On May 29, 2026, AABANY’s Student Outreach Committee and Young Lawyers Committee partnered to host Boba Break: Recharge and Connect at King & Spalding. This event brought together law students, young attorneys and members of the AABANY community for an evening of conversation, connection and, of course, boba (bubble) tea in a welcoming and informal setting.
Throughout the evening, attendees exchanged experiences, discussed career paths, shared advice and expanded their professional networks. Law students had the opportunity to connect with practicing attorneys and young lawyers, while attorneys reconnected with colleagues and met the next generation of legal professionals. This event embodied AABANY’s commitment to fostering mentorship, community and meaningful relationships within the profession.
The photos from the evening capture the energy and enthusiasm of the attendees, highlighting the meaningful conversations and new connections formed throughout the event that may continue well beyond the evening. Event photos are now available and can be accessed here: click here.
AABANY extends its sincere gratitude to King & Spalding for hosting the event and to everyone who attended. The enthusiastic participation from law students, young lawyers and community members made the event a memorable success. We look forward to continuing to create engaging opportunities that strengthen relationships across the AABANY community and to support the growth of future legal leaders.
– Written by Helen Ding, Co-Chair, Student Outreach Committee
Two Important Membership Deadlines Are Approaching
You’ve been an important part of the NAPABA community, and we’d love to welcome you back as a member for 2026.
With Convention registration opening soon and voting eligibility deadlines approaching, now is the perfect time to renew your membership and continue enjoying the connections, opportunities, and benefits available exclusively to NAPABA members.
Why Renew Your NAPABA Membership?
Connect. Save. Grow.
Build meaningful relationships with attorneys, legal professionals, and law students across the country.
Save on Convention registration, leadership programs, networking events, and more.
Access exclusive opportunities, resources, and programs that support your professional success.
Convention Registration Opens June 16
NAPABA members receive exclusive access to Convention registration and housing beginning June 16, along with up to $600 in registration savings.
To ensure your membership is active when registration opens, we encourage you to join by June 15.
Voting Eligibility Ends July 1
Members who join by July 1, 2026, and meet NAPABA’s voting eligibility requirements will be eligible to vote in the 2026 Board of Governors election and help shape NAPABA’s future.
In order to vote, you must be licensed to practice law in the U.S. or Canada (or have previously been licensed and now retired), and you must have be a current NAPABA member in good standing on or before July 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. Non-lawyer members (Law Student and Non-Attorney membership categories) are not eligible to vote.
If you are joining through a NAPABA affiliate or national associate, please contact membership@napaba.org to verify current dues and receive your membership discount code.
These clinics not only answer legal questions but also focus on training law students and young attorneys to identify legal issues and explain legal concepts in everyday language. We value your willingness to listen to our clients’ stories and provide them with a safe space to be heard.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the following volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to make this Clinic a success:
Alexandra Ly
Haotian Chen
Andrew Sun
Helen Ding
Angie Liao
Karen Yau
Anna Bao
Keli Huang
Arthur Lin
May Wong
Elaine Ouyang
Nandar Kerr
Gary Yeung
Wendy Zeng
If you are interested in continuing to support our community, we invite you to join us at our upcoming Pro Bono Clinics:
May 20th in Manhattan from 6:30-8:30pm at AAFE 111 Norfolk St.
June 3rd in Queens from 6:30 – 8:30pm at AAFE One Flushing Community Center.
July 11th in Brooklyn, from 12:30pm-2:30pm at CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Ave.
To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, please visit probono.aabany.org.
On March 26, 2026, the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee and the Government Service & Public Interest Committee continued their tradition of hosting a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to recognize the volunteer attorneys, law students, AABANY staff, AALFNY board members, and community partners who make our Pro Bono Clinics possible. Together, we celebrated our shared mission of serving the public and promoting access to justice for those who cannot afford legal services.
The backbone of AABANY’s public service initiatives is its dedicated volunteers. We extend our deepest gratitude to the attorneys who generously devote their time and expertise to assisting members of the community. These Pro Bono Clinics also serve as valuable learning opportunities for law students, providing hands-on experience across various areas of law while allowing them to give back through direct service.
We also express our sincere appreciation to the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY) for its continued support, as well as to the AABANY staff, whose administrative efforts are essential to making this work possible.
On Monday, March 16, 2026, the AABANY Intellectual Property (IP) Committee gathered for its final dinner of the 2025-2026 fiscal year at CHILI, a Michelin-recognized Sichuan restaurant in Midtown Manhattan.
