Tag: inclusion

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AABANY in 2025: Thanks for Another Great Year

As 2025 draws to a close, AABANY reflects on a successful year centered around the theme, “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!” We deeply appreciate the involvement and commitment of our members. 

Below are some key highlights from the year. Our sincere thanks also go to all our generous sponsors, whose support remains vital to AABANY’s mission of promoting and enhancing equity and inclusion in the legal profession. We are grateful for the continuous collaboration with our community partners in the ongoing effort to uplift and advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community across New York.

Winter Soiree

In its 15th year, the AABANY Winter Soiree continued to be one of the year’s premier networking opportunities, specifically designed for executive and senior in-house and law firm attorneys. Hosted by the In-House Counsel Committee and the Corporate Law Committee, the invite-only event has evolved from its previous incarnations as the Summer Soiree and the Wine Tasting and Networking Reception. The 2025 iteration took place on Thursday, January 23, at Le Chalet. Located within the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue, the cozy, ski-lodge-inspired lounge offered an elegant and intimate setting, fostering an evening of meaningful connections and professional camaraderie.

Annual Meeting of Members

AABANY’s Annual Meeting of Members was held at King & Spalding on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. The primary focus of the meeting was the election of the new Board of Directors and Officers for the FY2026 term, which officially commenced on April 1, 2025.

During the event, then-President Joseph Eng delivered the Annual Report of the Board, providing a summary of the past fiscal year’s major achievements. Executive Director Yang Chen presented the Annual Report of the Committees. The following awards were presented to recognize exceptional dedication to AABANY during FY2025:

  • Committee of the Year: Professional Development Committee
  • Program of the Year: Pre-Holiday Multi-Association Gathering
  • Member of the Year: Gary Yeung

Congratulations are extended to all the award recipients and to the newly elected Officers and Directors.
The evening concluded on a poignant note with a farewell to Deputy Executive Director Alice Biagini, whose last day was February 11th. In her eight months with AABANY, Alice significantly enhanced our operations and activities, providing invaluable support to our Board members, Committee Chairs, and the general membership. She will be greatly missed by all those she worked with.

Annual Judges’ Reception

AABANY’s Judiciary Committee hosted its Annual Judges’ Reception on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Fordham Law School. The event, which drew about 70 attendees, was a yearly opportunity to honor newly elected, appointed, elevated, and retired Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) judges throughout New York. It was an evening characterized by reflection, gratitude, and a forward-looking hope for greater AAPI representation within the judiciary.

Chinatown Manpower Project (CMP) 2025 Law & Justice Gala Honoree

AABANY was an honoree at the Chinatown Manpower Project (CMP)’s Law & Justice Gala on April 24, 2025. The event, which drew over 400 guests, was a lively evening of celebration, networking, and philanthropy. AABANY was recognized for our essential work in advocating for rights, advancing the interests of immigrants, amplifying Asian American voices, and ensuring justice for all.

Other distinguished honorees included the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), AABANY’s 501(c)(3) affiliate; Edward J. Cuccia, Esq.; and the Honorable Karen Lin, AABANY member. The Spirit of Immigrants Award was jointly presented to Nikki Kwok and Hailey Kwok.

AAPI Heritage Month

2025’s AAPI Heritage Month was again filled with nonstop events that were organized or co-sponsored by AABANY and its various Committees.  It kicked off with a Karaoke Showdown on May 1, 2025 that was co-sponsored with KALAGNY and FALA New York.  Then AABANY sponsored a “Sunday Run Day” series where members met up at 8:30am on Sundays near the 86th Street A station to run and prepare for the May 24th AAPI 5k run at Hudson River Greenway.  AABANY also co-sponsored the South Brooklyn AAPI Heritage Month Celebration on May 10th.  On May 14th, AABANY co-sponsored the Third Annual Hon. Randall T. Eng Award Program at the Appellate Division, Second Department, in Brooklyn.  Before a room full of distinguished judges, elected officials, and community leaders, we celebrated three trailblazing public servants whose work embodies integrity, leadership, and a deep commitment to justice: Senator Stephen Chan, Justice Anar R. Patel, and Lieutenant Mido Mary Wu.

On the night of May 14, AABANY members and supporters gathered at CitiField / Mets Stadium in Flushing for the Mets v. Pirates Baseball Game in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month (top photo in this section).  The same night, AABANY co-sponsored a “Talking with Trailblazers” event at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, which featured the Honorable Denny Chin  and Kathy Hirata Chin.  Later in the month, on May 18, AABANY co-sponsored an event called “Asian Americans in Public Service” with various public service professionals in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month.  AABANY’s Government Service and Public Interest Committee together with AABANY’s Judiciary Committee also co-sponsored “A Legacy of Leadership & Resilience: Then and Now, In the Context of Korematsu and Thind” at the Queens Supreme Court on May 20, 2025.

The month wouldn’t be complete, of course, without AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics, which were held on May 21 in Manhattan and on May 31 in Brooklyn.  A screening of the documentary “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” followed by a discussion with two esteemed panelists (Judge Marilyn D. Go and Rachel Lee) on hate crimes happened on May 28, 2025 in partnership with Richmond County District Attorney’s Office.  

The month also included the Community Memorial Service for Justice Dorothy Chin-Brandt on May 24, 2025 at the Glow Cultural Center in Flushing, an event that commemorated her profound contributions to the judicial system and the Asian American community.

AAPI Heritage Month concluded with AABANY members and friends marching in the Fourth Annual AAPI Cultural and Heritage Parade in Midtown Manhattan on June 1, 2025.  As we did in prior years, AABANY wore matching red and blue t-shirts and were joined by AABANY Immediate Past President Joseph Eng Jr. and his son Max who brought a Chinese lion head and drum to perform a traditional Chinese Lion Dance along the parade route up Sixth Avenue. 

36th Anniversary Annual Dinner

On May 29, 2025, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) hosted its 36th Anniversary Annual Dinner at the elegant Cipriani Wall Street, under the theme: “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!” Held once again during AAPI Heritage Month, the event welcomed approximately 750 guests, including attorneys, judges, prosecutors, in-house counsel, government officials, and community leaders.  AABANY also hosted nearly 50 General Counsels in the GC Reception held before the dinner, thanks to the General Counsel Reception Sponsor Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone.

The honorees for AABANY’s Annual Dinner included:  

  • Women’s Leadership Award: Professor Elaine Chiu, St. John’s University School of Law 
  • Corporate Leadership Award: Henry Hadad, Senior Vice President, Deputy Counsel, Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Law Firm Leadership Award: Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP

AABANY also congratulated Don H. Liu Scholars Program’s 2025 Scholars:
– Cindy Guo, Harvard Law School
– Teja Kim, UCLA School of Law
– Mikka Vapor, University of Pennsylvania Law School

Thanks to everyone who attended and helped to make our Annual Dinner a success!  To read AABANY’s blog post of the event, including the photo albums linked on the bottom of the blog post, please click here.

