On April 1, 2024, AsAm News published an article by Ti-Hua Chang reporting on the retirement of Margaret Fung, co-founder of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF). After serving as Executive Director of AALDEF for most of the fifty years she’s been with the organization, she is now retiring from her position in October.
AALDEF, based in New York, is a national organization known for spearheading advocacy efforts in support AAPI workers’ rights, voting rights, and anti-Asian hate initiatives, among others. Margaret Fung, who pioneered many such civil rights activities, has been praised by community leaders, especially in Chinatown, for her continuous fight to improve the lives of the working people and immigrant communities. After hearing about her retirement, many wondered what the future of AALDEF will look like without her prominent contributions.
Executive Director of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) Yang Chen stated, “AALDEF is the NAACP of the Asian American community and has done a lot of great work in the last 50 years. Now that Margaret is stepping down, the big question is: will they be able to perpetuate that, continue that.”
Whatever the future holds for AALDEF in the years to come, Margaret’s legacy as an AAPI civil rights advocate and trailblazer in the male-dominated legal field will continue to live on. AABANY honors Margaret for all that she has accomplished in a storied career.
The Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY) is pleased to announce that recipients of its 2024 Public Interest Scholarships will now be entitled to receive up to $6000. Awards are given each year to up to 3 law students with a demonstrated commitment to serving the Asian American community in New York State and the greater New York metropolitan area.
The online application is available at https://www.asianamericanlawfund.org/public-interest-scholarship-online-application/. Applicants should include a description of their proposed summer public service project, if applicable, and the name, email address and phone number of a supervisor at the public service organization or other organization that the AALFNY Scholarship Committee may contact. Confirmation of the public service project is not required at the time of the application but will be required before the award of the scholarship. Applicants are responsible for arranging their own projects. A list of organizations that have hosted students in the past is on our website https://www.asianamericanlawfund.org/prior-community-scholarship-recipients/. The list is only provided as an example and no guarantee is made that the organizations will continue to host students in 2024 or that volunteering at one of these organizations entitles the applicant to a Scholarship. Each student is expected to volunteer at least 8 weeks, 35 hours per week, during the summer of 2024 at such project and to apply the award to the payment of law school tuition.
The purpose of the award is to assist law students with their tuition while encouraging them to use their legal knowledge and training to benefit the Asian American community in New York and to foster commitment by law students to public service in New York. Since 1997, AALFNY has funded more than 60 public interest scholarships to law students.
AALFNY was established in 1993 by the Asian American Bar Association of New York to create and support non-profit and charitable efforts to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and to defend human and civil rights.
A copy of our latest annual report may be obtained from AALFNY at P.O. Box 161, 41 Purdy Ave., Rye NY 10580 or from the NY Attorney General’s Charities Bureau website www.charitiesnys.com. Information may also be obtained from AALFNY at [email protected] or the NYS Attorney General at 212-416-8686.
Are you a mid-career attorney seeking to cultivate your leadership style and build community? NAPABA invites you to apply for the 2024-25 NAPABA Leadership Advancement Program (LAP). This is your unique opportunity to transform as a leader, ground your career vision, and foster genuine relationships with peers within the profession.Learn more about this year-long experiential program. The deadline to apply is just three weeks away.
NAPABA provides its members with exclusive leadership opportunities like this to help members raise their professional profile and develop leadership skills. As a current NAPABA Member, we urge you to apply for this preeminent program.
If you know someone who would be interested in this opportunity, forward them this email.
For Immediate Release: November 13, 2023 Contact: Priya Purandare, Executive Director
INDIANAPOLIS – Last week, during the first quarterly meeting of the 2023-2024 year, the NAPABA Board of Governors approved and welcomed the South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey (SABA-NJ) as an affiliate of NAPABA. Founded in 2004, SABA-NJ is a voluntary association of attorneys dedicated to addressing the needs, concerns, and interest of the South Asian community in New Jersey, one of the largest in the Nation.
“We are thrilled to begin our new Board year with welcoming SABA-NJ, an influential force within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community in New Jersey, as a part of the NAPABA family,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “SABA-NJ’s leadership in supporting the community at large, the legal profession, and advancing judicial candidates that reflect the rich diversity of New Jersey, is well known both within New Jersey and beyond. We look forward to our partnership and working together as a force multiplier for good.”
