPABA

Regional Governors

  • Northeast – Alan Y. Wong, KabaFusion
  • Northwest – Eric de los Santos, Emergent Biosolutions, Inc.
  • Eastern California/Nevada – Glicel Sumagaysay, Law Office of Glicel Sumagaysay
  • Central California – Jason Liang, Liang Ly LLP
  • Northeast – Kathleen Chen, Johnson & Johnson
  • Northern California – Lisa Mak, Flynn Group
  • Southeast – Onchantho Am, University of Central Florida
  • Central – Phil Bautista, Taft Stettinius & Hollister
  • Southwest – Phil Kim, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton
  • Southern California – Tony Wang, O’Melveny & Myers LLP

At-Large Board Members

  • Alen Hsu, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman P.L.
  • Alicia Limtiaco, Supreme Court of Guam, Judiciary of Guam
  • Anushree Bagrodia, Mastercard
  • Brian Wong, ServiceNow, Inc.
  • Eemaan Jalili, Jalili Law PC
  • Eugene Kim, Vanguard Cleaning Systems
  • Sapna Palla, White & Case
  • Vishal Chander, The Chander Law Firm PC

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Thank You for Joining AABANY at Our 2025 Fall Conference: “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!”

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, AABANY hosted its 16th Annual Fall Conference, themed “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!” at New York Law School. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the school for hosting and supporting this gathering of the AAPI legal community. The day began with a buffet-style breakfast, during which attendees enjoyed coffee, pastries, bagels, and light bites, reconnecting with familiar faces and forming new connections. 

Morning Sessions 

From 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, participants attended one of three CLE panels:

Next, the 10:45 AM to 12:15 PM block featured:

Plenary Lunch & Trial Reenactment

At 12:30 PM, AABANY President Ben Hsing gave welcoming remarks to a packed Plenary Lunch Session, setting the stage for a live reenactment of the landmark cases Ozawa v. United States (1922) and United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind (1923). The reenactment dramatized two pivotal cases from the early 20th century in which the U.S. Supreme Court denied naturalization to two Asian immigrants—Takao Ozawa, a Japanese immigrant who argued that his light skin and cultural assimilation qualified him as “white,” and Bhagat Singh Thind, an Indian Sikh man who claimed to be Caucasian, citing Aryan ancestry, to assert eligibility for citizenship under the “free white person” requirement.

The emotional resonance of the performance was heightened by the fact that the judges in the reenactment were sitting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women judges from state and federal courts. In the original cases, the highest court in the land had defined Ozawa and Thind as racially “other,” excluding entire communities from the privilege of citizenship. A century later, to see a full panel of AAPI women judges presiding from the bench—occupying the very institutional role that had once excluded people like Ozawa and Thind—was profoundly moving. The visual and symbolic contrast between the historical rulings and the present-day makeup of the judiciary underscored how legal institutions can be both instruments of exclusion and, over time, sites of transformation.

The reenactment was followed by a fireside chat with Professor Rose Cuison-Villazor moderated by Albert Tong, Student Outreach Committee Chair, which unpacked the historical and contemporary significance of these rulings in shaping concepts of citizenship, race, and identity. For many attendees, the moment crystallized both how far the community has come and how history continues to shape present realities.

Diversity Career Fair (DCF): Building Bridges Between Talent & Opportunity
Hosted by the Career Advancement Committee, the Diversity Career Fair (DCF) ran from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Employers from public, corporate, nonprofit, and legal services sectors hosted informational tables and, in some cases, first-round on-site interviews. Attendees engaged in meet-and-greets, exchanged resumes, and connected with recruiters and legal professionals. The DCF served as a vital platform for career exploration and networking within the AAPI legal community, allowing attendees ample opportunities to explore career openings by visiting employer tables and meeting with representatives from approximately 20 public and private sector organizations and companies.  On-site interviews took place with 5 of the participating employers, and resumes were collected from around 11 of the participating employers.