Summer Receptions

The warmer weather of Summer 2025 provided the perfect backdrop for AABANY to host a variety of successful receptions and mixers. One highlight was the Summer Associates Mixer on July 22, co-hosted with the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) at Tap Haus 33. This event provided a relaxed atmosphere for fostered networking, conversation, and community building by connecting summer associates and law students with practicing attorneys.

Another well-attended gathering was the Summer Reception held on July 17 with the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY). This annual reception served to recognize the AALFNY Public Interest Scholarship recipients and featured a distinguished guest speaker: Judge Denny Chin, Co-Director of the Center on Asian American and the Law at Fordham Law School.

Wellness Events

AABANY maintained a strong focus on attorney wellness throughout 2025 with several key events.

The year kicked off on March 22, 2025, with the 2nd Annual Mindfulness Wellness Retreat held exclusively for AABANY members at Blue Cliff Monastery in upstate New York. This retreat offered a much-needed sanctuary for participants to relax, reflect, and connect, prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being.

Mid-year, AABANY successfully hosted its Third Annual Wellness Day on June 21, 2025, at Brooklyn Law School. Made possible by the dedicated support of AABANY’s speakers and sponsors, the event upheld the wellness initiatives championed by former AABANY President Karen Kim. Attendees engaged with crucial topics impacting physical and mental health, including strategies for managing daily stressors, the impact of unhealthy drinking culture in the legal profession, recognizing signs of depression, and identifying support groups and resources.

We are thrilled that AABANY received the Bar Leaders Innovation Award from the New York State Bar Association for our Annual Wellness Day program. The award was presented on October 29, during the Bar Leaders Fall Meeting Reception held at the New York City Bar Association. What started as a thoughtful initiative has grown into a beloved annual event that brings our community together to focus on mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It’s become a highlight of the year for many of our members.

Finally, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the 3rd Annual Pre-Holiday Multi-Association Gathering brought together AABANY and 20 other associations at the New York City Bar Association. The evening featured a potluck dinner and a CLE Program on Wellness Resources. Because the event fell on Veterans Day, the CLE program included a Fireside Chat focusing on veterans in the legal profession, moderated by President Ben Hsing.

Fall Conference

AABANY successfully hosted its 16th Annual Fall Conference, “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!,” on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at New York Law School. The day commenced with a buffet breakfast, allowing attendees to network over coffee, pastries, bagels, and light bites.

Program Highlights:

  • Morning and Afternoon CLEs: Twelve different panel presentations throughout the day focusing on a wide range of topics, from disability rights, to intellectual property, to community empowerment.
  • Plenary Lunch Session and Trial Reenactment: This session featured a reenactment of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases Ozawa v. United States (1922) and United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind (1923). The dramatization explored these two pivotal early 20th-century decisions that denied naturalization to Asian immigrants: Takao Ozawa, who argued his light skin and assimilation qualified him as “white,” and Bhagat Singh Thind, an Indian Sikh man who claimed Caucasian status based on Aryan ancestry to meet the “free white person” requirement for citizenship.
  • Diversity Career Fair (DCF): Hosted by the Career Advancement Committee, the DCF ran from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Recruiters and legal professionals from public, corporate, nonprofit, and legal services sectors hosted informational tables, with some conducting first-round on-site interviews. Attendees were able to network, exchange resumes, and meet with potential employers.
  • Trial Advocacy Program (TAP): Returning this year, TAP offered junior attorneys structured, mentored training in essential trial advocacy skills. The program included lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises focused on opening and closing statements, as well as direct and cross-examinations. Participants prepared based on a mock trial problem and presented opening statements as well as conducted direct and cross-examinations before a faculty of experienced trial lawyers in breakout rooms, receiving individual feedback and coaching.
  • Link-Up Reception: A key networking event of the day, the Link-Up Reception was designed to facilitate engagement between law firm attorneys and senior in-house counsel seeking external legal services. This exclusive benefit was open only to invited in-house counsel, Gold-level sponsors and above, and representatives from the 2025 Annual Dinner and Winter Soiree sponsors, providing higher-tier sponsors with increased exposure and direct access to in-house decision-makers.

Closing and Award Presentation:
A highlight that closed the conference was the presentation of the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award during the general Cocktail Reception. The award, which recognizes leadership, innovation, mentorship, and sustained community impact, was presented to Hon. Judy H. Kim, Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County.

In her acceptance speech, Justice Kim emphasized the profound importance of mentorship and community. She shared a moving anecdote from an intern who wrote to her, “You have shown me into a world that I thought I would never be able to be part of, and the gift that you have given me is priceless.” This reflection left a deep impression on all attendees, reinforcing the value of guidance and support in the legal profession.

To read more about the Fall Conference, click here.

First-ever Diwali Dinner

On October 28, 2025, AABANY held its first-ever Diwali Celebration at Bengal Tiger on 56th St in Manhattan.  Co-sponsored by the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens (SAICBA-Q), the sold-out event brought together dozens of members of both AABANY and SAICBA-Q to celebrate the Festival of Lights — a holiday oftentimes celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.  People celebrate by lighting oil lamps, decorating their homes, setting off fireworks, and exchanging gifts and sweets.  The event was well attended by members of all backgrounds ranging from students to associates to partners to judges to non-lawyer allies.  It was great to see many attendees wear festive attire for the occasion.  Attendees were able to order from a variety of appetizers, chaats, entrees, and desserts, and enjoyed mango lassis as well.  We look forward to making this an annual event going forward with increased capacity to accommodate members’ interest in attending.  AABANY and SAICBA-Q also look forward to co-hosting other events in the future, including a potential Holi celebration in the spring of 2026.

Pro Bono Clinics

We thank the Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee for another year of Pro Bono Clinics and their continued efforts to aid the AAPI community in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. The PBCS Committee held monthly clinics in Manhattan with our community partner AAFE (Asian Americans for Equality) at their Norfolk Street site on the Lower East Side. Together with AAFE, the Committee held bi-monthly clinics in downtown Flushing at AAFE’s offices there. The Committee held bi-monthly clinics in Brooklyn with our community partners, including the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC).  To read the blog posts summarizing each Clinic, please see this link.  Our Pro Bono Clinics need you! Please consider volunteering. Click on the flyer for more information.

