Tag: new york law school

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Thank You for Joining AABANY at Our 2025 Fall Conference: “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!”

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, AABANY hosted its 16th Annual Fall Conference, themed “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!” at New York Law School. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the school for hosting and supporting this gathering of the AAPI legal community. The day began with a buffet-style breakfast, during which attendees enjoyed coffee, pastries, bagels, and light bites, reconnecting with familiar faces and forming new connections. 

Morning Sessions 

From 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM, participants attended one of three CLE panels:

Next, the 10:45 AM to 12:15 PM block featured:

Plenary Lunch & Trial Reenactment

At 12:30 PM, AABANY President Ben Hsing gave welcoming remarks to a packed Plenary Lunch Session, setting the stage for a live reenactment of the landmark cases Ozawa v. United States (1922) and United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind (1923). The reenactment dramatized two pivotal cases from the early 20th century in which the U.S. Supreme Court denied naturalization to two Asian immigrants—Takao Ozawa, a Japanese immigrant who argued that his light skin and cultural assimilation qualified him as “white,” and Bhagat Singh Thind, an Indian Sikh man who claimed to be Caucasian, citing Aryan ancestry, to assert eligibility for citizenship under the “free white person” requirement.

The emotional resonance of the performance was heightened by the fact that the judges in the reenactment were sitting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women judges from state and federal courts. In the original cases, the highest court in the land had defined Ozawa and Thind as racially “other,” excluding entire communities from the privilege of citizenship. A century later, to see a full panel of AAPI women judges presiding from the bench—occupying the very institutional role that had once excluded people like Ozawa and Thind—was profoundly moving. The visual and symbolic contrast between the historical rulings and the present-day makeup of the judiciary underscored how legal institutions can be both instruments of exclusion and, over time, sites of transformation.

The reenactment was followed by a fireside chat with Professor Rose Cuison-Villazor moderated by Albert Tong, Student Outreach Committee Chair, which unpacked the historical and contemporary significance of these rulings in shaping concepts of citizenship, race, and identity. For many attendees, the moment crystallized both how far the community has come and how history continues to shape present realities.

Diversity Career Fair (DCF): Building Bridges Between Talent & Opportunity
Hosted by the Career Advancement Committee, the Diversity Career Fair (DCF) ran from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Employers from public, corporate, nonprofit, and legal services sectors hosted informational tables and, in some cases, first-round on-site interviews. Attendees engaged in meet-and-greets, exchanged resumes, and connected with recruiters and legal professionals. The DCF served as a vital platform for career exploration and networking within the AAPI legal community, allowing attendees ample opportunities to explore career openings by visiting employer tables and meeting with representatives from approximately 20 public and private sector organizations and companies.  On-site interviews took place with 5 of the participating employers, and resumes were collected from around 11 of the participating employers.

The Trial Advocacy Program (TAP): Hands-On Training and Mentorship from Eminent Trial Lawyers

Returning to the Fall Conference this year, TAP (Trial Advocacy Program) gave junior attorneys structured, mentored experience in key trial advocacy skills, with lectures, demonstrations, and exercises in opening and closing statements, as well as direct and cross-examinations. Participants prepared ahead of time, based on a mock trial problem, to present opening statements and conduct direct and cross-examinations before a faculty of experienced trial lawyers in breakout rooms, and received individual feedback and coaching. The program concluded with powerhouse closing argument demonstrations by two distinguished trial lawyers, Hugh Mo and William Campos, that captivated the audience. For video of Hugh Mo’s closing statement for the defense, courtesy of Mo Law Firm, see here.

Afternoon Sessions: Community & Innovation in Practice

From 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, attendees had their selection of:

From 4:15 PM to 5:45 PM, programming included:

These sessions continued the balance between community impact and emerging legal trends.


Link-Up Reception: Cultivating Professional Connections

One of the highlights of the day was the Link-Up Reception designed to foster meaningful engagement between law firm attorneys and senior in-house counsel seeking external legal services. Open only to invited in-house counsel, Gold-level sponsors and above, and representatives from 2025 Annual Dinner and Winter Soiree sponsors, the Link-Up Reception was a benefit offered to higher-tier sponsors, giving them increased exposure and direct access to in-house decision-makers.