The Trial Advocacy Program (TAP): Hands-On Training and Mentorship from Eminent Trial Lawyers

Returning to the Fall Conference this year, TAP (Trial Advocacy Program) gave junior attorneys structured, mentored experience in key trial advocacy skills, with lectures, demonstrations, and exercises in opening and closing statements, as well as direct and cross-examinations. Participants prepared ahead of time, based on a mock trial problem, to present opening statements and conduct direct and cross-examinations before a faculty of experienced trial lawyers in breakout rooms, and received individual feedback and coaching. The program concluded with powerhouse closing argument demonstrations by two distinguished trial lawyers, Hugh Mo and William Campos, that captivated the audience. For video of Hugh Mo’s closing statement for the defense, courtesy of Mo Law Firm, see here.

Afternoon Sessions: Community & Innovation in Practice

From 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, attendees had their selection of:

From 4:15 PM to 5:45 PM, programming included:

These sessions continued the balance between community impact and emerging legal trends.


Link-Up Reception: Cultivating Professional Connections

One of the highlights of the day was the Link-Up Reception designed to foster meaningful engagement between law firm attorneys and senior in-house counsel seeking external legal services. Open only to invited in-house counsel, Gold-level sponsors and above, and representatives from 2025 Annual Dinner and Winter Soiree sponsors, the Link-Up Reception was a benefit offered to higher-tier sponsors, giving them increased exposure and direct access to in-house decision-makers.

By offering a direct and selective networking opportunity in a concentrated timeframe, the Link-Up Reception helped to enhance business development possibilities and strategic connections for participating in-house and outside counsel.

Cocktail Reception and Trailblazer Award Presentation

Following the Link-up reception, a general Cocktail Reception was held. The Cocktail Reception created a more open, celebratory atmosphere where attendees – including attorneys, law students, and pre-law students –  could meet and mingle, after a full day of CLE and other programs. Attendees socialized, reflected, and strengthened connections over hors d’oeuvres and beverages. For many, the Cocktail Reception presented an excellent chance to connect with judges, seasoned practitioners, and peers in an informal setting — a space where mentorships may begin, collaborations were seeded, and the day’s theme of community and collective growth came to life in real time. 

During the Reception, following remarks by AABANY President-Elect Varuna Bhattacharyya, Hon. Justice Jeffrey K. Oing, former Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department, introduced Justice Kim.

AABANY’s Executive Director Yang Chen then presented the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, honoring leadership, innovation, mentorship, and sustained community impact, to Hon. Judy H. Kim, Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County. In her acceptance speech, Justice Kim highlighted the importance of mentorship and community. She recounted a particularly memorable time when an intern wrote to her, “You have shown me into a world that I thought I would never be able to be part of, and the gift that you have given me is priceless.” These words left a deep impact on everyone, reminding us of the importance of mentorship in this competitive world. This celebration closed the conference on a note of recognition, gratitude, and community.

We extend deep thanks to:

  • More than 50 student volunteers from area law schools and colleges for providing wide-ranging support, including assisting with registration, logistics, and CLE sign-in and sign-out
  • Albert Tong, Chair of the Student Outreach Committee, for coordinating the volunteers before and during the Conference
  • Our sponsors, whose support made the Fall Conference and its educational, professional development, and networking opportunities possible
  • All moderators, panelists, program chairs, and above all, attendees, whose participation embodied the theme – “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!”

For more photos of the event, please visit the links below:

Thanks to our photographers, Jessie Zhou (AABANY legal intern), Tohir Hodjakulov, and Shiyun Zhang (student volunteers).

We hope the 2025 Fall Conference enriched your professional journey and strengthened the bonds within our AAPI legal community. Thank you for being part of this signature AABANY event — we look forward to seeing you at future programs!