Events and Programs from Our Committees

We would also like to thank AABANY’s Committees for organizing and hosting various events and programs throughout this fiscal year. To learn more about AABANY’s 27 Committees go here. To date, after three quarters so far of this fiscal year, our Committees have put on some 120 programs, which averages out to 3 or 4 events per week. Below are a few highlights:

Intellectual Property Committee – Board Game Nights

AABANY’s IP Committee held four board game nights in 2025 – on March 7, April 9, July 23 and December 18.  Hosted by the law firm of Fish & Richardson in Time Square, the evenings invited attendees to unwind and connect over friendly competition.  To read more about board game nights, see here.

Real Estate Committee – “What’s Happening in Queens”

On June 26th, 2025, at JP Morgan Chase Bank in Bayside, AABANY’s Real Estate Committee hosted their “What’s Happening in Queens” networking event, which brought together a variety of people interested in making meaningful connections in the Queens real estate scene. 

In 2025, the Real Estate Committee also put on a number of programs, many of which provided New York CLE credits.  A sampling of the programs includes: 

  • Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Real Estate Fraud (May 21)
  • Transfer on Death Deeds Law Under NY Real Property Law (May 28 – co-sponsored with the Trusts & Estates Committee, and June 17)
  • Clearance and Closing a Residential Real Estate Transaction (August 19)
  • 1031 Exchange Basics and Foreign Real Estate Regulations (November 19)
  • The Basics of Title Insurance Underwriting (December 4)

Corporate Law Committee Golf & Game Night at Five Iron Golf

AABANY’s Corporate Law Committee, under the leadership of Vice Chairs Ashley Wong and Kyle Zhu, hosted the exciting Golf & Game Night on Friday, July 11. This high-energy event, generously sponsored by PNC Bank and held at Five Iron Golf in Midtown Manhattan, offered attendees virtual golf, ping pong, drinks, and a chance for community connection. It drew a diverse group of attorneys, in-house counsel, and professionals—spanning fields from international tax law to capital market transactions—for a night that successfully blended fun with a corporate-law focus.

GCs Uncorked

AABANY concluded September with an intimate and engaging wine tasting and live music event called “GCs Uncorked” at Saltwater NYC, the cozy coffee shop and wine bar co-owned by Sumeet Chugani, General Counsel at Cloaked. The special, packed evening on September 30 brought together AABANY members and senior in-house counsel for conversation and connection.

LGBTQ Committee – Fall LGBTQ Reception

AABANY’s LGBTQ Committee and the South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY) successfully co-hosted the 2025 Fall LGBTQ Reception on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Held at A&O Shearman’s Manhattan office, the event was a memorable gathering that fostered connections among attorneys, law students, and professionals within the Asian American, South Asian, and LGBTQ communities.

Intellectual Property Committee – Dumplings and Discussion Series

AABANY’s IP Committee continued the ever popular “Dumplings and Discussion” Series with various industry leaders, sharing their journey in the legal profession and offering insights over plates of dumplings.  Some of the featured guests include:

  • Alan Chang, General Counsel/Senior Vice President, New York Yankees (December 7)
  • Michelle Lee, General Counsel, Media Co (November 12)
  • Christopher Y. Chan, General Counsel, JLL Technologies (August 26)
  • Sonia Low, Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (July 30)
  • Liz Nie, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Acorns (June 16)
  • Stephen Mar, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer, Odeko (April 23)
  • Osamu Watanabe, General Counsel, Moelis (March 18)

The above sampling of events represents just a fraction of the numerous programs put on by AABANY’s Committees over the first three quarters of this fiscal year. In addition, AABANY co-hosted with other bar associations and community groups more than 30 programs. It has been a busy 2025!

AABANY at the NAPABA Convention in Denver

AABANY showed up in force at the 37th National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention. Held at the Sheraton in downtown Denver, CO, from November 6 to 8, 2025, this year’s Convention was notable for being the second-largest convening in NAPABA history.

The event attracted nearly 2,900 attendees, including AANHPI attorneys, judges, law professionals, and law students, with more than 800 people attending for the first time.

For further details on AABANY’s involvement and the many AABANY Awardees recognized at the NAPABA Convention, please check out this blog post.

Annual Holiday Party

AABANY celebrated the end of the year with our Annual Holiday Party on Friday, December 5, 2025, held at Upon The Palace, a premier Asian Fusion restaurant located in Tribeca, New York. The event presented a wonderful opportunity for everyone to connect and enjoy the holiday season.

The intimate atmosphere of the restaurant’s downstairs party room was a popular choice among AABANY members, providing a private setting for mingling and enjoyment. Having previously hosted attendees after the Fall Conference in September, this location might end up becoming a favorite venue for future AABANY gatherings.

Speaking Up, Speaking Out

Throughout 2025, AABANY actively upheld our mission to foster the meaningful participation of Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the legal field, issuing important statements and celebrating significant community accolades.

AABANY proudly highlighted the achievements of AAPI judges and lawyers, including:

  • January 9, 2025: AABANY congratulated Hon. Jeffrey K. Oing (Ret.) on joining JAMS, the world’s largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services.
  • June 18, 2025: AABANY applauded the appointment of Jay Y. Kim to the New York State Court of Claims by Governor Kathy Hochul, which was announced on June 10, 2025.
  • July 9, 2025: AABANY congratulated Pei Pei Cheng de Castro on her appointment by Governor Kathy Hochul, announced on June 27, 2025, to serve as Chair and Trustee of the New York State Interest on Lawyer Account (IOLA) Fund.
  • July 10, 2025: Following the June 2025 primary elections, AABANY congratulated Sheridan Chu and Eve Cho Guillergan on securing the Democratic nominations for Judge of the New York City Civil Court in Queens County.
  • July 25, 2025: AABANY celebrated the historic designation of AABANY member, the Honorable Margaret Chan, by Governor Kathy Hochul to the Appellate Division, First Department of the New York State Supreme Court.
  • September 8, 2025: AABANY proudly congratulated four exceptional AAPI judges—Honorable Judy Kim, Honorable Kris Singh, Honorable Soma Syed, and Honorable Frances Wang—on their nominations to the New York State Supreme Court.
  • October 29, 2025: AABANY was proud to celebrate longstanding member Alice Young, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Womankind at their 2025 Communities Rising Gala.

AABANY advocated for our community’s interests throughout 2025 by taking key positions on important initiatives:

  • May 2, 2025: AABANY joined 23 other bar associations in filing an amicus brief in Susman Godfrey LLP v. Executive Office of the President, Civil Action No. 1:25-cv-01107-LLA, in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
  • September 24, 2025: AABANY expressed deep concern over the Presidential Proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, which imposed a $100,000 fee on the entry of H-1B workers, effective for petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025. We voiced our view that this measure would disproportionately harm the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, negatively impact the New York and national economies, and raise serious legal and policy issues.

