For Immediate Release: January 21, 2026 Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director
WASHINGTON – The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) congratulates Justice Sanjay T. Tailor on his groundbreaking appointment to serve as a justice on the Illinois Supreme Court.
“Justice Tailor’s appointment marks a historic milestone in NAPABA’s mission for its members, the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) lawyers, and their broader communities,” said Joseph Yao, President of NAPABA. “In 2022, NAPABA’s Portrait Project 2.0 found that only nine Asian American jurists served on state high courts, a number that remained constant until now. As the first Asian American to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court, Justice Tailor has broken barriers and serves as a beacon of achievement for our legal community and for anyone aspiring to such heights.”
Justice Tailor brings more than two decades of judicial experience to the Illinois Supreme Court. He has served for 23 years on Illinois’s trial and appellate courts, including as an Associate Judge and Circuit Judge and, most recently, as a Presiding Justice of the First District Appellate Court. Prior to joining the bench, he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County and practiced law in the private sector. Justice Tailor taught as an adjunct professor at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. He earned his B.A. from the University of Delaware and his J.D., with honors, from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.
“Through his many leadership roles, including as the president of the Asian American Judges Association of Illinois, and through his engagement with NAPABA affiliates like the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago (AABA Chicago) and the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA Chicago), Justice Tailor has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and the community throughout his career,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “His groundbreaking appointment highlights the importance of continued efforts to ensure that those in the AANHPI legal community are recognized, supported, and elevated to positions of leadership across the country.”
“We are proud and thrilled to see Illinois become one of a small number of states that have a judge on its highest court who is Asian American,” said Stephen Lee, President of AABA Chicago. “AABA formed decades ago in part to help Asian American attorneys become judges and to help our judiciary better reflect the people whom it serves, and this is a huge milestone not just for Justice Tailor and Asian American attorneys but for everyone.”
“The South Asian Bar Association of Chicago proudly congratulates Justice Tailor on this historic appointment as the first Asian and South Asian Justice to serve on the Illinois Supreme Court,” said Saman Haque, President of SABA Chicago. “This milestone reflects the strength of our justice system and the importance of representation. As a founding member of SABA Chicago, Justice Tailor has remained steadfast in his commitment to inclusion and equity, and to mentoring and encouraging attorneys to hone their craft. We celebrate this achievement and look forward to the lasting impact of Justice Tailor’s leadership and service.”
NAPABA extends its sincere congratulations to Justice Sanjay Tailor and wishes him continued success in his service on the Illinois Supreme Court.
On November 25, 2025, AABANY’s Prosecutors and Student Outreach Committees joined the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA) to host an event called “Pathways to Careers in Government & Justice” at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. The hybrid program, available in person and via Zoom, brought together law students, early-career professionals, and seasoned public servants for a wide-ranging discussion about what it means to build a career — and answer a calling — within the criminal justice system.
The event opened with a warm welcome and participants enjoyed a delicious spread of food, featuring dumplings, fried rice, chicken wings, and noodles. The event then quickly moved into a dynamic panel conversation featuring prosecutors, judges, court attorneys, and representatives from major government agencies. Each speaker traced their path into public service, revealing how mentorship, curiosity, and unexpected opportunities shaped their careers. The following judges were also in the audience: Hon. Phyllis Chu, Hon. Danny Chun, Hon. Marilyn Go (Ret.), and Hon. Don Leo.
Panelist Hon. Frances Wang (Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term) described a childhood spent moving across Taiwan, Singapore, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and finally the United States. Adjusting to new cultures, learning English, and navigating unfamiliar schools, she found herself in a third-grade classroom where a teacher told her, “You ask a lot of questions. I think you’d make a good lawyer.” She had never heard the word lawyer before, but the encouragement stayed with her. Years later, that early spark grew into internships, mock trial competitions, prosecutorial work, and eventually a judgeship.
Her story echoed a theme that ran throughout the night: the profound and often quiet influence of mentors (teachers, supervisors, judges) who saw potential long before the speaker did. Many panelists noted that their career trajectories were not linear. They relied on mentors to clarify possibilities they did not know existed, whether in appellate litigation, regulatory enforcement, oversight and investigation, or judicial work.
