Tag: mental health

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AABANY Hosts Third Annual Wellness Day

On June 21, 2025, AABANY successfully hosted its Third Annual Wellness Day at Brooklyn Law School. This event was made possible through the generous support of AABANY’s dedicated speakers and sponsors, enabling participants to address critical issues affecting mental and physical well-being, in line with wellness programs and initiatives championed by former AABANY President Karen Kim during her term. Participants learned about various topics, such as methods for dealing with daily stressors, unhealthy drinking culture in the legal profession, signs of depression, and how to find support groups and resources. 

Within the legal profession, mental health and well-being is not a topic that is often discussed. AABANY aims to challenge the normalized culture of long hours and drinking prevalent in the legal profession by highlighting the detrimental impact of these behaviors on the well-being of attorneys and offering a dedicated, supportive environment for necessary discussions.

Doors opened for Wellness Day at 9:00 AM. The event began with a relaxing Meet and Greet Breakfast catered by Paris Baguette, providing attendees with an opportunity to meet current and former Wellness Day speakers and greet one another and connect. During breakfast, Karen invited attendees to enter a raffle for a chance to win prizes like a one-on-one coaching session with Celina Lee, a 75-minute Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) session with Dr. Michelle Thompson, a laser Focus Power Pitch session or copy of Rainmaking 101 by Precious L. Williams, or a parenting coaching session with Dr. Theresa Nguyen.

AABANY President Benjamin Hsing welcomed everyone to the event. On behalf of AABANY, he expressed gratitude to all the participants, speakers, and sponsors who were crucial for the success of the event.

Wellness Day Champion Sponsor, Steno, hosted a table with goodies for attendees, ranging from Pride flags, bags, and iridescent water bottles to glass nail files. Thank you to Steno and Steno representative Gayle Damiano, for your generous support.

Creating a Kinder and Gentler Legal Practice when Grounded with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping)

The morning programs kicked off with Dr. Michelle Thompson from Resistant Vision, who first introduced Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping). Dr. Thompson shared a compelling story about a client who, after 48 hours without sleep, found relaxation and rest through EFT practices. In her session, “Create a Kinder and Gentler Legal Practice when Grounded with Emotional Freedom Techniques,” Dr. Thompson led participants through tapping their stressors away and detaching them from their minds. She had participants rank their stress levels on a scale from one to ten.  By the end of the session, Dr. Thompson had helped the audience reduce their stress levels significantly. She invited a volunteer to help with a specific person causing their stress. Whether it be dealing with stressors at work or stress from academics, Dr. Thompson’s exercises helped everyone gain real-time emotional freedom and learn how to incorporate these practices for the stress that many in the legal profession face on a daily basis. To learn more about Resistant Vision, click here.

Bar None: Rethinking Alcohol in the Legal Profession

Jaimie Nawaday, partner at Seward & Kissel LLP and a former federal prosecutor, brought attention to the drinking culture in the legal profession with her session: “Bar None: Rethinking Alcohol in the Legal Profession,” moderated by Anden Chow, partner at MoloLamken LLP. Ms. Nawaday spoke openly about her personal experience with alcoholism as an attorney. She shared about being in denial about having a drinking problem for a long time and rationalizing her drinking due to the normalized drinking culture in the profession. In their discussion, they highlighted how as a lawyer, receiving and giving alcohol as a gift is normalized.  In addition, they noted that many events primarily serve alcoholic drinks. They highlighted how especially for the younger generation of lawyers entering the legal profession, the lack of senior lawyer role models who do not drink might create subtle pressure to engage in heavy drinking.

Ms. Nawaday shared about her progression from doing short health challenges to abstaining from alcohol for a year. She aimed to help spread awareness about the outdated corporate cocktail culture and posted a video on LinkedIn on this topic, which received wide-ranging support from viewers. She also recounted how she helped another lawyer feel included at an event with just the small action of getting them a nonalcoholic beverage. To counter the drinking culture, Ms. Nawaday proposed that it should be normalized to provide nonalcoholic drinks at events and that senior lawyers who do not adhere to the outdated drinking culture should serve as role models. Learn more about Jamie Nawaday’s company Disrupting Drinking here.

Karen Kim took the podium to thank the morning speakers and announce that she would be distributing complimentary copies of The Daily Buddhist, which excited much of the audience. She also announced the lucky raffle winners. With that, the morning sessions came to an end, and lunch was served. Attendees enjoyed a delicious and healthy lunch from Chipotle.

Managing Stress: Maintaining Wellness

The afternoon started off with a session called “Managing Stress: Maintaining Wellness” by pediatrician Dr. Theresa T. Nguyen, who guided participants through the science behind how our brain processes stress. She then led participants through different techniques to ground ourselves, from two different methods of regulating breathing, spacing out inhales, breath holds, and exhales by tracing the fingers on our hand, and box breathing. Dr. Nguyen also invited an audience member to demonstrate the breathing techniques. She then led everyone through somatic grounding techniques, such as rubbing the thumb and index fingers together as well as guided meditation. Dr. Nguyen proceeded to lead the audience through different stretches and acupuncture points to relieve stress, nausea, and tension. Participants left her session feeling relaxed, armed with helpful methods to ground themselves amid stressors in their daily lives. To learn more about Dr. Nguyen’s practices, visit resilientmd.org.

