AABANY Professional Development Committee and Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee Host Panels on Parents-in-Practicing Law

With the end of the holiday season and the start of a New Year, we want to give our gratitude and admiration for all the working parents in the legal professions who balance their demanding schedule at work and at home. 

On November 12, 2024, the Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee hosted the “Mothers-in-(Practicing) Law” Panel, which was moderated by Yen-Yi Anderson, Co-Chair of Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee and Managing Principal at Anderson & Associates Law P.C., and invited speakers: Hon. Lillian Wan, Associate Justice of Appellate Division, Second Department; Ada Wang, IP Litigation & Antitrust Senior Associate at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati; Michelle Li, Director at Perella Weinberg Partners, and Megan Rha, Partner at Rha Kim Grossman & McIlwain LLP. The engaging discourse allowed panelists and the audience to discuss the challenges of a demanding legal profession for women and the added responsibilities of child-rearing.

The burden of child-rearing affects working parents in the legal profession emotionally, mentally, and physically. To follow up, on November 13, 2024, the Professional Development Committee hosted the “Fathers-in-(Practicing) Law” Panel with moderator Willow Liu, Esq, and featured speakers Benjamin Hsing, AABANY’s President-Elect and Partner at Venable, LLP., and Kwok Ng, Co-Chair of the Pro Bono & Community Services Committee and Associate Court Attorney in NYC Civil Court. The speakers talked about how legal employers viewed paternity leave in the past versus now, how paid family leave creates equity for both mothers and fathers to care for newborns, and how to set life balance needs and boundaries to protect their family time. 

Being a lawyer is already an incredibly challenging profession, and adding the responsibility of parenting requires extraordinary strength, endurance, and time management. To excel both in legal careers and as loving parents, our speakers emphasized being tolerant (remember to breathe, and it’s ok even when it’s not ok), practicing self-care, such as getting adequate rest (if possible) and taking walks, and working as a team with your work colleagues, family, and significant other. In the end, all can agree that family comes first! 

To working parents in the legal profession, don’t be too harsh on yourselves. You are not alone! Please consider joining the Parents Committee (in formation) to share parenting advice. For more information about that Committee email us at [email protected].

Smashing Good Time: AABANY’s Ping Pong Social at PingPod, presented by Solo and Small Firm Practice, Young Lawyers, and Immigration Law Committees

When it comes to bringing people together for a weekend afternoon of fun, networking, and friendly competition, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) knows how to serve up an ace. On Saturday, October 7, AABANY’s Solo and Small Firm Practice, Young Lawyers, and Immigration Law Committees organized an exciting Ping Pong social event at PingPod on the Lower East Side, and it was an afternoon filled with excitement, camaraderie, and impressive rallies.

Ping Pong enthusiasts from various legal backgrounds gathered at PingPod, each armed with a paddle and ready to showcase their skills. From beginners to seasoned pros, the event welcomed players of all levels. It was a fantastic opportunity for lawyers from both private and public sectors and recent law school graduates to let off some steam and engage in some friendly competition.

Participants also found themselves forging new connections, discussing legal topics, and even making potential career moves between rallies. Ping Pong truly served as the icebreaker, and the event demonstrated how professional connections can be made in the most unexpected settings.

Thank you to everyone for spending their Saturday afternoon with AABANY. Here’s to more exciting events and unforgettable moments brought by AABANY! Special thanks to Yen-Yi Anderson, Co-Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee, Ada Wang, Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Committee, and Susan Song, Co-Chair of the Immigration Law Committee, for their hard work planning and organizing this event.

Young Lawyers Committee Presents: AABANY’s Annual Central Park Picnic

On July 8, 2023, AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee (“YLC”) hosted its annual picnic in Central Park’s Heckscher Picnic Area, connecting members from various committees and their families and pets. Alongside family and friends, AABANY members chatted and relaxed over burgers from Shake Shack and fresh fruits and healthy snacks from Whole Foods. Among the attendees were the President, Karen Kim, the Executive Director, Yang Chen, and former President, Terrence Shen. YLC’s Co-chairs, Ada Wang and Kwonsun Jung, organized the event.

While temperatures this summer are breaking record highs, the heat did not inhibit our members’ enjoyment of the event. Throughout the picnic area, members could be found bonding under the eaves of shady pine trees, sharing laughter and making memories. The picnic ran from 11 AM to 3 PM, and the time passed quickly. Unfortunately, thunder clouds loomed in the distance as 3 PM approached. To avoid getting drenched by incoming storms, attendees woefully packed up their snacks and blankets. Thankfully, the festivities continued, with members gathering for an afterparty at the Smith near Lincoln Center, continuing the joy over drinks and light bites. 

Thank you to everyone for spending their Saturday with AABANY and contributing to the warm and vibrant community that makes our organization so special. We look forward to many more memorable events and opportunities to come together in the future. Special thanks to the Young Lawyers Committee, and the Co-Chairs, Kwonsun and Ada, for their hard work planning and organizing this event. To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee, click here