By offering a direct and selective networking opportunity in a concentrated timeframe, the Link-Up Reception helped to enhance business development possibilities and strategic connections for participating in-house and outside counsel.

Cocktail Reception and Trailblazer Award Presentation

Following the Link-up reception, a general Cocktail Reception was held. The Cocktail Reception created a more open, celebratory atmosphere where attendees – including attorneys, law students, and pre-law students –  could meet and mingle, after a full day of CLE and other programs. Attendees socialized, reflected, and strengthened connections over hors d’oeuvres and beverages. For many, the Cocktail Reception presented an excellent chance to connect with judges, seasoned practitioners, and peers in an informal setting — a space where mentorships may begin, collaborations were seeded, and the day’s theme of community and collective growth came to life in real time. 

During the Reception, following remarks by AABANY President-Elect Varuna Bhattacharyya, Hon. Justice Jeffrey K. Oing, former Associate Justice, Appellate Division, First Department, introduced Justice Kim.

AABANY’s Executive Director Yang Chen then presented the Norman Lau Kee Trailblazer Award, honoring leadership, innovation, mentorship, and sustained community impact, to Hon. Judy H. Kim, Acting Justice of the Supreme Court, New York County. In her acceptance speech, Justice Kim highlighted the importance of mentorship and community. She recounted a particularly memorable time when an intern wrote to her, “You have shown me into a world that I thought I would never be able to be part of, and the gift that you have given me is priceless.” These words left a deep impact on everyone, reminding us of the importance of mentorship in this competitive world. This celebration closed the conference on a note of recognition, gratitude, and community.

We extend deep thanks to:

  • More than 50 student volunteers from area law schools and colleges for providing wide-ranging support, including assisting with registration, logistics, and CLE sign-in and sign-out
  • Albert Tong, Chair of the Student Outreach Committee, for coordinating the volunteers before and during the Conference
  • Our sponsors, whose support made the Fall Conference and its educational, professional development, and networking opportunities possible
  • All moderators, panelists, program chairs, and above all, attendees, whose participation embodied the theme – “Together We Thrive: The Power of Us!”

For more photos of the event, please visit the links below:

Thanks to our photographers, Jessie Zhou (AABANY legal intern), Tohir Hodjakulov, and Shiyun Zhang (student volunteers).

We hope the 2025 Fall Conference enriched your professional journey and strengthened the bonds within our AAPI legal community. Thank you for being part of this signature AABANY event — we look forward to seeing you at future programs!

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Screening at New York Law School of “Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate” Documentary

On February 26, 2025, I attended a screening at New York Law School of Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate, a documentary co-produced by the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY), that captures the raw and painful experiences of those directly impacted by anti-Asian violence.

The documentary featured survivors, their families, and community supporters, including Justin Go, father of Michelle Go; Sungkon Lee, father of Christina Yuna Lee; and Jessica Zhao, former Vice President of the Forest Hills Asian Association, who lives in Queens where both Zhiwen Yan and GuiYing Ma were killed. Other featured individuals included Fulton Hou, Jane Kim, Noel Quintana, Patricia Zhang, and Michael Zhu, all of whom were traumatized by anti-Asian hate.

The documentary itself was heavy and haunting. The survivors, family members of those who lost their lives to anti-Asian hate, and dedicated community leaders recounted their experiences with a level of emotion that was both painful and necessary to witness. They were not just statistics or distant headlines—they were real people whose lives had been shattered by senseless violence. The randomness of the assault, the lack of accountability, and the feeling of helplessness resonated with the audience deeply. These anti-Asian hate experiences revealed a horrifying reality: victims of anti-Asian hate crimes are left to navigate their trauma alone, with little support from law enforcement or the legal system.

The wave of anti-Asian attacks has infiltrated every aspect of daily life, striking in places that are meant to be safe and routine. These attacks have occurred on subways, buses, and even in car mechanic shops, spaces we often consider neutral. Delivery workers making their rounds, carrying out everyday tasks like dropping off takeout, have also become targets. Attacks have taken place while simply sweeping a sidewalk near our homes, a place that should symbolize peace and security. Walking down the street or even being followed into one’s home has become an all too familiar fear for many in the community. These are not isolated incidents; this can happen to any of us. Everyone performs these activities, commuting, working, and walking in their neighborhoods, making it clear that no one is immune to the impact of this growing violence. It is an urgent wake-up call that these attacks are not just random outliers; they are attacks on the everyday lives of real people.