Building Positive Habits: Practical Tips to Sustain a Long, Healthy Career in Law

A fireside chat followed, with Jackson Lewis Principal Tanya Bovée and Well-Being Director Gavin Alexander in a session called “Building Positive Habits: Practical Tips to Sustain a Long, Healthy Career in Law.” Mr. Alexander spoke candidly about his journey struggling with mental illness throughout his life. He talked about how he was initially reluctant to seek help since he thought any paper trail of receiving care would be damaging to his career. Due to the perceived stigma against mental illness in the legal profession and society, it was not until his near suicide that he sought help. Since then, he has advocated for mental well-being and served as the first-ever Fellow of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being. Mr. Alexander spoke about finding help in the form of a support group of lawyers with depression, through which he found his current position as a Well-Being Director at Jackson Lewis. When commended on his bravery for sharing his struggles, Mr. Alexander expressed the hope that we all could live in a world where someone like him wouldn’t be deemed brave for sharing his struggles, and talking about mental health would be normalized instead. In guiding the discussion, Ms. Bovée shared her struggles and techniques for better time management and recommended various books for the audience. She also shared personal stories of handling new roles and expectations.

Steno, Champion Sponsor – Remarks

Steno representative Gayle Damiano then gave brief remarks, recognizing Steno as the Wellness Day Champion Sponsor and its support of wellness and well-being in the legal profession. Attendees learned about Steno and its court reporting and litigation services.

But You Don’t Look Depressed

The next session, “But You Don’t Look Depressed,” was moderated by Karen Kim and featured Vivia Chen, an award-winning journalist and ex-lawyer. Ms. Chen shared her story of finding help and opening up about her mental health challenges. Publicly sharing her mental health struggles was difficult due to the stigma around depression in the legal profession. Ms. Chen shared that many lawyers have this stigma, mostly due to their family’s expectations. Asian American lawyers experience higher mental issues compared to the whole of those in the legal profession. Ms. Chen spoke of the challenges to secure short-term disability due to misconceptions around how the symptoms of depression or how those who suffer from depression should look. An insurance representative commented that she did not exhibit the usual signs of depression, such as sobbing uncontrollably or looking unpresentable. In the end, her application for short-term disability was denied. Ms. Chen also spoke about her experience finding a therapist suited for her and seeking help. Her story shines light on the lack of accessibility of help provided by legal workplaces, and the need to change the stigma and misconceptions around mental health, in order to make help more accessible to those who need it. Visit and subscribe to Ms. Chen’s Ex-Careerist Substack Column.

During the discussion, Karen highlighted previous Wellness Day sponsor and participant, Anise Health, a culturally responsive mental health platform dedicated to the Asian community. All attendees received a free trial consultation from Anise Health, as well as a 10% discount code for their first month of care.

Cultivating Mental Resilience to Thrive Amid Uncertainty

Next, Benjamin Hsing, President of AABANY, facilitated  a conversation with Pema Sherpa, co-author of The Daily Buddhist, speaker, and mindfulness researcher. They explored how resilience can be cultivated through intentional mind-training practices rooted in Buddhist philosophy and contemporary mindfulness research. Drawing from both personal experience and her book, Ms. Sherpa shared practical tools to manage stress, reframe emotional challenges, and foster inner calm amidst professional demands. She emphasized how simple yet consistent exercises such as meditation, compassion, and mental reframing can strengthen one’s emotional resilience and promote wellness. During the Q&A session, Ms. Sherpa highlighted how the book’s daily format offers readers an accessible and structured path to integrate mindfulness into their routines. Participants appreciated the interactive dialogue, and at the conclusion of the event, Ms. Sherpa graciously signed copies of her book for attendees. Visit Pema Solutions to learn more about mindfulness.

Closing Remarks

Karen Kim delivered ending remarks, thanking everyone for coming to Wellness Day. She gave thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors, and speakers who were vital to making the event successful. Many attendees stayed for the optional networking reception afterward, taking the time to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances and making new connections.

Wellness Day has been a celebration of self-care, health, and the importance of nurturing both mental and physical health. AABANY compiled a Wellness Resources guide and encouraged attendees to reach out to AABANY and the available resources for themselves, their colleagues, friends, and family. AABANY’s Wellness Resources can be found here.

AABANY thanks all Wellness Day speakers for sharing their expertise and personal journeys:

  • Michelle Thompson, J.D., Ph.D., CEO of Resistant Vision Coaching and Consulting, LLC
  • Jaimie Nawaday, Partner, Seward & Kissel LLP
  • Anden Chow, Partner, MoloLamken LLP
  • Theresa T. Nguyen, MD, MS, FAAP, Adulting Coach & Wellness Consultant, ResilientMD
  • Gavin Alexander, Well-Being Director, Jackson Lewis P.C.
  • Tanya A. Bovée, Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
  • Pema Sherpa, Co-Author of The Daily Buddhist, Speaker & Mindfulness Researcher
  • Benjamin C. Hsing, President, AABANY
  • Vivia Chen, Opinion Writer, The Ex-Careerist, Substack
  • Karen Kim, Senior Counsel, QBE North America

AABANY thanks the following sponsors for their generous support:

Sponsors:

  • Brooklyn Law School
  • Pema Solutions
  • ResilientMD
  • Infinite Potential Counseling
  • Resistant Vision Coaching and Consulting, LLC
  • Live Your Dream Club with Celina Lee
  • Anise Health
  • Seward & Kissel LLP
  • MoloLamken LLP
  • Perfect Pitch Group

Champion Sponsor: Steno

Supporter Sponsor: Jackson Lewis P.C.

