Two Important Membership Deadlines Are Approaching
You’ve been an important part of the NAPABA community, and we’d love to welcome you back as a member for 2026.
With Convention registration opening soon and voting eligibility deadlines approaching, now is the perfect time to renew your membership and continue enjoying the connections, opportunities, and benefits available exclusively to NAPABA members.
Why Renew Your NAPABA Membership?
Connect. Save. Grow.
Build meaningful relationships with attorneys, legal professionals, and law students across the country.
Save on Convention registration, leadership programs, networking events, and more.
Access exclusive opportunities, resources, and programs that support your professional success.
Convention Registration Opens June 16
NAPABA members receive exclusive access to Convention registration and housing beginning June 16, along with up to $600 in registration savings.
To ensure your membership is active when registration opens, we encourage you to join by June 15.
Voting Eligibility Ends July 1
Members who join by July 1, 2026, and meet NAPABA’s voting eligibility requirements will be eligible to vote in the 2026 Board of Governors election and help shape NAPABA’s future.
In order to vote, you must be licensed to practice law in the U.S. or Canada (or have previously been licensed and now retired), and you must have be a current NAPABA member in good standing on or before July 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. Non-lawyer members (Law Student and Non-Attorney membership categories) are not eligible to vote.
If you are joining through a NAPABA affiliate or national associate, please contact membership@napaba.org to verify current dues and receive your membership discount code.
Members and guests gathered for an evening of networking, conversation, and collaboration. In an intimate setting, attendees had the opportunity to connect with fellow solo and small firm practitioners, share professional experiences, exchange recommendations for favorite restaurants and local spots, and discuss ideas for future Committee programming and events. The casual gathering fostered meaningful conversations and helped strengthen relationships within the AABANY community.
Attendees enjoyed wine, soda, and light bites while learning more about the Committee’s plans for the year ahead.
AABANY extends its sincere thanks to Blue Panda Office Spaces for sponsoring and hosting the event. Located in Williamsburg, Blue Panda offers thoughtfully designed private offices, flexible workspace options, and meeting rooms, providing a welcoming environment for attorneys and other professionals serving Brooklyn and Manhattan.
We thank everyone who attended and look forward to seeing you at future SSFP Committee events throughout the year.
– Written by Tiffany Miao, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Solo & Small Firms Practice Committee
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Judiciary Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (“AABANY”) welcomed over 90 guests to its Annual Judges’ Reception at The Nexus Club located at 100 Church Street, New York, NY 10007.
The event brought together members of the judiciary, attorneys, government officials, law students, and community leaders to celebrate judges who were appointed, elected, or elevated within the past year.
Organized by AABANY’s Judiciary Committee, co-chaired by Mark Son and David Mou, the evening highlighted AABANY’s continued commitment to diversity, mentorship, and advancement within the legal profession and in the judiciary.
The program began with opening remarks from Judiciary Committee Co-Chair Mark Son, followed by remarks from distinguished leaders representing the bench, government, and the bar.
Featured speakers included AABANY President Varuna Bhattacharyya and Hon. Frances Wang, Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. Justice Wang, who is also Vice President of the Asian American Judges Association of New York, spoke about the importance of building a judiciary that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and emphasized the impact of representation on public confidence in the legal system.
Additional remarks were delivered by Ali Najmi, Chair of New York City’s Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, and Kenan Kurt, Assistant Counsel for Judiciary and Ethics for the New York State Governor’s Office. Mr. Najmi underscored the Mayor’s commitment to create a more a diverse judiciary and stated that he is ready to work hard. Mr. Kurt compared the pioneer judges to the first athlete who broke the four-minute mile, shattering barriers and inspiring others to follow. Just as that achievement opened the door for future runners to accomplish the same feat, we celebrate the judges whose leadership and perseverance are making “four-minute miles” possible for those who come after them.
Hon. Karen Lin, Associate Justice of the Appellate Term for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts, reflected on the progress Asian Americans have made within the legal community while encouraging continued mentorship and support for future generations seeking judicial office.
The evening also featured a Presentation of Awards by event co-chairs Lisa Lin and Kwok Ng, along with citations presented by Mr. Kurt on behalf of the Governor’s Office. Honorees recognized during the reception included:
Hon. Margaret Chan
Hon. Janice Chen
Hon. Eve Cho Guillergan
Hon. Sheridan Chu
Hon. Indira Khan
Hon. Jay Kim
Hon. Judy Kim
Hon. Karen Lin
Hon. Nabeela McLeod
Hon. Juliette-Noor Haji
Hon. Oma Phillips Deonarine
Hon. Soma Syed
Hon. Kris Singh
Hon. Frances Wang
Following the formal program, guests gathered for a dinner reception that provided an opportunity for judges, attorneys, students, and community leaders to connect and celebrate the honorees.
The Annual Judges’ Reception remains one of AABANY’s signature events and reflects the organization’s longstanding dedication to judicial diversity, professional mentorship, public service, and the advancement of Asian American attorneys and judges throughout New York.
A special acknowledgement to the organizers of this year’s program: Mark Son, David Mou, Douglas Tang, Kwok Ng, Pei Pei Cheng De Castro, Yang Chen, Carrey Wong, Apollo Baltazar, and Lisa Lin.
