On September 27, 2024, AABANY co-sponsored the 17th Annual Caren Aronowitz Unity in Diversity Program, held in the Rotunda of the New York County Courthouse, celebrating the importance of diversity within the legal profession. Bar associations from all across New York were in attendance, including AABANY, the Brehon Law Society, the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York, the Iranian American Bar Association, and the Macon B. Allen Black Bar Association. In total, 25 bar associations were represented, with each bringing their own unique food selections for the public to enjoy, ranging from pizza and pasta to empanadas and sushi.
The program began with a loud and lively musical performance by the New York State Courts’ Pipes and Drums Band. Attendees responded with enthusiastic cheers and applause.
Afterwards, Hon. Adam Silvera, Deputy Chief Judge for the New York City Courts, spoke, sharing a brief background of the event and its purpose. He explained that this was the first time the event had been held since the COVID pandemic, making it especially important. Hon Deborah A. Kaplan, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts, also spoke, describing the event’s dedication to the late Caren Aronowitz, a beloved court employee who was instrumental in organizing many of the courthouse’s events.
The main part of the event then began. Hundreds of members of the public walked around the Rotunda, visiting each bar association’s respective table, enjoying the prepared foods. AABANY brought over a hundred banh mi sandwiches, with five different variations: beef lemongrass, curry chicken, a house special, lemongrass tofu, and pate supreme. By the end, all of the sandwiches were gone!
Thanks to the following groups for organizing this event: the Gender Fairness Committee, Supreme Court, Civil Branch, New York County; the Equal Justice Diversity Equity, and Inclusion Committee; the Cultural Diversity Sub Committee; and the New York County Clerk’s Office. Thanks to everyone who attended to make this event such a great success.
Sixty Years Later, DEI Advances the Ongoing Work of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Bar Association Presidents From Across the Nation Call on Leaders to Double Down on DEI
As presidents of the nation’s largest diverse national bar associations, we invite general counsel, law firm managing partners, leaders of government and nonprofit legal services organizations, and law school deans to stand with us as we fight for justice and opportunity for all. Your support and partnership are even more critical now given the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from some segments of our country. As lawyers, we are guardians of the rule of law and leaders in our communities and in local, state, and federal government. For these reasons and more, we ask that you continue to be strong advocates for DEI in our profession. Our work and efforts can also support the importance of DEI more broadly.
Honoring the Legacy of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This sweeping Act did more to bring us closer to our ideals, that we are all are created equal, than any other legislation in our history, and it set the groundwork for landmark legislation that followed it such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Although many Americans today might take for granted the significance of passing this legislation, it was a hard- fought victory. Most of us recall Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s address at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His reference to “the fierce urgency of now” was intended to push President Kennedy and Congress to move on the stalled legislation. When the legislation finally passed, close to thirty percent of the House of the Representatives and the Senate voted against it. It is not lost on us that many of the states now passing anti-DEI legislation also included the bulk of the Representatives and Senators who opposed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Progress Through Partnership As a nation, we have made significant progress in the past 60 years because of the blood, sweat, and tears of those who have come before us. In the past and continuing to this day, there have been Americans of goodwill who believe that we are a better nation when all Americans can aspire to their highest ambitions, including becoming President of the United States.
DEI is Consistent with the Spirit of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Essential in Today’s Workplace Although some claim that DEI initiatives are illegal or unconstitutional, the vast majority of DEI initiatives are designed to increase access and opportunity, while minimizing bias and barriers. The work is fully consistent with the spirit and intent of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It also brings greater meritocracy to our workplaces. How can there be meritocracy in workplaces if there are insufficient efforts to recruit exceptional talent from all communities, or when there is unintended bias in our processes related to hiring, work assignments, and promotions, or when some people have greater access to formal and informal networks that result in greater opportunities? These are just some examples of issues that DEI efforts are designed to address. Again, the overwhelming majority of DEI efforts are not only legal, but essential in today’s workplace. This is why it is critical to stand firm on the importance of DEI and be strong advocates in your corporations, law firms, and universities.
Progress, but Much Work to Be Done
Although we have made progress, there is still much work to do. According to the US Census Bureau and 2023 Gallup polling, communities of color presently represent about 41% and LGBTQ+ people represent about 7.6% of the US population. Individuals with disabilities currently represent more than one in five Americans. But recent studies from the American Bar Association, Minority Corporate Counsel Association, and the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) show that people of color only account for about 21% of lawyers in the US, 15% of Fortune 1000 general counsels, and 12% of law firm partners; likewise, LGBTQ+ people only account for 4.6% of lawyers in the US, and 2.6% of law firm partners. Individuals with disabilities account for only 1.4% of the legal profession and 1.1% of law firm partners. Further, according to studies from the American Bar Association and NALP, women comprised almost 50% of law school classes in 2000, yet today, women comprise less than 28% of law firm partners. Looking at these numbers, it’s impossible to conclude that we’ve achieved the type of success that would warrant pulling back on our efforts simply because there is opposition. Those who came before us faced even greater opposition and hostility. We owe it to them and those who are coming behind us to keep working to ensure a fairer workplace and more just nation.