Co-Sponsoring Bar Associations:

  • Judges & Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert
  • Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York

Photos from Wellness Day can be found here.

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ADR Committee Presents CLE Program on Mental Health and Divorce Disputes: Integrating Litigation and Mediation

On January 22, 2025, the AABANY Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee held a CLE event at the Yoo Law Group’s NY office. The session was moderated by Rachel J. Yoo, Co-Chair of the ADR Committee.

The event featured four highly respected professionals, including matrimonial lawyers, mediators, and psychologists, who are experienced in the intersection of mental health and family disputes. 

Speakers:

  • Jihee Cho, Ph.D., Co-Founder of Mind in Motion Psychological Services
  • Beatrice Leong, Esq, Partner, Law Office of Beatrice Leong
  • Megan Rha, Esq, Partner, Rha Kim Grossman & McIlwain, LLP
  • Talaiya Safdar, Esq & Mediator, Safdar Law & Mediation Group, P.C.

Historically, mental health factors have often been overlooked in family and matrimonial disputes. This CLE program, offering 1.0 credits in the Areas of Professional Practice category, explored how recognizing and addressing these issues can foster more effective, compassionate, and lasting resolutions.

One of the speakers, Dr. Jihee Cho, co-founder of Mind in Motion Psychological Services, shared her expertise on the impact of emotional-regulating disorders in decision-making during disputes. She also provided insights into strategies for helping parties move forward in such challenging situations.

Thanks to the panelists for a timely and insightful presentation, and thanks to all the attendees. To learn more about the ADR Committee, click here. 

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AABANY Hosts 2nd Annual Pre-Holiday Multi-Association Gathering 

On November 19, 2024, AABANY held its 2nd Annual Pre-Holiday Multi-Association Gathering, hosted at the New York City Bar Association in Midtown Manhattan. The event featured a potluck dinner as well as a CLE program, titled “Building a Strong Legal Well-Being Foundation for a Brighter Future.” The dinner was co-sponsored by 12 different associations, each bringing ethnic cuisine and assorted goods for all to enjoy.

Recognizing that the holidays can be challenging for many, for various reasons, the gathering aimed to create a supportive community across multiple associations, to share wellness resources before the holiday season. The event began with participants helping themselves to a wide variety of food options, ranging from noodles to fried chicken to salad. As attendees ate, the CLE program began, which focused on wellness and mental health resources for members of the legal community. The program featured three speakers:

The CLE program was moderated by Karen Kim, Senior Counsel of QBE North America and AABANY’s Immediate Past President.

Eileen Travis began the discussion by emphasizing the prevalence of mental health and substance abuse issues within the legal profession, noting that attorneys were at an especially high risk because of their extensive work in “adversarial environments.” According to the American Bar Association, 19% of lawyers experience depression at some point in their career, while 11% experience suicidal ideation. Despite these numbers, Eileen noted that the “legal profession as a group is reluctant to ask for help… the number one reason is the stigma surrounding it.” Though Eileen believed that this stigma has significantly decreased in recent years, she asserted that there is still much more work to be done. For any attorneys facing mental health or substance abuse issues, Eileen suggested they reach out to the Lawyer Assistance Program, whose services are free and completely confidential.

Katherine Loanzon continued the timely dialogue by describing her role as a parent when her two daughters each lost close friends. When a close friend of Katherine’s first daughter committed suicide, she did not know what to do. She wondered, “What do you do? What happens now?” At the time, she had struggled with these questions but eventually learned that it was best to “give children their space” as well as connect them with a therapist. Katherine then recounted how her second daughter experienced a similarly traumatic experience when a classmate of hers suddenly passed from an undiagnosed brain tumor. She described the event as a “different type of pain,” and noted that “everyone grieves differently” and that every individual must be supported through that process, in whatever way that looks. For Katherine’s daughter, she used music to help overcome her grief. Katherine shared resources to find therapists for children, which can be challenging.

Finally, Micah Kessel shared his experience as the CEO of Empathable, a company focused on disseminating the practice of empathy. Micah related empathy specifically to the legal field, saying that he “works to help people relive their most important moments” so that they can learn from these experiences and progress in their professions. Through this work, Micah has sought to redefine empathy, noting that it does not mean “the ability to understand how other people feel,” as the dictionary states. Rather, empathy is “the ability to acknowledge the validity of another person’s experience to be as valid as your own.” Empathy, he concluded, is a skill that must be trained over time.

Thanks to the following co-sponsoring associations for their support and participation in this event: 

For more photos from the event, view the album here.

Thank you also to our event sponsors, Groombridge Wu Baughman & Stone and Edgar Agents, for their support in prioritizing the importance of wellness and well-being in the legal profession.  We appreciate everyone who attended this event and made it such an amazing experience! With events such as these, AABANY will continue to work to help destigmatize mental health and advance the importance of wellness and well-being in the legal profession. If you have ideas for programs or speakers on the topic of wellness and well-being, please contact AABANY at main@aabany.org. We hope to see you at future AABANY events.

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AABANY’s Professional Development Committee Hosts Official Launch of Wellness Podcast “Hello, It’s Me!” at A&O Shearman

On September 17th, the Professional Development Committee (PDC) Vice Chairs Maggie Poon and Ona Lu hosted the official launch of their “Hello, It’s Me!” Wellness Podcast.