“It is truly an honor and privilege for the South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey to be accepted as an affiliate partner of the well-established and highly-revered NAPABA organization,” said Rippi Karda, President of SABA-NJ. “We look forward to contributing to NAPABA through SABA-NJ’s diverse and talented membership. Thank you to the NAPABA Board of Governors for their support and acceptance.”
SABA-NJ joins a community of nearly 90 local, state, regional, and national bar associations in the United States and Canada that are affiliates and national associates of NAPABA. The affiliates hold certain voting rights under the NAPABA Bylaws, and individual members of the affiliates are entitled to complimentary NAPABA membership and the benefits that accompany it. For more information about how to become a NAPABA affiliate, please visit our webpage here, and learn more here about the benefits of becoming a NAPABA member.
###
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.
Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director for Policy
WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate Adeel Mangi to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. If confirmed, Mangi would be the first American Muslim judge on any federal appellate court in the Nation.
“NAPABA congratulates Adeel Mangi on his nomination,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “A 2014 NAPABA Best Under 40 awardee, Mr. Mangi has been an active leader in the Asian American community, and his pro bono work supporting the American Muslim community is groundbreaking. He is exceptionally well qualified to serve on the court, and we urge the U.S. Senate to confirm him quickly.”
Adeel A. Mangi is a partner at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP. He began his legal career there as an associate in 2000, became counsel in 2009, and was elevated to partnership in 2010. Mr. Mangi received his LL.M. from Harvard Law School in 2000. He qualified as a Barrister and received his Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Skills from the City University London Inns of Court School of Law in 1999 and his First Class Degree in Law from the University of Oxford, Pembroke College, in 1998.
“President Biden has nominated 34 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders to an Article III court, and 26 judges from the AANHPI community have been confirmed. Today, AANHPIs represent 6.5% of the federal judiciary,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “As a point of comparison, President Trump confirmed 13, President Obama confirmed 22, and all presidents prior confirmed 19 AANHPI judges.”
NAPABA thanks President Biden for nominating Adeel Mangi and the New Jersey Senators for supporting his nomination.
###
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.
In recognition of her legal prowess, dedication to service, and entrepreneurial spirit, Beatrice Leong, a prominent Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) woman solo practitioner, has been honored with the Best Under 40 award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). Beatrice will receive the award on November 11th at the NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis, during the Gala on Saturday evening. The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) is thrilled to celebrate this outstanding achievement and applauds Beatrice’s unwavering commitment to the legal profession and her community.
Empathy Born from Experience
Beatrice was set on becoming a prosecutor since she was in Junior High school. She was married to her high school sweetheart, she had finished law school, and she had an offer to intern with the Queens District Attorney’s office.
The discovery of her then-husband’s infidelity threw a wrench in her plans and forced Beatrice on a different path. Her consultations with divorce attorneys were disheartening. She failed the bar exam. “I felt like I was dying,” she said, looking back on that time. Nevertheless, she took matters into her own hands. The same drive and passion for justice that made her want to prosecute wrongdoers pushed her to become a divorce lawyer, the kind that she wanted for herself, and one that her future clients could safely rely on.
From personal experience, Beatrice understands the emotional and often heart-wrenching aspects of divorce and family conflicts. This has equipped her with a profound empathy that she channels into her legal practice. She is a compassionate advocate who walks alongside her clients through the tumultuous process of divorce, offering pragmatic guidance with a deep understanding of the emotions that accompany such challenges.
Redefining Success as a Solo Practitioner and Entrepreneur
Beatrice started her career in divorce and family law at matrimonial and family law firms in both Queens and Manhattan, first at Plaine & Katz LLP and later at Parmet & Zhou LLC and Kleyman Law Firm. She started her own practice, the Law Office of Beatrice Leong, in 2021. As the only solo practitioner among this year’s Best Under 40 honorees, Beatrice’s remarkable journey is an inspiration to young lawyers. Reflecting on her career, Beatrice emphasized the importance, especially for young AAPI lawyers, to recognize the value of their work and not be afraid to carve their own path.
Leadership in the Legal Community
Beyond her exceptional legal practice, Beatrice is dedicated to serving the AAPI community by playing an active role in both AABANY and NAPABA. She currently serves as a Co-Vice President of Programs and Operations at AABANY and a Co-Chair of NAPABA’s Solo & Small Firm Network.