Finally, on November 13, 2025: AABANY recognized the historic election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City, noting that he is the first New York City Mayor of Asian American and South Asian ancestry.To read all the press releases from AABANY in 2025, click here.

Upcoming events

Our current fiscal year runs through March 31, 2026, and our Committees will be putting on many great events over the coming months that we hope you will join. 

For example:

  • January 9: Trusts & Estates Committee Monthly Meeting.  Click here for more information and to register by January 7th.
  • January 10: AABANY Bi-Monthly Brooklyn Pro Bono Legal Clinic.  Click here for more information and to register by January 8th.
  • January 15: Join AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force for a Prayer Walk for Michelle Go. Click here for more information and to register by January 13th.
  • January 15: AABANY Issues Committee Monthly Meeting.  Click here for more information and to register by January 13th.
  • January 20: AABANY Board Meeting.  Click here for more information and to register by January 15.  
  • January 21: AABANY Monthly Manhattan Pro Bono Legal Clinic.  Click here for more information and to register by January 19th.
  • January 21: AABANY Presents: Solo & Small Law Firm Litigators – Strategies for Success and Why Clients Should Care.  Click here for more information and to register by January 19th.
  • January 22: AABANY Presents: Pathways to Court-Connected ADR.  Click here for more information and to register by January 15th.
  • February 4: AABANY Bi-Monthly Queens Pro Bono Legal Clinic.  Click here for more information and to register by February 2nd. 
  • February 11: Save the Date – Annual Meeting of Members. Stay tuned for details. 

Save The Dates

Our next marquee event is the Winter Soiree, on Jan. 22. This invitation only event is open to executive and senior-level in-house counsel and corporate law firm sponsors. For more information or for sponsorship information, contact winter.soiree@aabany.org. The deadline to sponsor is January 9.

Be sure to save the date for the 2026 Annual Dinner on May 28,2026 at Cipriani Wall Street. We will be celebrating remarkable individuals and achievements in the legal profession and community in New York.

Save the Date also for AABANY’s Fall Conference, which will take place at Fordham Law School on September 26, 2026.  Please make plans to join us! 

Thank you!

We would not have had such an active year if it were not for the support from everyone involved in AABANY. We thank our Board Officers and Directors, as well as our Committee Co-Chairs and Vice Chairs, and we are grateful for the dedication of our staff, and the hard work of our volunteers and interns. 

We also extend our appreciation to the members of AABANY– without you we would not be what we are today. As we close out 2025, our membership now exceeds 1400 paid members. We look forward to your continued support and participation in the coming year.

We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!

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NAPABA Trailblazer Sandra Leung to Receive ABA Spirit of Excellence Award

For Immediate Release:
October 20, 2025		Contact:
Priya Purandare
Executive Director, NAPABA

WASHINGTON — The American Bar Association’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession has announced that past NAPABA President Sandra Leung will receive the 2026 Spirit of Excellence Award. Each year, the ABA honors lawyers who have excelled in their fields and who have demonstrated an abiding commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Earlier this year, NAPABA announced Sandra Leung as a recipient of its highest honor, the Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award, in recognition of her achievements, commitment, and leadership in paving the way for advancement of other Asian Pacific, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander lawyers.

An accomplished attorney, prosecutor, C-suite advisor, and champion for justice, Sandra Leung has broken down barriers in a distinguished career that saw her become the first Asian American woman to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, and the first Asian American and the first woman to serve as general counsel for the global biopharmaceutical giant Bristol Meyers Squibb. As one of ten children born to Chinese immigrant parents who operated a Chinese restaurant in Stamford, Connecticut, and whose neighbors had circulated a petition in an attempt to block her family from moving in, Sandra Leung has displayed a lifelong commitment to speaking up for those facing inequality and prejudice.  

“Sandy Leung has blazed trails and set a remarkably high standard of achievement and excellence for our bar,” said NAPABA President Thy B. Bui. “Not only has she walked the talk in terms of her dedication to uplifting attorneys of all backgrounds in the legal profession, but her unapologetic public commitment to diversity and justice has been an inspiration for me as president of NAPABA and for so many others.”

Over more than a three-decade long career at Bristol Meyers Squibb, Sandra built and led a world class team of approximately 200 attorneys and 480 professionals across 35 countries. Among her many accomplishments, she takes greatest pride in her unwavering commitment to nurturing diverse talent at every level of the profession—beginning with the BMS internship program she helped cultivate and which has now been aptly renamed the Sandra Leung Program on Law and Leadership in recognition of her enduring impact.

In addition to her tenure at Bristol Myers Squibb, Sandra has devoted her time, energy, and expertise to advancing the mission of numerous nonprofit organizations. She served on NAPABA’s Board of Governors from 2021 to 2024 and as NAPABA President from 2022 to 2023, where she worked to strengthen and expand the organization’s reach.

“Sandy’s deep commitment to our bar and the legal profession derives from a lifetime of advocacy for diversity and underserved communities,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “I am grateful to Sandy for her leadership in not only guiding NAPABA with steady wisdom through a tremendous period of growth but also her dedication to advancing AANHPI lawyers and the communities they serve.”

Also receiving the 2026 Spirit of Excellence Award are:

  • Hon. Marcella Holland, Circuit Administrative Judge, Baltimore City (ret.);
  • Loren Kieve, Principal, Kieve Law Offices;
  • Rosevelie Márquez Morales, Chief Inclusion Officer, Hogan Lovells;
  • Hector Villagra, Vice President of Policy Advocacy and Community Education, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF).

The 2026 Spirit of Excellence Awards will be presented during a ceremony at the 2026 ABA Midyear Meeting on February 7, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

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Portrait Project: NAPABA’s Groundbreaking Study of Asian Americans in the Law is More Crucial Than Ever

At the NAPABA Convention, you’ll experience unmatched opportunities to grow, connect, and be inspired. On Friday, November 7, join NAPABA for a plenary session featuring trailblazing leaders who will examine the key issues shaping the future of the legal profession.

This year’s plenary will spotlight the Portrait Project, NAPABA’s groundbreaking study of Asian Americans in the law, and offer candid insights on how the legal community can advance representation and leadership in a time of change.

Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from Justice Goodwin Liu, Sandra Leung, Kalpana Srinivasan, and Professor Ajay K. Mehrotra as they unpack the Portrait Project and share perspectives on the challenges facing our profession.

