Reporter Hu Shengqiao for the World Journal, the largest Chinese-language newspaper in the United States, recently featured AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) Committee , highlighting its more than a decade of dedicated service to the community. What began as a single consultation site at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in Manhattan has since expanded to Queens and Brooklyn.
Over the past decade, hundreds of pro bono lawyers and law students have served more than 3,000 Asian American residents across the three boroughs, with consultations covering housing, immigration, family law, inheritance, employment, and workers’ compensation. Most clients speak Mandarin or Cantonese, and many of them face systemic hurdles in the U.S. legal system. Each 30-minute session gives a volunteer attorney time to offer legal advice, review documents, and refer clients to more specialized services when needed.
The article showcases the three attorneys who coordinate the Pro Bono Clinics: Beatrice Leong, who manages the Manhattan clinic and specializes in family and divorce law; Kwok Kei Ng, a Court Attorney who manages the Brooklyn Clinic; and Gary Yeung, an attorney at McDermott Will & Schulte, who manages the Queens Clinic. They remarked that when they offered free legal advice, the people sitting across from them often reminded them of their own families—parents and elders who didn’t speak English facing difficulties with nowhere to turn.
Among the cases they recalled memorably was a nine-month-old girl with an inoperable brain tumor, who they helped by connecting with Yen-Yi Anderson, whose firm Anderson and Associates, P.C., provided the family with pro-bono services and established a trust fund for the girl. PBCS has also held more than ten “Know Your Rights” and community legal education sessions over the years. The Committee currently partners with local elected representatives and various nonprofit organizations, including the Chinese-American Planning Council in Brooklyn (CPC) and the Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE) in Manhattan and Flushing.
To read the full article, click here (in Chinese).
During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month this May, Kwok Kei Ng, Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service Committee, was honored with two awards for his contributions to the AANHPI community. Kwok received the Hon. Randall T. Eng Award at the Fourth Annual Hon. Randall T. Eng Award Program as well as the Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together Award at the Second Judicial District Equal Justice Committee’s celebration of AAPI Heritage Month: “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together.”
Emblematic of these two awards, Kwok has built his career and service around strengthening the AANHPI identity and community. After growing up in Hong Kong, Kwok moved to America for schooling. He first joined AABANY almost 10 years ago in 2017 as a law student. Now, Kwok is an accomplished Associate Court Attorney at the New York County Criminal Courts. He continues to be a leader in the AABANY community, overseeing the Brooklyn branch of AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinic, an award-winning legal clinic that has served predominantly monolingual Asian communities in New York for over a decade.
Access to justice, particularly through language, has always been a pressing concern for Kwok. He initially entered the court system as a Brooklyn Family Court Interpreter for Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese speakers, and so his AANHPI identity has long-shaped his career. The experience of interpreting, Kwok says, “is the foundation of everything for me …. Standing in the courtroom, translating for parents who couldn’t understand what was being said about their children, I felt the full weight of what was at stake—especially now that I’m a parent myself.”
Kwok further noted, “My AAPI identity essentially defined my role because I was the one bridging the gap between the court users who had a language barrier and everyone else in the room.”
Meaningful representation has to occur at multiple levels, according to Kwok. “We talk about the underrepresentation of AAPI judges and the idea that the court should reflect the community it serves,” he stated, “but that should extend to court officers, court clerks, and court attorneys too.” Reflecting on his own identity, he added, “For a time, I was the only AAPI court attorney in Brooklyn. I’m glad it’s not the case now.”
Not straying far from these roots, Kwok has sought to expand access to legal services, as well as representation within legal careers, throughout his professional life. His passion for language access in the courts, stemming from his experiences as a court interpreter, led to his appointment to the Advisory Committee on Language Access for the New York State Unified Court System by Chief Administrative Judge Hon. Lawrence Marks.
Kwok considers AABANY his “home bar association,” but he is also a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association, where he serves as the Vice-Chair of the Diversity Committee. He is also a Board Member of the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY). Additionally, Kwok serves as Deputy Vice President of the High School Division of the Sonia and Celina Sotomayor Judicial Internship Program (SCSJIP). The program, which he himself participated in as a law student, places students in judicial internships. Kwok found SCSJIP through his involvement in AABANY, while still in law school. At a time when the legal field “felt especially opaque” and a path felt difficult to find “for someone like me,” it’s another experience that has shaped him: “That internship set the path and defined my career.”
My work with the Sotomayor program is simply my way of giving back,” Kwok declared. “When I help place a high school student in a judicial internship, I know it can genuinely change a trajectory, because it changed mine.”
