Tag: asian american

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AABANY Member Profile: Justice Karen Lin Makes History with Her Appointment to Appellate Term, Second Department

Justice Karen Lin, a longtime member of AABANY and former Co-Chair of the Pro Bono and Community Service Committee (PBCS), has been appointed to the Appellate Term for the Second Department of the New York State Supreme Court. This appointment marks a historic milestone as Justice Lin is the first Asian American woman to serve in this role. As a lifelong public servant and sitting Second Department Justice, she brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to justice to one of the most impactful appellate tribunals for everyday New Yorkers.

Breaking Barriers: The Significance of “the First”
Justice Lin’s appointment to the Appellate Term for the Second Department carries historic significance. Yet, for Justice Lin, the meaning of this milestone is inseparable from the community that shaped her.

Born and raised in Queens by her immigrant parents, Justice Lin’s story is rooted in the borough she now serves. At a time when Asian Americans were significantly underrepresented in both civic and professional spaces within Queens County, her early experiences acutely instilled in her a heightened awareness of the importance of being seen and heard. As a child, she recalls helping interpret for her parents who spoke limited English. She also recalls attending school events where she was one of the few Asian American faces in the room. These moments made her realize the significance of representation, or the lack thereof. Coupled with her parents’ tireless work ethic and emphasis on community, these experiences profoundly shaped her sense of justice and responsibility to her community. 

Despite Asian Americans comprising more than 27 percent of the population in Queens, they have historically remained underrepresented on the bench. While precise figures vary by dataset, estimates by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle suggest that fewer than 10 percent of judges in Queens County identify as Asian. This number is even lower statewide as according to the New York State Unified Court System’s 2024 Judicial Demographics Report, only about 5 percent of judges statewide identify as Asian. These figures highlight the persistent gap between the Asian American community and their representation within the judiciary.


For Justice Lin, the awareness of this disparity came into sharper focus back in 2022, when she grappled with these demographic realities during her campaign for Queens Civil Court. She recognized both the urgency and the responsibility to step forward. 

Now, in 2026, as Justice Lin assumes her role on the Appellate Term, she reflects on both the progress made and the work that remains. While her appointment marks a historic milestone, Justice Lin is candid about what the broader implications of her distinction as “the first” means.

“We shouldn’t still be talking about ‘firsts’ in 2026,” she notes. “It matters to break that ceiling—but it matters even more that we are not the only ones.” Justice Lin maintains that her appointment is part of a larger trajectory which she hopes will continue to open doors for others who will follow and ultimately surpass her.

“I may be the first,” she reflects, “but I certainly do not want to be the last. And I won’t.”

Diversity and Perspective at the Appellate Term
In her run for the Queens Civil Court in 2022, Justice Lin noted, “The air in the room changes depending on who is in it.” Now, as Justice Lin assumes her seat at the Appellate Term for the Second Department, she brings her philosophy into a new and vastly different judicial environment.

The nature of judging at the appellate level is necessarily collaborative. Rather than presiding over a single courtroom, justices at the Appellate Term engage in a rigorous discussion of the law. The presence or absence of diverse perspectives can play a significant role in the nature of judicial decision-making.

“The lens through which we interpret the law is shaped by our lived experiences,” Justice Lin explains. “It matters who is in that room.”

The Appellate Term occupies a uniquely consequential position within New York’s judicial system. For many New Yorkers navigating housing disputes, consumer debt matters, and low-level criminal cases arising from the Civil Court and Criminal Court, the Appellate Term often represents the primary avenue for reviewing decisions made in those courts. As such, this court plays a critical role in ensuring public confidence in the fairness and legitimacy of the judicial process and of everyday challenges faced by many families and individuals. Justice Lin approaches this responsibility with a deep awareness of the communities served by the court. As a lifelong Queens native and an experienced legal professional, Justice Lin brings a grounded perspective to the bench and seeks to ensure that the appellate review is conducted with both rigor and awareness.

A Jurist Grounded in Care
From civil rights attorney to legislative counsel, from Housing Court Judge to Court Attorney-Referee in Surrogate’s Court, Justice Lin has been guided by a single constant: care.

