Tag: condolences

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NAPABA Releases Statement in Response to the Death of Victoria Lee in Fort Lee, NJ

WASHINGTON – The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY), the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) are anguished at the tragic death of Victoria Lee during an encounter with police officers in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on July 28, 2024. We stand in solidarity with the Korean American community in the Fort Lee area, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Victoria Lee’s family and loved ones.

Members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities are not immune to the challenges caused by mental health crises, which may be exacerbated by cultural and language barriers. Ms. Lee’s death underscores the pressing need for greater mental health awareness and services. 

We strongly encourage the Attorney General of New Jersey to provide candid and timely information, including in language for the local community, as the investigation unfolds. We further call on the Fort Lee Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor, and local leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Korean American community in order to ensure that similar tragedies are not repeated. 

뉴욕한인 변호사 협회(KALAGNY), 뉴저지 동양인 변호사 협회(APALA-NJ), 전미 동양인 변호사협회(NAPABA), 뉴욕 동양인 변호 사 협회(AABANY), 그리고 뉴욕 필리핀 변호사협회(FALA-NY)는 2024년7월28일 뉴저지 포트리에서 출동한 경찰과의 대치 끝에 비극적인 죽음에 이른 빅토리아 리(26세) 씨 사건에 대하여 비통한 마음을 금치 못하고 있습니다. 저희 협회들은(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 포트리 지역의 한인 커뮤니티와의 연대를 표명하며, 빅토리아 리씨의 가족과 친지에 게 깊은 애도를 표합니다. 

모든 동양계 미국인들은 정신건강에서 초래한 문제로부터 자유롭지 않으며, 이러한 문제는 문화 및 언어 장벽에 의하여 악화될수 있습니 다. 빅토리아 리씨의 죽음은 정신건강에 대한 인식 개선과 서비스 기회가 절실히 필요하다는 것을 분명히 보여주는 사건입니다. 

저희는(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 이번 사건에 대하여 뉴저지 검찰청이 수사진행 과정을 빠짐없이 신속하게 제공하도록 하며, 정보 제공 시 해당 지역사회의 언어로 번역된 정보를 포함하여 제공하도록 뉴저지 법무장관 에게 강력히 촉 구 합니다. 저희는 아울러 포트리 경찰, 버겐카운티 검찰 그리고 지역 리더들이 한인 커뮤니티와의 의미 있는 대화를 통해 이와 같은 비극 이 다시는 반복되지 않도록 보장하는 노력을 해줄 것을 요청하는 바입니다. 

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 80,000 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. 

The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) is a professional membership organization of attorneys and law students engaged with the issues affecting the Korean American community in Greater New York, which include New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Incorporated in 1986, KALAGNY seeks to encourage the professional growth of its members as well as provide legal support for the Korean American community. To achieve these goals, KALAGNY provides its members with training and resources useful for professional advancement; expands access to legal services and education in greater New York’s Korean American communities; identifies opportunities for its members to serve the communities in which provides a forum for the expression and exchange of opinions concerning social, political, economic, legal and other issues of concern to our members. KALAGNY is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (“NAPABA”). 

The Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA- NJ) was founded in 1985 and is the largest specialty bar association that collectively represents the interests of Asian and Pacific American lawyers in the State of New Jersey. APALA-NJ focuses on ensuring greater representation of Asian and Pacific American attorneys in various sectors of the legal profession. 

The Asian American Bar Association of New York is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) professional membership organization of attorneys concerned with issues affecting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Incorporated in 1989, AABANY seeks not only to encourage the professional growth of its members but also to advocate for the AAPI community as a whole. AABANY is a New York regional affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). 

The Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) promotes the professional development, interests, and success of Filipino-American legal professionals in the Metro New York area. FALA-NY also endeavors to foster connections between Filipino-American legal professionals and the broader Filipino community. Members of FALA-NY’s Board affiliated with the state and federal court system in New York and New Jersey have abstained from FALA-NY’s endorsement of this statement. 

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AABANY Offers Condolences to Families and Loved Ones of the Victims of the Uvalde, Texas Shooting

19 children, 2 teachers – killed in yet another episode of gun violence that has become all too common. This endless tide of racial hate and gun violence continues to take the lives of innocent Americans across the nation.  The shootings targeting communities of color in Buffalo, Dallas, and now Uvalde, Texas must stop.  This week’s mass shooting at a Texas elementary school –  following the Buffalo mass shooting from two weeks ago resulting in deaths of 10 predominantly older victims – is a harsh reminder that our country has failed to protect the most vulnerable among us.  We offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting.  We demand that our elected officials at all levels of government work together to take immediate action to protect Americans in their daily lives.

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NAPABA Calls on Law Enforcement to Fully Investigate Georgia Shootings

For Immediate Release: Date: March 17, 2021

Contact: Priya Purandare, Executive Director

WASHINGTON—Last night, a gunman entered multiple businesses in Atlanta and opened fire on their predominantly Asian American workforces. This horrifying act of violence left eight dead, including six Asian American women. There have now been nearly 3,800 documented attacks against Asian Americans since the start of the pandemic just over a year ago, with this incident, sadly, being the most brazen and violent.

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)’s president A.B. Cruz III issued the following statement:

“NAPABA extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and coworkers of the eight victims. Last night’s murders are only the latest in a distressing trend that specifically targets and physically attacks Asian Americans—particularly the elderly and women. This is totally unacceptable.

While further details of this violent act are still forthcoming, it is clear, from this latest tragedy and the many before it, that the Asian American community has good reason to be acutely concerned. Therefore, we specifically call on federal and local state law enforcement to aggressively investigate and prosecute these unconscionable killings to the fullest extent, including unearthing and evaluating all evidence supporting that these murders were racially motivated.

NAPABA is working closely with its Affiliate, the Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association on this matter. We are fully committed to providing the necessary resources to the victims and their families to ensure justice ultimately prevails, and our community and our allies may heal and transcend this atrocity.”

NAPABA’s hate crimes resources, including providing pro bono legal assistance, can be found here. NAPABA’s Stand Against Hate campaign, denouncing racism can be found here. NAPABA and its affiliates’ past statements on anti-Asian hate can be found here.

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) represents the interests of over 50,000 legal professionals and nearly 90 national, state, and local Asian Pacific American bar associations. NAPABA is a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American 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 color in the legal profession.

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AABANY Issues Statement on Atlanta Shootings

The Asian American Bar Association of New York expresses its pain and sorrow at this latest act of violence in Atlanta involving shootings of members of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. We extend condolences to the families of the victims in these shootings. In this time of increased violence and harassment against the AAPI community, we commend the quick apprehension of the suspect. We urge law enforcement officials to conduct a full investigation, working with community organizations Georgia Asian Pacific American Bar Association (GAPABA) that will be able to offer culturally and historically guided assistance in how hate crimes impact and affect AAPI communities.

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NAPABA Extends Condolences on the Passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens

For Immediate Release
July 17, 2019
For More Information, Contact:
Navdeep Singh, Policy Director
202-775-9555; [email protected]

The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) extends its sincere condolences to the family of retired United States Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who passed away on July 16th in Florida at the age of 99. He was the longest-lived Supreme Court justice in United States history. Justice Stevens was appointed by President Gerald Ford in 1975 and served until 2010. His thirty-five year tenure on the bench made him the third-longest-serving Justice in the history of the Court.

“Justice Stevens had a significant impact on the United States and our understanding of the law and its evolution,” said NAPABA President, Daniel Sakaguchi. “He was part of and authored decisions in landmark cases that came before the Supreme Court. He will be remembered for his impartial commitment to the rule of law, his efforts to safeguard principals of liberty and equality and his dedicated service to the country, both on the bench and as veteran of World War II.”

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American (APA) attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of over 50,000 attorneys and over 80 national, state, and local bar associations. Its members include solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal services and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government. NAPABA engages in legislative and policy advocacy, promotes APA political leadership and political appointments, and builds coalitions within the legal profession and the community at large. NAPABA also serves as a resource for government agencies, members of Congress, and public service organizations about APAs in the legal profession, civil rights, and diversity in the courts.

To learn more about NAPABA, visit www.napaba.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@NAPABA).