The evening served as a festive conclusion to a productive year, bringing together a diverse mix of legal professionals—from seasoned IP attorneys, in-house and government attorneys, to law students—to network and reflect on the year’s achievements before the new fiscal year begins on April 1. The gathering offered the attendees, all AABANY members at different stage of their careers, an opportunity to share insights and forge connections that extend well beyond the courtroom or office. Conversations flowed easily between the fourteen attendees, from those who have spent decades navigating the complexities of intellectual property law to those just beginning to find their footing in the profession, creating a sense of mentorship and mutual inspiration. As the evening drew to a close, attendees departed with renewed energy and a shared sense of purpose, ready to carry the momentum of the past year into the promising opportunities that the new fiscal year is sure to bring.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for this special evening. We look forward to many more meals, meaningful conversations, and moments of connection in the new fiscal year.
If you’re interested in future dinners, keep an eye on the AABANY calendar for upcoming events. To learn more about the IP Committee, visit their subpage on the AABANY website.
– Written by Ada Wang, AABANY Intellectual Property Committee Co-Chair
Thank you to the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), CPC Brooklyn, our community partners, and Rachna Agarwal (SABANY Pro Bono Chair). A special thank-you goes to all the volunteer attorneys and law students who stayed late to ensure every client was seen.
Our volunteers assisted 27 clients with matters including identity theft, wills and trusts, employment, family, matrimonial, housing, and real estate.
In addition to providing vital legal guidance, Pro Bono Clinics serve as a training ground for law students and young attorneys to practice communicating complex legal concepts in layman’s terms. We appreciate our volunteers for taking the time to listen to clients’ stories and giving them a space to be heard. The dedication of our volunteers continues to bridge the justice gap in our community.
Finally, at the Pro Bono Clinic, we celebrated the birthday of AABANY member and long-standing Pro Bono Clinic volunteer, May Wong! May was also the AABANY 2022 Member of the Year. Happy Birthday, May!
Volunteer attorneys:
Vishal Chander
Natalie Moulton-Levy
Rachna Agarwal
Wendy Zeng
Kwok Kei Ng
May Wong
Sanketh Bhaskar
Olivia Mao
Francis Chin
Helen Ding
Arthur Lin
Minyao Wang
Beatrice Leong
Law students:
Sam Chen
Eva Zhou
Yining Pan
– Written by Kwok Kei Ng, AABANY PBCS Committee Co-Chair
At the Clinic, our volunteers met with 12 clients and provided guidance on a range of legal issues, including housing, immigration, wills and trusts, fraud and discrimination matters. The collective efforts of our volunteers ensured that each client received personalized support and answers to their pressing legal questions. We are deeply grateful for everyone’s presence and contributions, and look forward to continuing this important work together!
Volunteer attorneys:
Wendy (Wen-Hsien) Cheng
Hung Yi Chien
Ivy (Ting-Yu) Chien
Jingjuan (Max) Guo
Kevin Hsi
Richard In
Evonne Lee-Bach
Grace Ouyang
Anthony Wong
May Wong
Gary Yeung
Interpreters/shadowers:
Nikita Kohli
Sinbay Tan
Wendy Zeng
We invite all interested individuals to attend Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee’s 30-minute Housing Law training (Non-CLE) on February 18 from 6:00–6:30 PM at the AAFE Community Center. Led by Jack Hsia, Esq. and Deng Lin, Esq., the training will review common housing questions participants may encounter, including eviction timelines, defenses to nonpayment and holdover cases, and legal options related to housing repairs and landlord harassment. To register for the training, click here.
To continue supporting our community, join us at our upcoming Pro Bono Clinics:
February 18 [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002
March 14 [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
April 1 [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355
Thanks once again to all our volunteers for attending the Pro Bono Clinic.
We look forward to your participation in our future clinics!
To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, visit probono.aabany.org.
On Thursday, January 22, AABANY welcomed nearly 40 attorneys, mediators, and law students to 60 Centre Street for “Pathways to Court‐Connected ADR,” a 90‐minute CLE program designed to expand understanding of New York’s court‐sponsored mediation programs. Co‐sponsored by KALAGNY, NYSCDM, and the New York County Supreme Court Civil Branch ADR Team, the program offered both in‐person and virtual attendance, drawing a diverse and engaged audience eager to learn more about the growing landscape of court‐connected dispute resolution.
The session featured a robust lineup of panelists — Stephanie Pearl, Kamella English, Lawrence Han, Michael Henry, and Rachel Yoo — with Dejana Perrone moderating the discussion. Together, they delivered a candid, practical, and often inspiring look at how ADR functions inside the courts and how practitioners can meaningfully participate.
A Deep Dive into Court-Sponsored ADR
The program opened with an overview of court‐sponsored ADR, including the purpose of Part 160, the types of cases eligible for mediation, and the benefits of early intervention. Speakers provided helpful context on how ADR has evolved across districts and why mediation continues to play a critical role in improving access to justice.
From there, attendees heard directly from ADR Coordinators Kamella English and Stephanie Pearl, who walked through the day‐to‐day responsibilities of their roles and offered guidance on how practitioners can connect with coordinators when seeking case information or exploring volunteer opportunities.