Secure your spot today—add this a la carte session to your Convention registration and be part of this vital conversation.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-17.png
Sandra Leung
Executive Vice President and General Counsel (ret.), Bristol-Myers Squibb Company		Justice Goodwin Liu
California Supreme Court		Kalpana Srinivasan
Managing Partner, Susman Godfrey LLP		Professor Ajay K. Mehrotra
Moderator
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Diversity and inclusion efforts are facing mounting pressure. Across the nation, they face legal and political challenges across the board, whether in the government sector, the private sector, or on university campuses. The legal profession has not escaped the backlash. In its wake, the Portrait Project, supported by the American Bar Foundation and the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), provides invaluable perspectives. It explores critical empirical research to explain why the Asian American legal community continues to face persistent barriers to advancement and endure underrepresentation in the top ranks of the profession.

NAPABA works to achieve optimal representation and visibility of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) attorneys in every facet and level of the legal field and beyond. But how do we pursue this goal in the current polarized atmosphere, where employee resource groups and affinity organizations face enormous pressures and where employers are wavering on commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Join us for a lively conversation with the architects of the Portrait Project and leaders of the legal profession to hear what the latest data tells us about the state of AANHPIs in the profession. Discover how their findings can cut through the heated political rhetoric to show a better understanding of the factors that have contributed to attrition and retention, and the policies and practices that can boost representation at the leadership levels.

Military & Veteran Service Award

During the Plenary Luncheon, we will also be recognizing this year’s Military & Veteran Service Awardee. This award honors NAPABA members who have served in the United States Armed Forces and demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing justice, supporting service members and veterans, and strengthening our community.

Congressman Ted W. Lieu (CA-36)
U.S. House of Representatives

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NAPABA Names Susman Godfrey LLP Recipient of the 2025 NAPABA President’s Award

For Immediate Release:
August 20, 2025		Contact:
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

2025 NAPABA President’s Award Recipient: Susman Godfrey LLP

WASHINGTON — The 2025 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) President’s Award will be presented to Susman Godfrey LLP. The award recognizes the firm’s steadfast commitment to uplift the legal profession and the rule of law in the United States.

The NAPABA President’s Award is given annually to individuals or entities who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to NAPABA and the broader legal community.

“I am proud to confer the President’s Award to Susman Godfrey LLP,” said NAPABA President Thy Bui. “As both a legal professional and civil rights organization with a core commitment to diversity and upholding the rule of law, NAPABA knows the vital importance of standing up against the wave of attacks against the legal community and upholding our values. Susman Godfrey LLP not only shares our commitment but also lives it. I am thrilled to commend the firm for its unwavering focus to defend the legal profession and the rule of law when it mattered the most.”

Susman Godfrey LLP is a nationally leading boutique litigation law firm founded in Houston, Texas. Today, with additional offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle, the firm has a reputation as one of the “nation’s most impressive – and most feared – litigation boutiques.” Kalpana Srinivasan, a 2014 recipient of the NAPABA Best Under 40 Award, and Vineet Bhatia lead the firm as managing partners.

Earlier this year, the current Administration issued an executive order against Susman Godfrey LLP and endeavored to strip the firm’s ability to function. The executive order, among other things, criticized the firm’s espousal of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. It also disagreed with the firm’s work pertaining to elections. For example, in April 2023, Susman Godfrey LLP secured a $787.5 million settlement for its client, Dominion Voting Systems, to resolve Dominion’s claim of defamation against a prominent media outlet for its statements pertaining to the 2020 presidential election.

Susman Godfrey LLP challenged the executive order, and in June 2025, the firm succeeded when the District Court permanently enjoined the executive order. The court found that the executive order amounted to “unlawful retaliation…for activities that are protected by the First Amendment, including [the firm’s] representation of certain clients…and its expression of its beliefs regarding diversity.” An independent judiciary, as the court recognized, presumes an “informed, independent bar,” which is a “necessity for the rule of law.”

We agree. The firm, in advancing those principles, currently represents the American Bar Association in a lawsuit against the current Administration that challenges the unwarranted attacks against lawyers and law firms.

NAPABA congratulates Susman Godfrey LLP as this year’s recipient of the NAPABA President’s Award, which will be bestowed on Friday, November 7, 2025, during the President’s and Trailblazer Awards Reception at the 2025 NAPABA Convention in Denver, Colorado.

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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 over 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.

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Congratulations, Vincent Chang, 2025 Recipient of The Network of Bar Leaders’ President’s Award

On April 22, 2025, at The Harvard Club in New York City, the Network of Bar Leaders, a coalition representing over 50 bar associations in the greater New York Metropolitan area, honored Vincent Chang, Esq., Counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, with the President’s Award. The distinction is reserved for those who have advanced the legal profession through the values of leadership, collaboration, and community within and across bar associations.

With a legal career focused on complex commercial litigation, including securities, investment banking, hedge funds, bankruptcy, insurance, real estate, antitrust, and bondholder disputes, Vince brings a deep sense of responsibility to the profession. His resume includes serving as Immediate Past President of the New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA), past President of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), and a member of the Executive Council of the Network of Bar Leaders. He currently holds positions within the American Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association, including serving as a Special Advisor to the ABA’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. Vince is one of those rare leaders who has left a lasting mark on the legal community not only through his work in the courtroom but also through the time, energy, and care he has poured into the bar associations that shape the future of law.

Vince’s journey in bar association leadership began with AABANY, a formative role that contributed to his collaborative approach to leadership. “My goal was to bring people together,” he recalled. His efforts not only unified the group but also doubled AABANY’s membership during his term. His ability to lead with transparency and unity laid the groundwork for a generation of new leaders, including James Chou and Yang Chen, both past presidents of AABANY. Yang now serves as its Executive Director. Vince credits AABANY as the launchpad for much of his bar association work. “It was the leadership opportunity that started everything. Without AABANY, I wouldn’t have joined other bar associations, wouldn’t have become part of the American Bar Association, wouldn’t have been president of the Network.” His leadership at AABANY set a standard that continues to influence the future of the legal community.

From there, his bar service expanded across the legal landscape. At NYCLA, he guided the association through the difficulties of COVID-19, restructured its physical offices to ensure financial stability, and upheld its legacy as a pioneer in legal diversity. “It was the first bar association to admit people of color, women, and non-Protestants,” he shared. “Serving as President was a high point in my career.” His leadership not only preserved NYCLA’s legacy but positioned it to thrive in a new era of law and inclusion.

What motivates someone to give so much time and energy to bar associations while maintaining a demanding legal career? For Vince, the answer is simple: the people. “There’s a lot of fellowship in bar associations,” he explained. “You learn from great people. You get to do fulfilling work. And you really don’t need a huge time commitment to get started. If you put more into it, you get more out of it. But even a small investment of time can open doors—meet judges, build networks, find mentors.” His message to younger attorneys is clear: “Carve out the time, no matter how difficult it seems. Bar associations are a fulfilling activity, and one that young lawyers ought to get involved in immediately if they can.” By prioritizing bar association involvement, young attorneys can unlock opportunities that extend from just their legal practice.

