In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month this year, AABANY is presenting or co-sponsoring several events this month. We hope to see you all there! Follow the links for more details, and please note the registration deadlines.
May 1, 2025
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Karaoke Showdown
6:00 pm, 22 W 32nd St. 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
Registration is closed for this event.
May 4, 2025
AABANY Sunday Run Day
8:30 AM (Meet at 8:30 am. Runtime 9:00 am.)
In the lawn near the 86th Street A train station (Central Park West and West 86th)
This event is preparation for the May 24 AAPI 5k run. For more information, click here.
The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) celebrated the illustrious career of Hugh H. Mo by honoring him with the prestigious Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award at their Fifteenth Annual Fall Conference, on October 12, 2024, during the Conference Cocktail Reception that capped a full day of programming. This award, named after Norman Lau Kee—an influential legal and community figure in New York City’s Chinatown—celebrates leaders who have made significant contributions to the legal field and the AAPI community, recognizing attorneys who exemplify the qualities of role models and trailblazers in the legal profession while contributing to the wider community.
Born in Shanghai, China, Hugh immigrated to the United States at nine years old after living in Hong Kong, Taipei, and Madrid. Hugh then grew up on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. His journey into the legal profession started by participating in student activist groups, including the Vietnam War protests and the Civil Rights Movement, throughout high school and college. During his sophomore year at NYU, he was involved in a newly published magazine called Bridge: The Magazine of Asians in America, focusing on the experiences, issues, and concerns of Asian Americans that were ignored by the mainstream media and to mobilize Asians in political empowerment. As a result of his experiences as a student activist, Hugh was imbued with idealism and the desire to make the world a better place. He realized that in order to help Asians in general and in political empowerment, law is the most effective instrument to facilitate change to help people.
Hugh defines law as “advocacy,” to lend a voice to those who cannot advocate for themselves. This belief in the power of the law to help others was a driving force in his decision to become a lawyer. He says, “As a lawyer there is so much potential to help people,” and that realization has shaped his legal career.
From his formative student activist experiences, Hugh enrolled at Boston University School of Law, graduated in 1976, and served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the first Asian American to do so. During his tenure, he mentored then Assistant District Attorney Sonia Sotomayor – who later became the first Hispanic and 111th United States Supreme Court Justice. In Justice Sotomayor’s memoir, My Beloved World, she wrote that she was fortunate to be assigned a second-seat role in her first murder trial, with Hugh as lead counsel. The case was People v. Richard Maddicks, the “Tarzan burglar.” Maddicks committed a series of burglaries and murders in a bloody three-month spree from 1981 to 1982 in Central Harlem, by swinging from rooftops on ropes and crashing through apartment windows with his gun blazing. Hugh and Sonia successfully prosecuted Maddicks in a 37-count indictment charging him with multiple counts of murder, burglary, assault, and other crimes. Hugh ensured her second-seat role was far from pro forma, allowing her to present half of the 40 government witnesses and to draft the opening statement of the case, which Hugh delivered. After a four-week jury trial in early 1983, Maddicks was convicted and sentenced to 62½ years–to–life in state prison. In her memoir, Sonia recalled that Hugh was “a slightly built figure with a booming voice and a big personality to match; a hard driving prosecutor, he was also a gentle family man and an all-around confounder of stereotypes.”
Hugh’s eight-year tenure as a prosecutor was the beginning of a long legal career that stretched almost five decades, in which he fought for and inspired Asian Americans through the power of the law to secure our rights, justice, and fairness. In 1984, he was appointed as Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Trials in the New York City Police Department. At the time, he was the highest-ranking person of Asian descent in New York City government. After four years, he left public service to join the national and international law firm of Whitman & Ransom as a partner and founder of its China practice group.
In January 1994, Hugh established The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C., to primarily represent domestic and overseas Chinese clients in corporate, civil and criminal litigation, white collar and financial crimes, government investigation, customs, tax, and real estate matters. In 2023, Hugh received the NAPIPA Life-Time Achievement Award, and his firm was honored with the 2023 NAPABA APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year Award.
Throughout his career, Hugh has always championed the issues and concerns of the AAPI community. He reflects that one of the most common issues Asian American immigrants face is assimilation: adopting a new language, learning new behaviors, being accustomed to new social norms, and fully embracing American culture, and, at the same time, retaining one’s Asian identity, language, and culture. As he learned in high school and college, law is an instrument of change and justice, and for Asian Americans learning to assimilate, it is even more imperative to have Asian representation at all levels of the legal profession.
