Tag: 2025

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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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NAPABA Names Susman Godfrey LLP Recipient of the 2025 NAPABA President’s Award

For Immediate Release:
August 20, 2025		Contact:
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

2025 NAPABA President’s Award Recipient: Susman Godfrey LLP

WASHINGTON — The 2025 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) President’s Award will be presented to Susman Godfrey LLP. The award recognizes the firm’s steadfast commitment to uplift the legal profession and the rule of law in the United States.

The NAPABA President’s Award is given annually to individuals or entities who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to NAPABA and the broader legal community.

“I am proud to confer the President’s Award to Susman Godfrey LLP,” said NAPABA President Thy Bui. “As both a legal professional and civil rights organization with a core commitment to diversity and upholding the rule of law, NAPABA knows the vital importance of standing up against the wave of attacks against the legal community and upholding our values. Susman Godfrey LLP not only shares our commitment but also lives it. I am thrilled to commend the firm for its unwavering focus to defend the legal profession and the rule of law when it mattered the most.”

Susman Godfrey LLP is a nationally leading boutique litigation law firm founded in Houston, Texas. Today, with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle, the firm has a reputation as one of the “nation’s most impressive – and most feared – litigation boutiques.” Kalpana Srinivasan, a 2014 recipient of the NAPABA Best Under 40 Award, and Vineet Bhatia lead the firm as managing partners.

Earlier this year, the current Administration issued an executive order against Susman Godfrey LLP and endeavored to strip the firm’s ability to function. The executive order, among other things, criticized the firm’s espousal of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. It also disagreed with the firm’s work pertaining to elections. For example, in April 2023, Susman Godfrey LLP secured a $787.5 million settlement for its client, Dominion Voting Systems, to resolve Dominion’s claim of defamation against a prominent media outlet for its statements pertaining to the 2020 presidential election.

Susman Godfrey LLP challenged the executive order, and in June 2025, the firm succeeded when the District Court permanently enjoined the executive order. The court found that the executive order amounted to “unlawful retaliation…for activities that are protected by the First Amendment, including [the firm’s] representation of certain clients…and its expression of its beliefs regarding diversity.” An independent judiciary, as the court recognized, presumes an “informed, independent bar,” which is a “necessity for the rule of law.”

We agree. The firm, in advancing those principles, currently represents the American Bar Association in a lawsuit against the current Administration that challenges the unwarranted attacks against lawyers and law firms.

NAPABA congratulates Susman Godfrey LLP as this year’s recipient of the NAPABA President’s Award, which will be bestowed on Friday, November 7, 2025, during the President’s and Trailblazer Awards Reception at the 2025 NAPABA Convention in Denver, Colorado.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and over 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.

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The 2025 NAPABA Convention is Your Place to Network

2025 NAPABA Convention

Your Chance to Network

The 2025 NAPABA Convention is your ultimate networking hub.

More than a conference, the Convention is where legal professionals from every stage of their career connect, collaborate, and cultivate lasting professional relationships. From committee meetings and receptions to informal meetups, you’ll find countless opportunities to exchange ideas, share best practices, and engage with peers who understand your work and your passion.

Explore the full range of our networking opportunities on the Convention agenda for countless ways to connect.

These peer-led groups—often organized around specific practice areas, career stages, or shared interests—are a direct line to knowledge-sharing networks and communities that can help you grow your practice, expand your client base, and stay ahead of emerging legal trends. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, partnership, or simply a supportive circle of colleagues, the NAPABA Convention is where those connections begin.

Early Bird Registration Ends Soon

You only have until 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, August 26, to lock in the Early Bird rate. That’s only one week away! Registering now means you’ll save $150 and secure your spot at an event you can’t miss.

Register for #NAPABA2025

For more information about the 2025 NAPABA Convention, please visit the Convention website.

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 NAPABA Committees & Networks | 2025 Co-Chair Applications are Open

Lead and Inspire:
Become a NAPABA Committee or Network Co-Chair

Deadline: September 12, 2025

NAPABA’s committees and networks are vibrant, peer-led communities that connect members through shared practice areas, professional interests, and lived experiences. Committees focus on substantive legal topics and advocacy priorities such as labor & employment law, civil rights, and emerging technologies. Networks bring together members with common career paths or life experiences—such as in-house counsel, military service, or solo practice. These groups foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and leadership development.

Serving as a co-chair is a meaningful opportunity to:

  • Lead within a respected national bar association
  • Develop and showcase your leadership and subject-matter expertise
  • Build lasting relationships with colleagues across the country
  • Shape impactful programs, events, and initiatives that align with NAPABA’s strategic goals

If you are ready to take on a leadership role within NAPABA, we invite you to apply for open 2025 Committee and Network Co-Chair Positions.