Across every organization he’s served, Vince has consistently advocated for the judiciary, particularly in securing fair pay and resources. “There was a time when judges went more than a dozen years without a raise. That’s unacceptable.” Through reports, testimonies, and public education, Chang helped lead the fight for change. “Supporting the judiciary is some of the most rewarding work I’ve done,” he said. His dedication to judicial advocacy has helped redefine how legal professionals understand the vital role of court support.

Beyond his work in bar associations, Vince’s legal career includes moments that many attorneys only dream of. One of the most memorable was a case that took him all the way to the United States Supreme Court. “It was a landmark case for Morgan Stanley, involving separation of powers. I’ll never forget seeing the justices in person,” he shared. The case was decided 4–4, which meant the previous court’s decision stayed in place. While Vince’s team did not win at the time, their argument was proven right when a later case confirmed the same legal principle. It was an experience that left a lasting impression both professionally and personally.

For the next generation of lawyers, Vince advises: “Putting your head down and working at your desk 12 hours a day won’t be enough. You have to meet people. You have to network. You have to learn from the broader profession.” He’s honest about what he would’ve done differently. “I didn’t really get involved in bar associations until I was 40. If you start in your 20s, you’ll get so much more out of it.” His advice serves as a reminder that success is built on connections, experience, and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone.

However, Vince also sees real challenges ahead. As social media and changing lifestyles pull younger professionals away from traditional membership organizations, bar associations must adapt. “Many groups are struggling with membership. AABANY has done well because it has a young demographic to draw from and knows how to reach them. But we can’t take that for granted.” He points to studies like The Portrait Project to show how diversity efforts must continue beyond entry-level roles. “There’s a glass ceiling. Asian American attorneys are getting into the profession, but they’re not advancing at the highest levels—whether that’s partner, elected DA, or leadership in government. We need to figure out why.” The future of bar associations depends on their ability to evolve and break down barriers for underrepresented groups within the profession.

Vince’s contributions to the legal community go beyond his accolades and titles. They are a reflection to a life dedicated to service, leadership, and progress. Through his commitment to bar associations and mentorship of young attorneys, he has made a strong impact for generations to come. Vince’s legacy is not just in the offices he’s held or the cases he’s won, but in the lives he’s touched and the doors he’s opened for others. His leadership continues to shape the future of our legal system: one that is more inclusive, more equitable, and more united than ever before.

Vince reflected on the celebration with heartfelt gratitude: “I am deeply grateful to my friends from the Asian American Bar Association of New York for sponsoring and attending this event. Including myself, there were five AABANY Presidents present. AABANY has always been close to my heart, and I am thrilled to see its continued growth and success under the leadership of Yang Chen and Ben Hsing.”

Congratulations, Vince Chang, 2025 Recipient of The Network of Bar Leaders’ President’s Award!

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Congratulations, Lillian M. Moy, 2025 Recipient of New York State Bar Association’s Haywood Burns Award, Honoring a Legacy of Justice

Lillian M. Moy, a lifelong advocate for civil rights and justice, is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Haywood Burns Award. Named after the legendary civil rights lawyer who collaborated with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and fought tirelessly for justice, the award honors individuals dedicated to social justice.

As Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York since 1995, Moy has spent decades expanding access to legal representation for low-income communities. A nationally recognized leader in civil legal aid, she has championed diversity and inclusion. Yet, in a moment that speaks to both her humility and her respect for those who paved the way, Moy admitted: “I still feel, in a way, I’m not worthy.” But if you have followed Moy’s career or had the privilege of speaking with her, she is more than worthy of this recognition.

Moy’s legal career has been defined by her constant dedication to those who need representation the most. For decades, she has fought for low-income individuals, advocating for tenants facing eviction, disabled children seeking the education they deserve, and survivors of domestic violence in need of legal protection. “I understand in a very daily way that I used my skills as a lawyer to try and level the playing field and provide justice to people who otherwise would not have gotten it,” she shared. Sometimes, that work was as simple yet significant as helping a client navigate complex paperwork to keep their home. Other times, it meant standing in a courtroom to ensure that someone with disabilities received the support they were entitled to. It was about recognizing the gaps in the system and then building the programs necessary to fill them.

Moy’s leadership in legal aid spanned Georgia, Massachusetts, and New York. As Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, she led with integrity for twenty-seven years before retiring in 2022, creating the foundation for programs that continue to serve marginalized communities today. “My work as a legal aid lawyer really only existed because lawyers like Haywood Burns existed…. He exemplified the quest for social justice and racial justice before we even knew those words.” Through her tireless advocacy, Moy has carried forward that legacy, ensuring that the fight for justice remains as important and urgent as ever.

For Moy, receiving the Haywood Burns Award is not just an acknowledgment of past achievements; it is a challenge to continue the work, even as structural injustices remain deeply rooted. She recognizes that today’s political and legal landscape makes civil rights work even more difficult, with efforts to dismantle the very policies and programs she helped build. “In this era, our greatest work will be vilified and made invisible by the current administration. That’s a commonality I wish we didn’t have.” Despite these challenges, Moy remains hopeful. Her words reflect both realism and optimism: “I hope –I believe – that the legal community would not let [this work] die.” She believes in the power of legal aid, community organizing, and the next generation of advocates to continue the fight for justice.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Moy’s advocacy is deeply personal. As the daughter of an immigrant father who ran a commercial laundry in New York, she understands firsthand the barriers that marginalized communities face. Her work has always been about breaking those barriers down, ensuring that economic and educational opportunities are not reserved for the privileged few. Even in retirement, Moy remains engaged in teaching, mentoring, and continuing her advocacy through pro bono work and community organizing: “I can do political work now. I can help people raise money…. In some ways, retirement is kind of freeing.”

When asked what she hoped her lasting impact would be, she did not point to the organizations she has built or the policies she has helped shape. Instead, she spoke about her family, her community, and the work that will continue beyond her own career. “Family is as big to me now as it was to my parents. The work too.” Lillian’s legacy is not just in the cases she has won or the programs she has developed; it is in the people she has inspired, the mentees she has guided, and the communities she has strengthened. So today, we do not just congratulate her. We celebrate her. We honor her. We commit to continuing the work she has spent her life fighting for.

Congratulations, Lillian M. Moy, on this well-deserved honor. Her lifelong commitment to justice, leadership, and compassion has transformed countless lives and strengthened the legal community. The world is a fairer and more equitable place because of her relentless pursuit of civil rights and belief in the power of the law to create meaningful change.

Join the celebration honoring Lillian M. Moy, Esq., at the Haywood Burns Memorial Award Ceremony on April 3 at CUNY Law School. Be sure to register here by March 27 to attend.

