Tag: judiciary committee

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Prosecutors Committee Celebrates 17th Anniversary Reception at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse

The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY)’s Prosecutors Committee, together with its Judiciary Committee, celebrated the 17th Anniversary of the Prosecutors Committee on March 5, 2026, at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse in Lower Manhattan. The evening honored Pamela K. Chen, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her exemplary service to the Federal judiciary and her longstanding dedication to justice.

Judge Chen was nominated to the Federal bench in January 2013 by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate in March 2013. Since her appointment to the bench, Judge Chen has presided over a wide array of civil and criminal cases, including a civil lawsuit challenging New York’s ban on the possession of nunchuks. 

Judge Chen began her legal career at the law firm of Arnold & Porter in Washington, D.C. In 1991, she joined the Special Litigation Section of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, where she litigated matters relating to conditions of confinement for individuals in state and local institutions, as well as cases involving the enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act of 1994.

In 1998, Judge Chen moved to New York City and joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, where she worked until March 2013, except for a brief period in 2008, when she served as Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement in the New York State Division of Human Rights. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Judge Chen investigated and prosecuted cases involving terrorism, gang violence, drug trafficking, human trafficking, official misconduct, and civil rights crimes. She also served as the Chief of the Criminal Civil Rights Section and oversaw the development of the Office’s anti-human trafficking program, which resulted in the investigation and prosecution of hundreds of traffickers and the identification, rescue, and restoration of hundreds of survivors of trafficking. In 2015, Judge Chen and then-Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch were honored by Sanctuary for Families for the anti-human trafficking work done by the U.S. Attorney’s Office under Attorney General Lynch’s leadership as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

Judge Chen has also served for nearly ten years on the Board of the Sonia & Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program where she mentors the next generation of legal professionals. 

The evening began in the courthouse’s Ceremonial Courtroom, where approximately 150 attendees from across the legal community gathered. The event brought together a wide range of members from our shared communities, including state and Federal judges and prosecutors, government attorneys, private practitioners, law students, law clerks, professors, community advocates, and supporters of AABANY.

The formal program commenced at approximately 6:15 p.m., with opening remarks from the evening’s Masters of Ceremonies, Teri Chung, Major Case Assistant District Attorney at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, and Eun Bi Kim, Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Distinguished heads of the Federal judiciary offered warm greetings and reflections on Judge Chen’s career, including Hon. Laura Taylor Swain, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and Hon. Margo K. Brodie, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Following Chief Judges Swain and Brodie, additional remarks were delivered by Benjamin Hsing, President of AABANY; Hon Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Hon Bridget G. Brennan, Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York; Joseph P. Alexis, Chief of the Trial Division at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office; and Karl Metzner, Associate United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. During the program, each speaker highlighted the breadth and significance of Judge Chen’s judicial and prosecutorial careers. Their words were a tribute to her leadership and dedication to public service.

After the array of accolades was given from many who have worked with Judge Chen, she was formally introduced by Hon. Ann Donnelly, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, who described Judge Chen as the embodiment of a trailblazer.

In her acceptance remarks, Judge Chen delivered a thoughtful and compelling reflection of her career and the importance of representation in public service within the legal profession. Citing data on Asian American participation in public service roles, she observed that “by the end of 2022, approximately 7.5% of Asian American lawyers entered government service directly from law school,” while noting similarly modest percentages entering law school and prosecutorial offices. She posed a critical question: “Why does it matter that Asian Americans are not fully represented in public service?”

Judge Chen explained that the answer lies not only in numbers, but in perception and belonging. She remarked that in this country, there remains an undercurrent that views Asian Americans as perpetual foreigners. Such perceptions have, at times, surfaced most painfully during moments of national hardship, including the COVID-19 pandemic, when anti-Asian sentiment manifested in acts of violence.

Emphasizing the importance of visibility in public roles, Judge Chen reflected on the symbolic power of serving as a prosecutor: “When you stand up in court and say, ‘I represent the People of New York’ or ‘I represent the United States of America,’ you are affirming, every day, that Asian Americans are part of this nation—not outsiders to it.” Judge Chen emphasized how greater participation in public service, specifically institutions of justice, helps achieve equity for all, and simultaneously challenges stereotypes and reinforces the fundamental truth of belonging.