William Wang (Assistant Attorney General, New York Attorney General’s Office) and Stephanie Pak (Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York) and Yi Liu (Senior Counsel, New York City Law Department) offered clear, accessible explanations of their bureaus and divisions, from affirmative litigation to labor and employment matters, and gave students a rare inside look at where public-sector lawyers can make a difference. Phil Hung (Deputy Commissioner, Department of Investigation) described DOI as “the city’s watchdog,” explaining how the agency investigates fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption across virtually every city entity. For many students, it was the first time seeing how interconnected the city’s justice and accountability systems truly are.
Stephanie Quon (Principle Court Attorney, Brooklyn Supreme Court – Criminal Term) described roles that receive less public visibility but are essential to making the courts and prosecutors’ offices function. She explained the intellectual rigor and responsibility that come with drafting decisions, researching complex legal issues, and supporting judges in high-stakes cases ranging from violent felonies to gang conspiracy, fraud, and bias-motivated crimes.
Grace Vee (Assistant District Attorney, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office) shared her journey to becoming an Assistant District Attorney, which started from a brief externship at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office while she was still in college. What began as a two-week externship quickly became a defining experience. She spoke about how impressed she was by the dedication of the prosecutors, the sense of mission in the office, and the profound public service component of the work.
That early exposure stayed with her. She went on to law school, determined to return to the Manhattan DA’s Office, and she did. Grace became an Assistant District Attorney and remained in the role for 30 years (just recently celebrating her 30th anniversary at the Manhattan DA’s Office), building a long, distinguished career grounded in community protection, ethical prosecution, and public trust. Her story demonstrated that the spark of public service can begin early, but its longevity is sustained by commitment, discipline, and a deep belief in the work. During Grace’s description of her journey, she thanked Judge Marilyn Go, also in attendance in the audience, as her mentor and role model. This moment was especially moving, showing how mentorship has passed on and created a lasting legacy of service within the legal community.
Grace’s narrative resonated particularly strongly with students, showing how a single moment — an externship, a mentor’s encouragement, a first exposure to courtroom advocacy — can set the foundation for a meaningful career.
Across all these narratives, one message stood out: there is no single path into public service, but every path requires integrity, courage, and a willingness to step forward.
As the conversation deepened, several speakers reflected on the unique role of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) attorneys in public-sector positions. They underscored that representation matters not only for visibility, but for trust. Many communities remain fearful or skeptical of government institutions; seeing people with shared histories and cultural understanding in these roles can make the legal system feel more accessible. Public-sector lawyers often become bridges between communities and the courts, between fear and understanding, between wrongdoing and accountability.
The panelists’ honesty about the pressures of the work, whether in sentencing decisions, overseeing investigations, or handling trauma-heavy prosecutions, imbued the discussion with realism and deep humanity. Their candor also reaffirmed that commitment to public service, despite its difficulty, remains a powerful way to shape the world with purpose.
A Visit from Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez: A Call to Serve
Midway through the evening, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez stopped by to offer words that many attendees described as especially moving. He spoke frankly about the critical need for representation in public service, drawing on his own background as a Latino community member and prosecutor.
He emphasized that the justice system needs attorneys who reflect the diverse communities of New York, especially in moments of heightened distrust. “People are really afraid of government,” he said, noting that this fear is prevalent across Asian, Latino, Caribbean, and Black communities. DA Gonzalez emphasized that increased representation and participation of more minority community members would help address this issue.
DA Gonzalez stressed that losing talented young lawyers to the private sector would have consequences far beyond the walls of a single office. The public, he reminded everyone, depends on committed public servants who can build trust and foster accountability. His message was both caution and encouragement: stay, serve, and know that your presence matters.
Thank You to the Prosecutors Committee, Student Outreach Committee, Panelists, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
What distinguished this event was the sincerity running through every story, every piece of advice, and every reflection. The speakers did not simply outline career paths; they opened windows into the human experience of being a public servant. They spoke about challenges and doubts, but also about the moments that reaffirmed why they chose this work.
Hearing about the speakers’ individual stories made students and attendees realize that they could do it too, and witnessing their dedication, passion, and commitment to their jobs firsthand was definitely impactful. During the networking hour that followed, attendees lingered to ask questions, seek mentorship, and connect with speakers. It was clear that the event created not only opportunities, but possibilities.