Attendees gathered at the Sterling Cafe located on the 3rd floor of the offices of A&O Shearman, some dressed in traditional Mid-Autumn Festival attire, and everyone enjoyed light bites and drinks while networking with one another.

PDC Co-Chair Nandar Win Kerr started the program with opening remarks, thanking event host Ashley Shan, Co-Vice President of Programs and Operations and Associate at A&O Shearman, for providing the lovely venue. Nandar then gave the floor to Beatrice Leong and Celina Lee, who introduced themselves. 

Beatrice, a former legal intern at the Attorney General’s Office for the State of Connecticut, began her legal career with aspirations to become a prosecutor. However, her path took a turn when she shifted to practicing divorce and family law. Celina, on the other hand, started as an investment banker and corporate lawyer but now dedicates her life to career coaching, helping others find purpose and fulfillment in their professional lives. Their diverse career trajectories set the stage for a thoughtful discussion about life’s unexpected twists and the importance of mental health.

After these brief introductions, Ona Lu, Products Counsel at Uber, and Maggie Poon, Contracts Counsel at Equinox, hosts of the wellness podcast, introduced themselves and treated the attendees to a short 20-minute video excerpt of the second episode in the podcast series, featuring Beatrice Leong.

The conversation started with rapid-fire questions to help the audience get to know Beatrice better, followed by a deeper dive into her experiences. Beatrice opened up about her personal heartbreak. After discovering that her husband had been unfaithful, following a relationship that spanned thirteen years, she described the experience as her “villain origin story.” Up until then, Beatrice had wanted to pursue a career in prosecution, even landing a role at the District Attorney’s Office. However, the pain of betrayal and heartbreak eventually led her to shift her career focus from prosecution to divorce law. Rather than being consumed by her heartbreak, she channeled it into her professional passion for helping others navigate the difficult and emotional process of divorce. 

“Why divorce law?” she is often asked. Her answer is simple yet profound: “I like to help people going through what I have gone through; I want to feel like I am doing something important.” For Beatrice, the most rewarding part of her work is helping her clients see light at the end of the tunnel, much like she did during her own personal journey. To hear the full podcast, go here.

Celina had a different journey of mental health counseling and recovery. She recounted how she had dedicated her whole life to “getting good grades” even if it meant skipping parties and “securing a good job” – even if it meant a job that she wasn’t passionate about. In retrospect, she had been motivated by fear: fear of failure and of not making her parents and peers proud. 

She expressed regret that although she had achieved prestige and a well-paying job, she did not quite feel fulfilled. “I had won the race, but I felt like I was in the wrong race.” 

She entered a dark period in her life where she felt lost in her career and didn’t know what to do. Luckily, after receiving mental health coaching, she developed a support network. 

She started to focus on herself and not on what other people wanted her to do. She started her “Live Your Dream” podcast where she regularly reflects on her former life and how she found fulfillment. To hear the full podcast of Celina’s interview on “Hello, It’s Me,” go here.

Both Beatrice and Celina agreed that everyone needs a support network; too many Asians don’t seek support and don’t prioritize their mental health. Those brought up in Asian cultures were never taught the importance of mental health. Lack of support can really weigh one’s mental health down and ultimately makes it harder to focus on work and overcome challenges. 

The event wrapped up with closing remarks by Yang Chen, AABANY Executive Director. He spoke about the benefits of joining AABANY as a member and encouraged attendees to register for upcoming events such as the October bi-monthly pro bono clinic in Queens on October 2, and the AABANY Fall Conference on October 12. 

Special thanks to Professional Development Committee Co-chairs Nandar Win Kerr and May Wong for organizing this insightful event.

To learn more about the Professional Development Committee please visit their page at https://www.aabany.org/page/118. “Hello, it’s Me” podcast can be found here.

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Professional Development Committee Hosts Soft-Launch Event for AABANY’s Wellness Podcast, “Hello… It’s Me!” 

Thank you to all who joined the Professional Development Committee for the soft-launch of AABANY’s Wellness Podcast, “Hello… It’s Me!,” on August 22, 2024. The podcast promotes personal and collective well-being within the legal community and will feature an AABANY member during each episode. Through storytelling, the aim is to emphasize the ABA’s multi-dimensional approach to lawyer well-being, focusing on mental health, emotional well-being, and self-care. By doing so, the Committee is working to remove the stigma around mental health and help our members embrace their true and authentic selves.

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At the soft-launch, Willow Liu, Esq., a steadfast member of the Professional Development Committee and podcast team, moderated the event. The hosts and interviewers, Maggie Poon and Ona Lu, Vice-Chairs of the Professional Development Committee, shared their insights on conducting engaging and open conversations. The event’s special guest, Celina Lee, a former big law attorney turned career coach, author, and host of the “Live Your Dream” podcast, provided deep insights during her interview. A 13-minute podcast clip was presented featuring Celina Lee, who discussed how she focused her goals so that they would align with her values, and enable her to live her dreams. Celina’s advice was that “there’s no one path to create a fulfilling life,” which resonated with the audience and served as  a powerful reminder to stay curious.

The thought-provoking questions from our attendees were much appreciated, and the Professional Development Committee eagerly anticipates hearing more feedback from future participants! If you’re interested in contributing to this podcast, please get in touch with professionaldevelopment@aabany.org. 

You can listen to the podcast on the following platforms:

AABANY Blog Page: https://blog.aabany.org/podcast/, which contains both “Hello…It’s Me” and our prior podcast series, “The Whole Lawyer Project.”