On March 26, 2026, the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee and the Government Service & Public Interest Committee continued their tradition of hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to recognize the volunteer attorneys, law students, AABANY staff, AALFNY board members, and community partners who make our Pro Bono Clinics possible. Together, we celebrated our shared mission of serving the public and promoting access to justice for those who cannot afford legal services.
The backbone of AABANY’s public service initiatives is its dedicated volunteers. We extend our deepest gratitude to the attorneys who generously devote their time and expertise to assisting members of the community. These Pro Bono Clinics also serve as valuable learning opportunities for law students, providing hands-on experience across various areas of law while allowing them to give back through direct service.
We also express our sincere appreciation to the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY) for its continued support, as well as to the AABANY staff, whose administrative efforts are essential to making this work possible.
Thank you to the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), CPC Brooklyn, our community partners, and Rachna Agarwal (SABANY Pro Bono Chair). A special thank-you goes to all the volunteer attorneys and law students who stayed late to ensure every client was seen.
Our volunteers assisted 27 clients with matters including identity theft, wills and trusts, employment, family, matrimonial, housing, and real estate.
In addition to providing vital legal guidance, Pro Bono Clinics serve as a training ground for law students and young attorneys to practice communicating complex legal concepts in layman’s terms. We appreciate our volunteers for taking the time to listen to clients’ stories and giving them a space to be heard. The dedication of our volunteers continues to bridge the justice gap in our community.
Finally, at the Pro Bono Clinic, we celebrated the birthday of AABANY member and long-standing Pro Bono Clinic volunteer, May Wong! May was also the AABANY 2022 Member of the Year. Happy Birthday, May!
Volunteer attorneys:
Vishal Chander
Natalie Moulton-Levy
Rachna Agarwal
Wendy Zeng
Kwok Kei Ng
May Wong
Sanketh Bhaskar
Olivia Mao
Francis Chin
Helen Ding
Arthur Lin
Minyao Wang
Beatrice Leong
Law students:
Sam Chen
Eva Zhou
Yining Pan
– Written by Kwok Kei Ng, AABANY PBCS Committee Co-Chair
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the American Inns of Court announce the solicitation of nominations for the Twenty-Fifth Annual American Inns of Court Professionalism Award in the Second Circuit. Chief Judge Debra Ann Livingston of the Second Circuit hopes to be able to present the Award in New York at the Thurgood Marshall Courthouse, Courtroom 1703, 40 Foley Square, in Fall 2026.
The person chosen for this honor is a quintessential mentor who embodies the fundamental values of the profession to which the American Inns of Court is dedicated. The honoree is a senior lawyer who for a generation or more has guided younger practitioners in government, private practice, or public service, by word and by example. He or she is a “lawyer’s lawyer”— a master of the craft—whose life and work reflect civility, competence, and ethical behavior.
In short, they are seeking nominations of first-rate attorneys who have taught, supervised, and nurtured developing lawyers; and who, in doing so, have assured that the finest traditions of the Bar will be sustained.
Nominees should:
have engaged in the practice of law for at least twenty years,
be serving now as a lawyer in Connecticut, New York, or Vermont, and
occupy a senior position in the office of a prosecutor, defender, government agency, private law firm, or other private entity.
Judges and full-time professors are not eligible.
Nominations should be in letter form and include sufficient information about the nominee to allow the committee to make a reasoned judgment. Additional letters of recommendation should be included in the package, such as by younger lawyers describing their associations with the nominee and the benefits conferred by the nominee’s teaching, mentorship, and example.
Nominations must be submitted no later than April 10, 2026, through the American Inns of Court Foundation online portal at www.innsofcourt.org/ProfessionalismAwards; copies of the nominations must also be e-mailed as a single PDF to Michael D. Jordan, Circuit Executive, at AIC_Award@ca2.uscourts.gov. Nominations should be addressed to the attention of Hon. Carl E. Stewart, Chair of the American Inns of Court Awards Committee.
On Thursday, January 22, AABANY welcomed nearly 40 attorneys, mediators, and law students to 60 Centre Street for “Pathways to Court‐Connected ADR,” a 90‐minute CLE program designed to expand understanding of New York’s court‐sponsored mediation programs. Co‐sponsored by KALAGNY, NYSCDM, and the New York County Supreme Court Civil Branch ADR Team, the program offered both in‐person and virtual attendance, drawing a diverse and engaged audience eager to learn more about the growing landscape of court‐connected dispute resolution.
The session featured a robust lineup of panelists — Stephanie Pearl, Kamella English, Lawrence Han, Michael Henry, and Rachel Yoo — with Dejana Perrone moderating the discussion. Together, they delivered a candid, practical, and often inspiring look at how ADR functions inside the courts and how practitioners can meaningfully participate.
A Deep Dive into Court-Sponsored ADR
The program opened with an overview of court‐sponsored ADR, including the purpose of Part 160, the types of cases eligible for mediation, and the benefits of early intervention. Speakers provided helpful context on how ADR has evolved across districts and why mediation continues to play a critical role in improving access to justice.
