Tag: Honorable Lillian Wan

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Inside the Bench: AABANY Panel Explores Pathways to Careers in the State Judiciary

On Thursday, April 2, 2026, AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee and Judiciary Committee co-hosted a panel titled: Careers in the State Judiciary at King & Spalding. At the panel discussion, attendees heard from the following experienced and accomplished panelists within the state judiciary:

● Honorable Lillian Wan – Associate Justice, New York State Appellate Division, Second Department
● Honorable Frances Wang – Justice, New York State Supreme Court, Queens County, Criminal Term
● Honorable Zainab A. Chaudhry – Judge, New York State Court of Claims
● Honorable L. Austin D’Souza – Supervising Judge, New York City Civil Court, New York County
● Louise M. Lingat – Court Attorney to the Hon. Adetokunbo O. Fasanya, Judge of the Family Court, Queens County

The discussion was moderated by Lisa Lin, Principal Law Clerk to Acting Justice Joanne Watters (Queens Supreme Court, Civil Term). Approximately 20 attendees gathered in King & Spalding’s conference space to engage with the panel.

The discussion opened with each panelist sharing their journey to the judiciary. Several panelists reflected on how the mentorship of judges they once served under as law clerks helped guide them toward this path. Panelists also spoke candidly about the limited Asian American representation in the judiciary earlier in their careers, noting that becoming a judge had not initially felt attainable without the support and encouragement of their mentors.

As trailblazers, these panelists help pave the way for future Asian Americans to pursue careers in the state judiciary. Their presence in the judiciary reflects the diversity of the communities they serve and helps expand what future generations of Asian American attorneys see as possible. Panelists shared that even the simple act of appearing before a judge who shares one’s background can be meaningful for community members. 

The discussion also included practical guidance for aspiring attorneys. Panelists stressed to the audience the importance of building strong professional relationships, maintaining a solid reputation, and mastering court rules and procedures. They also emphasized attention to detail, particularly careful proofreading, and cautioned against taking shortcuts in legal practice.

The program concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which attendees asked thoughtful questions about pathways into the judiciary and opportunities for involvement in the legal community. Following the panel, attendees and speakers continued conversations over refreshments.

AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee and Judiciary Committee thanks our panelists for sharing their time, insights, and experiences. We also would like to thank King & Spalding for the refreshments and gorgeous space.

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AABANY’s Judiciary Committee Honors 17 AAPI Jurists at the 2025 Annual Judges’ Reception

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.

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