Justice Lin’s decade as a court attorney referee in Surrogate’s Court, where she handled sensitive guardianship matters, reinforced the centrality of due process, particularly for vulnerable individuals. In those proceedings, she understood the risks of presuming incapacity based solely on diagnosis or circumstance. Instead, she stresses that every individual is entitled to a meaningful hearing where their voice is heard.

This philosophy carried directly into Justice Lin’s work on the trial bench, where she implemented practices designed to make the courtroom more accessible. For example, she required in-person appearances in certain matters involving self-represented litigants, recognizing that virtual proceedings—while efficient—can inadvertently exclude individuals who lack access to technology or familiarity with digital platforms. In-person appearances allowed her to better assess credibility, clarify the relief being sought, provide language support, offer flexible scheduling, promote accessibility for litigants with disabilities, and ensure that litigants could express themselves in their own words. Similarly, her practice of inviting court users to indicate their preferred pronouns reinforces the principle that every individual who enters the courtroom is entitled to be treated with respect.

To illustrate, Justice Lin described a family conflict case she dealt with where a father passed away, leaving his home to only two of his children and excluding the others. Justice Lin guided the family through structured discussion by helping each member articulate concerns and expectations by meeting with them individually. This ultimately fostered a mediated resolution that balanced the legal framework with the opportunity for members of the family to retain some control over their outcome. In the end, the siblings reached an agreement to divide the home equally among all of the children.  

“The court cannot advocate,” she notes, “but it can ensure fairness, dignity, and that due process is fully respected.”

A Career Defined by Purpose
Long before she entered the legal field, Justice Lin was already cultivating an ethos of advocacy at the University at Buffalo. As an undergraduate, she noticed that Asian American history and experiences were largely absent from the curriculum. Determined to address this gap, she petitioned the history department to introduce a course on Asian American history which had never previously been offered. Simultaneously, she co-founded the University’s Asian American student organization, the Asian American Students Association (AASA) and served as its first president where she organized cultural programming and panel discussions to highlight the contributions of Asian Americans on campus. These initiatives included guest lectures, heritage month celebrations, and workshops that engaged the broader student body in conversations about diversity and inclusion. Reflecting on these formative years of her life, Justice Lin noted, “I wanted students like me to see themselves in the stories being told and to have a community where our voices mattered.”

A couple years later, Justice Lin championed these same values through her leadership with AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service Committee (PBCS), where she served as Co-Chair. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the need for legal services increased significantly, she played an instrumental role in promoting access to legal services by expanding Pro Bono Clinics to underserved communities in Queens. Building on this work, Justice Lin highlights that meaningful legal assistance requires the ability to communicate effectively, especially with individuals who struggle to find services in a language they understand. She speaks of her time with PBCS, describing it as the “best committee ever” and her service as both a “great joy and privilege.” Additionally, she praises AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics as an invaluable resource for individuals with limited English proficiency.

Ultimately, in each stage of her professional journey, Justice Lin has consistently asked herself: “Where can I be helpful?” 

Lifting the Next Generation
As a mentor and active participant in programs such as the The Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program, Justice Lin is deeply committed to cultivating the leaders of tomorrow. She suggests that a successful legal career rests on a foundation of competence and character. She encourages students and young professionals to strive for mastery in their chosen field. “Be as good at it as you can be,” she advises, because when opportunities arise, “you better be ready to hit the ground running.” Competence, she notes, is central to reputation as it ensures that professionals are prepared to perform effectively in any high-stakes environment.

Justice Lin also stresses that technical skill alone is not enough. Equally important is how one treats others. “Your competence shapes your reputation,” she explains, “but so does how you treat people.” She believes in a  universal standard of decency and she encourages individuals from all paths of life to treat everyone—from the janitor to the judge—the way they would want themselves or a loved one treated. She reminds us that “people may forget what you did but they will remember how you made them feel.” 

Throughout her career, Justice Lin has also rejected narrow stereotypes of what a lawyer must be. Justice Lin has challenged the notion that success requires aggression. Many assumed she was “too nice” to be an effective lawyer or justice, but she believes there are many ways to practice law successfully without abandoning one’s nature. She encourages young professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to embrace their individuality. “What makes us different is really what makes us strong,” she says. Avoiding the temptation to contort oneself to fit an expected mold, she emphasizes that professional growth is most meaningful when it is shared: “It is purposeless to rise alone; we rise together.”