These themes of representation and belonging were echoed in the broader program. Before its conclusion, AABANY Executive Director Yang Chen introduced a trailer for Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate, an AABANY documentary highlighting the surge in anti-Asian hate incidents during the pandemic and the community’s response. The trailer highlighted the importance of continued vigilance and advocacy against anti-Asian violence and hate crimes and described the ongoing work of AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force. Yang Chen further expressed gratitude for the role played by members of the Task Force in producing the documentary. In particular, Yang called up St. John’s University School of Law Professor Elaine Chiu, past Chair of the Task Force, and James Lin, retired veteran prosecutor of the Manhattan and Brooklyn DA’s Offices, as well as Daphne Mei, Program Manager for the Task Force, for their contributions to AABANY’s work combatting anti-Asian violence and hate. 

The program concluded with closing remarks from Kin Ng before guests proceeded to a networking reception in suite 850. The reception featured an array of delicious food including a variety of kimbap, samosas and dumplings, and provided an opportunity for attendees to connect and celebrate Judge Chen and the continued impact of the Prosecutors Committee within the legal community. 

A Second Circuit Judge who attended the event described it as “warm, informative, and fun,” a sentiment that captured the spirit of collegiality and shared purpose that defined the celebration.

AABANY thanks Prosecutors Committee Co-Chairs Grace Vee, Appeals Division Civil Litigation Unit Chief and Associate General Counsel at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and Kin Ng, Bureau Chief at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, as well as Judiciary Committee Co-Chairs David Mou, founding attorney of Mou Legal PLLC, and Mark Son, Vice President of the Central Investigations Function at Deutsche Bank, for their leadership in organizing this memorable evening. AABANY also thanks the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for graciously hosting the celebration at the SDNY courthouse. To view photos from the event, click here.

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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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Thank You for Joining AABANY at our 15th Annual Fall Conference: “Building a Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future”

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, AABANY hosted its 15th Annual Fall Conference, “Building a Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future,” at Fordham University of Law. The Conference was co-sponsored by Fordham Law School’s Center on Asian Americans and the Law, and AABANY greatly appreciates Fordham’s support of this event.

The conference began with a buffet-style breakfast. Attendees chatted over pastries, coffee, bagels, and other assorted breakfast items, reconnecting with colleagues, while also introducing themselves to unfamiliar faces. 

The first part of the morning programs began at 9:00am and ran until 10:30am, presenting upon a diversity of topics, including: 

This year’s conference theme was “Building a Strong Foundation for a Brighter Future,” and the morning programs explored this topic in great detail. “Problem-Solving Courts and Person-Centered Justice,” for example, discussed the emergence and proliferation of problem-solving courts within the New York judiciary, their impacts on recidivism, and the judiciary’s vision to further expand the breadth of problem-solving courts within New York. Another program, “Artificial Intelligence in the Legal Profession: Transforming Practices and Future Trends,” considered the impact of AI and Generative AI on the legal profession. By promoting innovation, adaptability, and responsible use of AI, the program sought to foster a forward-thinking legal community.

After a 15 minute break, the second part of the morning programs, scheduled between 10:45am and 12:15pm, commenced, exploring the following topics:

The third and final installation of AABANY’s “Pathways to the Bench” series, coordinated by the Young Lawyers Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Government Service and Public Interest Committee, was also held during the latter half of the morning session. While the first two segments of the series had focused on showing how someone can become a federal clerk or state court attorney and explaining the nuances of landing on the bench, this capstone program, titled “Pathways to the Bench: Steps to the Federal Judiciary,” centered around four AAPI judges, who each shared their particular pathways to the bench, hoping to inspire others to follow in their footsteps and to give them the tools to do so.

To see photos from the morning session please click here.

Opening at 10:30am, the Fall Conference offered its annual Diversity Career Fair, organized by the Career Advancement Committee, featuring public sector, corporate, and law firm employers, each hosting informational sessions, meet-and-greets, and more. Participating employers included the Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C., the Office of the New York State Attorney General, Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and several District Attorneys’ offices. Employers and prospective employees conversed extensively, exchanging questions and learning more about one another. Some employers also collected resumes and conducted on-site first round interviews, allowing candidates to express their interest in working for participating employers. To see photos from the Diversity Career Fair, please click here.

Throughout the day, AABANY also hosted Link-Up Sessions, organized by the In-House Counsel Committee and Corporate Law Committee, which provided an opportunity for participants to engage in live meetings with in-house counsel who had indicated a current or future need for outside legal services. Applicants were pre-screened by in-house counsel based on their needs, and selected participants were then invited to join one or more Link-Up Sessions at the Fall Conference. These sessions facilitated connections between corporate law firm attorneys and in-house counsel.

