Tag: community

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AABANY Solo & Small Firm Committee Members Meet to Share Advice on the Administrative Side of Running a Law Firm

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, the AABANY Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee hosted another popular virtual networking event for solo and small firm practitioners to connect. The meeting, intentionally informal and freeform, gave attendees an opportunity to discuss any topics at hand. After brief introductions and a couple of minutes for colleagues to catch up with one another, the topic of office practicalities was brought up. 

Yen-Yi Anderson, Principal at Anderson and Associates Law, PC and Co-Chair of the Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee, asked attendees about what printers, time management systems, and invoice systems they used in the office. Many of the attorneys in the call described their printers to be fault-prone, often requiring costly repairs. Recognizing that  most clients prefer an electronic copy of documents, most attendees recommended a leased Brother printer for any hard copy needs.

From there, the conversation moved on to invoicing systems. Programs like Bill4Time, MyCase, Clio, and PracticePanther were described as relatively reliable systems, but attendees described each program having its own issues. However, this judgement could only be made after fully investing into one system, making inefficient invoicing systems a large inconvenience for small firms. Additionally, small or solo firms often lack the staff to delegate invoicing tasks to associates or paralegals, leaving less time to manage these systems effectively.

This topic then transitioned into billing. Methods such as Zelle, Stripe, or direct wiring were most commonly used. Given that various fields of law have different retainers and billing rates, there was no consensus on which billing method was the most efficient. Attendees also described using various bank accounts to receive and access funds. Although there were quite a few differences in the actual billing process, most attendees agreed that tracking billable hours manually was far better than any automatic tracking software. Despite rapid developments in technology, “old-fashioned” methods were often the most reliable. 

The virtual networking hour concluded with many more topics being suggested for discussion at the next event. The vibrant community among the members of  the Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee was evident, with each member helping to uplift the other through practical tips about how to run a law firm. To learn more about the Committee and get involved, visit the Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee page.

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Applications for Fall Internship at Karis Consulting Group Now Open!

Karis Consulting Group is now hiring for their Fall Internship Program. This program will run from September 8, 2026, to November 25, 2026. 

Karis Consulting Group empowers community voices and organizational capacity by providing community organizing, strategic advising, and coalition-building support for leaders and organizations within Asian American, Pacific Islander, and other communities of color.

Interns will provide support for client work in a variety of sectors, gaining valuable community organizing skills and building relationships with top leaders in the nonprofit and government sectors. Other benefits include working with a small, collaborative team and flexible hours.

High school graduates, college students, and graduate students of all ethnicities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be based in the United States. This is a remote position, with a preference for candidates located in New York or Washington, D.C., where occasional in-person collaboration opportunities are available. This is a paid internship.

For more details, please see the flyer below.

Interested parties can apply at Karis Consulting Group’s website by August 7, 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact apply@karisconsultinggroup.com.

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Corporate Law and In-House Counsel Committees Host Summer Karaoke Social, Sponsored by McGill and Partners and PNC Bank

On July 9, 2026, AABANY’s Corporate Law and In-House Counsel Committees hosted a vibrant Summer Karaoke Social at Rewind Karaoke Lounge in Long Island City, Queens. The event brought together corporate attorneys and in-house lawyers for an evening of conversation, connection and community. Attendees reconnected with familiar faces, cultivated new relationships and engaged with one another in a lively environment that blended professional networking with a relaxed social setting.

The event reflected the Corporate Law and In-House Counsel Committees’ shared commitment to creating welcoming spaces where legal professionals can connect across practices, industries and career stages. Attendees first enjoyed mingling in the lounge space and connected with each other over fun cocktails and delicious food. Later into the evening, some continued to carry on conversations in the lounge while others sang songs in the private karaoke room.

The Corporate Law Committee is spearheaded by Co-Chairs Keli Huang, Partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Ashley Wong, Associate Corporate Counsel at Amazon, along with Vice-Chairs Kyle Zhu, Senior Associate at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Judy Lin, Associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. The In-House Counsel Committee is spearheaded by Co-Chairs David Sohn, Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase & Co., Peter Wei, Head of Legal at Mercuryo, Jack Chen, Deputy General Counsel at Public.com and Michelle Lee, General Counsel at MediaCo Holding Inc.. Their dedication and leadership continue to strengthen the AABANY community.

The Corporate Law and In-House Counsel Committees extend their gratitude to their generous co-sponsors, McGill and Partners and PNC Bank, for helping make the Summer Karaoke Social possible.

– Written by Judy Lin, Vice Chair of AABANY’s Corporate Law Committee

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AABANY Members and Friends Bring the Energy to Citi Field for Mets Outing

On Tuesday evening, June 23, 2026, 21 AABANY members and guests gathered at Citi Field for our Membership Committee outing to watch the New York Mets. This time, they hosted the Chicago Cubs. It was a fantastic night of baseball, community, and great seats down on the Field Level!

Beyond the action on the field, our group took full advantage of the stadium’s “Five Dollar Tuesdays,” enjoying an endless rotation of $5 hot dogs, beers, sodas, pretzels, and popcorn. The members who arrived early received a free Mets necklace, which was that evening’s giveaway.

The highlight of the evening was seeing a special welcome message to AABANY flash across the giant Citi Field scoreboard for the entire stadium to see! The beautiful summer weather and high-energy atmosphere in the stands made it a truly memorable night out for everyone in attendance.

Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer, eat, and catch up with fellow members. Although the New York Mets lost 9-6 to the Chicago Cubs, it was an exciting game to watch, with Francisco Alvarez driving the first three runs in for the Mets, through a two-run single and a solo homer.

Thanks to the IP Committee for co-hosting this event and Ecoscribe Court Reporters for their sponsorship! Email Cynthia Kaplan cynthia@ecoscribesolutions.com or check out ecoscribesolutions.com if you need Court Reporters, translations, and transcriptions.

Missed the Mets Game? Don’t worry—we are heading to the Bronx next. Join AABANY for our upcoming outing to see the Yankees on August 11, 2026, as they take on the Seattle Mariners! You can register now by clicking here to submit your registration and payment, locking in your spot before seats fill up. You won’t want to miss it!

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Molding Charms, Making Matcha, and Mingling Away with AABANY’s Women’s Committee

On June 18, the Asian American Bar Association of New York’s (AABANY) Women’s Committee held a fun evening of charm-molding, matcha-making, and community-mingling at their “Mold, Matcha, and Mingle” event. The event drew a large crowd, as the spots had been completely taken in advance of the event.  The group gathered at Kitsby Studio in SoHo to connect with one another and learn about the history and traditions of matcha. This event was generously sponsored by Ashurst Perkins Coie.

At the start of the session, participants learned about chasen charms—beaded charms that adorn the handle of a matcha whisk—and picked their own beads from a wide variety of colors and patterns. The relaxed and creative environment made it easy to connect with one another, and attendees introduced themselves as they talked about their own careers and about the event.

With the help of the instructors at Kitsby Studio, attendees chose from a wide range of clay colors and began sculpting little pendants, to be strung onto the chasen charms. Attendees exchanged charm ideas, helped each other find reference photos, and oohed and aahed at each other’s creations. The microscopic scale of the charms sent the room into cheerful exasperation as people bonded over trying to add detail to their work. From New York City pigeons to the Dutch cartoon rabbit Miffy, to characters from Studio Ghibli films, to food items, the creativity of AABANY members shined at this event.

While waiting for the charms to bake, attendees learned about the history of matcha from the instructors. Each attendee tried their hand at making a matcha latte, while continuing to connect with one another. Attendees even received their own matcha whisk to take home!

The event closed on a high note as attendees strung their charms and beads onto string to complete their chasen charms. After glazing the charms, each attendee had a beautiful keepsake to take home, and in the process they made many new connections.

Thank you to Bianca Lin (Allegaert Berger & Vogel LLP) and Michelle Nguyen (Ashurst Perkins Coie), Co-Chairs of the Women’s Committee, and Nisha Gera (Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP), Vice Chair of the Women’s Committee, for organizing a wonderful event! They appear in the photo above, with Bianca on the left, Michelle on the right, and Nisha in the middle. Thank you to all of our attendees, and we hope you make good use of your matcha whisk.

Learn more about the Women’s Committee here, and reach out to Bianca, Michelle, and Nisha from that page to get more involved or to subscribe to their listserv, if you are not already on it.

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Registration for NAPABA Meet & Greet in Chicago on July 31 Now Open

Chicago, IL | July 31, 2026

The next NAPABA Meet & Greet is coming to Chicago, IL! Join NAPABA for an evening of meaningful networking, connection, and engagement with the NAPABA community.

  • Date: Friday, July 31, 2026
  • Time: 5:00–6:30 P.M. CT
  • Location: Provided after Registration

Registration Rates:

  • Member: $25/per person
  • Non-Member: $50/per person
Register Now

These convenings turn individual efforts into collective impact, helping shape the future of the legal profession. Whether you want to collaborate, share experiences, or simply reconnect with peers, this event is an opportunity to deepen your ties within the NAPABA community.

Please note: Capacity is limited, and registration is required. Walk-up guests will not be permitted, so be sure to secure your spot as soon as possible.

See you in Chicago!

Not yet a member? Join or renew your NAPABA membership today to access exclusive benefits (like discounted Meet & Greet rates) designed to empower your legal career!