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hello-its-me/id1764135581 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLffZY9SRR0PrGu0OEs7Vp1ewavi7utUT4 

Coming soon on Spotify – stay tuned!

Don’t forget to save the date for our in-person official launch on September 17, 2024! For more details and to register please click here! 

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NAPABA Releases Statement in Response to the Death of Victoria Lee in Fort Lee, NJ

WASHINGTON – The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY), the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ), the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), and the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) are anguished at the tragic death of Victoria Lee during an encounter with police officers in Fort Lee, New Jersey, on July 28, 2024. We stand in solidarity with the Korean American community in the Fort Lee area, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Victoria Lee’s family and loved ones.

Members of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities are not immune to the challenges caused by mental health crises, which may be exacerbated by cultural and language barriers. Ms. Lee’s death underscores the pressing need for greater mental health awareness and services. 

We strongly encourage the Attorney General of New Jersey to provide candid and timely information, including in language for the local community, as the investigation unfolds. We further call on the Fort Lee Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor, and local leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Korean American community in order to ensure that similar tragedies are not repeated. 

뉴욕한인 변호사 협회(KALAGNY), 뉴저지 동양인 변호사 협회(APALA-NJ), 전미 동양인 변호사협회(NAPABA), 뉴욕 동양인 변호 사 협회(AABANY), 그리고 뉴욕 필리핀 변호사협회(FALA-NY)는 2024년7월28일 뉴저지 포트리에서 출동한 경찰과의 대치 끝에 비극적인 죽음에 이른 빅토리아 리(26세) 씨 사건에 대하여 비통한 마음을 금치 못하고 있습니다. 저희 협회들은(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 포트리 지역의 한인 커뮤니티와의 연대를 표명하며, 빅토리아 리씨의 가족과 친지에 게 깊은 애도를 표합니다. 

모든 동양계 미국인들은 정신건강에서 초래한 문제로부터 자유롭지 않으며, 이러한 문제는 문화 및 언어 장벽에 의하여 악화될수 있습니 다. 빅토리아 리씨의 죽음은 정신건강에 대한 인식 개선과 서비스 기회가 절실히 필요하다는 것을 분명히 보여주는 사건입니다. 

저희는(KALAGNY, APALA-NJ, NAPABA, AABANY, FALA-NY) 이번 사건에 대하여 뉴저지 검찰청이 수사진행 과정을 빠짐없이 신속하게 제공하도록 하며, 정보 제공 시 해당 지역사회의 언어로 번역된 정보를 포함하여 제공하도록 뉴저지 법무장관 에게 강력히 촉 구 합니다. 저희는 아울러 포트리 경찰, 버겐카운티 검찰 그리고 지역 리더들이 한인 커뮤니티와의 의미 있는 대화를 통해 이와 같은 비극 이 다시는 반복되지 않도록 보장하는 노력을 해줄 것을 요청하는 바입니다. 

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. 

The Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) is a professional membership organization of attorneys and law students engaged with the issues affecting the Korean American community in Greater New York, which include New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Incorporated in 1986, KALAGNY seeks to encourage the professional growth of its members as well as provide legal support for the Korean American community. To achieve these goals, KALAGNY provides its members with training and resources useful for professional advancement; expands access to legal services and education in greater New York’s Korean American communities; identifies opportunities for its members to serve the communities in which provides a forum for the expression and exchange of opinions concerning social, political, economic, legal and other issues of concern to our members. KALAGNY is an affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (“NAPABA”). 

The Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA- NJ) was founded in 1985 and is the largest specialty bar association that collectively represents the interests of Asian and Pacific American lawyers in the State of New Jersey. APALA-NJ focuses on ensuring greater representation of Asian and Pacific American attorneys in various sectors of the legal profession. 

The Asian American Bar Association of New York is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) professional membership organization of attorneys concerned with issues affecting the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Incorporated in 1989, AABANY seeks not only to encourage the professional growth of its members but also to advocate for the AAPI community as a whole. AABANY is a New York regional affiliate of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). 

The Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA-NY) promotes the professional development, interests, and success of Filipino-American legal professionals in the Metro New York area. FALA-NY also endeavors to foster connections between Filipino-American legal professionals and the broader Filipino community. Members of FALA-NY’s Board affiliated with the state and federal court system in New York and New Jersey have abstained from FALA-NY’s endorsement of this statement. 

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AABANY Hosts Second Annual Wellness Day on July 20th, 2024

On July 20, 2024, AABANY successfully hosted its second annual Wellness Day at Brooklyn Law School during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This event was made possible through the generous support of our dedicated speakers and sponsors, enabling us to address crucial topics including how to be resilient and open to change, depression and finding a support group and resources, imposter syndrome, and more, all of which were in line with AABANY’s wellness and well-being initiatives begun by Immediate Past President Karen Kim during the 2024 fiscal year.

Mental health and well-being, particularly within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community and in the context of the legal profession, have often been overlooked and under-discussed. With the culture of the legal profession tending to glorify working long hours, AABANY seeks to break down barriers and shed light on these critical issues, providing a non-judgmental and supportive platform for necessary conversations to take place.

Doors opened for Wellness Day at 9 am with the first 25 attendees to sign-in receiving a complimentary AABANY yoga stretch band. Attendees were encouraged to come in casual attire, and the program was also offered via Zoom, to accommodate those who were unable to attend in-person. The full-day event kicked off with breakfast from Paris Baguette, allowing participants to network and connect with one another over pastries and coffee for an enjoyable hour. At 10 am, AABANY’s Immediate Past President, Karen Kim delivered welcoming remarks. She expressed her gratitude to all the attendees who joined this impactful event and the pivotal role of the speakers and sponsors, recognizing their significant contribution to wellness and mental health advocacy.