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AABANY and SABANY Co-Sponsor “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2.0” Featuring Jenny Yang

On January 30th, 2025, AABANY, together with the South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY), co-sponsored a CLE program entitled “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2.0, Featuring Jenny Yang.” The event, offering 1.0 credit hours towards the Diversity, Inclusion, and Elimination of Bias requirement, discussed the current situation and potential future of DEI programs in the wake of the current administration’s Executive Orders. 

Jenny Yang, former Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and previous White House Deputy Assistant to the President for Racial Justice and Equity, shared her informed perspective on the issue.

The event was hosted by Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP at their midtown New York office. Attendees streamed in starting as early as 5:30 pm. Then, the program began with some opening remarks by SABANY President Ashish Bhatt, AABANY Executive Director Yang Chen, and an introduction of the keynote speaker by Glenn D. Magpantay, Co-Chair of the AABANY LGBTQ Committee and Commissioner for the US Commission on Civil Rights. 

Jenny first shed some light on current developments with the new administration and some of the Executive Orders that have been issued. She described how they do not alter the laws currently in place surrounding DEI, and how, for employers engaging in fully lawful DEI programs, these Executive Orders have no effect. She went on to talk about the current perception held within the country that DEI programs in essence are a form of affirmative action but noted that view to be incorrect because they do not “save spots” for specific marginalized groups and instead analyze already existing workforce data to identify disparities in the workforce and then address them. Additionally, she mentioned the wording in many of these Executive Orders referring to “illegal DEI programs” and how companies and industries are scared into retreating and reducing their DEI initiatives as a result.

Ultimately, Jenny asserted how important it was to recognize that the vast majority of DEI programs are legal under Federal laws such as Title VII and that companies, especially law firms, should not back down in the face of these Executive Orders.

She closed the presentation by noting that the future of DEI programs in the United States is largely uncertain, expressing the hope that they can persist and strive to be more inclusive. A vibrant question-and-answer session followed, during which attendees asked about various topics, from the validity of specific Executive Orders already in place to the potential actions of the administration to undermine previous protections granted by federal legislation, such as Title VII. 

Thank you to AABANY’s Issues and Memberships Committees for co-sponsoring this event, as well as to Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP for hosting. To learn more about the Issues Committee, click here. To learn more about the Membership Committee, click here. 

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NAPABA | Taking Action in 2025

Dear NAPABA Community,

Before the start of this new year, I wrote to you and shared not only my gratitude for an incredible 2024, but also our commitment to advance NAPABA’s mission heading into 2025. Though we are merely two months into the new year, we have already witnessed several developments that impact NAPABA’s work and the broader Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.

On his first day in office on January 20, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued executive orders that jeopardized the constitutional guarantee of citizenship for all persons born in the United States, the right to seek asylum, the refugee resettlement system, and the LGBTQ+ community, among others. NAPABA swiftly condemned these actions, which ran counter to our values. Since then, the federal government has enacted a slew of policies, which have already drawn significant concern for the rule of law, in addition to attacks on lawful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives both within the federal government and the private sector.  

When it comes to our values, our words of disagreement are not enough. NAPABA is charged to promote justice and equity for the AANHPI community. My team is closely monitoring developments from the federal government, and we are working with stakeholders, coalition partners, policymakers, and others to respond appropriately.

NAPABA is prepared to act. I have outlined below, in broad strokes, our intended course of action and how you can get involved. In the coming weeks and months, and with your partnership, we plan to meaningfully support our community and actively counter policies that detrimentally affect the AANHPI community.

I. Direct Support for NAPABA Affiliates and National Associates

NAPABA stands ready to deliver financial support to our affiliates and national associates for their work in the community. As leaders in their respective regions, affiliates and national associates can act as trusted messengers delivering pivotal information and services to their members and broader AANHPI communities. We will prioritize projects that speak to the challenges today: for example, educational seminars on the state of immigration, pro bono initiatives to support heightened immigration needs of the Asian American population, funding language translations for educational materials and resources, and local and state advocacy efforts that align with NAPABA values and positions. To apply for funding, please visit our website.

Building on the work of the NAPABA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force, we plan to create toolkits for our affiliates and national associates. They will include resources to advance the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and immigration resources such as hosting naturalization clinics and the creation of attorney directories that address priority areas like immigration law.

II. NAPABA Engagement with Policymakers

The NAPABA Policy Team leads our engagement with stakeholders and policymakers at the federal and state levels. We advance our policy priorities, whether it be in our opposition to anti-Asian hate and discriminatory alien land law policies to our support for voting rights. Now, as our engagement will necessarily go deeper, we are investing in an expansion of our Policy Team.  

Plus, the planning is well underway for our upcoming Lobby Day, which is scheduled for May 20-21, 2025, in Washington, DC. As the largest AANHPI advocacy effort on Capitol Hill, NAPABA Lobby Day will bring our members from across the Nation to the halls of Congress to demonstrate not only the strength of our community, but also to advance the critical issues facing the AANHPI community. Our members will meet with Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle to highlight the causes important to us and our communities. Your voice is pivotal. For more information on Lobby Day and to register, please visit our website.

III. Narrative Change and Education
In the coming weeks and months, NAPABA will highlight how recent actions from the federal government not only impact our communities, but also the critical role that the AANHPI communities played in the development of the rights that we cherish today. Whether it be on birthright citizenship, the right to asylum and the refugee resettlement program, or the barriers that our community faces in the legal profession, NAPABA will uplift those stories and our history, which are intertwined with the fabric of American life today. Please be on the lookout through our social media channels, our website, and email for additional educational resources and programming. These efforts will be on top of the multitude of informative programs during the Nation’s largest convening of legal professionals: the NAPABA Convention in Denver, Colorado, on November 6-8, 2025.

NAPABA has an exceptionally talented and enthusiastic full-time staff, but we cannot carry out our work without you. The strength of NAPABA is comprised of passionate and energetic volunteers like you. As I mentioned above, here are some ways where you can get involved:

  1. Submit a CLE Program Proposal for the 2025 NAPABA Convention. Submission. deadline is March 14, 2025.
  2. Register and participate in NAPABA Lobby Day on May 20-21, 2025.
  3. Join a NAPABA Committee and Network to engage with professionals in your practice area or who share your affinity.
  4. Register and attend the 2025 NAPABA Convention. Registration opens in June 2025.

Lastly, we want to hear from you with any suggestions. Please don’t hesitate to email us at advocacy@napaba.org with your thoughts.

Regardless of the challenges, NAPABA remains focused on the work ahead, and I hope that you will join us in the journey.