Join or Renew Your Membership

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AABANY’s IP Committee Connects at May Dinner at Blue Blossom NYC

On Friday, May 22, 2026, the AABANY Intellectual Property Committee hosted its highly anticipated May Dinner at Blue Blossom NYC in Midtown Manhattan. Generously supported by Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, the casual gathering served as a Committee bonding highlight during AAPI Heritage Month. The event brought together a dynamic group of 17 legal professionals, innovators, and students to network, share insights, and celebrate the local IP legal community.

Co-Chairs Jeffrey Mok, Gregory Pan, and Ada Wang led the evening, which featured a welcoming atmosphere at the 108 W. 39th Street venue. Attendees included representatives from the sponsoring firm, such as Wendy Cheng, as well as several late registrants who joined the group for an evening of engaging discussion. The sponsorship from Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP helped facilitate the event, resulting in a casual and enjoyable evening for all.

If you’re interested in future dinners, keep an eye on the AABANY calendar for upcoming events. To learn more about the IP Committee and their initiatives, visit their subpage on the AABANY website.

Written by Ada Wang, Co-Chair, AABANY’s Intellectual Property Committee

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AABANY’s Student Outreach and Young Lawyers Committees Present Boba Break: An Evening of Community, Mentorship, and Bubble Tea

On May 29, 2026, AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee and Young Lawyers Committee partnered to host Boba Break: Recharge and Connect at King & Spalding. This event brought together law students, young attorneys and members of the AABANY community for an evening of conversation, connection and, of course, boba (bubble) tea in a welcoming and informal setting.

Throughout the evening, attendees exchanged experiences, discussed career paths, shared advice and expanded their professional networks. Law students had the opportunity to connect with practicing attorneys and young lawyers, while attorneys reconnected with colleagues and met the next generation of legal professionals. This event embodied AABANY’s commitment to fostering mentorship, community and meaningful relationships within the profession.

The photos from the evening capture the energy and enthusiasm of the attendees, highlighting the meaningful conversations and new connections formed throughout the event that may continue well beyond the evening. Event photos are now available and can be accessed here: click here.

AABANY extends its sincere gratitude to King & Spalding for hosting the event and to everyone who attended. The enthusiastic participation from law students, young lawyers and community members made the event a memorable success. We look forward to continuing to create engaging opportunities that strengthen relationships across the AABANY community and to support the growth of future legal leaders.

– Written by Helen Ding, Co-Chair, Student Outreach Committee

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AABANY Co-Sponsors Community Screening of “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” Documentary at Safe Horizon for AAPI Heritage Month

On May 29th, 2026, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) joined the Safe Horizon AAPI Affinity Group in New York for a screening of the “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” documentary. The documentary produced by AABANY and AALFNY (Asian American Law Fund of NY) shares the experiences of survivors and families affected by the rise in anti-Asian violence in New York during the Covid-19 pandemic and highlights the legal and community response that followed. 

The Safe Horizon AAPI Affinity Group welcomed a gathering of colleagues in office and also over Zoom and emphasized the importance of allyship and community in increasingly uncertain times. The in-person contingent held a Kimbap making activity that accompanied the documentary screening, highlighting the importance of cultural celebration along with education. 

The film featured deeply personal stories from Justin Go, father of Michelle Go; Sungkon Lee, father of Christina Yuna Lee; and Noel Quintana, a survivor of a violent subway slashing to his face. Their accounts highlighted the lasting impact of anti-Asian violence, the challenges victims face in seeking recognition and support, and the critical role of culturally sensitive pro bono legal advocacy.

Following the documentary screening, Safe Horizon AAPI Affinity Group Co-Chair Audrey Williams facilitated a discussion with Rachel Lee, President & General Counsel of Stand with Asian Americans and a member of AABANY’s Board and Anti-Asian Violence Task Force. The Q&A covered a diverse series of topics, ranging from the Task Force’s work to broader questions touching upon what is at the root of anti-Asian hate. Moreover, in reflecting on Safe Horizon’s role as a victim services nonprofit, Audrey and Rachel discussed the particular application of hate-crime definitions and culturally responsive care. Audrey and Rachel also responded to questions and comments from the group that joined virtually. 

We thank the attendees who joined us in-person and virtually to attend the screening and provided their attention and deeply insightful comments. We are also grateful to the AAPI Affinity Group at Safe Horizon for hosting such a wonderful event, which incorporated both joy and serious discussion in an effort to give a platform to the survivors and families of Anti-Asian violence. 

If anyone is interested in hosting their own  screening of this documentary, contact Daphne Mei, Program Manager of the AABANY Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, at daphne.mei@aabany.org. To contact the Task Force, email aavtf@aabany.org.

–Written by Kate Mao, for the AABANY Anti-Asian Violence Task Force

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NAPABA Membership | Renew Now for Convention Access and Voting Eligibility

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.

Questions? Contact us at membership@napaba.org.

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