Joseph Milowic III, the Founder of the Lawyers Depression Project, kicked off the event with a touching presentation. He started off his program, titled “A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness Practice,” by talking about his battle with depression, forgiveness, and how he learned to prioritize his own wellbeing, peace and self-care. 

Joseph shared how he changed his life’s path trajectory by recounting his story and opening up about his struggles. Joseph emphasized the significance of forgiveness – forgiving others but most importantly, oneself.  He shared how once you’ve released the lingering negative energy from your mind, it makes you lighter with more space for more important problems. Joseph and the audience took a moment of silence, letting those who participated finally release the grudges they had been harboring for much too long. 

Joseph founded the Lawyers Depression Project in order to help those who have been in a similar situation as him, quickly realizing that by sharing his story he was helping others see that they are not alone. Towards the end of his presentation Joseph listed ways to help a struggling loved one, which consisted of recommending books or therapy, sending prayers, and simply letting them know you care. Thank you, Joseph Milowic, for setting a conciliatory tone for the day and reinforcing the importance of prioritizing wellness and forgiveness for personal and professional growth.

For more information about the Lawyers Depression project and Joseph Milowic, please visit his website here. 

Next to speak was Precious L. Williams, a charismatic business owner, international professional speaker, and serial entrepreneur, who shared her inspiring story of triumph in her program titled “Making the Right Moves.” Precious recounted that her father was a drug addict, that she grew up in poverty and also experienced homelessness, but none of these setbacks stopped her from being driven to succeed. 

Precious emphasized in her presentation that she was a plus-sized woman of color who was abusing alcohol, and that she had to work twice as hard as everyone else to get by. She expressed her belief that it doesn’t just take hard work to make it to the top, it takes courage. She attended law school feeling embarrassed and out of place, and instead of approaching life day by day, she had to live moment by moment. A significant component to Precious’s wellness journey was forgiving and embracing her family once again, with them showing up to support her at her graduation. She soon began making more efforts to improve her health by attending counseling sessions, starting medication, becoming sober, and learning new cleaning and cooking techniques. Following up, she worked on how to present herself and found a trusted network that supported her completely. We are grateful to Precious L. Williams for sharing her motivating story and for showing everyone that their mental health journey will be worth the hardships. 

For more information about Precious L. Williams, please click here. 

When the morning session concluded, attendees were treated to lunch sponsored by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. The lunch break provided an informal and relaxed opportunity for everyone to chat, mingle, and network over delicious and comforting Korean cuisine. Sarah B. Wong, a Partner at Willkie Farr, gave remarks on the importance of wellness in the workplace. She encouraged attendees to prioritize their own health and balance in their daily lives. Thank you to Willkie Farr for their support of wellness and well-being in the legal community.

The afternoon session started off with a fireside chat titled, “The Eras Tour: Coping Mechanisms for Stress throughout Our Careers,” featuring Sonia Low, VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, Founder and President, Future Bright Dermatology. . They began with going through the different “eras” of their own lives, and how they coped with stress in each, describing how their coping mechanisms had evolved from jetting off to a concert when they were younger, to becoming running buddies as working mothers. They continued their presentation by involving the audience with a brief interactive “self care assessment,” going over seven different aspects of self care. Sonia and Elaine stressed the importance of all areas of self care in order to have a satisfying life as well as going over coping mechanisms and tactics to employ when you’re feeling the stress of life again. Participants were encouraged to embrace intense learning, reconnect and become a part of a community that means something to each one of them, and to live life to the fullest. 

Sonia and Elaine introduced a mindful breathing exercise, with the prompt: “Think of an object you love.” Audience members then shared what object they were thinking about, reminding participants of what they are grateful for, even the little things. Attendees joined in an interactive discussion, sharing what they were grateful for and how to have a grateful mindset. They emphasized the importance of human connection, finding a healthy outlet and building relationships in order to become the best version of yourself and assess what will help you to ensure a healthier, more balanced legal journey.

Next, in her session titled, “Do What You LOVE: Creating a Thriving and Fulfilling Career,“ Celina Lee, Executive and Career Coach as well as the podcast host for Celina Lee Coaching, focused on career purpose and happiness. She described how, in her earlier professional life, she would often only do something if it contributed to her resume. However, this approach ended up not being a good source of joy for her as she wasn’t paying attention to her emotions and interests. Now, she is living her dream life, traveling the world and speaking at various events as a life coach. Celina encouraged attendees to spend time learning about themselves using their feelings, passions, and more, to help answer the question “What defines a happy life for you?” The internal struggle about your identity and passions can be overwhelming to many, which is why Celina emphasized “co-existing” with your thoughts and goals, as well as taking action. Rejection is an “experience of action,” and is not to be dwelled upon as it is only the first step to success. 

As her session came to a close, she circled back to the various concepts she discussed:

  • to follow your passions (as well as not give up on those passions) 
  • to take action without overthinking things 
  • how courage is more important than confidence 
  • how attendees shouldn’t be “a fake friend to [themselves].” 