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Portrait Project: NAPABA’s Groundbreaking Study of Asian Americans in the Law is More Crucial Than Ever

At the NAPABA Convention, you’ll experience unmatched opportunities to grow, connect, and be inspired. On Friday, November 7, join NAPABA for a plenary session featuring trailblazing leaders who will examine the key issues shaping the future of the legal profession.

This year’s plenary will spotlight the Portrait Project, NAPABA’s groundbreaking study of Asian Americans in the law, and offer candid insights on how the legal community can advance representation and leadership in a time of change.

Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from Justice Goodwin Liu, Sandra Leung, Kalpana Srinivasan, and Professor Ajay K. Mehrotra as they unpack the Portrait Project and share perspectives on the challenges facing our profession.

Secure your spot today—add this a la carte session to your Convention registration and be part of this vital conversation.

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Sandra Leung
Executive Vice President and General Counsel (ret.), Bristol-Myers Squibb Company		Justice Goodwin Liu
California Supreme Court		Kalpana Srinivasan
Managing Partner, Susman Godfrey LLP		Professor Ajay K. Mehrotra
Moderator
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Diversity and inclusion efforts are facing mounting pressure. Across the nation, they face legal and political challenges across the board, whether in the government sector, the private sector, or on university campuses. The legal profession has not escaped the backlash. In its wake, the Portrait Project, supported by the American Bar Foundation and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), provides invaluable perspectives. It explores critical empirical research to explain why the Asian American legal community continues to face persistent barriers to advancement and endure underrepresentation in the top ranks of the profession.

NAPABA works to achieve optimal representation and visibility of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) attorneys in every facet and level of the legal field and beyond. But how do we pursue this goal in the current polarized atmosphere, where employee resource groups and affinity organizations face enormous pressures and where employers are wavering on commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Join us for a lively conversation with the architects of the Portrait Project and leaders of the legal profession to hear what the latest data tells us about the state of AANHPIs in the profession. Discover how their findings can cut through the heated political rhetoric to show a better understanding of the factors that have contributed to attrition and retention, and the policies and practices that can boost representation at the leadership levels.

Military & Veteran Service Award

During the Plenary Luncheon, we will also be recognizing this year’s Military & Veteran Service Awardee. This award honors NAPABA members who have served in the United States Armed Forces and demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing justice, supporting service members and veterans, and strengthening our community.

Congressman Ted W. Lieu (CA-36)
U.S. House of Representatives

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2025 NAPABA Awards | Recognizing the Best Under 40

2025 NAPABA Awards
Recognizing the Best Under 40

Join us in honoring the 2025 Best Under 40 honorees—remarkable leaders who are making their mark in law, business, academia, public service, and beyond. These rising stars have distinguished themselves in their fields and demonstrated a strong commitment to uplifting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.

Celebrate their achievements at the NAPABA Convention, November 6-8.

Visit our website to learn more about each of this year’s award recipients.

2025 Best Under 40

Charles Chen
IP & Product Counsel at Hims & Hers		Christina Lin Chen
Associate Attorney at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Reiko Koyama
Counsel at Hunton Andrews Kurth		Gisela Perez Kusakawa
Executive Director at the Asian American Scholar Forum
Steven Ngo
Sr. Counsel at Rivian		Gigio Koshy Ninan
Co-Founder, Shankar Ninan Law Firm
Michelle Pham
Partner at Buchalter APC		Anjali Srinivasan
Partner at Keker, Van Nest & Peters
Tansy Woan
Litigation Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP		Qiaojing Ella Zheng
Managing Partner of San Francisco and Palo Alto Offices of Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, LLP; Chair of Asian American Litigation and Finance Practice
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2025 NAPABA Awards | Honoring Outstanding Leaders

NAPABA proudly celebrates outstanding individuals whose leadership and service make a lasting impact on the legal profession and the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community. This year’s honorees exemplify excellence, and we are proud to recognize their remarkable contributions that strengthen our profession and uplift our community.