Very truly yours,


Priya Purandare
Executive Director

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NAPABA Condemns President Trump’s Executive Orders Targeting Birthright Citizenship, Refugee Resettlement, Asylum Protections, the LGBTQ+ Community, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

For Immediate Release: January 22, 2025Contact:
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – On his first day in office, President Donald J. Trump issued executive orders that jeopardize the constitutional guarantee of citizenship for all persons born in the United States, the right to seek asylum, the refugee resettlement system, the LGBTQ+ community, and several other critical areas impacting our community as outlined below. The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association condemns these actions unequivocally. They run counter to the core values of NAPABA, the interests of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, and the tenets of this Nation.

Birthright Citizenship for U.S.-Born Individuals

Since the end of the Civil War, the Fourteenth Amendment promised future generations that they would be treated equally under the law. It also included an equal claim to citizenship to all persons born in the United States, regardless of stature or the circumstances of their parents. The executive order upends that promise. It refuses to recognize the birthright citizenship of any child born in the United States to a moth er who is lawfully present on a temporary basis, like those on work or student visas, and a father who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident.

The Asian American community is no stranger to such unconstitutional attacks. More than 125 years ago, a young Chinese American, Wong Kim Ark, who was born in San Francisco, sought to return to the United States after a trip to visit his family in China. The government denied him entry and claimed that he was not an American citizen. The U.S. Supreme Court disagreed, holding that a child born in the United States to noncitizen parents is entitled to automatic citizenship. United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898). Congress confirmed that understanding in federal law. See 8 U.S.C. § 1401.

Wong Kim Ark is settled law. If the executive order is left to stand, countless families within the Asian American community—the majority of whom are immigrants and the children of immigrants—would be impacted, unsettling their lives. The fundamental constitutional guarantee to citizenship cannot be discarded by a stroke of the pen, and NAPABA strongly opposes any effort to weaken the right under the Fourteenth Amendment.

NAPABA commends the ACLU, the Asian Law Caucus, and the coalition of states led by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin for promptly challenging the executive order in court.

Asylum, Refugee Resettlement, and Trust with Immigrant Communities

NAPABA recognizes the need to address the situation at our southern border. But we must not compromise our values as a Nation that welcomes immigrants and protects refugees. The President’s executive order eliminates any avenue for individuals—including many who hail from Asian countries—to claim asylum at the southern border. The order also suspended the entry of refugees under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

These executive actions are inconsistent with our country’s obligation under domestic and international law to provide refuge to those fleeing persecution and war. With nearly three million such refugees from Southeast Asia fleeing conflicts in the 1970s and new generations arriving since, the protections offered by the United States as a leading signatory to the International Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol are critical to uphold.

The Asian American story is one of perseverance, with countless numbers throughout history fleeing persecution for a better life in the United States. We need not turn our back on history or the generations seeking refuge. NAPABA has consistently supported the refugee resettlement program and this Nation’s long history of welcoming those from Asia seeking the protections of our Constitution.

Further, our immigrant communities are better served and safer where there is trust. Coercing state and local law enforcement agencies to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement undermines that trust and damages the relationship with the communities that they serve. For the Asian American community that endured the recent wave of anti-Asian hate, the fear of immigration consequences places an unnecessary obstacle to report and address hate crimes.

In another executive order, the President sought to restrict federal funds to jurisdictions “which seek to interfere with the lawful exercise of Federal [immigration] enforcement operations.” The choice by state and local leaders to decline voluntary cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement is not only lawful, but one that prioritizes the best interests of their communities. Jurisdictions ought not to be penalized for advancing public safety in their region.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

In a call to action several months ago, NAPABA emphasized how the majority of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives serve to increase access and opportunity, not stifle them. President Trump’s action to eliminate those efforts in the federal government is misguided and impacts AANHPI communities. The executive order purports to advance “equal dignity and respect,” yet its actions yield the opposite.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts minimize bias and barriers while fostering unity. And contrary to the executive order, not only do such initiatives advance the promises of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, they bring greater meritocracy to our workplaces, unlocking individual potential and belonging across the board where everyone has a fair shot at success.

LGBTQ+ Dignity

Every person, regardless of how they identify their gender, deserves respect, dignity, and the equal protection of the law. Another executive order attacks and jeopardizes the transgender and broader LGBTQ+ community, potentially undermining workplace and school protections, and denying access to essential public services and health care.

NAPABA firmly believes in the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. Just recently, NAPABA opposed H.R. 28, which would exclude those in the transgender, nonbinary, and intersex community from athletic programs in schools. The policies of government ought to be guided by the inclusion of all segments of our communities, not the exclusion of the most vulnerable.

Capital Punishment

In another executive order, the President reversed the last administration’s moratorium on capital punishment and reauthorized the Attorney General to pursue the death penalty. NAPABA stands opposed to the death penalty, which is disproportionately imposed on members of minority groups, individuals suffering from mental illness, and individuals raised in poverty. It does not deter crime, and it is not necessary for the administration of justice. We reiterate our call that the death penalty be abolished.

NAPABA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing the interests of well over 80,000 AANHPI legal professionals. Our community is diverse, spanning across cultures, language, and political ideologies. NAPABA has worked diligently with presidents, administrations, and congressional members of both parties to advance the interests of our community.

But as an organization of legal professionals, we bear a special responsibility to uphold the rule of law. Regardless of the presidential administration, NAPABA will continue to advance justice, with the AANHPI community at the forefront along with all communities of color, our values, and our policy positions.

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

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AABANY Women’s Committee Hosts “Building Your Own House: Balthazar Breakfast with Jennifer Wu”

On Monday, December 16, 2024, AABANY’s Women’s Committee hosted the “Building Your Own House: Balthazar Breakfast with Jennifer Wu” at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP. The event featured a delicious spread of pastries from Balthazar, along with seared tuna steak salad, fresh fruit, and both cold and hot beverages.

The conversation was moderated by Aileen Huang and Ananya Pillutla, associates at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP. Jennifer shared her journey from her early years as an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP to her time at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, where she was elected partner. In her next chapter, Jennifer launched her own firm — creating her own “house” — where the firm’s partnership is 50% women.

One of the key moments of the discussion was when Jennifer compared Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to a dance party: “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is dancing with you; and equity is playing your music.” For Jennifer, building her own house was about playing her own music.

Jennifer also shared her personal philosophy of not overplanning and letting life unfold naturally. When asked about her favorite karaoke song, she revealed that it’s not about perfection but about enjoying the experience. From her husband, she learned that the most fun comes not from delivering the perfect performance, but from the genuine passion and enjoyment of the music, regardless of skill.

The participants left the breakfast feeling more connected, supported, and inspired by Jennifer’s insights and authenticity.

Thanks to everyone who attended, and thanks to Jennifer and Groombridge, Wu for being such gracious hosts. To learn more about the Women’s Committee and how you can get involved, please click here.

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