After the morning programs concluded, attendees grabbed lunch boxes and headed to the Costantino Room, where the Plenary Lunch Session began at 12:30pm. The program, titled “Organizing to be Heard: The Importance of Redistricting and Coalition Building in the NYC Asian American Community,” featured five speakers: 

  • Hon. Marilyn D. Go (Ret.), Commissioner, New York City Districting Commission
  • Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Assemblymember, New York State Assembly
  • Elizabeth R. OuYang, Coordinator, APA VOICE Redistricting Task Force
  • Grace Pyun, Acting Executive Director and General Counsel, New York City Districting Commission
  • John Park, Executive Director, MinKwon Center

Vishal Chander, Managing Attorney, the Chander Law Firm PC, moderated this timely and important discussion.

Attendees listened attentively as the panelists discussed the impacts of congressional, state, and local district lines on communities, ranging from their influence on election results to the distribution of government funds. They then discussed the 2020 Redistricting Cycle and how it brought into attention the importance of redistricting due to the significant growth of Asians in New York, laying out the legal framework of districting and the impacts of voting rights laws on redistricting. Being that many of the panelists played influential roles within the 2020 Redistricting Cycle, they also shared personal anecdotes and experiences from that time. With preparations for the 2030 Redistricting Cycle beginning soon, the speakers emphasized the importance of continuing to educate the community on this topic and how the AAPI community can be heard in that process. To see photos from the Plenary Lunch Session, please click here.

The afternoon session began at 2:30pm, running in two segments. The first segment went from 2:30pm to 4pm and included the following programs: 

The second segment then took place from 4:15pm to 5:45pm, including the following programs:

Topics covered included diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal profession, how to interview clients, and how to understand implicit biases in the workplace. These programs exemplified the diversity of discourse that the Fall Conference sought to facilitate, providing crucial insights and exposing attendees to a broad range of ideas and perspectives. To see photos from the afternoon session, please click here.

After a packed day of learning, the Fall Conference concluded with a Cocktail Reception, sponsored by Falconeri, held in the Soden Lounge and Bateman Room. Attendees networked with one another, connecting over drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

During the Cocktail Reception, AABANY honored Hugh H. Mo with the 2024 Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, bestowed annually to “an individual who has carved a path for others to follow, served the community as a mentor and role model, and made a lasting impact on the AAPI community through his or her dedication and commitment.” Hugh H. Mo, Founder and Principal of Mo Law and a co-founder of AABANY, perfectly exemplifies the award’s mission, having been a leader in the AAPI community and legal profession for nearly five decades. To read the full press release about Mr. Mo receiving this honor, please click here.

To see photos from the Cocktail Reception, go here and here.

AABANY thanks several groups for making the Fall Conference possible. First, we would like to thank the approximately 40 student volunteers who ensured that the CLE programs ran smoothly and without delay. They hailed from schools all across New York City and the northeast region, including:

  • Brooklyn Law School
  • Cardozo School of Law
  • Columbia Law School
  • CUNY School of Law
  • Fordham College at Lincoln Center
  • Fordham School of Law 
  • Hunter College
  • New York Law School
  • Northern Highlands Regional High School
  • Rutgers Law School
  • Seton Hall Law School
  • St. John’s University School of Law
  • Syracuse University College of Law
  • Tufts University

The volunteers assisted with registration, handled inquiries, and checked-in and checked-out attendees for CLE credits. Their support was instrumental in making the Fall Conference a success, and AABANY extends our heartfelt appreciation. We also thank Catherine Tran and Joon Choe, co-chairs of the Student Outreach Committee, for their efforts in recruiting and coordinating these volunteers.

AABANY also thanks our generous sponsors, without whom the Fall Conference would not have been possible:

  • Falconeri (Cocktail Reception Sponsor)
  • Broadridge Financial Solutions (Elite Sponsor)
  • Jackson Lewis PC (Elite Sponsor)
  • Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP (Gold Sponsor)
  • The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C. (Gold Sponsor)
  • Anytime AI (Silver Sponsor)
  • Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Silver Sponsor)
  • Cooley LLP (Silver Sponsor)
  • Fish & Richardson P.C. (Silver Sponsor)
  • Milbank LLP (Silver Sponsor)
  • Anderson & Associates Law, P.C. (Bronze Sponsor)
  • Roundblock (Bronze Sponsor)
  • Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC (Bronze Sponsor)
  • Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati (Bronze Sponsor)

To see some photos of our sponsors, go here.