An insightful panel discussion followed after the screening, featuring Yang Chen, Executive Director of AABANY, Chris Kwok, Community Activist/JAMS Mediator and Arbitrator, and Anthony K.C. Fong, General Counsel at Victoria’s Transportation Co., Inc. in New York and an alum of New York Law School. Their discussion explored and analyzed hate crimes, bail reform, and the broader systemic issues that continue to fuel anti-Asian hatred and violence.

The panel discussion provided a necessary legal and societal framework for understanding these anti-Asian hate incidents. One of the key topics was bail reform and its unintended consequences. While bail reform aims to prevent economic discrimination against low-income defendants, it has also led to a revolving door system where perpetrators of hate crimes are often released back onto the streets. While reforming the justice system is essential, it may be failing communities of color, including Asian Americans. Yang Chen spoke about the difficulty in prosecuting hate crimes, particularly the high burden of proof required to establish racial motivation. Without clear-cut evidence such as an explicit racial slur or symbol, many violent attacks are not categorized as hate crimes, allowing perpetrators to receive lighter sentences. This legal hurdle is a significant roadblock in addressing anti-Asian violence meaningfully.

The panel highlighted the importance of community engagement in fighting anti-Asian hate. They emphasized that legal advocacy alone isn’t enough; we need education and community solidarity. The Asian American community cannot afford to remain passive. We need to actively participate in conversations about criminal justice reform, public safety and political representation.

The documentary and panel discussion made clear that the struggle against racism and xenophobia is far from over. It is easy to assume that awareness alone will lead to change, but awareness without action is meaningless. Watching Voices Against Anti-Asian Hate was a reminder of why advocacy and vigilance are crucial. The trauma inflicted on our communities does not disappear once the news cycle moves on. Hearing the pain of the survivors and the frustration from legal experts reinforced my belief that real change requires sustained effort.

I left the screening with a mix of anger, sadness, and determination. The documentary and panel reaffirmed that we cannot afford to be complacent. Whether it’s supporting organizations like AABANY, helping survivors navigate the complexities of the legal system, or simply checking in on our elders and neighbors, we all have a role to play.

In dedication to the memory of Michelle Go, Christina Yuna Lee, and all other victims of anti-Asian violence, we must continue to support initiatives such as the Anti-Asian Violence Task Force and their important projects: HEART (Hate Eradication Active Response Team) supporting victims of anti-Asian hate crimes, court watching, Anti-Asian hate crimes data collection, and the Rising Tide and Endless Tide reports examining anti-Asian hate and violence. We must also engage in ongoing community outreach and advocacy. The fight against anti-Asian hate is not just about reacting to tragedy; it’s about building a future where our communities no longer have to live in fear. The questions we need to ask ourselves now are: What are we going to do about it? How do we make sure that the level of hate and violence experienced by the AAPI community in the last few years does not happen again and does not afflict other vulnerable populations?

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In The News: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle Highlights AABANY’s “Pathways to the Bench” Event at New York Law School

On July 26, 2024, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle published an article about AABANY’s “Pathways to the Bench” event at New York Law School on July 23rd. The article summarizes the accounts of Hon. Lillian Won, Hon. Donald Leo, Hon. L. Austin D’Souza, and Hon. Rena Malik as they discussed their experiences being a judge, how they got there, and advice they had for aspiring judges.

To read the full article, click here.

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AABANY and AALFNY Celebrate Recipients of the 2024 Public Interest Scholarship at FTI Consulting

On Monday, June 24,  the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY) gathered with members of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) to celebrate the recipients of AALFNY’s 2024 Public Interest Scholarships at the AALFNY-AABANY Summer Reception at FTI Consulting, held at their offices at 1166 Avenue of the Americas.