AABANY extends its deepest gratitude to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, NAPIPA, DA Eric Gonzalez, the moderators, panelists, and all attendees. Pathways to Careers in Government & Justice illuminated the rich landscape of public-sector careers and reminded aspiring attorneys why representation, integrity, and service matter.
We look forward to continuing programs that uplift emerging leaders and strengthen the pipeline of dedicated AAPI public servants across New York.
To learn more about the Prosecutors Committee at AABANY, click here.
To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee at AABANY, click here.
AABANY is proud to celebrate Kwok Kei Ng, who was recognized as a Community Leader at the 2025 Brooklyn Democratic Gala on October 30, 2025 for his outstanding dedication to public service and community engagement.
A cornerstone of AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee since 2019, Kwok has been instrumental in the success of the Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic. In his role as Co-Chair, he has cultivated strong, trusting relationships with local community-based organizations and mobilized volunteer attorneys to serve the community. Furthermore, his commitment to justice extends to his service on the board of the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), where he supports scholarships and community-focused initiatives that help expand access to justice.
Kwok’s career is marked by a deep commitment to the justice system. Beginning as a court interpreter, he now serves as a court attorney and remains a strong advocate for language access within the courts. In addition, as the Deputy Vice President of the High School Division for the Sonia and Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program, he has facilitated summer internships with federal and state judges for over a hundred high school students.
Please join AABANY in offering Kwok our heartfelt congratulations on this well-deserved honor. We always welcome more volunteer attorneys, law students, and interpreters to support our vital efforts. To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, please visit probono.aabany.org.
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.);
Announcing the Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award Honorees
The Daniel K. Inouye Trailblazer Award is NAPABA’s highest honor, celebrating the outstanding achievements of lawyers whose leadership and dedication have left a profound mark on both the legal profession and the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. This lifetime achievement award recognizes those whose vision, courage, and commitment have opened doors and paved the way for future generations of attorneys.
Trailblazers are leaders who have not only excelled in their practice but have also made enduring contributions to advancing equity, opportunity, and justice within the legal community and beyond.
We are honored to celebrate the 2025 Trailblazer Award recipients and their extraordinary impact at this year’s NAPABA Convention in Denver.
Rose Cuison-Villazor Professor of Law and Chancellor’s Social Justice Scholar at Rutgers Law School Rose Cuison-Villazor is Professor of Law and Chancellor’s Social Justice Scholar at Rutgers Law School where she previously served as Interim Co-Dean (2021-2023) and Vice Dean (2019-2021). She is also Director of the Center for Immigrant Justice, which conducts publicly engaged research and policy work on progressive immigration and citizenship laws. She is an elected member of the American Law Institute.
Marvin S. C. Dang Managing Member, Law Offices of Marvin S.C. Dang, LLLC & Partner, Nelson & Kennard, LLP An attorney in Honolulu since 1978, Marvin Dang is the Managing Member of the Law Offices of Marvin S. C. Dang, LLLC. Separately, Marvin is also a partner in Nelson & Kennard, which is a California law firm doing business in 8 states; he co-manages the Hawaii office, which focuses on civil litigation. In 2023, he was elected ABA Secretary, the first Asian American attorney and the first Hawaii attorney to serve as an ABA officer in the organization’s history.
Daniel D. Hu Chief, Civil Division, United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas Daniel David Hu is a career prosecutor who currently serves as Chief, Civil Division, United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. He joined the office in 1992 and was promoted to Civil Chief in 2016. In 1995, he founded the Asian Interest Section of the State Bar of Texas and later served as the first APA minority director on the State Bar of Texas Board.
Lily Yan Hughes Assistant Dean at Syracuse University College of Law; Former SVP, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Fortune 500 Arrow Electronics and S&P 500 Public Storage Lily is Assistant Dean at Syracuse University College of Law, overseeing strategy and operations for the Admissions & Financial Aid Office, the Marketing & Communications Office, the Office of Career Services, and SU Abroad. She has also been appointed by the Chancellor as a member of the University Leadership Team. Lily is currently Chair and has served on the board of directors of DirectWomen since October 2021.