Through her guidance and example, Justice Lin seeks to create spaces where future generations can thrive with confidence and authenticity. Now at the Appellate Term, her role amplifies this impact as she continues to shape the culture of the judiciary itself. Please join AABANY in congratulating Justice Karen Lin on this historic milestone. We look forward to seeing more noteworthy contributions from her public service.

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Solo and Small Firm Practice & Prosecutors Committees Host a Book Reading and Discussion of Strangers in the Land with Author Michael Luo

On March 2, 2026, AABANY’s Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee and Prosecutors Committee hosted a book reading and discussion featuring Strangers in the Land, the critically acclaimed 2025 book by Michael Luo, Executive Editor at The New Yorker. The event was moderated by the Honorable Marilyn Go (Ret.), the first Asian American woman to serve as a federal judge in the United States, and was hosted by Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP.

During the event, Luo shared stories from his book, tracing various aspects of Chinese and Chinese-American history from the Gold Rush era to the rise in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. One story described an early Chinese immigrant who came to America after attending a missionary school in China, where the head of the school invited students to accompany him back to the United States. The individual later faced the harsh effects of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which barred Chinese immigrants from naturalization, and his citizenship was revoked. Despite these barriers, he managed to reenter the United States and even attempted to volunteer for the Union Army during the Civil War, though he was turned away.

Reflecting on the broader themes of the book, Luo noted, “This question of who gets to be an American is one that is going on right now – who belongs in America. I don’t know what it would take for this representation to reach that tipping point.”

During the audience Q&A, attendees raised questions about the absence of Asian American history in mainstream education and discussed how recent anti-Asian hate and geopolitical tensions continue to shape perceptions of Asian Americans today, focusing on how the People’s Republic of China is an increasingly powerful country and enemy to the United States. Luo shared similar concerns, highlighting how the history recounted in his book was during a period of weakness for China and that the historical developments are likely to impact the law dealing with the social issues raised by the audience.

We thank Michael Luo for sharing his work and insights, and the Honorable Marilyn Go (Ret.) for moderating the discussion. Please visit AABANY’s website for more upcoming events like this one, such as AABANY’s first book club meeting on March 19, 2026.  To learn more about the Solo & Small Firms Practice Committee click here.  To learn more about the Prosecutors Committee, click here.

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AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force Leads Fourth Anniversary Prayer Walk for Michelle Go

On the morning of Thursday, January 15, 2026, nearly 50 people braved the bone-chilling winds in Times Square to participate in a Prayer Walk commemorating the anniversary of Michelle Alyssa Go’s passing.

Four years ago, on an early Saturday morning, Michelle was standing near the edge of the downtown R subway platform at Times Square when Martial Simon charged at her and pushed her in front of an oncoming train, leading to her death.

Photo by Wellington Chen

Simon, then a 61-year-old homeless man with a history of schizophrenia and prior arrests, was later charged with second-degree murder in connection with Michelle’s death. This act of violence is a tragic example of the surge in anti-Asian hate incidents occurring in America during the COVID-19 pandemic. As noted by the Pew Research Center in 2023, anti-Asian sentiment rose following inflammatory political rhetoric, disinformation, and online extremism, specifically public officials’ use of terms like “Chinese Virus.” Though Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ) reported a slight decline in 2025 from 2023, anti-Asian hate crimes were still nearly triple pre-pandemic levels. California, New Jersey, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts reported the highest frequency.

Photo by Wellington Chen

During the Prayer Walk, Reverend Cristobal Tong led the group to four specific stops, following the routine route Michelle took that day. Justin Go, Michelle’s father, shared highlights of her tragically short life with the mourners. Born in Berkeley and raised in Fremont, California, Michelle earned a degree in economics from UCLA in 2002, an MBA from NYU in 2010, and later worked at Deloitte in mergers and acquisitions. Michelle was an avid traveler who had explored the Caribbean as a child and frequently traveled to visit friends. Justin highlighted Michelle’s selfless nature, noting that she spent her free time volunteering to help homeless people and assist low-income New Yorkers through the New York Junior League. Despite his grief, Justin emphasized the importance of celebrating Michelle’s life and encouraged loved ones to let their suffering be temporary, as Michelle would have wanted them to continue finding joy in life.