Allying Together for Greater Equality, Access, and Opportunity for All Finally, there is an economic argument for supporting DEI. When all our communities do well, we have more people contributing to the economic growth and prosperity of our country. A rising tide lifts all boats. Whether our ancestors were this country’s indigenous people, or pilgrims on The Mayflower, or kidnapped Africans on slave ships, or freedom-searching immigrants arriving at Ellis Island or Angel Island, or any of the many others seeking refuge and a new life in a new land, we are all in the same boat now. We are all Americans. Our country is already one of the most diverse nations in the world, and it will continue to become even more diverse. And the exceptional achievements of our country, economically, militarily, and socially, are the result of people from all over the world who have come here and made this country home. As we move forward together, we can show the world what a pluralistic democracy can accomplish. Now is the time for leaders and people of goodwill to stand together for greater equality, access, and opportunity for all. Together we can ensure that America lives up to its ideals, where all people are created equal and have the opportunity to achieve the American dream.
Anna Mercado Clark
President
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)
On August 10, 2024, AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) hosted the AABANY Annual Picnic in the Heckscher Playground picnic area in Central Park. The event, which began at 11:00 am and ended at 4:00 pm, enjoyed bright, warm, and sunny weather. It connected various members of different positions and backgrounds, from various committees. Members chatted and relaxed in the sunshine, some with pets, others with their young children, all sharing food provided by the Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli. (Additionally, Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli has been touted on the internet as a contender for New York’s best Bahn Mi spot, and has largely remained in business during and after the struggles of the pandemic due to community patronage, so AABANY encourages everyone to go support them.) Among the many attendees were Yang Chen, AABANY Executive Director, Alice Biagini, AABANY Deputy Executive Director, Terrence Shen, AABANY President in 2021, 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.
The Young Lawyers Committee has taken up responsibility for this annual picnic, to the delight and appreciation of the many AABANY members who attend.. The significance of this event is broad and cannot be overstated: it allows a brief but much-appreciated respite from the trials of daily life and connects the diverse aspects of AABANY’s large and far-reaching community.
Thank you to everyone who spent their Saturday with AABANY and contributing to our vibrant association. AABANY thrives on participation and passion, and AABANY would not be as robust without you all. Thank you to the Young Lawyers Committee, and to Co-Chairs Justin and Jameson, for their dedication and hard work in planning, organizing, and executing this perennial favorite.
To see photos from the picnic, view the album here. To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee please click here.
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, AABANY’s Labor & Employment Law Committee hosted their Summer Sichuan Night at the restaurant CHILI in Midtown Manhattan.
The dinner at CHILI proved to be a cozy and inviting experience and brought new and old members together to mingle over a spicy family-style Sichuan meal. Attendees networked and mingled throughout the evening, learning about each other’s backgrounds, careers, and professional experiences. The Labor & Employment Law Committee collected a group of individuals from far and wide, a reflection of AABANY’s diverse membership, with attendees hailing from as close as Brooklyn, to as far as Shenzhen, China.
Thank you to the Labor & Employment Law Committee for planning and hosting Sichuan Night as well as everyone who attended and enjoyed conversing over delicious Sichuan cuisine on a hot summer day. The Labor and Employment Law Committee continues to welcome new members and hopes to see many old and new faces at future events!
To find out more about the Labor & Employment Law Committee, please click here.
To celebrate AAPI Heritage Month this May, Hon. Jeffrey K. Oing, Associate Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, in Manhattan, was interviewed by John Caher, on Amici, a podcast series which features interviews with judges from the New York State court system. In a program titled, “Promoting Diversity in the Courts,” Justice Oing shared his experiences as an immigrant who grew up with his family in New York City and rose through the ranks in the legal profession to the point where he was being considered for the role of Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals, New York’s highest court.
Born in Hong Kong until he was four and raised in East Harlem once his parents immigrated to the States, Justice Oing felt fortunate to have never felt like an outsider. Although his parents were not adamant on preserving his Chinese identity, he did not feel disconnected from his culture because of the large Shanghainese community that surrounded him.