During her program, Celina showed us that “L.O.V.E.” is what you need to live a happy life:

  • The first step to a happy life is to “Learn about yourself,” know what makes you the happiest you can be. 
  • The second step is to “Overcome internal obstacles,” as our own insecurities and self-doubts prevent us from taking action and moving forward. If your issue is understanding which are your goals and dreams, nothing is bound to happen. 
  • The third step is to “Visualize your success” and switch your thoughts, start thinking about the best case scenario instead of the worst. 
  • The last and final step to living a happy life is to “Explore and take action,” by asking yourself how your feelings and actions, even the negative ones, help you learn more about yourself. Treat and support yourself just as you would a dear friend along their journey. 

Celina ended her session with an encouragement to attendees not to overthink and under act, stating, “20 minutes of doing something is more important than 20 hours of thinking about doing something.” 

For more information about Celina Lee, please click here.

To conclude Wellness Day, Yang Chen, Executive director of AABANY, moderated a panel titled, “Prioritizing Wellness While Advancing Your Career” to discuss how important mental health is in your career as well as how to balance work and well-being. On the panel were: Sapna Palla, Partner at A&O Shearman and past President of AABANY; Glenn D. Magpantay, Commissioner to the U.S Commission on Civil Rights and Co-Chair of AABANY’s LGBTQ Committee; and Domenick Napoletano, President of the New York State Bar Association. 

The speakers shared that mental health days were more foreign concepts to older generations. It wasn’t common to speak out about your mental health, let alone dedicate days to mental wellness. But over time, they have learned to manage their stress by focusing on their wellness, learning to disconnect before burning out, reserving days for wellness and exercising. Domenick Napoletano was asked how being a part of a bar association contributed to his mental health. He answered that although it is a lot of extra work to be active in many bar associations, it has served as “unofficial therapy,” with there being many individuals he has been able to share the same experiences with, instead of feeling isolated, especially as a solo practitioner. Domenick highlighted the importance of humility and finding happiness in the little things in order to achieve a fulfilling life. Having a supportive community and being able to give back to it has helped many in the legal profession progress. 

The speakers went over ways that they maintain a healthy work/life balance as it is crucial to implement strategies that promote both professional success and personal well-being. Some ways they keep a healthy work/life balance include setting boundaries, spending time and calling loved ones, finding a community, carving out time for yourself, finding a healthy outlet and not shortchanging oneself when it comes to hobbies and outside interests. 

In the field of law, imposter syndrome can be an overwhelming obstacle, particularly for women who are continuously reminded that their profession is one that is dominated by men. Sapna Palla talked about her experience with imposter syndrome. Despite her capabilities, accomplishments and achievements, she sometimes felt like she didn’t belong, hindering her professional career. Some strategies Sapna used to overcome her struggles were reframing her mindset, embracing imperfection, and developing a support network. Overcoming imposter syndrome and burnout is a journey that requires self-awareness, resilience and support. 

Glenn Magpantay shared ways that he overcomes burnout despite being a self-proclaimed  workaholic. The first step Glenn takes is setting boundaries and establishing clear barriers between his professional and personal life. Secondly, he reclaims his time and invests in activities that rejuvenate and recharge him when he has the time to do so. Over the years, Glenn has developed healthy coping mechanisms and sought professional help in order to improve his overall wellbeing. 

Finally moderator Yang Chen highlighted the importance of finding time for yourself and your interests, to avoid shortchanging yourself on your hobbies. Yang is able to find satisfaction in pursuing personal interests and hobbies outside of law, as well as being able to give back to causes that are important to him, which assists him in protecting his sense of personal peace and relishing in his accomplishments and achievements. 

Wellness Day has been a celebration of self-care, health, and the importance of nurturing both our minds and bodies. AABANY compiled a Wellness Resources guide and encouraged attendees to reach out to AABANY and the available resources for themselves, their colleagues, friends and family. AABANY’s Wellness Resources can be found here. 

AABANY thanks the following Wellness Day speakers for sharing their expertise and personal journeys: 

● Joseph Milowic III, Founder, Lawyers Depression Project 

● Precious L. Williams, CEO, The Perfect Pitch Group 

● Sonia Low, VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 

● Dr. Elaine F. Kung, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, Founder and President, Future Bright Dermatology 

● Celina Lee, Executive and Career coach, Podcast host, Celina Lee Coaching 

● Glenn D. Magpantay, Commissioner to the U.S Commission on Civil Rights 

● Domenick Napoletano, President, New York State Bar Association

● Sapna Palla, Partner, A&O Shearman

● Yang Chen, Executive Director, Asian American Bar Association of New York 

AABANY thanks the following sponsors for their generous support: 

● Brooklyn Law School 

● Future Bright Dermatology 

● Lawyers Depression Project 

● Live Your Dream Podcast with Celina Lee 

● Perfect Pitch Group 

Thank you to Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP for being the Lunch Sponsor. 

Thank you to all our co-sponsoring bar associations: 

● Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA New York) 

● Judges & Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert (JALBCA) 

● Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY) 

● LGBT Bar Association of New York (LeGaL)  

● Metropolitan Black Bar Association (MBBA) 

● New York County Lawyers Association (NYCLA) 

● New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) 

● Puerto Rican Bar Association (PRBA) 

● South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY) 


Photos from Wellness Day can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/q1Q98gDrBVRUvsZ39

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Gauging Interest for an Asian Women’s Peer Support Circle

Anise Health, one of our 2023 Wellness Day sponsors, is gauging interest for a peer support circle for Asian women. 