Sandra Leung Independent Board Member/Former F500 EVP, General Counsel Sandy Leung retired in 2025 as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Bristol Myers Squibb Company. Sandy joined Bristol Myers Squibb in 1992 as a staff attorney in the litigation department. She began her legal career as Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York City, where she was an original member of the Child Abuse Bureau. She served as NAPABA President from 2020-2022. Currently, she is on the Board of Directors of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund as well as the board of the Minority Corporate Counsel Association.
Alan Tse Global Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc Alan Tse is Global Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at JLL. Before joining JLL, Alan was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Petco. Alan is deeply involved in the legal community and serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of Corporate Counsel, where he previously chaired its Advocacy Committee. He is also a co-founder and board member of the Asian American Legal Foundation, advocating for greater representation and equity in the legal profession.
Honorable Sue Pai Yang Retired Judge of Compensation, New Jersey The Honorable Sue Pai Yang was the first Chinese American appointed as a judge in New Jersey. She served on the Workers’ Compensation Court in Newark, where she heard cases involving workplace injuries. Her most memorable trials and decisions concerned individuals who alleged psychological disabilities due to harassment/workplace bullying. Upon retirement, Judge Yang became a founding member of the National Workplace Bullying Coalition (NWBC). She was a founding member of NAPABA and the first Asian American elected to the Board of Trustees of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
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.
Jennifer Wu, Founding Partner at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, stands as a trailblazing figure in the legal profession. Her leadership style of empathy, advocacy, and innovation has redefined what it means to be a transformative leader in law. Throughout her career, Jennifer has achieved remarkable milestones while staying determined in her commitment to justice.
Her expanding list of accolades reflects a relentless pursuit of equality and excellence. From her work fighting for the rights of marginalized communities to her pioneering efforts in intellectual property litigation, Jennifer’s influence goes far beyond her legal achievements. She has become a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for colleagues, mentees, and the communities she serves, proving that true leadership is about lifting others as you rise.
Jennifer’s dedication to her craft and her community is reflected in the diverse and prestigious awards she has received over the past year:
Jennifer’s growing list of awards is more than a reflection of her professional excellence; it is a testament to her dedication to justice and her ability to bridge communities through understanding and action.
Jennifer Wu’s journey as an advocate stems from her childhood experiences as the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. From a young age, she took on the responsibility of helping her family navigate cultural and language barriers. “As an immigrant kid, you always have that,” she reflected. “Your mom needs you to ask for directions to a grocery store… or get on the phone to explain health insurance because their English was not as good.” These formative experiences shaped her lifelong dedication to helping others. This foundation of service became the cornerstone of her legal career and advocacy efforts.
This commitment to helping others informs Jennifer’s approach to her advocacy and legal career. Whether assisting families affected by anti-Asian violence or guiding immigrant clients through challenges, she treats each case as personally as if it involved her own family, “That is fundamentally just helping people as if they’re your own family.” For Jennifer, true success is measured by the lives she improves, not by the accolades she receives. Her dedication to treating clients with care and respect truly highlights her belief that advocacy is rooted in genuine human connection.
Jennifer’s leadership style is collaborative and empowering. She emphasizes creating an environment where others can grow and excel. “I don’t like to micromanage,” she said. “I want people to think for themselves and learn from their mistakes. That’s how you create leaders who can step up and take charge.” As a founding partner of her firm, Jennifer takes this mindset into every aspect of her work. “I walk into every room with the mindset of an owner,” she said. Her leadership philosophy demonstrates how empowering others and taking ownership can inspire teams.
One of the most touching examples of Jennifer’s advocacy is her work with Eva Zhao, the widow of Zhiwen Yan, a Queens delivery worker who was tragically murdered while on the job. After her husband’s death, Eva faced immense fear of deportation and struggled to support herself and her young children. Jennifer stepped in to offer both legal and practical assistance. Jennifer shared,“We’ve been helping her try to get her U visa.” A U Visa helps victims of serious crimes who have been hurt and are helping the police or authorities with their investigations. For Eva Zhao, whose husband Zhiwen Yan was tragically killed, this visa could protect her from deportation and provide her family with safety and stability. “The act of actually helping is the reward,” Jennifer emphasized. “The awards are just tokens; the relationships are what truly matter.”
