Tag: pioneer

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AABANY’s Judiciary Committee Hosts 2026 Annual Judges’ Reception at The Nexus Club

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Judiciary Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (“AABANY”) welcomed over 90 guests to its Annual Judges’ Reception at The Nexus Club located at 100 Church Street, New York, NY 10007. 

The event brought together members of the judiciary, attorneys, government officials, law students, and community leaders to celebrate judges who were appointed, elected, or elevated within the past year.

Organized by AABANY’s Judiciary Committee, co-chaired by Mark Son and David Mou, the evening highlighted AABANY’s continued commitment to diversity, mentorship, and advancement within the legal profession and in the judiciary. 

The program began with opening remarks from Judiciary Committee Co-Chair Mark Son, followed by remarks from distinguished leaders representing the bench, government, and the bar.

Featured speakers included AABANY President Varuna Bhattacharyya and Hon. Frances Wang, Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. Justice Wang, who is also Vice President of the Asian American Judges Association of New York, spoke about the importance of building a judiciary that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and emphasized the impact of representation on public confidence in the legal system. 

Additional remarks were delivered by Ali Najmi, Chair of New York City’s Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary, and Kenan Kurt, Assistant Counsel for Judiciary and Ethics for the New York State Governor’s Office. Mr. Najmi underscored the Mayor’s commitment to create a more a diverse judiciary and stated that he is ready to work hard.  Mr. Kurt compared the pioneer judges to the first athlete who broke the four-minute mile, shattering barriers and inspiring others to follow. Just as that achievement opened the door for future runners to accomplish the same feat, we celebrate the judges whose leadership and perseverance are making “four-minute miles” possible for those who come after them.

Hon. Karen Lin, Associate Justice of the Appellate Term for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts, reflected on the progress Asian Americans have made within the legal community while encouraging continued mentorship and support for future generations seeking judicial office.

The evening also featured a Presentation of Awards by event co-chairs Lisa Lin and Kwok Ng, along with citations presented by Mr. Kurt on behalf of the Governor’s Office. Honorees recognized during the reception included:

  • Hon. Margaret Chan
  • Hon. Janice Chen
  • Hon. Eve Cho Guillergan
  • Hon. Sheridan Chu
  • Hon. Indira Khan
  • Hon. Jay Kim
  • Hon. Judy Kim
  • Hon. Karen Lin
  • Hon. Nabeela McLeod
  • Hon. Juliette-Noor Haji
  • Hon. Oma Phillips Deonarine
  • Hon. Soma Syed
  • Hon. Kris Singh
  • Hon. Frances Wang

Following the formal program, guests gathered for a dinner reception that provided an opportunity for judges, attorneys, students, and community leaders to connect and celebrate the honorees. 

The Annual Judges’ Reception remains one of AABANY’s signature events and reflects the organization’s longstanding dedication to judicial diversity, professional mentorship, public service, and the advancement of Asian American attorneys and judges throughout New York.

A special acknowledgement to the organizers of this  year’s program: Mark Son, David Mou, Douglas Tang, Kwok Ng, Pei Pei Cheng De Castro, Yang Chen, Carrey Wong, Apollo Baltazar, and Lisa Lin.

For more photographs, go here.

–Written by Lisa Lin

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NAPABA Honors the Legacy of David L. Kim with President’s Award

NAPABA Logo

For Immediate Release: 
Date: October 26, 2023 

WASHINGTON – During the 2023 Convention of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), Sandra Leung, the President of NAPABA, will bestow this year’s President’s Award posthumously upon David L. Kim, a pioneer within the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAHNPI) community. Every year, the NAPABA President pays tribute to a remarkable entity or individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Nation’s AANHPI population. NAPABA is proud to honor David Kim’s incredible legacy. NAPABA, along with so many others, mourns with the Kim family for their loss of David, who passed away in June 2023. 

“David Kim not only was a game-changer for corporate philanthropy to benefit the AANHPI community, but he created the model,” said Sandra Leung, President of NAPABA. “His impact will be felt for generations to come. For our NAPABA family, David’s commitment and generosity have been invaluable in ensuring that NAPABA and the NAPABA Law Foundation (NLF) thrive—especially in the early years following our founding. He will be greatly missed.” 

During his long career — which included serving as President and CEO of the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, President of the Iambic Group, LLC; Vice President of Multicultural Markets at AARP, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Mint, and Global Director of Asian Marketing and Community Relations at Anheuser Busch — David blazed the trail for so many. He harnessed corporate resources to invest in long-overlooked AANHPI populations. He shared wisdom, generosity, and counsel with so many in our community with a degree of selflessness and kindness that left an indelible mark on a generation.   

David’s contributions were integral to the growth and development of NAPABA and NLF. For over three decades, he delivered opportunities for generations of AANHPI law students who now stand as leaders in the legal profession. Programs like the Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition, a training ground for law students, have flourished because of his generosity. Beyond his professional achievements, David is remembered fondly for his warmth, incredible sense of humor, and enduring friendship. 

“On behalf of NAPABA, I am truly grateful to David’s family for allowing us to honor his legacy during NAPABA’s 35th Annual Convention in Indianapolis,” said Sandra Leung. “This award is a testament to the lasting impact of his life’s work within the AANHPI community and the legal profession as a whole.” 
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The National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), represents the interests of over 60,000 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.
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In the News: Development Director Margaret T. Ling Discusses “Diversity in Law” with Attorney Kenneth Landau on His Radio Show Law You Should Know (Broadcasted by WHPC 90.3 FM)

On May 26, Margaret T. Ling appeared as a guest on Attorney Kenneth Landau’s Radio Show Law You Should Know to discuss “Diversity in Law.” Margaret, who currently serves on AABANY’s Board as Development Director and has been serving for many years as Real Estate Committee Co-Chair, touched on the importance of racial diversity on the bench and the resources AABANY provides for Asian Americans in law. In response to Landau’s questions, Margaret explained that she values AABANY for its advocacy work, given her own experience as a pioneer in the field of law, as one of only three Asian law students in her class. