Tag: community

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AABANY’s Annual Picnic Brings a Taste of Chinatown to Central Park

There’s no better way to celebrate summer than with great food, great company, and the beauty of Central Park — and the Young Lawyers Committee’s Annual Picnic delivered all three. This year, we once again partnered with Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli, a beloved Chinatown staple owned by Billy You and Eric Lee, to bring their signature banh mi sandwiches straight to the Great Lawn.

On picnic day, about 50 attendees gathered to savor these flavorful sandwiches, relax on the lush green lawns, mingle with fellow members, and enjoy lively outdoor activities. Among the many attendees were Yang Chen, AABANY Executive Director, Carrey Wong, AABANY Deputy Executive Director, Benjamin Hsing, AABANY President, Development Director Beatrice Leong, and various other Committee Chairs and members. YLC’s Co-Chairs Justin Lee and Jameson Xu organized the event and were in attendance as well. Membership Director Alysha Naik brought a few board games for people to play and enjoy.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, conversation, and a strong sense of community — a reminder of what makes the AABANY network so special. From families spreading picnic blankets to friends catching up under shady trees, the picnic offered a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy a taste of Chinatown without leaving the park. 

To see the album of photos, go here.

Thanks to everyone who came out, and for bringing friends, families, and pets! If you missed this year’s gathering, we hope to see you next summer! To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee, please visit aabany.org/page/123

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IP Committee Hosts Dinner at Ziggle Tofu and Grill

On Monday, July 28, AABANY’s Intellectual Property Committee gathered for its monthly dinner, this time over a flavorful Korean meal at Ziggle Tofu & Grill. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the restaurant offered a cozy space for members to unwind, connect, and enjoy a variety of Korean comfort dishes.

The table quickly filled with bubbling tofu stews, sizzling BBQ platters, and side dishes passed around family-style. With food at the center, conversations flowed easily—from recent developments in AI and IP law to summer travel plans.

These monthly dinners have become a highlight for the Committee, offering a relaxed setting to build community outside of the typical networking events and panel discussions. For newer members and first-time attendees, it was a great way to get involved and meet others with shared interests.

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

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AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Hosts Board Games Night at Fish & Richardson

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, AABANY’s Intellectual Property Committee hosted a Board Games Night at Fish  &  Richardson’s office in Times Square. The event was open to all, no matter skill level or profession, and encouraged guests to bring a friend. 

Around 20 players, including IP lawyers, legal interns, law students, in-house counsel, and patent professionals, gathered for an evening of friendly competition. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities, including table tennis, Taboo, Codenames, and many exciting new games.

A spread of dumplings, noodles, and refreshments was available throughout the night. Professionals and students were able to converse about their various fields and advice for future career paths while also learning how to play new games.

After mingling and playing at various tables, everyone came together for a spirited group session of Hues and Cues. A player took turns providing one or two-word hints, prompting others in five teams of three to four to quickly identify a specific color square and place their pieces on the board before other teams beat them to it.

The AABANY and Fish interns took some time to figure out the rules of the game. Once they did, they showed everyone at the event how to play. Almost everyone participated, and they formed teams in this friendly competition. The game continued into the night, contributing to an atmosphere inspiring friendly banter, allowing participants to unwind and connect.

Thank you to all the attendees for coming to this event. Thank you to Jeffrey Mok for organizing this event and his firm, Fish & Richardson, for hosting. To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can get involved, visit their page here. Consider joining the IP Committee for dinner at Ziggle Tofu & Grill on July 28 here.

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Glow Center, Committee of 100, and Foundation Center Inc. Host AAPI Youth Career Workshop

On June 27, 2025, Glow Cultural Center, Committee of 100, and The Foundation Center Inc. hosted the AAPI Youth Career Workshop, a networking reception for students to engage in networking conversations with their peers and experienced professionals from a wide range of industries. The panelists of speakers included: 

Dr. Pauline Lau (Medicine) – Hematology & Oncology, Board of Directors of Coalition of Asian-American Independent Practice Association (CAIPA)

Mark Lee (Business) – Founder of RokStar Chicken

Gary L. Yeung (Law) – Litigation Associate at Schulte Roth & Zabel, Member of Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY)

The panel was moderated by Dr. Teresa Hsu (Mental Health) – Founder of Supportive Place for Empowering Asian Americans & Kin (SPEAK)​​

Attendees heard from the speakers about their backgrounds, the challenges they faced pursuing their careers, their passion in giving back to the AAPI community, and their advice on how to build communication skills, confidence, and connection. This program also provided networking opportunities for high school students to learn from these professionals in the medical, business, and legal field.