Upon arrival, attendees chatted with one another, enjoying a grazing table, pizza, and drinks. The program began with the sound of clinking bottles, drawing everyone’s attention to Sylvia Chin, President of AALFNY. Sylvia presented introductory remarks about AALFNY and thanked Jason Sabot, Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting, for generously providing the venue for the gathering. Yang Chen, Executive Director of AABANY, also spoke, touching on the origins of AALFNY and its prior incarnation as the AABANY Foundation, the charitable arm of AABANY. He reminded the lawyers present of their shared ethical and moral obligations to perform pro bono legal services and emphasized the importance of good works done by AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinics, highlighting the significance of giving back to the community. 

Sylvia then presented the 2024 Public Interest Scholarship award to Ranjana Venkatesh. Ranjana attends CUNY School of Law, and shared that this summer she will be interning at The Bronx Defenders’ Criminal Defense Practice under the Adolescent Defense Project. Ranjana noted that the Bronx is a historically under-represented  borough, but with The Bronx Defenders, she hopes to represent low-income residents through a holistic approach.

Jessica Chan, the other recipient of the scholarship, unfortunately could not attend the reception. Jessica, an AABANY member, attends New York Law School and will be interning with the Legal Aid Society in its Criminal Defense Practice. She is looking forward to using her experience in criminal defense work to build bridges between communities of color.

Thank you to all who attended the Summer Reception at FTI Consulting to not only celebrate the recipients of the 2024 Public Interest Scholarship, but also the value and importance of public interest work. To learn more about AALFNY, please click here.

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ASIAN AMERICAN LAW FUND OF NEW YORK ANNOUNCES ITS 2024 CLASS OF PUBLIC INTEREST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

NEW YORK, June 24, 2024 – On Monday, June 24, 2024, at 6 PM, the Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY) will be presenting the recipients of its 2024 Public Interest Scholarships at the AALFNY-AABANY Summer Reception at FTI Consulting, held at their offices at 1166 Avenue of the Americas.

Jessica Chan (New York Law School, Class of 2025) will be interning with the Legal Aid Society in its Criminal Defense Practice. She is looking forward to using her experience in criminal defense work to build bridges between communities of color.

Ranjana Venkatesh (City University of New York School of Law, Class of 2025) will be interning with The Bronx Defenders’ Criminal Defense Practice under the Adolescent Defense Project. She hopes her experience in the juvenile criminal defense arena will highlight the importance of holistic lawyering.

AALFNY awards Public Interest Scholarships each year to law students with a demonstrated commitment to the Asian American community. The purpose of the award is to assist law students with their tuition while encouraging them to use their legal knowledge and training to benefit the Asian American community in New York and to foster commitment by law students to public service in New York. Since 1997, AALFNY has funded more than 60 public interest scholarships to law students.

AALFNY was established in 1993 by the Asian American Bar Association of New York to create and support non-profit and charitable efforts to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and to defend human and civil rights.

Donations to AALFNY may be made at asianamericanlawfund.org/donate. A copy of our latest annual report may be obtained from AALFNY at P.O. Box 161, 41 Purdy Ave., Rye NY 10580 or from the NY Attorney General’s Charities Bureau website www.charitiesnys.com. Information may also be obtained from AALFNY at donations@AsianAmericanLawFund.org or the NYS Attorney General at 212-416-8686.

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AALFNY and AABANY to Host Summer Reception Congratulating AALFNY 2022 Public Interest Scholarship Recipients

For immediate release: July 4, 2022

Contact: Info@AsianAmericanLawFund.org

Please join us on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at 6 PM for a virtual AALFNY-AABANY Summer Reception to congratulate the AALFNY 2022 Public Interest Scholarship recipients. The awards ceremony will be followed by a panel discussion on Endless Tide, the recent report on Anti-Asian violence in New York. Register at https://news.whitecase.com/395/19601/landing-pages/blank-registration.asp.

The Asian American Law Fund of New York (AALFNY) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2022 Public Interest Scholarships.

  1. Juliana Chang, a student at Harvard Law School, graduating in 2024, is interning at A Better Balance to combat pregnancy and caregiver discrimination.
  2. Vincent Kwan, a student at UC Hastings Law School, graduating in 2024, is interning with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, Criminal Division.
  3. Emlyn Medalla, a student at CUNY School of Law, graduating in 2023, is interning with the National Domestic Workers Alliance focusing on domestic worker labor and employment issues.