We would also like to acknowledge our 2024 Annual Dinner Sponsors for their generous year-round support of AABANY. In particular, we would like to recognize Broadridge Financial Solutions, our Diamond Sponsor, and Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, our General Counsel Reception Sponsor. For a full list of the 2024 Annual Dinner Sponsors, please click here. Thanks again for your continued support and commitment to AABANY; it empowers us to fulfill our mission and produce events like the Fall Conference.

Furthermore, AABANY thanks all of our esteemed moderators and panelists for their time and participation in this year’s Fall Conference. We also extend our gratitude to the Program Chairs for organizing such an excellent lineup of programs. And, finally, we sincerely appreciate all the attendees for making this such a special and enlightening experience for the entire AABANY community. We hope to see you at upcoming AABANY events. 

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NAPABA Warns Against Hateful and Divisive Political Rhetoric and Calls for National Unity to Stem the Tide of Hate

For Immediate Release:
Date: September 24, 2024		Contact:
Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Today, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) submitted a written statement for the record to the United States Senate Judiciary Committee that highlighted the dangers of divisive, reckless rhetoric and called on leaders to guard against the continuing demonization of immigrants and communities of color. During the Committee’s hearing on September 17, 2024, entitled, “A Threat to Justice Everywhere: Stemming the Tide of Hate Crimes in America,” a senator baselessly accused one of the witnesses, Maya Berry, an Arab American civil rights leader, of supporting foreign terrorist organizations. Despite the witness clearly and repeatedly stating that she did not support such organizations, the senator continued to interrogate her relentlessly.

“We have seen this playbook before, unfortunately, and members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community are no stranger to such offensive, differential treatment solely because of their national origin or religion,” observed Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “For example, in this same Committee nine months ago, Adeel Mangi, a nominee to be a judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, also endured hostile treatment based solely on his religion. Our national leaders must do better to avoid dangerous rhetoric, which can lead to horrific results in our communities if left unchecked.”

“The disturbing episode involving Maya Berry is reminiscent of the historical experience of so many members of the AANHPI community being labeled as ‘perpetual foreigners,’” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “In recent years, we have seen states throughout the country introduce and enact restrictions on the property rights of Asian Americans, and during this hearing, the Committee heard testimony of the rise of hate against Asian Americans following the false scapegoating against them during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Especially in this political season, NAPABA’s statement called on leaders to “avoid the reckless rhetoric” and on all Americans to “unite in common cause to tackle our Nation’s problems together.”

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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.

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AABANYs Judiciary Committee Honors Eighteen Trailblazing AAPI Judges at the 2024 Annual Judges’ Reception

On Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at the 2024 Annual Judges’ Reception, AABANYs Judiciary Committee honored eighteen newly elected, elevated, or retired AAPI judges, each of whom are incredible trailblazers and represent continuing progress in the ongoing effort to increase AAPI representation in our courts.

The Judiciary Committee’s flagship event was hosted in the main hall of New York City’s Surrogate’s Court. Between sky-reaching pillars, and under the vaulted arch-ceiling the following eighteen judges were recognized and celebrated for their work, effort, and example: 

  • Hon. Deepa Ambekar (Kings Co. Sup. Ct.)
  • Hon. Sanket J. Bulsara (United States District Court, EDNY)
  • Hon. Nusrat J. Choudhury (United States District Court, EDNY)
  • Hon. Kenneth W. Chu (ret. ALJ, NLRB)
  • Hon. Christopher J. Exias (Rockland Co. Fam. Ct.)
  • Hon. Evelyn Gong (Queens Co. Civ. Ct.)
  • Hon. Dale E. Ho (United States District Court, SDNY)
  • Hon. Phillip Hom (App. Term, 2d Dept)
  • Hon. Gilbert C. Hong (ret. NY Co. Sup. Ct.)
  • Hon. Biju J. Koshy (Supervising Judge, Richmond Co. Crim. Ct.)
  • Hon. Karen Lin (Queens Co. Sup. Ct.)
  • Hon. Rena Malik (Kings Co. Civ. Ct.)
  • Hon. Kim Parker (Court of Claims)
  • Hon. Kris Singh (Admin. Judge, 4th Jud. Dist.)
  • Hon. Rantideva Singh (NYC Fam. Ct.)
  • Hon. Richard Tsai (NY Co. Sup. Ct.)
  • Hon. Vikram S. Vilkhu (Brighton Town Justice)
  • Hon. John Zhuo Wang (NY Co. Sup. Ct.).