Practical Guidance for Advocates and Mediators
The conversation then shifted to the role of advocates and mediators in the mediation process. Panelists Lawrence Han, Rachel Yoo, and Michael Henry shared insights on how mediation compares to litigation, how to prepare clients for the process, and how to navigate the court’s roster of neutrals. Their reflections highlighted the importance of preparation, empathy, and clear communication — qualities that shape both client experience and case outcomes.
The panel also addressed when a case is “ready” for mediation, including timing considerations under Part 160 and practical perspectives from mediators handling professional liability and other complex matters.
Pathways to Joining a Roster
In the second half of the CLE, panelists outlined the steps to join a court roster, the qualities that define an effective neutral, and the ongoing efforts to expand and diversify ADR panels across New York. Speakers emphasized the need for mediators who bring cultural competence, multilingual abilities, and varied professional backgrounds — all essential to serving New York’s diverse communities.
The panel closed with success stories from ADR programs, illustrating how early mediation, skilled neutrals, and thoughtful program design can lead to meaningful resolutions for litigants. These stories underscored the human impact of ADR and the value of continued investment in court‐connected mediation.
Thank You from AABANY
AABANY extends its sincere thanks to all panelists and to the New York County Supreme Court Civil Branch ADR Team for their partnership and generosity. We are grateful to KALAGNY and NYSCDM for co‐sponsoring the program, and to every attendee who joined us for an afternoon of learning, connection, and community building.
The enthusiasm in the room — and online — reflected a shared commitment to expanding access to justice through thoughtful, culturally responsive ADR practices. It was a vibrant and memorable event, and we look forward to continuing the conversation in future programs.
To learn more about the ADR Committee, click here.
– Written by: Rachel Ji-Young Yoo, Co-Chair of AABANY’s ADR Committee
The NAPABA Law Foundation offers many ways to advance your legal journey and strengthen your connection to the legal community. Be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming deadlines!
2026–2028 Community Law Fellowship
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15, 2026, 5 pm ET
About the Fellowship:
This two-year fellowship supports early-career attorneys as they gain hands-on legal experience at a nonprofit or community-based organization. The Fellowship provides:
A $60,000 annual salary, paid directly to the host organization
Health and fringe benefits provided by the host
A $10,000 completion bonus for the Fellow
Opportunities to work on behalf of underserved communities and grow as a public interest leader
Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026, 5 pm ET
About the Scholarship:
The NAPABA Law Foundation has partnered with the Choi Family to create the Han C. Choi Scholarship to honor a NAPABA Trailblazer, mentor, and leader who embodies grit and courage in the face of great adversity. The Scholarship Fund will benefit a 1L or 2L law student who exhibits academic excellence, leadership, volunteerism, mentorship experience, and demonstrates an interest in AAPI civic issues. Special consideration will also be given to applicants who have been adversely affected by cancer (as a survivor, or family member of a victim or survivor).
Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026, 5 pm ET
About the Fellowship
In partnership with the Fred T. Korematsu Institute, NLF will be accepting applications for the Fred T. Korematsu Summer Fellowship Program. The program will provide $6,000 to a law student for a meaningful summer internship at a public interest organization. The fellow will work to further Fred T. Korematsu’s legacy as a civil rights pioneer. Initial funding was provided by Parkin Lee and The Rockefeller Group.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 5 pm ET
About the Scholarship
The SAIL Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to an individual who will be a 2L student starting in the 2026 Fall Semester (current 1L students should apply) who has outstanding professional promise and leadership potential. The amount awarded is $7,500, split equally over 2 years.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Vishal Chander for providing remote immigration assistance, and to everyone who stayed past 2:30 p.m. to ensure all clients were seen. We are especially grateful to Beatrice Leong, who traveled from Queens in a foot brace and stayed past 3:30 p.m. to assist our final client. Your dedication, including staying later than necessary to ensure no client was turned away, is truly admirable!
In addition to answering legal questions, these clinics aim to train law students and young attorneys on how to communicate complex legal concepts in layman’s terms. We appreciate you taking the time to listen to our clients’ stories and providing them with a space to be heard.
Here’s one of the clients’ comments –”Gary is the best lawyer…. Thanks very much.”
Volunteer attorneys:
Vishal Chander
Victoria Cheng
Francis Chin
Jack (Zixu) Hsia
Kwok Kei Ng
Beatrice Leong
Arthur Lin
May Wong
Jameson Xu
Gary Yeung
Interpreters/shadowers:
Sam Chen
Philip Han
Nikita Kohli
Tianyuan Shu
Albert Tong
Please join us at our upcoming clinics:
January 21st [Manhattan link here] from 6:30-8:30pm, AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street, NY, NY 10002
February 4th [Queens link here], from 6:30 – 8:30pm, AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355
March 14th [Brooklyn link here], from 12:30 – 3:30pm, CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232
To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, visit probono.aabany.org.
Thank you for making a significant difference in our community!