Photo by Wellington Chen

The Prayer Walk drew participation from a broad range of community figures and prominent Asian American New Yorkers. Notable attendees included attorney and activist Rockwell ‘Rocky’ Chin and retired U.S. Magistrate Judge Marilyn Go, both of whom are Co-Founders of AABANY. Additionally, Rachel Lee, President of Stand with Asian Americans and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Issues Committee, played a key role in organizing the walk.

I asked Elaine Chiu, a professor at St. John’s University School of Law, who attended the Prayer Walk, about the justice that may or may not be served for the Go family. Professor Chiu, who had previously chaired the Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, discussed the systemic failures surrounding this legal case. She emphasized that lawyers need to recognize that the justice system was not designed to effectively prosecute or assess individuals with severe and fluctuating mental instability. Furthermore, she lamented that the system is currently unequipped to provide defendant Martial Simon with adequate mental health care or to offer the Go family the justice they deserve.

Simon was initially deemed mentally unfit for trial and held at Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center. After treatment, he passed a mental health evaluation in April 2024 but stopped taking his medication upon being transferred to Rikers Island. His disruptive behavior during a court appearance on April 30 resulted in his return to Kirby.

In response to systemic mental health issues, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on May 9, 2025, allocating over $196 million to improve statewide mental health care, including $160 million for 100 new forensic inpatient psychiatric beds in New York City, and strengthening involuntary commitment laws and Kendra’s Law, which allows judges to mandate Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) for individuals with severe mental illness who cannot safely live in the community without supervision. This law ultimately aims to prevent dangerous relapses while protecting both the public and the patient.

Photo by Wellington Chen

The Prayer Walk concluded at the R Times Square subway station, where the group stood on the platform to pray near the site where Michelle was murdered four years ago. Michelle was only 40 at the time of her death, and attendees who knew her remembered her as a bright and kind individual. Her death continues to fuel concerns regarding anti-Asian violence and the “revolving door” of psychiatric institutionalization. While the prosecution remains determined to bring Martial Simon to trial, the community continues to pray that lasting justice will finally be achieved.

Photo by Wellington Chen

The Prayer Walk was organized by AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force (AAVTF), established in response to the surge in anti-Asian hate during COVID-19. The Task Force, at its formation five years ago, included leadership from AABANY’s Issues, Pro Bono and Community Service, Prosecutors, Student Outreach, Legal Referral and Information Service, and Academic Committees. Partnering with AABANY’s affiliate, the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), the AAVTF launched the Turning the Tide (T3) Project, a comprehensive initiative focused on education, communication, advocacy, and research. After releasing two reports, the AAVTF produced a documentary, “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate,” which humanized victims’ and survivors’ experiences and was nominated for best short documentary at the New York Independent Art Film Fest. Throughout 2025, the film was screened nineteen times for various groups. A notable screening at the Asia Society featured a moving panel with Justin Go, Michelle Go’s father, and Sungkon Lee, Christina Yuna Lee’s father.

To view more photos from the Prayer Walk, click this link to the photo album. To learn more about AAVTF, please email [email protected].

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AABANY Hosts its 2026 Winter Soiree for In-House Counsel and Law Firm Attorneys at Le Chalet 

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, AABANY’s In-House Counsel Committee and the Corporate Law Committee hosted its annual Winter Soiree. Returning once again to Le Chalet at Saks Fifth Avenue, the event transformed the heart of midtown into a warm, alpine-inspired venue where members came together for one of AABANY’s most well-attended and successful Winter Soirees to date. 

The Winter Soiree, one of AABANY’s marquee events, proved more vibrant than ever this year. With nearly 200 attendees and a record 25 sponsors, attendees roared with chatter and laughter, while strengthening professional relationships, forging new connections, and celebrating the collaborative spirit that exemplifies AABANY’s legal network. 

Guests started to arrive around 6:00 p.m. and were embraced by Le Chalet’s warm interior and balcony view of the city skyline. The intimate and collegial setting provided an ideal backdrop for meaningful dialogue among distinguished senior attorneys, partners, and the senior in-house counsel that represented a wide variety of sectors including financial services, technology and software development, healthcare, investment banking, insurance, real estate, media and entertainment, sports and licensing, consumer electronics, retail luxury goods, food and beverage, aviation, oil and gas, utilities, and environmental services. The companies represented included Mastercard, Pfizer, Con Edison, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Meta, Tiffany & Co., JP Morgan Chase, American Express and Johnson & Johnson.