The night began with introductory remarks by Committee Co-Chair Mark Son, who thanked elevated and retired judges for their service and congratulated new judges for their work which allowed them to advance to their new positions. He first praised several judges whose work has had a long-term effect and was substantially significant in making the AAPI voice in the justice system grow and prosper. He then acknowledged all other judges in attendance and expressed regret for being unable to share the breadth of their contributions in the short time allotted.

Next to take the podium was AABANY’s current President, Joseph Eng, Jr. He began by  reiterating Mark’s congratulatory sentiments, then introduced the eighteen honorees. Each in turn stood up and received warm applause from the audience. President Eng stressed the significance of hosting a Judges’ Reception as far more than an isolated single annual moment, but a day of celebration culminating from decades of work, a day to remind everyone of the great strides that have been made, and all the work that lays ahead in the continued struggle for diversity, equity, and inclusion. President Eng lauded the growth of AAPI representation, while also focusing on the milestones yet to be reached for true representation, drawing attention to the lack of any AAPI judges in the state’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, and in the United States Supreme Court. 

Once all the judges present came up to the front of the room to receive their awards, they gathered for a group photo with President Eng and the Judiciary Committee leadership.  The deserving honorees were regaled with cheers and applause from everyone.

Hon. Shahabuddeen Ally, President of the Asian American Judges Association of New York (AAJANY), then stepped up to the podium to present final remarks. He reiterated the main points of the evening, and celebrated the effort involved in organizing this event. He congratulated the judges being honored and praised the growth of AAPI representation, even as he considered the work that remains ahead and the necessity of diligence and focus to achieve progress. He verbalized the goal of reaching 100 AAPI judges in New York State in the near future as an aspirational challenge.  Finally, Committee Vice-Chair Vanessa Kong thanked everyone for attending and invited everyone to partake in the complimentary food and drink catered by Nom Wah. Laughter and stories filled the room, reflecting the camaraderie and mutual respect among the attendees.

As the evening drew to a close, it was evident that this reception was more than just an event; it was a celebration of progress, diversity, and the indomitable spirit of the AAPI community within the judiciary. The honorees left with not only memories of a joyous evening but also with the knowledge that their contributions are making a lasting impact.

We thank the Judiciary Committee for their tireless effort in making this annual event happen, as well as all the guests who attended. We thank AAJANY and Judge Ally for their participation. Once again, congratulations to all the honorees. To learn more about the Judiciary Committee please click here. To see more photos from the event, go to the album here.

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AABANY Judiciary and Litigation Committees Present “Why Can’t We Just Get Along?” CLE

On March 20, 2024, AABANY, with thanks to AAJANY for their co-sponsorship, hosted a CLE entitled “Why Can’t We Just Get Along?” covering how judicial and attorney wellness – as well as civility and professionalism – promote good bench-bar relations, in and out of court. 

Thank you to our distinguished panel for sharing their time, experiences, and perspectives:

  • Hon. Gerald Lebovits, New York Supreme Court, 1st Judicial District
  • Hon. Pamela Chen, United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • Karen R. King, Partner, Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason & Anello PC
  • William H. Ng, Shareholder, Littler Mendelson P.C. (Immediate Past President of AABANY, FY24)

Recognizing the stress and responsibilities of judges, as well as litigators, the panel discussed why some judges and attorneys are difficult and what can be done about it.  The panel explored judicial and attorney preferences and pet peeves and offered strategies for judges and attorneys to enhance their litigation experience, personal well-being, and professional happiness. This program was organized in line with the theme for this fiscal year, “Embracing Wellness and Well-Being: Strengthening the Legal Profession by Investing in Ourselves.” 

Thank you to AABANY’s Judiciary and Litigation Committees for co-presenting this event and to Karen King and Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason & Anello PC for hosting. Attendees enjoyed lively discussions and networking, together with great food from Joe’s Shanghai. To learn more about the Judiciary Committee go here. To learn more about the Litigation Committee go here.

If you have ideas for programs or speakers on the topic of wellness and well-being, please contact Immediate Past President Karen Kim at [email protected]. AABANY’s Wellness Resources Guide provides a variety of information, including links to free assistance programs, trainings and hotlines, which can be accessed here.