Jennifer’s leadership attitude and authenticity were also evident at a recent event hosted by AABANY’s Women’s Committee on Monday, December 16, 2024, titled “Building Your Own House: Balthazar Breakfast with Jennifer Wu.” Held at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, the breakfast was an intimate gathering that allowed participants to hear Jennifer reflect on her journey. Moderated by Aileen Huang and Ananya Pillutla, associates at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, Jennifer discussed her career path, including her decision to create her own firm: a “house” where equity and inclusion thrive, with a partnership that is 50% women. To learn more about Jennifer’s recent breakfast event, click here.
Jennifer continues to redefine what it means to serve with integrity and exemplifies the power of using one’s platform for good. Her journey serves as an inspiration, proving that change begins when we lead with purpose and compassion.
The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) celebrated the illustrious career of Hugh H. Mo by honoring him with the prestigious Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award at their Fifteenth Annual Fall Conference, on October 12, 2024, during the Conference Cocktail Reception that capped a full day of programming. This award, named after Norman Lau Kee—an influential legal and community figure in New York City’s Chinatown—celebrates leaders who have made significant contributions to the legal field and the AAPI community, recognizing attorneys who exemplify the qualities of role models and trailblazers in the legal profession while contributing to the wider community.
Born in Shanghai, China, Hugh immigrated to the United States at nine years old after living in Hong Kong, Taipei, and Madrid. Hugh then grew up on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. His journey into the legal profession started by participating in student activist groups, including the Vietnam War protests and the Civil Rights Movement, throughout high school and college. During his sophomore year at NYU, he was involved in a newly published magazine called Bridge: The Magazine of Asians in America, focusing on the experiences, issues, and concerns of Asian Americans that were ignored by the mainstream media and to mobilize Asians in political empowerment. As a result of his experiences as a student activist, Hugh was imbued with idealism and the desire to make the world a better place. He realized that in order to help Asians in general and in political empowerment, law is the most effective instrument to facilitate change to help people.
Hugh defines law as “advocacy,” to lend a voice to those who cannot advocate for themselves. This belief in the power of the law to help others was a driving force in his decision to become a lawyer. He says, “As a lawyer there is so much potential to help people,” and that realization has shaped his legal career.
From his formative student activist experiences, Hugh enrolled at Boston University School of Law, graduated in 1976, and served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the first Asian American to do so. During his tenure, he mentored then Assistant District Attorney Sonia Sotomayor – who later became the first Hispanic and 111th United States Supreme Court Justice. In Justice Sotomayor’s memoir, My Beloved World, she wrote that she was fortunate to be assigned a second-seat role in her first murder trial, with Hugh as lead counsel. The case was People v. Richard Maddicks, the “Tarzan burglar.” Maddicks committed a series of burglaries and murders in a bloody three-month spree from 1981 to 1982 in Central Harlem, by swinging from rooftops on ropes and crashing through apartment windows with his gun blazing. Hugh and Sonia successfully prosecuted Maddicks in a 37-count indictment charging him with multiple counts of murder, burglary, assault, and other crimes. Hugh ensured her second-seat role was far from pro forma, allowing her to present half of the 40 government witnesses and to draft the opening statement of the case, which Hugh delivered. After a four-week jury trial in early 1983, Maddicks was convicted and sentenced to 62½ years–to–life in state prison. In her memoir, Sonia recalled that Hugh was “a slightly built figure with a booming voice and a big personality to match; a hard driving prosecutor, he was also a gentle family man and an all-around confounder of stereotypes.”
Hugh’s eight-year tenure as a prosecutor was the beginning of a long legal career that stretched almost five decades, in which he fought for and inspired Asian Americans through the power of the law to secure our rights, justice, and fairness. In 1984, he was appointed as Deputy Commissioner in Charge of Trials in the New York City Police Department. At the time, he was the highest-ranking person of Asian descent in New York City government. After four years, he left public service to join the national and international law firm of Whitman & Ransom as a partner and founder of its China practice group.
In January 1994, Hugh established The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C., to primarily represent domestic and overseas Chinese clients in corporate, civil and criminal litigation, white collar and financial crimes, government investigation, customs, tax, and real estate matters. In 2023, Hugh received the NAPIPA Life-Time Achievement Award, and his firm was honored with the 2023 NAPABA APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year Award.