Eligibility Criteria

Ideal co-chair candidates will:

  • Bring relevant personal or professional experience to the committee or network’s focus
  • Show a clear commitment to NAPABA’s mission, especially in leadership development
  • Be a NAPABA or NAPABA affiliate member in good standing
  • Commit to serving a six-year term

Application Requirements

Please submit the following materials as a single PDF:

  • Resume or CV highlighting relevant experience
  • Statement of Interest demonstrating the following:
    • Your leadership experience in NAPABA, local NAPABA affiliates, or related organizations
    • Your commitment to integrity and professional excellence
    • Additional relevant experience not included in your resume
  • Professional Bio (a law firm or company profile is acceptable)
Apply Now

2025 Committees and Networks with Co-Chair Vacancies

  • Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee
  • Cannabis/CBD/Hemp Law & Policy Committee
  • Civil Rights Committee
  • Dispute Resolution Committee
  • Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee
  • Financial Services Network
  • Government Enforcement & Compliance Committee
  • Health Law Committee
  • Immigration Committee
  • In House Counsel Network
  • Intellectual Property Committee
  • International Law Committee
  • Labor & Employment Committee
  • Law School Professors and Administrators Network
  • LGBTQ Network
  • Litigation Committee
  • Mass Torts & Class Actions Committee
  • Military & Veterans Network
  • Partners Network
  • Pro Bono & Community Service Committee
  • Public Sector Network
  • Solo & Small Firm Network
  • Women’s Leadership Network
  • Young Lawyers Network

Questions?

Reach out to us at membership@napaba.org.

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The NAPABA Nook is Back for 2025 — And We Want to Feature You!

Calling all authors! Have you written a book that inspires, empowers, or tells a great story? We are thrilled to share that we are bringing back the NAPABA Nook at the 2025 NAPABA Convention!

What is NAPABA Nook?

It’s a cozy, pop-up library space at the Convention where we spotlight NAPABA’s talented authors and writers. Selected books will be beautifully displayed along with instructions on how attendees can purchase them online.

Who Can Apply:

If you are an author or a writer, we invite you to submit your book for consideration for the NAPABA Nook. Whether your book dives into law, career tips, personal growth, storytelling, or any genre that reflects your voice, we want to feature YOU!

Criteria:

  • Books must be published between 2024 and 2025
  • Only one book per author may be featured
  • Selected authors must provide a courtesy copy to be displayed in the Nook
  • Only new books will be considered for 2025. Books that were featured in previous years may not be eligible for inclusion again.

To submit a book for consideration, please complete this form no later than 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday, September 23.

Submit a Book

For more information about the 2025 NAPABA Convention, please visit the Convention website.

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2025 NAPABA Convention: August 5 deadline to Apply for a Scholarship

The 2025 NAPABA Convention is just 100 days away! Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to advance your legal career through dynamic programs, inspiring speakers, and unparalleled networking with fellow AANHPI legal professionals.

We know that cost can be a barrier, which is why NAPABA offers scholarships to help make attending more accessible. Scholarships—including a general scholarship and a dedicated law student scholarship—can be used to help cover registration, travel, and lodging expenses.

Apply by August 5th. As a current NAPABA member, now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity. Please note: the Law Student Scholarship application closes September 16 at 8 pm ET.

Join us in Denver this November and apply for a Convention scholarship today!

Apply for the General
Scholarship
Apply for the Law Student
Scholarship
Register for the Early Bird Rate for the 2025 NAPABA Convention

Questions

Additional resources about the Convention are on our website. For further questions, email us at convention@napaba.org.

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AABANY Hosts Third Annual Wellness Day

On June 21, 2025, AABANY successfully hosted its Third Annual Wellness Day at Brooklyn Law School. This event was made possible through the generous support of AABANY’s dedicated speakers and sponsors, enabling participants to address critical issues affecting mental and physical well-being, in line with wellness programs and initiatives championed by former AABANY President Karen Kim during her term. Participants learned about various topics, such as methods for dealing with daily stressors, unhealthy drinking culture in the legal profession, signs of depression, and how to find support groups and resources. 

Within the legal profession, mental health and well-being is not a topic that is often discussed. AABANY aims to challenge the normalized culture of long hours and drinking prevalent in the legal profession by highlighting the detrimental impact of these behaviors on the well-being of attorneys and offering a dedicated, supportive environment for necessary discussions.

Doors opened for Wellness Day at 9:00 AM. The event began with a relaxing Meet and Greet Breakfast catered by Paris Baguette, providing attendees with an opportunity to meet current and former Wellness Day speakers and greet one another and connect. During breakfast, Karen invited attendees to enter a raffle for a chance to win prizes like a one-on-one coaching session with Celina Lee, a 75-minute Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) session with Dr. Michelle Thompson, a laser Focus Power Pitch session or copy of Rainmaking 101 by Precious L. Williams, or a parenting coaching session with Dr. Theresa Nguyen.