Over 20 General Counsels were in attendance this year, representing some of the largest corporations in the country. Representing a remarkably diverse cross-section of the corporate and legal landscape, attendees engaged in thoughtful conversations on a wide range of topics while enjoying an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, wines, cocktails, and other refreshments as the evening unfolded.

Shortly after 7:00 pm, David Sohn of J.P. Morgan Chase, Co-Chair of the In-House Counsel Committee, delivered opening remarks. He highlighted his Committee’s work in advancing the legal profession and advocating for the AAPI legal community, and thanked Saks, all our sponsors, and the guests for helping to make the event a success through their presence. He then invited Ken McClure, representing Broadridge Financial Solutions and AABANY’s’ Diamond Sponsor, to address the audience.

Co-Chairs Peter Wei and Jack Jiaqi Chen joined David to introduce the AABANY Winter Soiree’s Platinum Sponsors: Haynes Boone (represented by Brian Sung); Perkins Coie (represented by Dennis Hopkins); Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP (represented by Phil Richter); Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP (represented by Jennifer Wu and Jenny Wu); and Seyfarth Shaw LLP (represented by Varuna Bhattacharyya, AABANY’s President-Elect).

The speakers expressed the importance of AABANY’s role in shaping a more diverse, supportive, and forward-looking legal profession. They spoke to the value of investing in the organization’s mission and noted AABANY’s lasting influence on the professional development and advancement of Asian American attorneys. 

Closing out the remarks, Corporate Law Committee Co-Chair John Hwang, Partner at Linklaters LLP, explained the Committee’s mission to provide a forum for corporate law firm attorneys where they can exchange ideas and experiences as AAPI attorneys in that practice area. John also acknowledged his Co-Chairs, Tracy Feng, Partner at Paul Hastings and Keli Huang, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, as well as Vice-Chairs Kyle Zhu, Associate at Orrick, and Ashley Wong, in-house counsel at Amazon, for their leadership and contributions to the Committee. John concluded by expressing gratitude to the Winter Soiree’s Gold and Silver Sponsors, after which the guests returned to mingling and networking.

AABANY extends its deepest gratitude to the 2026 Winter Soiree sponsors, whose generous support made the event possible:

Diamond Sponsor
Broadridge

Platinum Sponsors
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP
Haynes Boone LLP
Perkins Coie LLP
Seyfarth Shaw

Gold Sponsors
BakerHostetler
Foley Hoag LLP
Herrick Feinstein LLP
Linklaters
Morrison Foerster LLP
Ogletree Deakins
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP
Saul Ewing LLP
White & Case LLP
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati

Silver Sponsors
Allegaert Berger & Vogel LLP
Anonymous
Blakes
Clark Smith Villazor LLP
Con Edison
Leason Ellis LLP
McCarthy Tetrault
Miao Law LLC
Steno

AABANY also extends its sincere appreciation to the Co-Chairs of the co-sponsoring Committees—David Sohn, Peter Wei, Jack Chen, of the In-House Counsel Committee, and Tracy Feng, John Hwang, and Keli Huang, of the Corporate Law Committee—for their dedication and leadership. Special thanks are due to the organization’s staff, Yang Chen, Executive Director; Carrey Wong, Deputy Executive Director; and Apollo Baltazar, Administrative Assistant, as well as interns Eva Lee and Aleasha Wattoo, and former intern Kirin Moy, whose hard work and support contributed to the evening’s success.

The Winter Soiree started to wind down around 8:30 pm., as guests left the warm embrace of Le Chalet to brave the winter evening, bringing an energetic and memorable night to a close. AABANY thanks all who attended and looks forward to continuing this festive tradition and welcoming the community back for future events.

To access photos from the event click here. For more information about the In-House Counsel Committee, please visit https://www.aabany.org/page/149. For more information about the Corporate Law Committee, please visit https://www.aabany.org/page/128.

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NAPABA Annual Lobby Day and Congressional Reception on May 19-20 in Washington, D.C.

In observance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPIHM), please join NAPABA on May 19-20, 2026 in Washington, DC for NAPABA’s annual Lobby Day.

At Lobby Day, the NAPABA community travels from across the United States to the Nation’s capital to demonstrate not only the strength of our community, but also to advance the critical issues facing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community with leaders on Capitol Hill. Let’s bring our collective voice to the halls of Congress.