Throughout his career, Hugh has always championed the issues and concerns of the AAPI community. He reflects that one of the most common issues Asian American immigrants face is assimilation: adopting a new language, learning new behaviors, being accustomed to new social norms, and fully embracing American culture, and, at the same time, retaining one’s Asian identity, language, and culture. As he learned in high school and college, law is an instrument of change and justice, and for Asian Americans learning to assimilate, it is even more imperative to have Asian representation at all levels of the legal profession.
As a trial attorney, Hugh serves as an advocate to bridge the language and cultural barriers for his Asian clients. His private practice, The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C., has represented countless individuals, corporations, and government entities, primarily focusing on clients within the Chinese American community and overseas. Hugh has served as legal counsel for the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations, Chinese Consulate in New York, Xinhua News Agency, N.A., People’s Daily Overseas Edition, and other Chinese government entities and state-owned enterprises over the years.
In addition to his legal work, Hugh founded and currently serves as Co-Chair of the NYPD Asian American Police Executives Council (AAPEX), with the mission to inculcate leadership development of Asian police executives in the NYPD. He was involved as a co-founder of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) in 1989, laying a foundation for future generations of Asian American lawyers. He was also involved in establishing the NYPD Asian Jade Society, the Chinatown Health Clinic (now known as the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center) and has served as Board President of the Chinatown Planning Council (now known as the Chinese-American Planning Council).
Hugh’s achievements extend beyond the courtroom. He served on numerous civic and advisory committees, including transition committees for elected officials such as Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr., City Comptroller John Liu, and Mayor David N. Dinkins, among others.
When asked about current challenges facing the Asian American community, he reflects on the disproportionate challenges that Asians have to overcome in order to pursue success in the law, including barriers due to institutional racism and the under-representation of Asian American partners in BigLaw, corporations, government, and the judiciary. Hugh maintains that this obstacle can be overcome by “grit, intelligence, and the willingness to rise up to any challenge.” Success is possible for anyone who dares and dreams with determination. Hugh’s career offers even more hopeful insight: every day is a new opportunity, because every day brings a new challenge. But, in his words, “challenges are meant to be overcome.”
He has opened doors for Asian Americans in law and inspired others to pursue justice and community advocacy. Accepting the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, Hugh reflected on the importance of uplifting the AAPI community through representation and leadership.
“We all represent not just our clients and ourselves, but our community,” Hugh said, emphasizing the role of Asian American lawyers as bridges for first-generation immigrants. His message resonates as a call to action for future generations to embrace challenges, strive for excellence, and contribute to a more equitable society.
The Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award recognizes attorneys who exemplify the qualities of role models and trailblazers in the legal profession while contributing to the wider community. Hugh’s journey serves as an inspiration for overcoming racial barriers, bridging communication and cultural gaps, and rising up to face all challenges and converting them into opportunities for continuing success and achievement. As a trailblazer in the legal profession, Hugh’s legacy is a testament to the power of determination and service. As he puts it, “We should be defined not by one or a few achievements, but by a multitude of achievements. We should not be defined by our worst mistake but by the sum of our collective accomplishments. … I don’t believe a person should be defined by their magnum opus. It is a successful life journey that counts.”
Written by Lui Montes, AABANY Legal Intern, Fall 2024.
AABANY congratulates Hon. Shahabuddeen A. Ally on his recent appointment as Administrative Judge of the New York City Civil Court, overseeing operations across all five boroughs. This important role highlights Judge Ally’s dedication to justice, fairness, and his strong leadership within New York’s legal community. AABANY is proud to count such an illustrious jurist among our membership.
Appointed by Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, Judge Ally brings extensive experience and a fresh perspective to the position. As the first person of South Asian descent and the first Muslim male to serve in this role, his appointment is a significant step forward in promoting diversity within the judicial system. His appointment takes effect on Jan. 2, 2025.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Judge Ally shared: “Serving as the court’s Administrative Judge, with the opportunity to guide it in its mission to meet the peoples’ needs, is truly an honor and a privilege.”
To read the full article in the New York Law Journal, click here.
WASHINGTON – As reported by the Associated Press, Donald J. Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance, have earned a sufficient number of electoral votes to be the next President and Vice President of the United States. NAPABA congratulates them and is committed to working with the new administration and Congress to advance the interests of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.
The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (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.
As an organization of legal professionals, we bear a special responsibility to uphold the rule of law. 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. We must partner together, despite our political differences, for our country to achieve progress.