As a trial attorney, Hugh serves as an advocate to bridge the language and cultural barriers for his Asian clients. His private practice, The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C., has represented countless individuals, corporations, and government entities, primarily focusing on clients within the Chinese American community and overseas. Hugh has served as legal counsel for the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations, Chinese Consulate in New York, Xinhua News Agency, N.A., People’s Daily Overseas Edition, and other Chinese government entities and state-owned enterprises over the years.
In addition to his legal work, Hugh founded and currently serves as Co-Chair of the NYPD Asian American Police Executives Council (AAPEX), with the mission to inculcate leadership development of Asian police executives in the NYPD. He was involved as a co-founder of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) in 1989, laying a foundation for future generations of Asian American lawyers. He was also involved in establishing the NYPD Asian Jade Society, the Chinatown Health Clinic (now known as the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center) and has served as Board President of the Chinatown Planning Council (now known as the Chinese-American Planning Council).
Hugh’s achievements extend beyond the courtroom. He served on numerous civic and advisory committees, including transition committees for elected officials such as Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., City Comptroller John Liu, and Mayor David N. Dinkins, among others.
When asked about current challenges facing the Asian American community, he reflects on the disproportionate challenges that Asians have to overcome in order to pursue success in the law, including barriers due to institutional racism and the under-representation of Asian American partners in BigLaw, corporations, government, and the judiciary. Hugh maintains that this obstacle can be overcome by “grit, intelligence, and the willingness to rise up to any challenge.” Success is possible for anyone who dares and dreams with determination. Hugh’s career offers even more hopeful insight: every day is a new opportunity, because every day brings a new challenge. But, in his words, “challenges are meant to be overcome.”
He has opened doors for Asian Americans in law and inspired others to pursue justice and community advocacy. Accepting the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, Hugh reflected on the importance of uplifting the AAPI community through representation and leadership.
“We all represent not just our clients and ourselves, but our community,” Hugh said, emphasizing the role of Asian American lawyers as bridges for first-generation immigrants. His message resonates as a call to action for future generations to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and contribute to a more equitable society.
The Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award recognizes attorneys who exemplify the qualities of role models and trailblazers in the legal profession while contributing to the wider community. Hugh’s journey serves as an inspiration for overcoming racial barriers, bridging communication and cultural gaps, and rising up to face all challenges and converting them into opportunities for continuing success and achievement. As a trailblazer in the legal profession, Hugh’s legacy is a testament to the power of determination and service. As he puts it, “We should be defined not by one or a few achievements, but by a multitude of achievements. We should not be defined by our worst mistake but by the sum of our collective accomplishments. … I don’t believe a person should be defined by their magnum opus. It is a successful life journey that counts.”
Written by Lui Montes, AABANY Legal Intern, Fall 2024.
On Saturday, October 12, 2024, AABANY hosted its 15th Annual Fall Conference, “Building a Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future,” at Fordham University of Law. The Conference was co-sponsored by Fordham Law School’s Center on Asian Americans and the Law, and AABANY greatly appreciates Fordham’s support of this event.
The conference began with a buffet-style breakfast. Attendees chatted over pastries, coffee, bagels, and other assorted breakfast items, reconnecting with colleagues, while also introducing themselves to unfamiliar faces.
The first part of the morning programs began at 9:00am and ran until 10:30am, presenting upon a diversity of topics, including:
This year’s conference theme was “Building a Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future,” and the morning programs explored this topic in great detail. “Problem-Solving Courts and Person-Centered Justice,” for example, discussed the emergence and proliferation of problem-solving courts within the New York judiciary, their impacts on recidivism, and the judiciary’s vision to further expand the breadth of problem-solving courts within New York. Another program, “Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession: Transforming Practices and Future Trends,” considered the impact of AI and Generative AI on the legal profession. By promoting innovation, adaptability, and responsible use of AI, the program sought to foster a forward-thinking legal community.
After a 15 minute break, the second part of the morning programs, scheduled between 10:45am and 12:15pm, commenced, exploring the following topics:
The third and final installation of AABANY’s “Pathways to the Bench” series, coordinated by the Young Lawyers Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Government Service and Public Interest Committee, was also held during the latter half of the morning session. While the first two segments of the series had focused on showing how someone can become a federal clerk or state court attorney and explaining the nuances of landing on the bench, this capstone program, titled “Pathways to the Bench: Steps to the Federal Judiciary,” centered around four AAPI judges, who each shared their particular pathways to the bench, hoping to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and to give them the tools to do so.
To see photos from the morning session please click here.
Opening at 10:30am, the Fall Conference offered its annual Diversity Career Fair, organized by the Career Advancement Committee, featuring public sector, corporate, and law firm employers, each hosting informational sessions, meet-and-greets, and more. Participating employers included the Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C., the Office of the New York State Attorney General, Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and several District Attorneys’ offices. Employers and prospective employees conversed extensively, exchanging questions and learning more about one another. Some employers also collected resumes and conducted on-site first round interviews, allowing candidates to express their interest in working for participating employers. To see photos from the Diversity Career Fair, please click here.
Throughout the day, AABANY also hosted Link-Up Sessions, organized by the In-House Counsel Committee and Corporate Law Committee, which provided an opportunity for participants to engage in live meetings with in-house counsel who had indicated a current or future need for outside legal services. Applicants were pre-screened by in-house counsel based on their needs, and selected participants were then invited to join one or more Link-Up Sessions at the Fall Conference. These sessions facilitated connections between corporate law firm attorneys and in-house counsel.
After the morning programs concluded, attendees grabbed lunch boxes and headed to the Costantino Room, where the Plenary Lunch Session began at 12:30pm. The program, titled “Organizing to be Heard: The Importance of Redistricting and Coalition Building in the NYC Asian American Community,” featured five speakers:
Hon. Marilyn D. Go (Ret.), Commissioner, New York City Districting Commission
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Assemblymember, New York State Assembly
Elizabeth R. OuYang, Coordinator, APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force
Grace Pyun, Acting Executive Director and General Counsel, New York City Districting Commission
John Park, Executive Director, MinKwon Center
Vishal Chander, Managing Attorney, the Chander Law Firm PC, moderated this timely and important discussion.
Attendees listened attentively as the panelists discussed the impacts of congressional, state, and local district lines on communities, ranging from their influence on election results to the distribution of government funds. They then discussed the 2020 Redistricting Cycle and how it brought into attention the importance of redistricting due to the significant growth of Asians in New York, laying out the legal framework of districting and the impacts of voting rights laws on redistricting. Being that many of the panelists played influential roles within the 2020 Redistricting Cycle, they also shared personal anecdotes and experiences from that time. With preparations for the 2030 Redistricting Cycle beginning soon, the speakers emphasized the importance of continuing to educate the community on this topic and how the AAPI community can be heard in that process. To see photos from the Plenary Lunch Session, please click here.
The afternoon session began at 2:30pm, running in two segments. The first segment went from 2:30pm to 4pm and included the following programs:
Topics covered included diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession, how to interview clients, and how to understand implicit biases in the workplace. These programs exemplified the diversity of discourse that the Fall Conference sought to facilitate, providing crucial insights and exposing attendees to a broad range of ideas and perspectives. To see photos from the afternoon session, please click here.
After a packed day of learning, the Fall Conference concluded with a Cocktail Reception, sponsored by Falconeri, held in the Soden Lounge and Bateman Room. Attendees networked with one another, connecting over drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
During the Cocktail Reception, AABANY honored Hugh H. Mo with the 2024 Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, bestowed annually to “an individual who has carved a path for others to follow, served the community as a mentor and role model, and made a lasting impact on the AAPI community through his or her dedication and commitment.” Hugh H. Mo, Founder and Principal of Mo Law and a co-founder of AABANY, perfectly exemplifies the award’s mission, having been a leader in the AAPI community and legal profession for nearly five decades. To read the full press release about Mr. Mo receiving this honor, please click here.
To see photos from the Cocktail Reception, go here and here.
AABANY thanks several groups for making the Fall Conference possible. First, we would like to thank the approximately 40 student volunteers who ensured that the CLE programs ran smoothly and without delay. They hailed from schools all across New York City and the northeast region, including:
Brooklyn Law School
Cardozo School of Law
Columbia Law School
CUNY School of Law
Fordham College at Lincoln Center
Fordham School of Law
Hunter College
New York Law School
Northern Highlands Regional High School
Rutgers Law School
Seton Hall Law School
St. John’s University School of Law
Syracuse University College of Law
Tufts University
The volunteers assisted with registration, handled inquiries, and checked-in and checked-out attendees for CLE credits. Their support was instrumental in making the Fall Conference a success, and AABANY extends our heartfelt appreciation. We also thank Catherine Tran and Joon Choe, co-chairs of the Student Outreach Committee, for their efforts in recruiting and coordinating these volunteers.
AABANY also thanks our generous sponsors, without whom the Fall Conference would not have been possible:
We would also like to acknowledge our 2024 Annual Dinner Sponsors for their generous year-round support of AABANY. In particular, we would like to recognize Broadridge Financial Solutions, our Diamond Sponsor, and Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, our General Counsel Reception Sponsor. For a full list of the 2024 Annual Dinner Sponsors, please click here. Thanks again for your continued support and commitment to AABANY; it empowers us to fulfill our mission and produce events like the Fall Conference.
Furthermore, AABANY thanks all of our esteemed moderators and panelists for their time and participation in this year’s Fall Conference. We also extend our gratitude to the Program Chairs for organizing such an excellent lineup of programs. And, finally, we sincerely appreciate all the attendees for making this such a special and enlightening experience for the entire AABANY community. We hope to see you at upcoming AABANY events.
On Wednesday, October 23, 2024, AABANY members attended the Chinese-American Planning Council’s (CPC) Harvest Moon Benefit in Brooklyn to celebrate longtime active AABANY member and co-founding member of AABANY’s Prosecutors Committee, Kin Ng, who was one of the Honorees this year.
Kin has been a prosecutor at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for over thirty years. In 2021, he was appointed to serve as the Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau II, Blue Zone. From 2017 to 2020, he was promoted to Bureau Chief of Trial Bureau I – Red Zone, and became the first AAPI bureau chief of a major trial bureau in the history of the office. Prior to that, Kin served in various management capacities in different trial bureaus and the Immigration Fraud Unit. He also served as the Chief of Legal Training, conducting office-wide trainings for all Brooklyn ADAs and staff. Kin continues to mentor prosecutors of all offices and experiences through AABANY as well as National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). In addition, he is a founding member and co-chair of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA) and a member of its National Executive Board and the President of its New York Chapter. Notably, Kin received the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award at the 2018 AABANY Fall Conference, in recognition of his leadership in the Asian American legal community.
In his acceptance speech, Kin mentioned and thanked Homecrest and CPC for providing many programs to the community, such as senior services, multi-social services and a wide range of youth and workforce activities. These programs, especially summer and after-school educational activities, provide working families with child care services and a safe environment for their children to learn and grow.
On behalf of the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, we also want to thank CPC for hosting our Pro Bono Clinics at their Brooklyn location and our community partners for supporting our efforts in providing free legal consultations to low- to middle- income individuals and families.
The next Pro Bono Clinic in Brooklyn is on November 9, 2024, from 12:30pm to 3:00pm, at CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232. Pre-registration can be made by phone (tel: (718) 492-0409). Walk-ins are welcome!
Last but not least, thank you AABANY, AALFNY, the Prosecutors Committee, and Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, and our pro bono clinic volunteers for supporting AAPI not-for-profit organizations and their great causes!!!
For more information about the Prosecutors Committee, go here. For more information about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee go here. Join the Prosecutors Committee for their 16th Anniversary Reception on Nov. 13. More details here.
On May 1, Suemyra Shah, Head of Content Legal Affairs at Audible joined AABANY’s Dumpling & Discussion Series. The series brings notable AAPI leaders in the legal industry, with a fireside chat in a casual, intimate setting. Attendees enjoyed a wide selection of delicious dumplings and other Chinese food.
Suemyra discussed her background and her pathway to legal profession. She shared candidly about her career journey that led her through various law firm and in-house positions, before landing at her current position at Audible.
Suemyra also talked about how she leads her team and has tackled challenges that she has faced in her career.
The evening ended with more food and drinks, as attendees formed new connections and fostered existing ones.
Check the AABANY calendar for future editions of the Dumplings & Discussion series.
WASHINGTON – The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY), the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) are anguished at the tragic death of Victoria Lee during an encounter with police officers in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on July 28, 2024. We stand in solidarity with the Korean American community in the Fort Lee area, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Victoria Lee’s family and loved ones.
Members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities are not immune to the challenges caused by mental health crises, which may be exacerbated by cultural and language barriers. Ms. Lee’s death underscores the pressing need for greater mental health awareness and services.
We strongly encourage the Attorney General of New Jersey to provide candid and timely information, including in language for the local community, as the investigation unfolds. We further call on the Fort Lee Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor, and local leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Korean American community in order to ensure that similar tragedies are not repeated.
뉴욕한인 변호사 협회(KALAGNY), 뉴저지 동양인 변호사 협회(APALA-NJ), 전미 동양인 변호사협회(NAPABA), 뉴욕 동양인 변호 사 협회(AABANY), 그리고 뉴욕 필리핀 변호사협회(FALA-NY)는 2024년7월28일 뉴저지 포트리에서 출동한 경찰과의 대치 끝에 비극적인 죽음에 이른 빅토리아 리(26세) 씨 사건에 대하여 비통한 마음을 금치 못하고 있습니다. 저희 협회들은(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 포트리 지역의 한인 커뮤니티와의 연대를 표명하며, 빅토리아 리씨의 가족과 친지에 게 깊은 애도를 표합니다.
모든 동양계 미국인들은 정신건강에서 초래한 문제로부터 자유롭지 않으며, 이러한 문제는 문화 및 언어 장벽에 의하여 악화될수 있습니 다. 빅토리아 리씨의 죽음은 정신건강에 대한 인식 개선과 서비스 기회가 절실히 필요하다는 것을 분명히 보여주는 사건입니다.
저희는(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 이번 사건에 대하여 뉴저지 검찰청이 수사진행 과정을 빠짐없이 신속하게 제공하도록 하며, 정보 제공 시 해당 지역사회의 언어로 번역된 정보를 포함하여 제공하도록 뉴저지 법무장관 에게 강력히 촉 구 합니다. 저희는 아울러 포트리 경찰, 버겐카운티 검찰 그리고 지역 리더들이 한인 커뮤니티와의 의미 있는 대화를 통해 이와 같은 비극 이 다시는 반복되지 않도록 보장하는 노력을 해줄 것을 요청하는 바입니다.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.
The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) is a professional membership organization of attorneys and law students engaged with the issues affecting the Korean American community in Greater New York, which include New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Incorporated in 1986, KALAGNY seeks to encourage the professional growth of its members as well as provide legal support for the Korean American community. To achieve these goals, KALAGNY provides its members with training and resources useful for professional advancement; expands access to legal services and education in greater New York’s Korean American communities; identifies opportunities for its members to serve the communities in which provides a forum for the expression and exchange of opinions concerning social, political, economic, legal and other issues of concern to our members. KALAGNY is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (“NAPABA”).
The Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA- NJ) was founded in 1985 and is the largest specialty bar association that collectively represents the interests of Asian and Pacific American lawyers in the State of New Jersey. APALA-NJ focuses on ensuring greater representation of Asian and Pacific American attorneys in various sectors of the legal profession.
The Asian American Bar Association of New York is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) professional membership organization of attorneys concerned with issues affecting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Incorporated in 1989, AABANY seeks not only to encourage the professional growth of its members but also to advocate for the AAPI community as a whole. AABANY is a New York regional affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).
The Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) promotes the professional development, interests, and success of Filipino-American legal professionals in the Metro New York area. FALA-NY also endeavors to foster connections between Filipino-American legal professionals and the broader Filipino community. Members of FALA-NY’s Board affiliated with the state and federal court system in New York and New Jersey have abstained from FALA-NY’s endorsement of this statement.
On Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at the 2024 Annual Judges’ Reception,AABANYs Judiciary Committee honored eighteen newly elected, elevated, or retired AAPI judges, each of whom are incredible trailblazers and represent continuing progress in the ongoing effort to increase AAPI representation in our courts.
The Judiciary Committee’s flagship event was hosted in the main hall of New York City’s Surrogate’s Court. Between sky-reaching pillars, and under the vaulted arch-ceiling the following eighteen judges were recognized and celebrated for their work, effort, and example:
Hon. Deepa Ambekar (Kings Co. Sup. Ct.)
Hon. Sanket J. Bulsara (United States District Court, EDNY)
Hon. Nusrat J. Choudhury (United States District Court, EDNY)
Hon. Kenneth W. Chu (ret. ALJ, NLRB)
Hon. Christopher J. Exias (Rockland Co. Fam. Ct.)
Hon. Evelyn Gong (Queens Co. Civ. Ct.)
Hon. Dale E. Ho (United States District Court, SDNY)
Hon. Phillip Hom (App. Term, 2d Dept)
Hon. Gilbert C. Hong (ret. NY Co. Sup. Ct.)
Hon. Biju J. Koshy (Supervising Judge, Richmond Co. Crim. Ct.)
Hon. Karen Lin (Queens Co. Sup. Ct.)
Hon. Rena Malik (Kings Co. Civ. Ct.)
Hon. Kim Parker (Court of Claims)
Hon. Kris Singh (Admin. Judge, 4th Jud. Dist.)
Hon. Rantideva Singh (NYC Fam. Ct.)
Hon. Richard Tsai (NY Co. Sup. Ct.)
Hon. Vikram S. Vilkhu (Brighton Town Justice)
Hon. John Zhuo Wang (NY Co. Sup. Ct.).
The night began with introductory remarks by Committee Co-Chair Mark Son, who thanked elevated and retired judges for their service and congratulated new judges for their work which allowed them to advance to their new positions. He first praised several judges whose work has had a long-term effect and was substantially significant in making the AAPI voice in the justice system grow and prosper. He then acknowledged all other judges in attendance and expressed regret for being unable to share the breadth of their contributions in the short time allotted.
Next to take the podium was AABANY’s current President, Joseph Eng, Jr. He began by reiterating Mark’s congratulatory sentiments, then introduced the eighteen honorees. Each in turn stood up and received warm applause from the audience. President Eng stressed the significance of hosting a Judges’ Reception as far more than an isolated single annual moment, but a day of celebration culminating from decades of work, a day to remind everyone of the great strides that have been made, and all the work that lays ahead in the continued struggle for diversity, equity, and inclusion. President Eng lauded the growth of AAPI representation, while also focusing on the milestones yet to be reached for true representation, drawing attention to the lack of any AAPI judges in the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, and in the United States Supreme Court.
Once all the judges present came up to the front of the room to receive their awards, they gathered for a group photo with President Eng and the Judiciary Committee leadership. The deserving honorees were regaled with cheers and applause from everyone.
Hon. Shahabuddeen Ally, President of the Asian American Judges Association of New York (AAJANY), then stepped up to the podium to present final remarks. He reiterated the main points of the evening, and celebrated the effort involved in organizing this event. He congratulated the judges being honored and praised the growth of AAPI representation, even as he considered the work that remains ahead and the necessity of diligence and focus to achieve progress. He verbalized the goal of reaching 100 AAPI judges in New York State in the near future as an aspirational challenge. Finally, Committee Vice-Chair Vanessa Kong thanked everyone for attending and invited everyone to partake in the complimentary food and drink catered by Nom Wah. Laughter and stories filled the room, reflecting the camaraderie and mutual respect among the attendees.
As the evening drew to a close, it was evident that this reception was more than just an event; it was a celebration of progress, diversity, and the indomitable spirit of the AAPI community within the judiciary. The honorees left with not only memories of a joyous evening but also with the knowledge that their contributions are making a lasting impact.
We thank the Judiciary Committee for their tireless effort in making this annual event happen, as well as all the guests who attended. We thank AAJANY and Judge Ally for their participation. Once again, congratulations to all the honorees. To learn more about the Judiciary Committee please click here. To see more photos from the event, go to the album here.
On April 1, 2024, AsAm News published an article by Ti-Hua Chang reporting on the retirement of Margaret Fung, co-founder of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). After serving as Executive Director of AALDEF for most of the fifty years she’s been with the organization, she is now retiring from her position in October.
AALDEF, based in New York, is a national organization known for spearheading advocacy efforts in support AAPI workers’ rights, voting rights, and anti-Asian hate initiatives, among others. Margaret Fung, who pioneered many such civil rights activities, has been praised by community leaders, especially in Chinatown, for her continuous fight to improve the lives of the working people and immigrant communities. After hearing about her retirement, many wondered what the future of AALDEF will look like without her prominent contributions.
Executive Director of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) Yang Chen stated, “AALDEF is the NAACP of the Asian American community and has done a lot of great work in the last 50 years. Now that Margaret is stepping down, the big question is: will they be able to perpetuate that, continue that.”
Whatever the future holds for AALDEF in the years to come, Margaret’s legacy as an AAPI civil rights advocate and trailblazer in the male-dominated legal field will continue to live on. AABANY honors Margaret for all that she has accomplished in a storied career.
The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C (Mo Law Firm). is being recognized as APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). This award is presented annually to an acclaimed law firm that has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocating for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, while simultaneously upholding the highest ethical and legal standards within the field. This well-deserved recognition not only acknowledges the Firm’s outstanding legal work, but also its staunch commitment to Pro Bono representation of AAPI crime survivors and those facing race-based discrimination. The Mo Law Firm was presented with the award during the Saturday evening Gala at the NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis, on November 11.
The Mo Law Firm, headquartered in New York City, is set apart by its distinguished father-daughter team among its legal staff. As founder and partner, long-time AABANY member Hugh H. Mo, and counsel, Elizabeth L. Mo, were both former prosecutors at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Their careers embody the American dream and the immigrant ethos of upholding tradition while pursuing professional success.