Through AABANY, Beatrice met other AAPI lawyers, rare in her field, and people who could relate to being mistaken by court officers as an interpreter, intern or a litigant, because they do not fit the traditional image of a lawyer. She says that she found “her community” through AABANY: the pro bono clients she advised through AABANY, fellow AAPI lawyers, and AAPI law students.
Beatrice recalls being described as a “natural leader” by her peers at AABANY after she joined. More and more, she dedicated her free time to fostering connections between the organization’s members, drawing from a deeply held conviction that strength comes from unity. Later, she joined NAPABA to promote AAPI representation on a national level.
Beatrice Leong’s journey is a testament to her unyielding dedication to her clients, her community, and the legal profession. Her personal understanding, professional excellence, and commitment to service make her a beacon of hope for those navigating the difficult waters of divorce and family law. Beatrice’s passion and expertise continue to inspire and make a profound impact, both in the legal world and the lives of those she serves.
Congratulations to Beatrice Leong on this well-deserved award and recognition! You can click here to learn more about the Best Under 40 award and read about other awardees.
Please join AABANY in congratulating all of the honorees at the 2023 NAPABA Convention.
WASHINGTON – During the 2023 Convention of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), Sandra Leung, the President of NAPABA, will bestow this year’s President’s Award posthumously upon David L. Kim, a pioneer within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAHNPI) community. Every year, the NAPABA President pays tribute to a remarkable entity or individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Nation’s AANHPI population. NAPABA is proud to honor David Kim’s incredible legacy. NAPABA, along with so many others, mourns with the Kim family for their loss of David, who passed away in June 2023.
“David Kim not only was a game-changer for corporate philanthropy to benefit the AANHPI community, but he created the model,” said Sandra Leung, President of NAPABA. “His impact will be felt for generations to come. For our NAPABA family, David’s commitment and generosity have been invaluable in ensuring that NAPABA and the NAPABA Law Foundation (NLF) thrive—especially in the early years following our founding. He will be greatly missed.”
During his long career — which included serving as President and CEO of the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, President of the Iambic Group, LLC; Vice President of Multicultural Markets at AARP, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Mint, and Global Director of Asian Marketing and Community Relations at Anheuser Busch — David blazed the trail for so many. He harnessed corporate resources to invest in long-overlooked AANHPI populations. He shared wisdom, generosity, and counsel with so many in our community with a degree of selflessness and kindness that left an indelible mark on a generation.
David’s contributions were integral to the growth and development of NAPABA and NLF. For over three decades, he delivered opportunities for generations of AANHPI law students who now stand as leaders in the legal profession. Programs like the Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, a training ground for law students, have flourished because of his generosity. Beyond his professional achievements, David is remembered fondly for his warmth, incredible sense of humor, and enduring friendship.
“On behalf of NAPABA, I am truly grateful to David’s family for allowing us to honor his legacy during NAPABA’s 35th Annual Convention in Indianapolis,” said Sandra Leung. “This award is a testament to the lasting impact of his life’s work within the AANHPI community and the legal profession as a whole.”
###
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.
WASHINGTON – [On October 19,] the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA Chicago), an affiliate of the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America) and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), announced that it learned about abhorrent, antisemitic comments, which were made on a social media account owned by the then-SABA Chicago president. She is no longer president, and the president-elect of SABA Chicago has now assumed the presidency.
The legal profession is held to a high standard when it comes to our conduct, and our leaders are held to an even higher one. Words that are infused with violence and antisemitism have no place in our public discourse. SABA North America and NAPABA, in no uncertain terms, unequivocally condemn such abhorrent statements. We stand against hate, no matter the form, and we are focused on building a community where respect, compassion, and dignity prevail.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 60,000 Asian Pacific American (APA) legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local APA bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Through its national network, NAPABA provides a strong voice for increased diversity of the federal and state judiciaries, advocates for equal opportunity in the workplace, works to eliminate hate crimes and anti-immigrant sentiment, and promotes the professional development of people of all backgrounds in the legal profession.
Nearly 50 members of the bar “came out” to celebrate the diversity within the LGBT, Asian American, and South Asian communities with the LGBT Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and host Linklaters LLP. A companion reception is planned for Washington DC hosted by Blank Rome LLP on Nov. 16. RSVP here.