AALFNY is also honored to support the scholarship program of the South Asian Bar Association of New York (SABANY). This year’s AALFNY/SABANY Fellowship Award has been awarded to Mahum Vance, a rising second-year law student at New York Law School, who is interning this summer at Lawyers for Children, an organization that advocates for children in foster care.

We also applaud the organizations with which these students will be working.

AALFNY was founded as a nonprofit in 1993 by founders and board members of the Asian American Bar Association of New York. Since 1997, AALFNY has funded more than 60 public interest scholarships to encourage law students to use their knowledge and experience to assist their communities.

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Board Officer Margaret Ling Speaks at New York Law School Community Day Symposium on April 20

On April 20th, 2021, AABANY Board Officer Margaret Ling was a speaker at the New York Law School Community Day Symposium entitled “The Pandemic and Structures of Inequality and Racism.” Margaret was invited by New York Law School faculty members, Professors Ann Thomas and Penelope Andrews. Margaret focused on Racism and the Law and specifically how Asian lawyers are stereotyped by the Model Minority Myth. She highlighted and discussed the recent findings and recommendations from the AABANY/Paul, Weiss report: A Rising Tide of Hate and Violence Against Asian Americans in New York During Covid-19. The discussion was engaging and informative for all of the New York Law School faculty and law students. Margaret is a New York Law School alumna (Class of 1983) and a Board Director of the New York Law School Alumni Association.

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New York Law School AALSA Alumni Lunar New Year Reception

On February 20, 2020, Margaret Ling, AABANY Development Director, hosted the New York Law School AALSA Alumni Lunar New Year Reception at New York Law School. Margaret is a New York Law School Alumni, Class of 1983, and is also a Board Director of the New York Law School Alumni Association. She mentors many of the Asian Law students and took this opportunity to connect them with alumni. The event was also attended by Dean Anthony Crowell and Elizabeth Briand of Development Affairs. Many thanks to AABANY for their support and Nancy Yang, AALSA President and Class of 2020.

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AABANY Presents Pathways to Government Service and Public Interest Career Panel

On October 29, 2019, AABANY’s Government Service & Public Interest Committee, Career Placement Committee, Student Outreach Committee, and New York Law School’s APALSA teamed up to present Pathways to Government Service and Public Interest Career Panel.

Panelists included:

Mihea Kim, Staff Attorney, Homicide Defense Task Force, The Legal Aid Society;
Hon. Donald Leo,  New York City Criminal Court Judge, New York Supreme Court;
Nelson Mar, Senior Staff Attorney, Education Law Unit, Bronx Legal Services 
Kin Ng, Bureau Chief of the Red Zone Trial Bureau, Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office;
Won Shin, Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York

Moderator: Hon. Grace E. Lee, Administrative Law Judge, New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

The panelists shared what experiences led them to their current position in the public interest/government sector. Fun tidbits were also revealed — two of the panelists litigated cases against each other, while two other panelists went to high school together. Attendees and panelists enjoyed friendly banter and discussion after the panel. 

We thank the Government Service & Public Interest , Career Placement, and Student Outreach Committee Committees for hosting this panel. To learn more about the GSPI Committee, go here. To learn more about the Career Placement Committee, go here. To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee, go here.

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AABANY Roadshow and Mock Interviews at New York Law School

On January 31, AABANY presented a road show and conducted mock interviews at New York Law School for members of the law school’s AALSA (Asian American Law Students Association). AABANY members and leaders, including President James Cho, Executive Director Yang Chen, Student Outreach Committee Co-Chair Jonathan Li, and Intellectual Property Committee Co-Chair Jeffrey Mok, visited New York Law School and met with AALSA members to talk to them about AABANY and how they can get involved. Following the meet-and-greet, attorneys and law students met one-on-one for mock interview sessions, to practice their interview skills and get feedback from attorneys.

We thank AALSA President Corinne Chen for inviting AABANY to present the roadshow and conduct mock interviews. For information about setting up a road show or event at your law school with AABANY, contact the Student Outreach Committee.

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