Through AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics, Kwok has helped strengthen New York City’s communities, making sure that people with limited English proficiency and without financial access to a lawyer can meet with a volunteer attorney or law student. He reminisces on how AABANY—and his involvement with AABANY—has grown over the past decade: “From the beginning, I was most active with the Pro Bono and Community Service Committee, volunteering at the clinic to help with interpretation. At the time [almost 10 years ago], there was only one clinic, at AAFE on 111 Division Street,” Kwok recalled. “Over the years, we’ve moved, grown, and expanded to locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens—Confucius Plaza, CCBA, CCCNY, Homecrest, CPC, UCA Brooklyn, and AAFE Queens—collaborating with community-based organizations, hosting know-your-rights workshops, and serving thousands of New Yorkers.”
His work is never done, however: “Looking ahead, I hope we keep serving AAPI community members who face language barriers and can’t afford legal help—and that we also expand to other communities facing the same challenges.” Kwok added that he’s currently working on expanding outreach in Brooklyn to other groups, such as Latino communities.
Summing up his many contributions to the legal community and AANHPI community, Kwok offered a guiding principle he follows: “I genuinely believe that the most meaningful change happens when people get to know each other, learn from each other, and work together across cultural boundaries. We need to know each other better, but it’s just as important to make ourselves known to each other.”
As parting words, Kwok also offered some advice to law students or young lawyers: “Go out and meet people – but don’t do it just to network. Find the space where people are doing the work, and then stay in it. Don’t just try to be seen, try to be useful.”
Kwok drew from his own experience, where his primary goal was not to build up the connections themselves, but rather improve the community as a whole through working together. “The relationships that have meant the most to me didn’t come from working a room at a cocktail reception,” Kwok recalled. “They came from working alongside people on something that mattered. When you show up consistently, carry your share, and are genuinely trying to serve, people notice. More importantly, you become someone who is actually useful to your community.”
“Don’t let the parts of your identity that feel complicated become things you hide,” Kwok added. “For example, the fact that I came here as an immigrant with no roadmap, or that I started out as a court interpreter—that didn’t make me less qualified than anyone else in the room. In my case, it made me more capable of understanding the people who walk into the courtrooms every day.”
AABANY congratulates Kwok and is privileged to have a compassionate and driven community-builder like him in the AABANY community. For more information on AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics and how to get involved, click here. The next few upcoming clinics are:
August 5th [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355
August 19th [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002
September 12th [Brooklyn link here– from 12:30 – 2:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Thank you to Vincent Carvalho for the above photos from the Fourth Annual Hon. Randall T. Eng Award Program.
On May 27, 2026, the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department of the New York State Supreme Court held its fourth annual Hon. Randall T. Eng Award Program in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month at 45 Monroe Place in Brooklyn Heights. This event was covered by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle and by the World Journal. This year, the Hon. Randall T. Eng Award was presented to Assembly Member Steven Raga (Assembly District 30), Associate Court Attorney Kwok Kei Ng of the New York County Criminal Courts, and Jo-Ann Yoo, Deputy Executive Director of Asian Americans for Equality. Of note, honoree Kwok Kei Ng serves as the Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service Committee and runs AABANY’s Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinics.
The World Journal traced Ng’s path through the court system, beginning his career as a court interpreter, translating for Cantonese and Mandarin speakers in Brooklyn Family Court. Ng then served in the borough’s Supreme and Civil Courts and, today, as a court attorney in New York County Criminal Court. He received the award in recognition of his efforts in partnering with the New York State Unified Court System and the Brooklyn Bar Association to develop CLE programming that enhances language access in the courts.
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle story recounted Ng’s acceptance speech, in which he spoke of standing on the shoulders of giants. “And many of these giants are here in this room,” he said. “Some of you paved the way for me before I arrived; some of you invited me in; and some of you encouraged me, and for that I am grateful.” His family joined him on stage to accept the award. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle also reported on AABANY President Varuna Bhattacharyya making closing remarks at the Award Program. She described the honorees as “exceptional individuals who exemplify all that the Randall T. Eng Award is intended to recognize and represent.” She added that they “have helped redefine what leadership looks like,” and closed with a call to action: “As we leave here tonight, let us continue building a legal community that reflects not just the diversity of our society, but its full promise.”
To read the World Journal article (written in Chinese), click here.
To read the Brooklyn Daily Eagle article, click here.