LGBT Asian American and South Asian attorneys in corporate, commercial, government, and public interest practice gathered to build peer-support and expand their network. David Lat, Founder, Original Jurisdiction and Above the Law, shared welcoming remarks. Thank you for joining us again.
Law firm sponsorships will help “Build Back the LGBTQ+ API community Better!” in collaboration with the Asian American Federation. Two years of lockdowns, a year of anti-Asian violence, and a record number of state anti-LGBT bills, have stunted the LGBTQ Asian community’s growth. Sponsors will support a series of training workshops for the LGBTQ Asian American community. Thank you for all your support!
On the evening of September 22, 2023, OCA-NY Asian Pacific American Advocates of New York presented a Community Award to AABANY. Honorees gathered in Chinatown to attend OCA-NY’s Community Service and Leadership Awards Gala, hosted at the House of Joy on Pell Street in Manhattan Chinatown.
OCA-NY is a national non-profit civil rights organization, dedicated to “promoting and protecting the political, economic, and cultural rights of Asian Pacific Americans in America.” Founded in 1973, OCA was established to advocate for Asian Americans on the national level, providing a robust platform for representation and change for Asian Americans across America. OCA’s New York Chapter hosts a variety of programs, focused on transforming public policy and engaging in active community advocacy.
This year’s Community Service and Leadership Awards Gala was the first in-person gala hosted by the New York chapter since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The gala celebrated a wide range of renowned local leaders, as well as organizations that have made significant contributions to the community. AABANY congratulates our fellow honorees:
Tzi Ma, Lifetime Achievement Award
Assemblymember Steven Raga, Leadership Award
Mohamed Q. Amin, Trailblazer Award
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, Community Award
As recognized by OCA-NY, AABANY has made significant contributions to the AAPI community through various initiatives and programs. Established in 2015, AABANY’s Pro Bono clinic has provided crucial legal assistance and support to members of the AAPI community who may be facing legal challenges but are hindered in finding legal advice and information that is linguistically and culturally accessible. This initiative has been supported by AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS), started in 2020. Since then, LRIS has served as a vital resource for individuals seeking legal representation, ensuring that community members have access to reliable legal information and can connect with qualified attorneys who can assist them with their legal needs by speaking their language and understanding their cultural background and context. Responding to rising incidents of anti-Asian hate and violence, AABANY has also established an Anti-Asian Violence Task Force. Active since 2021, the Task Force has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, advocate for policy change, and provide support to victims and their families. Collectively, these initiatives reflect AABANY’s unwavering commitment to serving and advocating for the AAPI community, making a positive impact on and advancing the well-being of the AAPI community in New York and beyond.
At the gala, former AABANY President Vince Chang presented the award to AABANY, which was accepted by Yang Chen, Executive Director. OCA-NY presented each honoree with a Chinese character, rendered in calligraphy and framed, which OCA-NY believes best represented each honoree. AABANY’s character was 廉 (lián), symbolizing “fairness and integrity.”
Many members of AABANY’s leadership attended the gala to commemorate our accomplishments alongside those of other distinguished community leaders. At AABANY’s table were:
Karen Kim, President
Yang Chen, Executive Director
Vince Chang, Former President (and Immediate Past President of the New York County Lawyers Association, its first AAPI President)
Beatrice Leong, Co-Vice President of Programing & Operations
Francis Chin, Director of Technology, Professional Development Committee Co-Chair
Nandar Win Kerr, Professional Development Committee Vice-Chair
May Wong, Pro Bono and Community Service Committee Vice-Chair
Kevin Hsi,Government Service & Public Interest Committee Co-Chair
Also in attendance were: Yen-Yi Anderson, Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee Co-Chair; Glenn Magpantay, LGBT Committee Co-Chair; Richard In, active member; Tim Wong, former Treasurer.
The Community Service and Leadership Awards Gala at the House of Joy was a remarkable gathering that celebrated not only AABANY’s accomplishments, but also the collective strength of our community. AABANY extends our sincere appreciation to our colleagues, supporters, and the AABANY leadership who took part in the celebration. Together, our work reaffirms and reinforces our shared vision of building a brighter, more equitable future for New York’s AAPI community.
