On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the Judiciary Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) hosted its 2025 Annual Judges’ Reception at Fordham Law School. About 70 attendees gathered for this annual celebration of newly elected/appointed, elevated, and retired Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) judges across New York. It was an evening filled with reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future of AAPI representation in the judiciary.
This year’s event was co-sponsored by Fordham Law School’s Center on Asian Americans and the Law, and featured a panel discussion, an inspiring awards ceremony, and a lively light dinner reception.
The reception began at 5:30 PM with the “Art of Judging” panel, moderated by Referee Vanessa Kong (Kings County Family Court) and featuring distinguished panelists:
- Hon. Lillian Wan, Appellate Division, Second Department
- Hon. Jeffrey Oing (ret.), Appellate Division, First Department
- Hon. Denny Chin, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- Hon. Melissa De Jesus, New York State Court of Claims
The judges spoke about the heavy responsibilities they carry and the importance of listening with an open mind of applying no personal agenda but rather approaching each case on its merits. Judge De Jesus, who presides over a drug treatment part in Kings County, reflected on managing a busy courtroom while ensuring each party feels heard and making sure to take the extra time if needed to make the best decision with all the information.
When asked what qualities are most undervalued in a judge, all panelists agreed on the importance of patience and humility. Justice Wan reminded the audience that judges “wear a robe, not a crown,” emphasizing the human side of the role and the need to treat litigants and practitioners with compassion and dignity. Justice Wan shared a powerful anecdote: she issued her decision in court, then proceeded to go home where she continued to think about her decision, and the next day returned and recalled the parties and attorneys because she came to the conclusion that she wanted to change her decision. It served as a reminder that judges are not only thoughtful but also human, capable of growth and change even after issuing a decision.
Judge Chin emphasized the need to think about the different audiences a judge must consider when writing a decision. Judge Oing described a particularly moving case where he dismissed fraud charges and took special care to write a decision that cleared the defendant, who had hugely suffered from the accusations.
The panel concluded on a hopeful note. Justice Wan shared how she cherishes attorney swearing-in ceremonies, making it a point to connect with young AAPI attorneys. Judge Chin spoke on the privilege of presiding over naturalization ceremonies, including one where his son attended with his granddaughter, who waved a small American flag in the audience.
Justice Oing concluded with a powerful reflection on the need for continued progress. He noted the absence of any AAPI judges currently sitting in the First Department, Appellate Division, and echoed Judge Chin’s remark that no person of AAPI heritage has ever served on the New York Court of Appeals or the United States Supreme Court. Despite the joyful atmosphere, the panel reminded us all of the ongoing work required to achieve full representation.
At 6:30 PM, the awards ceremony commenced, featuring opening remarks from David Mou, Co-Chair of the AABANY Judiciary Committee, followed by speeches from:
- Ben Hsing, AABANY President
- Professor Thomas Lee, Center on Asian Americans and the Law
- Hon. Biju Koshy, President, Asian American Judges Association of New York (AAJANY)
This year’s honorees included:
- Hon. Shahabuddeen Ally
- Hon. Giyang An
- Hon. Christopher Chin
- Hon. L. Austin D’Souza
- Hon. Melissa De Jesus
- Hon. Amish Doshi
- Hon. Jeffrey Gershuny
- Hon. Phillip Hom
- Hon. Melissa T. Lewis
- Hon. Masateru Marubashi
- Hon. Jeffrey K. Oing (ret.)
- Hon. Kyu Young (Mike) Paek
- Hon. E. Grace Park
- Hon. Hemalee Patel
- Hon. Christine Perumal
- Hon. Alice Tam Tien
- Hon. Meredith Vacca
Following the presentation of awards, Justice Jeffrey Oing delivered remarks on behalf of all honorees, reflecting on the evolving presence of AAPI judges and calling attention to the collective responsibility of continuing to pave the way for the next generation.
At 7:30 PM, guests gathered for a light dinner reception, where laughter and conversations flowed. Judges, attorneys, law students, and guests had the opportunity to connect and share stories.
We thank the Judiciary Committee for organizing such an impactful and meaningful event, and our co-sponsor, the Center on Asian Americans and the Law, for their partnership. We also thank all the attendees who helped make the night special.
Congratulations once again to our honorees. Your leadership, integrity, and perseverance continue to inspire us all.
To learn more about AABANY’s Judiciary Committee, click here. To see more photos from the event, click here.