We thank Gary Yeung, Co-Chair of the Mentorship Committee and Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, for sharing his personal experiences and community-facing work he has been able to do through AABANY. Gary also gave shout-outs to his fellow Pro Bono Clinic volunteers, some of whom were in the audience.

Yes, you too can give back to the community in different ways: whether speaking in public to inspire future young professionals or volunteering at community organizations, such as AABANY’s Pro Bono Legal Clinics! Please consider joining us at our upcoming clinics:

Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic on July 12, 2025 [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30pm – 2:00pm, at CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232.

Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic on  July 16, 2025 [Manhattan link here], from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, at AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002. 

Queens Pro Bono Clinic on August 6, 2025 [Queens link here], from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, at AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355.

For more information, visit probono.aabany.org.

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AABANY Prosecutors Committee and Student Outreach Committee Co-Hosts Summer Welcome Event at TapHaus 33

On June 24, 2025, AABANY’s Prosecutors Committee and Student Outreach Committee held their Summer Welcome Event in collaboration with the New York Chapter of the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA) at TapHaus 33, a bar in Midtown Manhattan. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) and judges over great drinks and small bar bites. 

Prosecutors from all over the city attended this casual gathering that perfectly blended professional enrichment with summer socializing, highlighting the strong sense of camaraderie within the prosecutor community. The energetic and community-focused setting enabled conversations on everything from the unique challenges prosecutors face to the importance of mentorship in the profession. 

The event also provided a great opportunity for Committee members to catch up and for law students to make meaningful new connections. Students were able to engage in thought-provoking discussions with ADAs and judges about career paths, courtroom experiences, and the motivation behind pursuing public service. Many expressed how these candid conversations offered valuable insight into the realities of a prosecutor’s role and what life is like in public service. 

With over 50 attendees, the event was a great success, especially given the sweltering summer heat wave. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so special. The Prosecutors Committee looks forward to hosting more events in the coming months. Join us next time and bring a friend!

To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee and how you can get involved, visit their page here. To learn more about the Prosecutors Committee and how you can get involved, visit their page here.

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AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Hosts Dinner at Tosokchon NYC

On June 23, 2025, the Intellectual Property Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) hosted its June dinner at Tosokchon, a beloved Korean restaurant in Manhattan’s Koreatown. Attendees bonded over their shared interest in intellectual property law while enjoying lively conversations and savoring a variety of delicious Korean dishes, including japchae, kalbi, and kimchi pancake.

The casual setting offered a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in discussions on topics ranging from recent IP developments to sharing insights from their experiences across the four core IP areas: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The evening also featured thoughtful conversations about how attendees’ diverse experiences guided them to their current positions. Some attendees had backgrounds rooted in science and engineering, while others entered the intellectual property field through a more traditional legal path. Several attorneys offered valuable advice on law school applications to our college student attendees, fostering a supportive environment for the next generation of legal professionals.

The IP Committee’s monthly dinners aim to build an inclusive community where individuals can explore ideas and expand their networks. Thank you to all who attended and helped make the evening a success!

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can participate, visit the IP Committee’s page on the AABANY website.

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2025 NAPABA Convention | Early Bird Registration Starts Now!

2025 NAPABA Convention

Get ready—NAPABA is heading to the Mile High City! Registration is now open for the 2025 NAPABA Convention, our signature event and one of the largest annual gatherings of attorneys, judges, law professors, and students. NAPABA is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive community open to all—where everyone is empowered to engage, contribute, and lead. We hope you and your colleagues join us.

This year’s Convention in Denver promises thought-provoking programs, dynamic networking, and countless opportunities to connect with peers and leaders who are shaping the future of the legal profession. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, grow your community, or simply be inspired—there’s something here for you.

Early Bird pricing only lasts for a limited time. As a current NAPABA member, you’ll get the best deal for the Convention if you register now!

Register Now

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW | REGISTRATION & HOUSING

When you register early, you’ll be first in line for our special hotel rates, a la carte plenaries, and gala tickets! This year, a room block has been secured at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, the Convention host hotel. We’ve also secured overflow hotels at the Hilton Denver City Center and the Sonesta Denver Downtown, both within walking distance to the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. The unique booking link will be provided AFTER you register for the 2025 NAPABA Convention.

To enhance your Convention experience and put you in control of your schedule, the Friday and Saturday Plenary Luncheons and the 37th Anniversary Gala will be available for purchase a la carte. To attend these ticketed events, you must add them to your registration for an additional fee.