The son of one of China’s first female journalists and a law professor killed by the communists for his democratic beliefs, Hugh H. Mo immigrated to America at the age of nine. Growing up in NYC’s Chinatown, Mo witnessed firsthand the discrimination and oppression that the Chinese American community faced. After receiving his J.D. from Boston University School of Law, Hugh was ready to make his mark on the legal landscape of New York. He was the first Asian American appointed as an Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan DA’s Office, and was also the first Asian American appointed as Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Police Department.
Continuing the legacy of her family’s dedication to the law, Elizabeth L. Mo embarked on her own remarkable journey. After graduating from Boston University School of Law, she became an Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and served in both the Trial and Investigations Divisions. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her passion for advocating on behalf of the marginalized mirrors her father’s dedication. Today, this dynamic father-daughter duo collaborate and combine their wealth of experience and shared values in their pursuit of legal excellence and justice.
When asked about their initial reaction to receiving this prestigious award, both Hugh and Elizabeth expressed their deep gratitude towards AABANY and NABAPA. “Essentially, this recognition stands as a lifetime achievement award, not just for our Firm, but for both Liz and me, acknowledging our unwavering commitment as Asian American lawyers,” remarked Hugh, contemplating his distinguished career. Elizabeth echoed her father’s sentiments, adding: “We are so thankful to AABANY and NAPABA for supporting our careers and our Firm. Only in America could a firm like ours exist and prosper, and this recognition also serves as tribute to all of those that have come before us and people who we hope to inspire.”
With a combined 60 plus years of trial and investigation experiences, the Mo Law Firm has achieved remarkable success for its primarily Chinese clients. However, for this unique firm, legal representation goes beyond the courtroom. The Firm’s mission is tri-fold: vigorously advocating for their clients, mentoring AAPIs and championing the AAPI community’s causes. The firm represents a variety of corporate entities, foreign entrepreneurs, emerging start-ups, and governmental organizations, and individuals, domestic and overseas, delivering innovative legal advice and strategic counsel and problem solving in a variety of practice areas, including federal and state litigation, white collar criminal defense, commercial litigation, compliance and regulatory, business and tax matters.
Beyond that, the firm engages in extensive Pro Bono work, giving back to the community. “A lot of people think of Pro Bono as volunteer work, or being part of an overall effort to do good. I think that as an attorney, Pro Bono should be very much part of an attorney’s practice, career, as well as dedication,” firmly stated Hugh, who has dedicated his life to public service. Adding onto her father’s beliefs, Elizabeth portrayed Pro Bono as an endeavor that should not be marked by ability, but by obligation. “It is not about the ‘we can’s’ or ‘we should’s,’ but rather, by the fact that we must give back to the community,” she stated fervently.
Elizabeth expanded on the interplay between her Asian American identity and her legal work. “As Asian Americans, we have a very unique cultural and language competency that not everyone has. It’s like being a unicorn— our firm is truly a unicorn in this industry. We would like to dedicate our skills and competencies to Pro Bono resources.” The Mo Law Firm has provided legal representation to victims of Asian hate crimes, individuals targeted by scams, students and healthcare professionals facing discrimination. Additionally, they have advocated for AAPI interests in unprecedented legal challenges, exemplifying their commitment to justice and community advancement over 30 years of legal practice.
Speaking about memorable Pro Bono cases, Hugh shared an instance where he helped an Asian American high school student suffering from school bullying because of his racial identity navigate unjust felony and misdemeanor charges for making alleged terrorist threats on social media against his tormentors. After a back and forth battle with the District Attorney’s office, Hugh was able to secure a non-criminal disposition for the young man, allowing him to continue his education unfettered by a criminal record. Years later, Hugh learned that the young man not only graduated from college and law school, but was working as an Assistant District Attorney. The young man’s life journey would not have been possible without Hugh’s zealous advocacy on his behalf. “We as lawyers, if we have the capacity to do so, we should step up and do right every day. Lawyers should use our resources— our trade, our experience, our connections— to do good,” Hugh declared. Recalling the case proudly, Hugh believes that this case truly epitomizes the Mo Law Firm’s dedication to its ethos, the pursuit of justice and unwavering commitment advocating for clients beyond the call of duty.