Lobby Day activities and events include:

  • Training
  • Hill Visits
  • Debrief Reception
  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Congressional Reception.

Congressional Reception

NAPABA members and community leaders from across the country will gather from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET for a Congressional Reception recognizing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event will bring together Lobby Day participants, members of Congress and their staff, as well as leaders from the AANHPI community.

For the full Lobby Day schedule, click on this link: Schedule

NAPABA Lobby Day Eligibility

Please note that only active NAPABA members or active members of NAPABA affiliates are eligible to participate in Lobby Day. To become a NAPABA member, click here.

Questions? Email [email protected].

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NAPABA Supports the Language Access for All Act of 2026

For Immediate Release: January 23, 2026
Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) applauds the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026 in Congress. The bill, if enacted, would ensure that all individuals have meaningful access to critical Federal services, regardless of English proficiency.

In March 2025, President Donald Trump revoked Executive Order 13166 and designated English as the official language of the United States. For nearly 25 years, EO 13166 required that every federal agency meet the needs of individuals with limited English proficiency when it delivers critical services. EO 13166 brought the full import of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits entities that receive federal funding from discriminating based on national origin, to life. NAPABA objected to the revocation of EO 13166 at the time and called on Congress to act in response. Following our advocacy efforts, NAPABA welcomes the introduction of the Language Access for All Act of 2026, which would restore the key guarantees of EO 13166.

Language access is particularly important for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The majority of the Asian American community are immigrants. Nearly 32% of the community is limited English proficient. The Asian American population is comprised of over 50 different ethnicities and speak over 100 different languages. NAPABA has long championed linguistic access for AANHPI communities in the legal system, including through our groundbreaking report, which highlighted and provided recommendations on the state of language access in federal and state courts and agencies. Every individual deserves access to critical, federally funded services.

NAPABA is grateful to Rep. Grace Meng, the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, along with Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Daniel Goldman, for their leadership and introducing the Language Access for All Act of 2026. This action coincides with the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision in Lau v. Nichols, 414 U.S. 563 (1974), which recognized the right of English learners to participate meaningfully in public school education and served as a catalyst for language access throughout the Nation. We call on Congress to advance this legislation swiftly.

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NIH-funded Study: Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors

The University of Austin School of Nursing is sharing information about their NIH-funded study with our community. Under the guidance of Dr. Eun-Ok Im and Dr. Wonshik Chee, their team is conducting an NIH-funded study focused on providing culturally tailored online support for Asian American breast cancer survivors (IRB-approved, Study ID: STUDY00004807).

You can find more details here:  https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06085313.

They are hoping to reach more survivors who might benefit from this free program, which includes bilingual nurse sessions (Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, or English), culturally adapted health resources, a complimentary Fitbit, and up to $150 in compensation.

Please see the study flyers (in various languages below), and share with your networks. Even one share could make a meaningful difference for someone in need.

Links to Flyers (in PDF): in Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean and Japanese

If you have any questions or would like printed materials, feel free to contact [email protected].

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Pathways to Public Service: AABANY Prosecutors and Student Outreach Committees Co-Sponsor “Careers in Government & Justice” at the Kings County DA’s Office

On November 25, 2025, AABANY’s Prosecutors and Student Outreach Committees joined the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA) to host an event called “Pathways to Careers in Government & Justice” at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. The hybrid program, available in person and via Zoom, brought together law students, early-career professionals, and seasoned public servants for a wide-ranging discussion about what it means to build a career — and answer a calling — within the criminal justice system.

The event opened with a warm welcome and participants enjoyed a delicious spread of food, featuring dumplings, fried rice, chicken wings, and noodles. The event then quickly moved into a dynamic panel conversation featuring prosecutors, judges, court attorneys, and representatives from major government agencies. Each speaker traced their path into public service, revealing how mentorship, curiosity, and unexpected opportunities shaped their careers. The following judges were also in the audience: Hon. Phyllis Chu, Hon. Danny Chun, Hon. Marilyn Go (Ret.), and Hon. Don Leo.