SCHOLARSHIPS

NAPABA strives to keep the Convention affordable for our members and offers one of the best values among legal education conferences. Scholarships may be used towards Convention registration, airfare, lodging, and/or ground transportation.

  • General Convention Scholarship Application | Deadline: August 5 at 8 pm ET
  • Law Student Scholarship Program Application | Deadline: September 16 at 8 pm ET
Learn More About Scholarships

QUESTIONS

Additional resources about the Convention are on our website. For further questions, email us at convention@napaba.org.

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2025 NAPABA Awards | Celebrating Last Year’s Honorees

Join Us As We Celebrate Our Community

Each year, NAPABA celebrates legal professionals and organizations whose work exemplifies excellence, impact, and leadership in service of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. This year’s honorees will join an illustrious list of past recipients—Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono, Rear Admiral A.B. Cruz III (ret. USN), former Principal Deputy Solicitor General of the United States Neal Katyal, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of Medtronic Ivan Fong, former Mayor of San Francisco Edwin Mah Lee (posthumous), Ambassador Gary Locke, Ambassador Katherine Tai, civil rights attorney Dale Minami, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, Chief Judge Sri Srinivasan, Judge Amul Thapar, President of Queens College Frank Wu, and activist and author Helen Zia to name a few—whose achievements have shaped the legal profession and advanced justice nationwide.

With award presentations now thoughtfully spread across the NAPABA Convention to create more meaningful moments of celebration, there’s never been a better time to nominate someone whose work inspires you. Let’s shine a spotlight on the leaders shaping our future.

View This Year’s Award Categories

2024 Award Honorees

2024 President’s Award

Nancy P. LeePriya PurandareWendy C. Shiba

INSPIRE Award

Military & Veteran Service Award

In-House Counsel Leadership Award

Don LiuMarty LorenzoHannah Kim

In-House Counsel Leadership Rising Star

Pro Bono Service
Award

Public Sector
Leadership Award

Stephanie Chu ClausenMuhammad FaridiJin Hee Lee

Women’s Leadership
Award

Manisha M. Sheth

Affiliate of the Year

APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year

Law Firm Community Champion

Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Awards

Joseph J. Centeno

Robert S. Chang

The Honorable Leslie E. Kobayashi

The Honorable Goodwin LiuChristy Goldsmith Romero

Best Under 40 Award

Onchantho Am

Aaron Bains

Aaron Bains

Nyssa P. ChopraMinsuk Han

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AABANY IP Committee Enjoys Malaysian Cuisine at May Dinner

On Monday, May 12, 2025, the AABANY Intellectual Property Committee hosted its monthly dinner, this time at Rasa, a Malaysian restaurant located in Greenwich Village. Members and guests gathered to enjoy an evening of flavorful food and engaging conversation.

The dinner provided a relaxed and friendly setting for attendees to connect with others who share an interest in intellectual property law. Participants ranged from seasoned IP practitioners to law students and newcomers to the legal field. The event was open to both AABANY members and non-members, and several first-time attendees joined the group—bringing new energy and fresh perspectives to the table.

Over plates of satay, roti, and nasi lemak, conversations covered recent developments in IP law, career paths in the field, and opportunities for collaboration within the AABANY community. The dinner also offered a great chance for committee members to catch up and welcome new faces into the fold.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening a success! The IP Committee looks forward to hosting more dinners and events in the coming months. New members are always welcome—bring a friend and join us next time!

To learn more about the IP Committee and how you can participate, visit the IP Committee’s page on the AABANY website.

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In the News: Johnny Thach Shares His Journey from Laundromat to Principal Law Clerk 

In a recent Queens Daily Eagle feature, reporter Noah Powelson profiles Johnny Thach, principal law clerk to Civil Term Supreme Court Justice Karen Lin. The article traces Thach’s inspiring journey from growing up in a working-class immigrant family in Elmhurst to becoming a first-generation college and law school graduate. As a child of Vietnamese immigrants, Thach spent much of his youth helping his mother run their family laundromat. That experience shaped his understanding of the challenges immigrant communities face and fueled his drive to pursue a legal career.

“When you are growing up in an immigrant family, it’s often very difficult because that road really isn’t paved for you,” Thach told the Eagle. Now serving in the courts, he supports Judge Lin in assisting litigants and mediating legal disputes, while staying deeply connected to the community through pro bono work and his involvement with the Asian American Bar Association of New York, where he serves as one of the Government Service and Public Interest Committee Co-Chairs. “I’m just trying to be as involved in the community as much as possible and give back,” he said.

Congratulations to AABANY member Johnny Thach on this well-deserved recognition!

To read the full article, click here.

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