Anise Health is a culturally-responsive mental health platform built by and for the Asian community providing integrated therapy and coaching. Submit the short intake form to be matched to a therapist within 2 business days.


Anise Health is offering a 4-week support circle that meets for 1 hour a week. The next cohort starts in Q2 2024 and will be led by clinician Sandra Kim for Wednesdays at 6-7pm EST. Please complete the interest form here and register for Wednesday’s time slot. If that time does not work for you, please make a note of other times you’d prefer. Anise Health will coordinate times based on everyone’s availability.

What are Peer Support Circles?

These are clinician-led small discussion groups, which research shows can increase quality of life by reducing feelings of stress and burnout. This recurring group is well-suited for women of Asian descent who are looking to connect with peers to discuss culturally specific topics

Who is the clinician facilitator?

Sandra Kim is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), an educator, a pastor, and a fitness coach. She incorporates multi-cultural, sensitive and mindfulness-based approaches building from her experience as a second generation Korean American who has lived in Asia, Europe and Africa. She incorporates various modalities in her practice including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy and biblio-therapy. She is passionate about helping professionals and women of color find their path to personal growth and fulfillment.

How will the sessions be structured?

Sandra will utilize techniques including radical acceptance, psychosomatic intelligence tips (eg Chi Ball exercises, mind-body scan), and open discussions around tensions that Asian women often face (eg caregiving at home, microaggressions at work). The sessions will be $40 per week for 4-weeks. Email angel@anisehealth.co for questions.

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Asian Men’s Mental Health Discussion Group

Anise Health, one of our 2023 Wellness Day sponsors, offers the following mental health discussion group for Asian men. 

Anise Health is a culturally-responsive mental health platform built by and for the Asian community providing integrated therapy and coaching. Submit the short intake form to be matched to a therapist within 2 business days.

Anise Health is offering a 4-week support circle that meets for 1 hour a week. The next cohort starts in Q2 2024 (April) and will be led by clinician Samuel Shin. Please complete the interest form here and Anise Health will coordinate times based on everyone’s availability.

What are Peer Support Circles?

These are clinician-led small discussion groups, which research shows can increase quality of life by reducing feelings of stress and burnout. This recurring group is well-suited for men of Asian descent who are looking to connect with peers to discuss culturally-specific topics

How will the sessions be structured?

Samuel is a licensed therapist and certified men’s work facilitator, and will help participants explore healthy masculinity to improve mental health, dating, relationships, career and life purpose. Samuel will utilize a framework for masculinity that comes from psychology adapted for Asian men.  The sessions will be $40 per week for 4-weeks. Email angel@anisehealth.co for questions.

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AABANY Hosts Pre-Holiday Multi-Bar Association Gathering with Thirteen Bar Associations

On November 16th, 2023, AABANY hosted a Pre-Holiday Multi-Bar Association Gathering at Broadridge Financial Solutions, located at 605 3rd Avenue. This event served not only as an opportunity for members of different bar associations to come together but also represented AABANY’s continuing commitment to this year’s theme, “Embracing Wellness and Well-Being – Strengthening the Legal Profession by Investing in Ourselves.” The event was co-sponsored by the Armenian Bar Association, the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, FALA New York, the Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York,the Jewish Lawyer’s Guild, the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York, the LGBT Bar of New York, the Metropolitan Black Bar Association,the New York City Bar Association, the New York County Lawyers Association, the New York State Bar Association, the South Asian Bar Association of New York, and the South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens.

Recognizing that the holiday season can be challenging for many attorneys, AABANY aimed to spread the pre-holiday cheer and create a supportive network within the legal community. The event kicked off with a Potluck Dinner, to foster a sense of community and camaraderie among attendees. Each co-sponsoring bar association brought something special to the table, contributing to the potluck, bringing to the table culinary offerings as diverse as the New York legal community. From savory dishes to sweet delights, the spread featured an array of flavors that tantalized the taste buds and sparked conversations around the communal tables. Breaking bread together, attorneys from different backgrounds shared stories and experiences, creating connections that extend beyond the legal realm.

After the Potluck Dinner, attendees settled in for a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) program, delving into crucial aspects of attorney well-being. Steering the discussion was Joseph Eng, Counsel at King & Spalding LLP and AABANY’s President-Elect. In a heartfelt address, Joseph openly shared his personal struggles with burnout and the ongoing pursuit of a healthy work-life balance. He took the opportunity to introduce the Lawyers Assistance Program by the NYC Bar, emphasizing its profound impact on the legal community. Building on Joseph’s poignant remarks, Eileen Travis, the Executive Director of the program, provided in-depth insights into the comprehensive services offered by the Lawyers Assistance Program. Following her, Sara Ellis, the Interim President of the Lawyers Depression Project, offered her perspective on the mental health and wellness challenges attorneys face. The narrative continued with Gayle Damiano, a motivational speaker, sharing compelling insights into the nuances of drug abuse and the transformative power of embracing change. The program culminated with a thought-provoking Q&A panel, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers. This interactive session provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of the well-being resources available to legal professionals. 

AABANY’s Pre-Holiday Multi-Bar Association Gathering was ultimately more than just an event—it was a testament to the legal community’s commitment to well-being and mutual support. By combining the joy of the holiday season with a focus on mental health resources, AABANY demonstrated the importance of fostering a strong, interconnected legal profession. 

If you have ideas for programs or speakers on the topic of wellness and well-being, please contact President Karen Kim at karen.kim@aabany.org.

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