During his adolescence, Justice Oing utilized what he recognized as his “gift of gab,” which is a fun way of saying that he loved to talk with people and get to know them. He uses this skill to this day, stating, “Every time I’m in a room with new people, I’m always interested to learn about them because they can read about me, they know about me but I’m really interested about them. I want to know what their story is.”
Justice Oing began his career never thinking about being a judge, even after clerking for a Chief Justice in New Jersey Supreme Court. It wasn’t until he started working at New York State Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street and served as a court attorney where he helped draft decisions for judges that he discovered being a judge is what he wanted to do. He describes this eye-opening experience, saying, “I got the job and it was nirvana.”
As there weren’t many Asians running for judge in 2000, he stuck out. Everyone knew his name and eventually he was elected as the fourth judge of Chinese descent in New York County. In 2010, he was elected to New York State Supreme Court, being the third of Chinese descent to serve in New York County.
His representation in the court was pioneering, especially as Asian representation in the law was not common. He hones in on this point, calling out the stereotypical belief that Asians can’t be leaders or are not viewed as having a management capability. He says, “we’re viewed as the … hard-working person and less as a person who can run or manage a company. And it’s sort of the docile image that we have.” Being in his role as a judge and meeting other Asian judges with the same ambition to make strides gave him hope for a future with more Asian representation on the bench.
Justice Oing expressed his passion for diversity and inclusion with his involvement in the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission and the Chinese American Planning Council. Within the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, he supports their efforts in promoting racial and ethnic fairness to everyone in the court system. As a member of the Chinese American Planning Council, he focuses on services that provide language access to support Asian community needs. “We want to ensure that all people, all the folks who come to our services, get that assistance that they need,” he explained. “So language is a big deal for me, just because of who I am.”
Justice Oing ends his discussion by recognizing that many immigrant parents have the same goal as native-born Americans: a better life. He perfectly wraps up the conversation by observing, “The pie is pretty big. We all don’t need to have the largest slice, but if everybody can get a slice, I think that will be a good thing.”
WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate confirmed Judge Dena M. Coggins to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
“NAPABA congratulates Judge Dena M. Coggins on her confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “We are pleased to have supported Judge Coggins’ nomination, and we are thrilled that she has been confirmed during our annual NAPABA Lobby Day, where our members are in Washington, DC to demonstrate not only the strength of our community but also to advance the critical issues facing the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community with leaders on Capitol Hill.”
Judge Dena Michaela Coggins is the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court of the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, having served in that position since 2023 and as a Superior Court judge since 2021. Judge Coggins was previously an Administrative Law Judge with the State of California’s Office of Administrative Hearings, in the General Jurisdiction Division from 2018 to 2021 and the Special Education Division from 2015 to 2017. Between her positions as an Administrative Law Judge, Judge Coggins served as a supervising attorney and hearing officer at the State of California Victim Compensation Board from 2017 to 2018. From 2013 to 2015, she served as a Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary for the Governor of California. Prior to her state government service, Judge Coggins worked as an associate at Downey Brand L.L.P. from 2012 to 2013 and at Morrison & Foerster L.L.P. from 2007 to 2012. Judge Coggins received her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2006, and her B.S. from California State University, Sacramento in 2003.
“This is the second judge from our community to be confirmed during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “President Biden’s record-breaking 36 AANHPI judges confirmed include 23 AANHPI women, the most women. We thank President Biden for nominating Judge Coggins and Senators Padilla and Butler for supporting her nomination.”
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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.
Deadline to Submit Nominations | Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Join NAPABA in honoring outstanding attorneys and organizations that have made an impact in the legal profession within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific (AANHPI) communities by submitting a nomination for the 2024 NAPABA Awards!
Join us November 7-10 in Seattle as we celebrate them and all of our membership at the 2024 NAPABA Convention.
The NAPABA Military and Veteran Service Award recognizes individuals within the AANHPI legal community serving the U.S. Armed Forces as uniformed personnel, civilians or veterans and is meant to acknowledge AANHPI attorneys who exhibit the highest integrity, competency, and commitment to serving others, the AANHPI community, and their country and whose character and commitment reflect the highest standards of the Armed Forces. Last year’s recipient, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Song, has exhibited those qualities in his military and legal service. Learn more about Brian.
The NAPABA Pro Bono Service Award recognizes an attorney or a team of attorneys for outstanding achievements in pro bono service that involved impact litigation to advance or protect civil rights or provided direct legal services to individuals in the furtherance of the administration of justice.
Last year’s honoree, Jennifer Wu, has shown her commitment to service in her client-centered approach and community leadership. Learn more about Jennifer.