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AABANY’s Litigation and Judiciary Committees Host Luncheon and Courtroom Tour with EDNY Magistrate Judge James Cho

On Friday, December 1, AABANY’s Litigation Committee and Judiciary Committee hosted an exclusive luncheon with EDNY Magistrate Judge James Cho at the EDNY courthouse in Brooklyn. The event was popular with AABANY members – it reached capacity within hours of the registration link being sent out! Eighteen attendees from AABANY’s membership and AABANY Executive Director were presented with an amazing opportunity to socialize with Judge Cho and each other. It was also a unique educational opportunity for the litigators in the group. It included a tour of Judge Cho’s courtroom and an exclusive Q&A with Judge Cho regarding practicing in his court. Thanks to Judge Cho and to all the AABANY members who attended.

To learn more about the Litigation Committee go to this page and the Judiciary Committee go to this page.

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AABANY’s Judiciary Committee Hosts 2023 Judges’ Reception in Celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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.

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AABANY Hosts Annual Judges’ Reception in Celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

On Monday, May 24, 2022, AABANY’s Judiciary Committee hosted its annual Judges’ Reception to honor newly inducted and elevated and retiring judges in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We are pleased that this year’s event could be held in person, as last year’s event was via Zoom. 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 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have achieved, in the ongoing effort to increase diversity in our leading institutions. The following judges were honored: 

  • Hon. Giyang An
  • Hon. Margaret Chan
  • Hon. Christopher Chin
  • Hon. Phyllis Chu
  • Hon. Vanessa Fang
  • Hon. Karen Gopee
  • Hon. Simiyon Haniff
  • Hon. Judy Kim
  • Hon. Biju Koshy
  • Hon. Andrea Ogle
  • Hon. Vidya Pappachan
  • Hon. Kim Parker
  • Hon. Raja Rajeswari
  • Hon. Omer Shahid
  • Hon. Soma Syed
  • Hon. Lillian Wan
  • Hon. Frances Wang

We are proud to celebrate these AAPI trailblazers in the judiciary. AAPIs remain significantly under-represented in New York courts. According to Secretary Johnson’s Report on New York Courts, 14% of New York City’s population is Asian but only 6% of judges are Asian. 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 example.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this event and the Judiciary Committee for organizing. To learn more about AABANY’s Judiciary Committee and its work, click here.

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AABANY’s Judiciary Committee Presents “The Road to the Bench: Administrative Law Judge” on June 24

On June 24, AABANY’s Judiciary Committee hosted a virtual discussion on how to become an administrative law judge (ALJ), as part of the Committee’s Road to the Bench series. Panelists included Hon. Kenneth Chu, Administrative Law Judge at the National Labor Relations Board; Hon. Grace E. Lee, Administrative Law Judge at the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; Hon. Christopher P. Lee, Retired Administrative Law Judge of the Social Security Administration; and Rena Malik, Principal Law Clerk at the New York State Supreme Court and Co-Chair of AABANY’s Judiciary Committee. The panel was moderated by Mark Son, Associate Court Attorney at the Bronx County Criminal Court.

The roundtable discussion began with a question from Mark asking the panelists to describe their path towards becoming an ALJ. Judge Grace Lee shared how her passion for justice and public service inspired her to take on various roles in government and public policy, which ultimately led her to taking the Civil Service Exam and landing her current position as an ALJ at the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Judge Chu spoke about his longtime interest in employment and labor law and how he applied for the ALJ position at the National Labor Relations Board while serving as an administrative judge at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Judge Chris Lee detailed the seven year process he underwent when applying for the ALJ position because he missed the deadline to apply in 1987 and had to wait until 1994 for a new position opening.

The remainder of the roundtable discussion focused on questions about the ALJ application process. Previously, all applicants applied through the Office of Personnel Management, but after changes enacted under the Trump Administration, applicants now apply through individual agencies’ vacancy announcements. Judge Grace Lee explained the process of completing the Civil Service/Legal Specialities Exam, a questionnaire where applicants can explain their skills and experiences for agencies to review. Asked about the skills and experiences ALJ applicants should have, the panelists agreed that it is important to be able to process a lot of information quickly, while also being detail-oriented and conscientious about due process. It is also helpful for applicants to have litigation experience.

The discussion concluded with Rena sharing how the AABANY Judiciary Committee can assist interested candidates. A main goal of the Judiciary Committee is to advance Asian American and Pacific Islander attorneys onto judgeship positions in all levels of the benches, and the Committee can assist applicants by providing a recommendation letter or connecting applicants with current employees at agencies. To learn more about AABANY’s Judiciary Committee, click here.

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