From there, attendees heard directly from ADR Coordinators Kamella English and Stephanie Pearl, who walked through the day‐to‐day responsibilities of their roles and offered guidance on how practitioners can connect with coordinators when seeking case information or exploring volunteer opportunities.
Practical Guidance for Advocates and Mediators
The conversation then shifted to the role of advocates and mediators in the mediation process. Panelists Lawrence Han, Rachel Yoo, and Michael Henry shared insights on how mediation compares to litigation, how to prepare clients for the process, and how to navigate the court’s roster of neutrals. Their reflections highlighted the importance of preparation, empathy, and clear communication — qualities that shape both client experience and case outcomes.
The panel also addressed when a case is “ready” for mediation, including timing considerations under Part 160 and practical perspectives from mediators handling professional liability and other complex matters.
Pathways to Joining a Roster
In the second half of the CLE, panelists outlined the steps to join a court roster, the qualities that define an effective neutral, and the ongoing efforts to expand and diversify ADR panels across New York. Speakers emphasized the need for mediators who bring cultural competence, multilingual abilities, and varied professional backgrounds — all essential to serving New York’s diverse communities.
The panel closed with success stories from ADR programs, illustrating how early mediation, skilled neutrals, and thoughtful program design can lead to meaningful resolutions for litigants. These stories underscored the human impact of ADR and the value of continued investment in court‐connected mediation.
Thank You from AABANY
AABANY extends its sincere thanks to all panelists and to the New York County Supreme Court Civil Branch ADR Team for their partnership and generosity. We are grateful to KALAGNY and NYSCDM for co‐sponsoring the program, and to every attendee who joined us for an afternoon of learning, connection, and community building.
The enthusiasm in the room — and online — reflected a shared commitment to expanding access to justice through thoughtful, culturally responsive ADR practices. It was a vibrant and memorable event, and we look forward to continuing the conversation in future programs.
To learn more about the ADR Committee, click here.
– Written by: Rachel Ji-Young Yoo, Co-Chair of AABANY’s ADR Committee
On Thursday, December 18, 2025, AABANY’s IP Committee teamed up with the New York Intellectual Property Law Association (NYIPLA) Young Lawyers Committee for a fun and festive Board Games Night. The event brought together attorneys, law students, and friends for an evening of networking, laughter, and friendly competition over classic and modern board games.
Attendees enjoyed a variety of games, including Flip 7, Taboo, and Hues and Cues, which sparked plenty of creativity, quick thinking, and colorful conversations. Whether strategizing to win or just playing for fun, participants had a great time connecting in a relaxed, social setting over dinner and drinks.
Additionally, attendees celebrated the birthday of AABANY member (and past Litigation Committee Co-Chair) Aakruti Vakharia. The cake shared by all who was there was a special treat for the fun night.
Special thanks to NYIPLA Young Lawyers Committee for co-sponsoring this event and to all who attended and made the evening a success. Thanks also to Fish & Richardson for hosting. We look forward to hosting more collaborative events in the coming year!
The 2025 NAPABA Convention was an unforgettable three days of inspiration, connection, and community, and now you can relive it all. We’re thrilled to share the official 2025 NAPABA Convention Photo Gallery, capturing the energy, excitement, and impact of our time together in Denver.
This year’s Convention was nothing short of extraordinary. Nearly 2,900 attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students helped make it the second-largest gathering in NAPABA history. We welcomed more than 800 first-timers, reached our highest sponsorship record ever, and filled every room with the unmistakable spirit of our community.
From forward-looking conversations on the Portrait Project to a dynamic Gala Keynote featuring Rich Ting and Katie Phang, the Convention showcased the trailblazers, innovators, and rising leaders shaping the future of our profession. But the moments that mattered most were the ones powered by you—your expertise, your engagement, and your commitment to lifting our bar to new heights.
Now you can revisit those moments, and if you haven’t had a chance yet, be sure to read and share our full 2025 Convention recap, a look back at the people, programs, and conversations that made this year’s gathering exceptional.
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY)’s LGBTQ Committee and the South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY) came together to co-host the 2025 Fall LGBTQ Reception. The event was held at A&O Shearman‘s Manhattan office, bringing together attorneys, law students, and professionals to foster connections within the Asian American, South Asian, and LGBTQ communities.
The evening’s program began with a warm welcome from Dennis Quinio (he/him), Chief Inclusion Officer – Americas at A&O Shearman, who emphasized the crucial need for inclusive spaces within the legal profession.
Attendees then heard from featured speaker Priya Nair (they/them), Executive Director of the NYC Commission on Gender Equity. Priya shared valuable insights drawn from their nearly ten years working in New York City and State government, which included roles in the Governor’s Office, NYC Health + Hospitals, and the State’s first LGBTQ Fellowship. They also offered a personal reflection on their experience as a queer, non-binary individual of mixed heritage, underscoring how events like this are vital for intersectional community building.
AABANY and SABANY extend their sincere gratitude to A&O Shearman for their generous hospitality in hosting the event, and to Priya Nair for their inspiring and insightful remarks.
To learn more about AABANY’s LGBTQ Committee, click here.