The Mo Law Firm’s approach to Pro Bono work goes far beyond legal representation, encompassing a holistic perspective. “To us, Pro Bono is not just about representing victims of hate crimes, but also supporting and mentoring the clients and other attorneys. It’s really so embedded in our firm’s culture that we don’t even think of it as Pro Bono,” Elizabeth explained. During his legal career spanning over four decades, Hugh has co-founded numerous APA civil and community organizations including: the Chinatown Health Clinic (predecessor to the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center), NYPD Asian Jade Society, Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and most recently, the NYPD Asian American Police Executives Council (AAPEX). Most notably, Hugh and Elizabeth have been actively involved and supported AABANY and NAPABA throughout their legal careers, with Hugh serving as a founding member of AABANY and Elizabeth as a former Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Committee and currently as Co-Chair of NAPABA’s Government Enforcement and Compliance Committee.
AABANY congratulates Hugh H. Mo and Elizabeth L. Mo for their well-deserved recognition as NAPABA’s APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year. Not only have they demonstrated exceptional legal prowess, their tireless dedication to the principles of justice and equity, especially on behalf of the AAPI community, is a profound testament to their values.
Please join AABANY in congratulating The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, PC on this award, along with all the honorees being recognized at the 2023 NAPABA Convention.
In recognition of her legal prowess, dedication to service, and entrepreneurial spirit, Beatrice Leong, a prominent Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) woman solo practitioner, has been honored with the Best Under 40 award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). Beatrice will receive the award on November 11th at the NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis, during the Gala on Saturday evening. The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) is thrilled to celebrate this outstanding achievement and applauds Beatrice’s unwavering commitment to the legal profession and her community.
Empathy Born from Experience
Beatrice was set on becoming a prosecutor since she was in Junior High school. She was married to her high school sweetheart, she had finished law school, and she had an offer to intern with the Queens District Attorney’s office.
The discovery of her then-husband’s infidelity threw a wrench in her plans and forced Beatrice on a different path. Her consultations with divorce attorneys were disheartening. She failed the bar exam. “I felt like I was dying,” she said, looking back on that time. Nevertheless, she took matters into her own hands. The same drive and passion for justice that made her want to prosecute wrongdoers pushed her to become a divorce lawyer, the kind that she wanted for herself, and one that her future clients could safely rely on.
From personal experience, Beatrice understands the emotional and often heart-wrenching aspects of divorce and family conflicts. This has equipped her with a profound empathy that she channels into her legal practice. She is a compassionate advocate who walks alongside her clients through the tumultuous process of divorce, offering pragmatic guidance with a deep understanding of the emotions that accompany such challenges.
Redefining Success as a Solo Practitioner and Entrepreneur
Beatrice started her career in divorce and family law at matrimonial and family law firms in both Queens and Manhattan, first at Plaine & Katz LLP and later at Parmet & Zhou LLC and Kleyman Law Firm. She started her own practice, the Law Office of Beatrice Leong, in 2021. As the only solo practitioner among this year’s Best Under 40 honorees, Beatrice’s remarkable journey is an inspiration to young lawyers. Reflecting on her career, Beatrice emphasized the importance, especially for young AAPI lawyers, to recognize the value of their work and not be afraid to carve their own path.
Leadership in the Legal Community
Beyond her exceptional legal practice, Beatrice is dedicated to serving the AAPI community by playing an active role in both AABANY and NAPABA. She currently serves as a Co-Vice President of Programs and Operations at AABANY and a Co-Chair of NAPABA’s Solo & Small Firm Network.
Through AABANY, Beatrice met other AAPI lawyers, rare in her field, and people who could relate to being mistaken by court officers as an interpreter, intern or a litigant, because they do not fit the traditional image of a lawyer. She says that she found “her community” through AABANY: the pro bono clients she advised through AABANY, fellow AAPI lawyers, and AAPI law students.
Beatrice recalls being described as a “natural leader” by her peers at AABANY after she joined. More and more, she dedicated her free time to fostering connections between the organization’s members, drawing from a deeply held conviction that strength comes from unity. Later, she joined NAPABA to promote AAPI representation on a national level.
Beatrice Leong’s journey is a testament to her unyielding dedication to her clients, her community, and the legal profession. Her personal understanding, professional excellence, and commitment to service make her a beacon of hope for those navigating the difficult waters of divorce and family law. Beatrice’s passion and expertise continue to inspire and make a profound impact, both in the legal world and the lives of those she serves.
Congratulations to Beatrice Leong on this well-deserved award and recognition! You can click here to learn more about the Best Under 40 award and read about other awardees.
Please join AABANY in congratulating all of the honorees at the 2023 NAPABA Convention.