Panelist Hon. Frances Wang (Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term) described a childhood spent moving across Taiwan, Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and finally the United States. Adjusting to new cultures, learning English, and navigating unfamiliar schools, she found herself in a third-grade classroom where a teacher told her, “You ask a lot of questions. I think you’d make a good lawyer.” She had never heard the word lawyer before, but the encouragement stayed with her. Years later, that early spark grew into internships, mock trial competitions, prosecutorial work, and eventually a judgeship.

Her story echoed a theme that ran throughout the night: the profound and often quiet influence of mentors (teachers, supervisors, judges) who saw potential long before the speaker did. Many panelists noted that their career trajectories were not linear. They relied on mentors to clarify possibilities they did not know existed, whether in appellate litigation, regulatory enforcement, oversight and investigation, or judicial work.

William Wang (Assistant Attorney General, New York Attorney General’s Office) and Stephanie Pak (Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York) and Yi Liu (Senior Counsel, New York City Law Department) offered clear, accessible explanations of their bureaus and divisions, from affirmative litigation to labor and employment matters, and gave students a rare inside look at where public-sector lawyers can make a difference. Phil Hung (Deputy Commissioner, Department of Investigation) described DOI as “the city’s watchdog,” explaining how the agency investigates fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption across virtually every city entity. For many students, it was the first time seeing how interconnected the city’s justice and accountability systems truly are.

Stephanie Quon (Principle Court Attorney, Brooklyn Supreme Court – Criminal Term) described roles that receive less public visibility but are essential to making the courts and prosecutors’ offices function. She explained the intellectual rigor and responsibility that come with drafting decisions, researching complex legal issues, and supporting judges in high-stakes cases ranging from violent felonies to gang conspiracy, fraud, and bias-motivated crimes.

Grace Vee (Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office) shared her journey to becoming an Assistant District Attorney, which started from a brief externship at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office while she was still in college. What began as a two-week externship quickly became a defining experience. She spoke about how impressed she was by the dedication of the prosecutors, the sense of mission in the office, and the profound public service component of the work.

That early exposure stayed with her. She went on to law school, determined to return to the Manhattan DA’s Office, and she did. Grace became an Assistant District Attorney and remained in the role for 30 years (just recently celebrating her 30th anniversary at the Manhattan DA’s Office), building a long, distinguished career grounded in community protection, ethical prosecution, and public trust. Her story demonstrated that the spark of public service can begin early, but its longevity is sustained by commitment, discipline, and a deep belief in the work. During Grace’s description of her journey, she thanked Judge Marilyn Go, also in attendance in the audience, as her mentor and role model. This moment was especially moving, showing how mentorship has passed on and created a lasting legacy of service within the legal community.

Grace’s narrative resonated particularly strongly with students, showing how a single moment — an externship, a mentor’s encouragement, a first exposure to courtroom advocacy — can set the foundation for a meaningful career.

Across all these narratives, one message stood out: there is no single path into public service, but every path requires integrity, courage, and a willingness to step forward.

As the conversation deepened, several speakers reflected on the unique role of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) attorneys in public-sector positions. They underscored that representation matters not only for visibility, but for trust. Many communities remain fearful or skeptical of government institutions; seeing people with shared histories and cultural understanding in these roles can make the legal system feel more accessible. Public-sector lawyers often become bridges between communities and the courts, between fear and understanding, between wrongdoing and accountability.

The panelists’ honesty about the pressures of the work, whether in sentencing decisions, overseeing investigations, or handling trauma-heavy prosecutions, imbued the discussion with  realism and deep humanity. Their candor also reaffirmed that commitment to public service, despite its difficulty, remains a powerful way to shape the world with purpose.

A Visit from Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez: A Call to Serve

Midway through the evening, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stopped by to offer words that many attendees described as especially moving. He spoke frankly about the critical need for representation in public service, drawing on his own background as a Latino community member and prosecutor.

He emphasized that the justice system needs attorneys who reflect the diverse communities of New York, especially in moments of heightened distrust. “People are really afraid of government,” he said, noting that this fear is prevalent across Asian, Latino, Caribbean, and Black communities. DA Gonzalez emphasized that increased representation and participation of more minority community members would help address this issue. 

DA Gonzalez stressed that losing talented young lawyers to the private sector would have consequences far beyond the walls of a single office. The public, he reminded everyone, depends on committed public servants who can build trust and foster accountability. His message was both caution and encouragement: stay, serve, and know that your presence matters.