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Bereavement Notice – Han C. Choi

With great sadness, AABANY announces the passing of Han C. Choi on March 26, 2018. Known by many around the country as a leader, mentor, trailblazer and friend, Han was active in NAPABA and was the Managing Partner of the Atlanta office of Ballard Spahr LLP.

AABANY, together with KALAGNY and CAPABA, held a fundraiser on March 22, the proceeds of which were donated to the Han C. Choi Scholarship Fund, administered by the NAPABA Law Foundation.

As announced on the Ballard Spahr website:

A memorial service for Mr. Choi will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 15, at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, 1328 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia. Han’s family has requested that memorial donations in his name be made to the NAPABA Law Foundation’s Han C. Choi Scholarship Fund, https://www.napabalawfoundation.org/foundation-scholarships,  or the Decatur Education Foundation’s Han C. Choi Memorial Scholarship, https://decatureducationfoundation.org/han/.

For more about Han and his life’s work, see the “Remembering Han C. Choi” page on the Ballard Spahr website: http://www.ballardspahr.com/the_firm/inmemoriam-han-choi.aspx

Our thoughts and condolences go out to Han Choi’s family.

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Bereavement Notice: Norman Lau Kee

AABANY is saddened by the news of the passing of Norman Lau Kee. He was a true pioneer in the Asian American legal profession, being among the first Chinese American lawyers to serve the community in New York’s Chinatown. He also served and led the community through his involvement with the Chinatown YMCA, the Chinese-American Planning Council and the US Asia Institute. AABANY named its Trailblazer Award, presented at the Fall Conference, after Norman Lau Kee. His son Glenn is a Past President of AABANY and was the first Asian American President of the New York State Bar Association.

We send our condolences to Glenn and the Lau Kee family. Below are further details about the wake and giving donations in lieu of flowers.

It is with sadness that the Lau Kee family announces the passing away of Norman Lau Kee on November, 9, 2017.  Mr. Kee was a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Fordham University School of Law, and served in the US Navy.  He began the practice of law in 1956 as the third Chinese-American lawyer to practice in Chinatown.   A great civic leader, Mr. Kee also served as Chairman of the Federal Advisory Commission to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, on the New York City Commission of Human Rights, and on the boards of several community organizations.  He helped to found the Chinatown YMCA and the US Asia Institute, and was the recipient of numerous civic awards.   He was also a sailor, skier and opera lover.

Norman Lau Kee is survived by his wife, Esther; children Glenn, Deborah, Laura Ann, Gail, Valerie; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.  The wake will be held in New York on November 27, 2017, 3:00 pm at Ng Fook Funeral home at 36 Mulberry Street, New York, NY.  A memorial event will held in Washington DC on December 7th at the US Asia Institute at 6:00 pm.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New York Chinatown YMCA ([email protected]) or to the US Asia Institute in Washington DC (contact [email protected]).

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Press Release: NAPABA Extends Condolences on the Passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Scalia

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For Immediate Release
Feb. 14, 2016

For More Information, Contact​​:
Brett Schuster, Communications Manager
202-775-9555; [email protected]

NAPABA Extends Condolences on the Passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

WASHINGTON — The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) extends its sincere condolences to the family of United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who unexpectedly passed away Saturday morning in Texas. Justice Scalia, who served on the Supreme Court for 30 years, was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.

“Justice Scalia’s contribution to the United States and legal jurisprudence was immense,” said NAPABA President Jin Y. Hwang. “I had the opportunity to observe Supreme Court oral arguments as a law student and meet with Justice Scalia afterwards, and his intelligence, marked wit, and strong devotion to originalism left an indelible impression on me.  He freely spoke his mind on the bench, and he will be remembered for his nearly 30 years of dedicated public service on the Supreme Court.”

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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) is the national association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students. NAPABA represents the interests of nearly 50,000 attorneys and over 75 national, state, and local Asian Pacific American bar associations. Its members include solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal services and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government.

NAPABA continues to be a leader in addressing civil rights issues confronting Asian Pacific American communities. Through its national network of committees and affiliates, 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 color in the legal profession.

To learn more about NAPABA, visit www.napaba.org, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter (@NAPABA).

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