Be part of the celebration, November 6-8, at the NAPABA Convention as we honor these distinguished leaders. Register now to honor our awardees and secure the early bird rate before it ends today.

2025 In-House Counsel Leadership Award

Kazuko Wachter

General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of EquiLend

Kazuko Wachter is General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at EquiLend, a technology provider for the global securities finance marketplace, where she oversees global legal and regulatory matters for the company. Previously, she was Chief Legal and Strategy Officer of Prism Financial Products, a hybrid securities brokerage and fintech firm with offices across the UK, Europe, and New York. Kazuko is a leader in the AANHPI legal community, serving in multiple positions with the Asian American Bar Association of New York.

2025 In-House Counsel Leadership Rising Star Award

Kasey Chow

Director, Corporate Strategy at Southern Company Gas

Kasey Chow is the Director of Corporate Strategy for Southern Company Gas. In this role, she is responsible for developing corporate strategy, planning, and engagement connected to policy and programs supporting the Company’s governmental, regulatory, environmental, and commercial/economic development initiatives and opportunities. She joined Southern Company in 2015 as a Regulatory Attorney supporting Southern Linc. Kasey is licensed to practice law in Georgia and currently serves on the boards of the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA) and the GAPABA Law Foundation.

2025 Military and Veteran Service Award

Congressman Ted W. Lieu

Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus

Ted W. Lieu represents California’s 36th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Ted is serving in his sixth term in Congress and sits on the House Judiciary Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee. He was elected by his colleagues to serve as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus, making him the highest ranking Asian American to have ever served in House Leadership. Ted is a veteran, having served on active duty and then in the Reserves for the Air Force. He retired in 2021 with the rank of Colonel.

2025 Pro Bono Service Award

Sandy K. Roxas, Esq., CFLS

CFLS, Roxas Law, APC

Sandy K. Roxas is the founding partner of Roxas Law, APC, where she provides affordable legal services to low-income residents of Los Angeles County, with a special focus on survivors of domestic violence and victims of anti-Asian hate. A tireless community advocate, Sandy has organized rallies, led educational efforts, and provided pro bono representation to uplift and protect marginalized communities. Her leadership extends to scholarship programs, volunteer work, and mentoring the next generation of AANHPI leaders, reflecting her lifelong commitment to service and justice.

2025 Public Sector Leadership Award

Niyati Shah

Director of Litigation, Asian American Advancing Justice (AAJC)

Niyati Shah is the Director of Litigation at Advancing Justice | AAJC, where she is responsible for overseeing and advancing the organization’s priorities before the courts. This includes cases that impact racial justice and the civil rights of Asian Americans, particularly in the areas of voting, immigration and national security, tech/telecom, census, anti-racial profiling, and education equity. Niyati has served as one of the lead attorneys in Lupe v. Ross, successfully challenging the addition of the citizenship question to the 2020 Census. Prior to joining Advancing Justice | AAJC, Niyati worked as an Election Counsel at Project Vote, where she investigated, litigated, and advocated against violations of federal constitutional and statutory law nationwide.  

2025 Women’s Leadership Award

Rippi K. Karda

Associate General Counsel at Verizon

As an Associate General Counsel in the Policy, Corporate Social Responsibility, Information Security, Legal, and Security department at Verizon Communications Inc., Rippi Karda handles complex contracts for Sourcing involving Human Resources Benefits and Plans, Advertising Agencies, Contact Centers, Contingent Workforce, Executive Recruiting, and Supplier Diversity. Additionally, she works with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, Pan Asian Corporate Excellence (PACE), and Women’s Alliance of Verizon Employees (WAVE) organizations at Verizon. Karda contributes her time and talents to numerous mentorship and community-building initiatives, including Verizon’s employee resource groups Women’s Alliance of Verizon Employees (WAVE) and Pan Asian Corporate Excellence (PACE), and leads by example through her pro bono work supporting victims of domestic violence across North America and promoting economic empowerment in New Jersey’s Punjabi business community.

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