Michelle Lee Shares Her Journey at Dumplings & Discussion on Nov. 12

On November 12, 2025, AABANY hosted another installment of its popular Dumplings & Discussion series, featuring Michelle Lee, General Counsel at MediaCo. The event drew a diverse group of attorneys and law students for an evening filled with candid conversation, career inspiration, community building, and, of course, delicious dumplings.

Moderated by AABANY Board Director Jeffrey Mok, the discussion explored Michelle’s remarkable journey through the legal profession. She reflected on her path to becoming General Counsel, sharing insights on mentorship, resilience, and embracing new challenges. Her thoughtful reflections offered both practical guidance and encouragement to aspiring legal professionals navigating their own career paths.

Following the conversation, attendees gathered for a networking reception, continuing the dialogue over plates of dumplings. The evening fostered connection, mentorship, and the exchange of shared experiences among members of the legal community.

AABANY extends its heartfelt thanks to Michelle Lee for her generosity in sharing her story, to Jeffrey Mok for leading the discussion, and to all who attended for making the event a success.

To read more about past Dumplings and Discussion chats, click here.

Consider coming to the next Dumplings and Discussion event, scheduled for December 9, 2025 with Alan Chang, General Counsel/Senior Vice President of the New York Yankees. For more information and to register by December 7, click here.

AABANY Committees Come Together for GCs Uncorked

On September 30, 2025, AABANY hosted a special evening of wine tasting and live music at Saltwater NYC, a cozy coffee shop and wine bar co-owned by Sumeet Chugani, General Counsel at Cloaked. The packed event brought together senior in-house counsel and AABANY members for an intimate and engaging night of conversation and connection.

With curated wine selections and a relaxed ambiance, Saltwater provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of relaxed conversation, shared stories, and new connections among AAPI legal professionals and allies.

Thanks to the co-sponsoring AABANY committees; click to learn more about each one:

Thank you to Sumeet and the Saltwater staff for hosting a memorable and fun night.  We look forward to more events that foster connection within our vibrant community.

To stay informed about all upcoming events hosted by these committees, as well as other exciting AABANY events, we encourage you to visit the calendar on AABANY’s website for the latest information.

written by Jeffrey Mok, AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Co-Chair and Board Director

IP Committee Hosts Dinner at Dumpling Xi

On September 22, 2025, the AABANY Intellectual Property Committee gathered at Dumpling Xi for its monthly dinner filled with laughter, conversation, and delicious dumplings.

The attendees enjoyed authentic, hand-crafted dumplings, which many described as “comfort food that feels like home.” Each bite transported us back to family kitchens and hometown flavors, sparking nostalgia and connection.

Equally special was the community that came together. The dinner was a true reunion, with old friends reconnecting over shared plates and fond memories, while also warmly welcoming new faces into the group.

Attendees also shared war stories on the cases they have worked on, while exchanging practical tips and strategies with one another. These discussions highlighted the spirit of collaboration and mentorship that defines the IP Committee.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this special evening. We look forward to many more meals, meaningful conversations, and moments of connection ahead.

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.

2025 NAPABA Convention | Start Your #NAPABA2025 Experience with Powerful Thursday Programming

Join us November 6–8 at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, Colorado, for one of the largest annual gatherings of legal professionals. Start your 2025 NAPABA Convention experience with immersive programming that fuels growth, connection, and leadership.

Thursday, November 6, features focused workshops and sessions led by NAPABA’s Committees and Networks. Whether you’re growing your practice, deepening your expertise, or advancing your leadership, Thursday’s offerings are crafted to empower and inspire.

INTERNATIONAL LAW SYMPOSIUM
Delve into the evolving landscape of global regulation and innovation through timely sessions that offer cutting-edge insights into the legal challenges redefining international practice today.

  • ILS 1 | Pulling Up the Drawbridge: Regulation of In-bound and Out-bound Investments in the United States
  • ILS 2 | AI Crossroads: Navigating IP Challenges in China and the U.S.

SOLO & SMALL FIRM BOOT CAMP
Sharpen your financial and risk management skills with sessions on billing, trust accounting, audits, and insurance essentials to safeguard your solo or small firm practice.

  • SSF 1 | Locked, Loaded, & Legally Compliant: Strategic Billing, Flawless Trust Accounting, IRS Audits, & Bulletproof Bookkeeping
  • SSF 2 | Legal Landmines & Insurance Lifelines: Insuring Your Practice Against the Unexpected

YOUNG LAWYERS WORKSHOP
Develop essential skills and practical strategies—from personal branding and relationship building to navigating your early years in practice—to thrive as an attorney in today’s ever-evolving legal landscape.

  • YLN 1 | What You Didn’t Learn in Law School: Expanding Your Influence Through Branding and Relationship Building
  • YLN 2 | Navigating the First Decade: Career Strategies for Young Attorneys

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP
This workshop will provide practical insights and strategies to develop financial know-how and resilience in your personal and professional life.

  • WLN 1 | Keynote Address – Financial Wellness for Women
  • WLN 2 | Financial Literacy for Legal Professionals Panel Discussion
  • WLN 3 | Breakout Discussions

View our full agenda for more information about the sessions above and additional programming!

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

AABANY Women’s Committee Hosted: Nourish Your Creativity

On the evening of February 21, the AABANY Women’s Committee hosted an art night in downtown Manhattan called “Nourish Your Creativity.” This gathering aimed to inspire creativity and bring participants together for a fun-filled evening.

Eight enthusiastic participants arrived, excited to explore their artistic sides. They had the freedom to choose their desired art activities, allowing each person to have a personalized experience.

Five participants chose to paint pots, transforming them into beautiful vases and cups. As they worked, laughter and friendly chatter filled the air. They shared techniques and encouragement, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Meanwhile, three participants opted for oil pastels, creating vibrant drawings that showcased their unique styles. The atmosphere buzzed with creativity as they immersed themselves in their artwork, allowing their imaginations to flourish.

Beyond the art, the event fostered connection. Participants spent quality time together, sharing stories and inspiration throughout the evening.

After the art session, the group headed to Chinatown for a delightful dinner. Surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere, participants engaged in lively discussions about food, art, and life.

As the night came to an end, participants eagerly looked forward to the next gathering, excited to continue exploring their creativity together. Until then, the joy of this event will linger, reminding us all of the magic found in art and companionship.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event, and thank you so much to the Women’s Committee for organizing. To learn more about the Women’s Committee and how you can get more involved, please click here.