AABANY President Benjamin Hsing welcomed everyone to the event. On behalf of AABANY, he expressed gratitude to all the participants, speakers, and sponsors who were crucial for the success of the event.

Wellness Day Champion Sponsor, Steno, hosted a table with goodies for attendees, ranging from Pride flags, bags, and iridescent water bottles to glass nail files. Thank you to Steno and Steno representative Gayle Damiano, for your generous support.

Creating a Kinder and Gentler Legal Practice when Grounded with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping)

The morning programs kicked off with Dr. Michelle Thompson from Resistant Vision, who first introduced Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping). Dr. Thompson shared a compelling story about a client who, after 48 hours without sleep, found relaxation and rest through EFT practices. In her session, “Create a Kinder and Gentler Legal Practice when Grounded with Emotional Freedom Techniques,” Dr. Thompson led participants through tapping their stressors away and detaching them from their minds. She had participants rank their stress levels on a scale from one to ten.  By the end of the session, Dr. Thompson had helped the audience reduce their stress levels significantly. She invited a volunteer to help with a specific person causing their stress. Whether it be dealing with stressors at work or stress from academics, Dr. Thompson’s exercises helped everyone gain real-time emotional freedom and learn how to incorporate these practices for the stress that many in the legal profession face on a daily basis. To learn more about Resistant Vision, click here.

Bar None: Rethinking Alcohol in the Legal Profession

Jaimie Nawaday, partner at Seward & Kissel LLP and a former federal prosecutor, brought attention to the drinking culture in the legal profession with her session: “Bar None: Rethinking Alcohol in the Legal Profession,” moderated by Anden Chow, partner at MoloLamken LLP. Ms. Nawaday spoke openly about her personal experience with alcoholism as an attorney. She shared about being in denial about having a drinking problem for a long time and rationalizing her drinking due to the normalized drinking culture in the profession. In their discussion, they highlighted how as a lawyer, receiving and giving alcohol as a gift is normalized.  In addition, they noted that many events primarily serve alcoholic drinks. They highlighted how especially for the younger generation of lawyers entering the legal profession, the lack of senior lawyer role models who do not drink might create subtle pressure to engage in heavy drinking.

Ms. Nawaday shared about her progression from doing short health challenges to abstaining from alcohol for a year. She aimed to help spread awareness about the outdated corporate cocktail culture and posted a video on LinkedIn on this topic, which received wide-ranging support from viewers. She also recounted how she helped another lawyer feel included at an event with just the small action of getting them a nonalcoholic beverage. To counter the drinking culture, Ms. Nawaday proposed that it should be normalized to provide nonalcoholic drinks at events and that senior lawyers who do not adhere to the outdated drinking culture should serve as role models. Learn more about Jamie Nawaday’s company Disrupting Drinking here.

Karen Kim took the podium to thank the morning speakers and announce that she would be distributing complimentary copies of The Daily Buddhist, which excited much of the audience. She also announced the lucky raffle winners. With that, the morning sessions came to an end, and lunch was served. Attendees enjoyed a delicious and healthy lunch from Chipotle.

Managing Stress: Maintaining Wellness

The afternoon started off with a session called “Managing Stress: Maintaining Wellness” by pediatrician Dr. Theresa T. Nguyen, who guided participants through the science behind how our brain processes stress. She then led participants through different techniques to ground ourselves, from two different methods of regulating breathing, spacing out inhales, breath holds, and exhales by tracing the fingers on our hand, and box breathing. Dr. Nguyen also invited an audience member to demonstrate the breathing techniques. She then led everyone through somatic grounding techniques, such as rubbing the thumb and index fingers together as well as guided meditation. Dr. Nguyen proceeded to lead the audience through different stretches and acupuncture points to relieve stress, nausea, and tension. Participants left her session feeling relaxed, armed with helpful methods to ground themselves amid stressors in their daily lives. To learn more about Dr. Nguyen’s practices, visit resilientmd.org.

Building Positive Habits: Practical Tips to Sustain a Long, Healthy Career in Law

A fireside chat followed, with Jackson Lewis Principal Tanya Bovée and Well-Being Director Gavin Alexander in a session called “Building Positive Habits: Practical Tips to Sustain a Long, Healthy Career in Law.” Mr. Alexander spoke candidly about his journey struggling with mental illness throughout his life. He talked about how he was initially reluctant to seek help since he thought any paper trail of receiving care would be damaging to his career. Due to the perceived stigma against mental illness in the legal profession and society, it was not until his near suicide that he sought help. Since then, he has advocated for mental well-being and served as the first-ever Fellow of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being. Mr. Alexander spoke about finding help in the form of a support group of lawyers with depression, through which he found his current position as a Well-Being Director at Jackson Lewis. When commended on his bravery for sharing his struggles, Mr. Alexander expressed the hope that we all could live in a world where someone like him wouldn’t be deemed brave for sharing his struggles, and talking about mental health would be normalized instead. In guiding the discussion, Ms. Bovée shared her struggles and techniques for better time management and recommended various books for the audience. She also shared personal stories of handling new roles and expectations.