The NAPABA Women’s Leadership Award recognizes the accomplishments of women lawyers and is presented to an individual who has achieved excellence in her field or who has demonstrated leadership and advancement of women or women’s issues.
Last year’s honoree, Jenny Ma, is an experienced litigator leading reproductive rights cases in state and federal courts. Learn more about Jenny.
The NAPABA Public Sector Leadership Award seeks to honor a NAPABA member in the public sector (government, non-profit, legal aid – federal or state) for their outstanding achievements in their legal profession.
Last year’s honoree, Jonathan Cruz, is the Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice. Learn more about Jonathan.
The NAPABA In House Counsel Diversity Leadership Award honors an in-house NAPABA member who has demonstrated leadership and a commitment towards supporting NAPABA partners and diversity in the legal profession.Last year’s honorees, Ivan Fong and Simone Wu, exemplify leadership. Learn more about both of them.
The NAPABA In-House Counsel Rising Star Diversity Leadership Award honors an in-house NAPABA member with 10 or less years of in-house experience who has demonstrated leadership and commitment towards supporting NAPABA partners and diversity in the legal profession.
Please note: To be considered in the selection process nominees must be a NAPABA member. A NAPABA membership helps legal professionals raise their professional profile by providing members with exclusive opportunities and national recognition through awards. Not a member? Learn more on how to become a member today!
On March 25, 2024, the AABANY LGBT Committee organized a program with the generous support and sponsorship of Goodwin Procter LLP titled: Protecting DEI at Big Law since SCOTUS: A Queer Asian Perspective. The program featured two prominent speakers: Kavita Ramakrishnan, Senior Director at Diversity Lab and Dennis Quinio, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer of the Americas at Allen & Overy. The program consisted of robust conversations about the meaning of diversity, and the personal experiences of attorneys who struggle with the complications of identity.
AABANY thanks the LGBT Committee for presenting this topical program and the speakers for sharing their insights. Thanks to Goodwin for hosting the event. To learn more about the LGBT Committee go here.
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.
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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.
On Wednesday, June 7, 2023, AABANY’s Judiciary Committee hosted its annual Judges’ Reception to honor newly inducted, elevated, and retiring judges, in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. Despite the poor air quality, the event had an impressive turnout, with nearly 80 in attendance, including lawyers, judges, and retired judges, as well as AABANY Board Members and Committee Chairs. The event was held at the Surrogate’s Courthouse, 31 Chambers Street, in downtown Manhattan.
The honorees recognized at the event were individuals who represent the significant strides that AAPI judges have made during the past year in the ongoing effort to enhance diversity in the judiciary. The following judges were honored:
Hon. Jung Park, New York City Criminal Court
Hon. Anar Patel, New York State Court of Claims
Hon. Hari Singh, New York City Family Court, Bronx County
Hon. Karen Lin, New York City Civil Court, Queens County
Hon. Kris Singh, Surrogate Court, Montgomery County
Hon. Leigh Cheng, New York City Civil Court, Queens County
Hon. Nisha Menon, New York City Family Court, Kings County
Hon. Sarika Kapoor, New York State Court of Claims
Hon. Rina Gurung, New York City Housing Court, Bronx County
Hon. Vijay Kitson, New York City Housing Court, New York County
Hon. Jessica Sin, New York City Family Court, Queens County
Hon. Shantonu Basu, New York City Housing Court, Kings County
Hon. L. Austin D’Souza, New York City Civil Court, Kings County
Hon. Zainab Chaudhury, New York Court of Claims
Hon. Arun Subramanian, United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
We are proud to celebrate these AAPI trailblazers in the judiciary. AAPI jurists remain significantly under-represented in New York courts. To date, there is no AAPI Justice serving on the United States Supreme Court. There is also no AAPI judge on New York’s highest court, the Court of Appeals. New York remains in 2023 as one of 42 states in the country without an AAPI judge on the state’s highest court. According to the Asian American Judges Association of New York (AAJANY), AAPI judges comprise nearly 4.60% of the total judiciary in New York State, compared to 10.8% of the population of New York State and 17.3% of the population of New York City being of AAPI descent. Hon. Shahabuddeen Ally, Supervising Judge of New York County Civil Court, and President of AAJANY, emphasized: “[T]he numbers tell us there is a lot of work to do. When the numbers go up, we all do better.” In light of current events and the rise in anti-Asian violence, AAPI representation on the bench is more important than ever. AABANY thanks the honorees for their pioneering and inspirational role.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for this event and the Judiciary Committee for organizing it. To learn more about AABANY’s Judiciary Committee and its work, click here. To see more photos, go here.