Thank You to the Prosecutors Committee, Student Outreach Committee, Panelists, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. 

What distinguished this event was the sincerity running through every story, every piece of advice, and every reflection. The speakers did not simply outline career paths; they opened windows into the human experience of being a public servant. They spoke about challenges and doubts, but also about the moments that reaffirmed why they chose this work.

Hearing about the speakers’ individual stories made students and attendees realize that they could do it too, and witnessing their dedication, passion, and commitment to their jobs firsthand was definitely impactful.  During the networking hour that followed, attendees lingered to ask questions, seek mentorship, and connect with speakers. It was clear that the event created not only opportunities, but possibilities.

AABANY extends its deepest gratitude to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, NAPIPA, DA Eric Gonzalez, the moderators, panelists, and all attendees. Pathways to Careers in Government & Justice illuminated the rich landscape of public-sector careers and reminded aspiring attorneys why representation, integrity, and service matter.

We look forward to continuing programs that uplift emerging leaders and strengthen the pipeline of dedicated AAPI public servants across New York.  

To learn more about the Prosecutors Committee at AABANY, click here.

To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee at AABANY, click here.

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NAPABA Statement in Response to Shooting of National Guard Members in Washington, DC

For Immediate Release: December 2, 2025

Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON — On the day before Thanksgiving, blocks from the offices of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), an individual shot two members of the National Guard. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, tragically succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. NAPABA mourns the loss of Specialist Beckstrom and extends our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. We are holding Sergeant Wolfe, his loved ones, and the military community in our thoughts as he undergoes critical care.

We unequivocally condemn this horrific act of violence. Though a full investigation is pending, government officials revealed that the alleged perpetrator, who is now detained and faces criminal charges, arrived in the United States in 2021 from Afghanistan through a federal resettlement program.

The views from leaders at all levels play a powerful role in shaping how communities such as asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants are understood. The criminal acts of one individual should not be used to paint an entire community, especially those who have sought protection from this Nation. Casting aspersions does nothing to advance public discourse, and instead, it serves to fuel hate, a fact that is all too familiar to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.  

The United States has taken on an obligation under domestic and international law to provide refuge to those fleeing persecution. This has particular resonance with the Asian American community. Nearly three million refugees from Southeast Asia fled conflicts in the 1970s, and new generations have arrived since. The protections offered by the United States as a leading signatory to the International Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol are critical to uphold.

Countless numbers of Asian Americans and others throughout history fled persecution for a better life in the United States. We need not turn our back on history or the generations seeking refuge. NAPABA has consistently supported the refugee resettlement program and this Nation’s long history of welcoming those seeking the protections of our country.

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NAPABA Congratulates Eric Tung on His Confirmation to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

For Immediate Release:
November 7, 2025		Contact:
Rahat Babar
Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON — The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) proudly congratulates Eric Tung on his confirmation to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. His elevation to the federal appellate bench marks a significant achievement—both for Eric Tung and for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) legal community.

“We are pleased to see Judge Tung ascend to the Ninth Circuit,” said NAPABA President Joseph Yao. “His extensive record as a public servant, appellate litigator, and former Department of Justice official demonstrates a deep commitment to the administration of justice. Having qualified AANHPI attorneys in lifetime judicial roles helps ensure our judiciary reflects the diversity of our nation and benefits from the full range of talent in our community.”

Eric Tung is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Jones Day, where he focuses on appeals and motions practice in commercial litigation. He has briefed and argued matters in federal and state courts nationwide, including the Ninth Circuit, D.C. Circuit, Seventh Circuit, Florida Supreme Court, and the California Court of Appeals. His clients span a range of industries, including telecommunications, energy, banking, real estate, construction, entertainment, and digital currency.

“Judge Tung is the first AANHPI nominated and confirmed during President Trump’s second term,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “Judge Tung joins the bench at a time when representation of AANHPI jurists on the federal bench remains a vital goal for NAPABA. During his first term, President Trump confirmed 13 AANHPI Article III judges. We look forward to continuing our work to advance AANHPI representation on the federal judiciary.”

Eric Tung previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California and held positions at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., including serving as a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General. He also clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justices Neil M. Gorsuch and the late Antonin Scalia.

NAPABA thanks President Trump for the nomination and the U.S. Senate for confirming him swiftly.

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