Steno, Champion Sponsor – Remarks

Steno representative Gayle Damiano then gave brief remarks, recognizing Steno as the Wellness Day Champion Sponsor and its support of wellness and well-being in the legal profession. Attendees learned about Steno and its court reporting and litigation services.

But You Don’t Look Depressed

The next session, “But You Don’t Look Depressed,” was moderated by Karen Kim and featured Vivia Chen, an award-winning journalist and ex-lawyer. Ms. Chen shared her story of finding help and opening up about her mental health challenges. Publicly sharing her mental health struggles was difficult due to the stigma around depression in the legal profession. Ms. Chen shared that many lawyers have this stigma, mostly due to their family’s expectations. Asian American lawyers experience higher mental issues compared to the whole of those in the legal profession. Ms. Chen spoke of the challenges to secure short-term disability due to misconceptions around how the symptoms of depression or how those who suffer from depression should look. An insurance representative commented that she did not exhibit the usual signs of depression, such as sobbing uncontrollably or looking unpresentable. In the end, her application for short-term disability was denied. Ms. Chen also spoke about her experience finding a therapist suited for her and seeking help. Her story shines light on the lack of accessibility of help provided by legal workplaces, and the need to change the stigma and misconceptions around mental health, in order to make help more accessible to those who need it. Visit and subscribe to Ms. Chen’s Ex-Careerist Substack Column.

During the discussion, Karen highlighted previous Wellness Day sponsor and participant, Anise Health, a culturally responsive mental health platform dedicated to the Asian community. All attendees received a free trial consultation from Anise Health, as well as a 10% discount code for their first month of care.

Cultivating Mental Resilience to Thrive Amid Uncertainty

Next, Benjamin Hsing, President of AABANY, facilitated  a conversation with Pema Sherpa, co-author of The Daily Buddhist, speaker, and mindfulness researcher. They explored how resilience can be cultivated through intentional mind-training practices rooted in Buddhist philosophy and contemporary mindfulness research. Drawing from both personal experience and her book, Ms. Sherpa shared practical tools to manage stress, reframe emotional challenges, and foster inner calm amidst professional demands. She emphasized how simple yet consistent exercises such as meditation, compassion, and mental reframing can strengthen one’s emotional resilience and promote wellness. During the Q&A session, Ms. Sherpa highlighted how the book’s daily format offers readers an accessible and structured path to integrate mindfulness into their routines. Participants appreciated the interactive dialogue, and at the conclusion of the event, Ms. Sherpa graciously signed copies of her book for attendees. Visit Pema Solutions to learn more about mindfulness.

Closing Remarks

Karen Kim delivered ending remarks, thanking everyone for coming to Wellness Day. She gave thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, and speakers who were vital to making the event successful. Many attendees stayed for the optional networking reception afterward, taking the time to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances and making new connections.

Wellness Day has been a celebration of self-care, health, and the importance of nurturing both mental and physical health. 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 all Wellness Day speakers for sharing their expertise and personal journeys:

  • Michelle Thompson, J.D., Ph.D., CEO of Resistant Vision Coaching and Consulting, LLC
  • Jaimie Nawaday, Partner, Seward & Kissel LLP
  • Anden Chow, Partner, MoloLamken LLP
  • Theresa T. Nguyen, MD, MS, FAAP, Adulting Coach & Wellness Consultant, ResilientMD
  • Gavin Alexander, Well-Being Director, Jackson Lewis P.C.
  • Tanya A. Bovée, Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
  • Pema Sherpa, Co-Author of The Daily Buddhist, Speaker & Mindfulness Researcher
  • Benjamin C. Hsing, President, AABANY
  • Vivia Chen, Opinion Writer, The Ex-Careerist, Substack
  • Karen Kim, Senior Counsel, QBE North America

AABANY thanks the following sponsors for their generous support:

Sponsors:

  • Brooklyn Law School
  • Pema Solutions
  • ResilientMD
  • Infinite Potential Counseling
  • Resistant Vision Coaching and Consulting, LLC
  • Live Your Dream Club with Celina Lee
  • Anise Health
  • Seward & Kissel LLP
  • MoloLamken LLP
  • Perfect Pitch Group

Champion Sponsor: Steno

Supporter Sponsor: Jackson Lewis P.C.

Co-Sponsoring Bar Associations:

  • Judges & Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert
  • Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York

Photos from Wellness Day can be found here.

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