In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month this year, AABANY is presenting or co-sponsoring several events this month. We hope to see you all there! Follow the links for more details, and please note the registration deadlines. This blog post will be updated throughout the month, as new events get added on, so check back for any updates.
May 2, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Korean Hat Day at Yankee Stadium
1:35pm – Yankees Stadium, 1 E. 161 E. 161st Street
This event has already occurred.
May 3, 2026
AABANY Sunday Run Day
11:00 am – Start at Bedford Ave (L); End at Canal St. & Chrystie St. This event is preparation for the May 23 AAPI 5k run.
This event has already occurred.
May 5-7, 2026
Asian Comedy Fest 2026: AABANY Discount Available
7pm and 9pm – Sugar Mouse NYC, 47 3rd Avenue, Lower Level, New York, NY 10003
This event has already occurred.
May 6, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together
1:00 pm – Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term, Courtroom 2.95, 320 Jay Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201
This event has already occurred.
May 6, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Beginner’s Mahjong
6:00pm – Sparrow’s Nest Studio, 35 W. 35th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10018
This event has already occurred.
May 6, 2026
AABANY Presents: Dumplings & Discussion Series Featuring Judge Pamela K. Chen
6:00pm -Midtown location – to be emailed to registrants.
This event has already occurred.
May 9, 2026
AABANY Bi-Monthly Brooklyn Pro Bono Legal Clinic
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm – CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11232
This event has already occurred.
May 10, 2026
AABANY Sunday Run Day
11:00 am – Start at Bedford Ave (L); End at Canal St. & Chrystie St. This event is preparation for the May 23 AAPI 5k run.
This event has already occurred.
May 12, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Reflections of Unity and Strength in our AANHPI Communities
12:30pm – Queens Supreme Court – Civil Term, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Ceremonial Courtroom 25, Jamaica, New York 11435
This event has already occurred.
May 16, 2026
AABANY Presents: 3rd Annual Wellness Retreat
10:00 am – 5:00 pm – Blue Cliff Monastery, 3 Mindfulness Rd, Pine Bush, New York 12566
This event has already occurred.
May 16, 2026
AABANY Co-Sponsors: Asian Americans and the Law, Featuring Hon. Denny Chin
2pm – White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601
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.
On March 21, 2025, Brooklyn Law School’s Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) hosted its annual Alumni Dinner at the Forchelli Conference Center, celebrating the achievements of its diverse community and recognizing three distinguished alumni for their contributions to the legal profession. This year’s theme, “Empowering Journeys: Celebrating AAPI Leadership and Impact,” highlighted the dedication and service of these honorees.
Hon. Karen Lin ’95 and Kwok Kei Ng ’16, both members of AABANY, received well-deserved recognition for their commitment to public service and community advocacy. Their efforts have significantly advanced legal accessibility and mentorship within the AAPI community.
Hon. Karen Lin, judge in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Queens County, received the Public Service Award and delivered a powerful speech reflecting on the pioneering achievements of Asian American trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. As a former Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, Judge Lin has been a longtime advocate for pro bono legal services, working tirelessly to expand resources for underserved communities. Her leadership continues to inspire young legal professionals to engage in meaningful advocacy and service.
Kwok Kei Ng, honored with the Community Service Award, shared an inspiring personal story of growth and the importance of passing the torch forward. As Co-Chair of AABANY’s Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, Kwok has played a pivotal role in continuing and expanding AABANY’s pro bono efforts. His dedication to ensuring that legal resources reach those most in need has made an impact on both the AAPI and broader legal communities.
Jason Jia ’11, recipient of the Achievement Award, was also recognized for his contributions to the legal profession. Jason reminded attendees of the importance of adapting to and embracing AI and other emerging legal technologies, encouraging students to define success on their own terms beyond grades and law school performance.
Brooklyn Law School President and Dean David D. Meyer and Dean Joy Kanwar joined the evening’s celebration. Dean Meyer delivered encouraging remarks on APALSA’s role in building a strong, supportive community. Dean Kanwar reflected on APALSA’s humble beginnings and its growth into the thriving and impactful group it is today.
All honorees were celebrated for their leadership and commitment to service. The recognition of AABANY members Karen Lin and Kwok Kei Ng reflects their significant contributions to the legal profession, particularly in advancing pro bono work, mentorship, and community advocacy. Their work embodies the spirit of AAPI leadership, paving the way for future generations of legal professionals and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Please join AABANY in congratulating Judge Lin, Kwok, and Jason on their well-deserved recognition.
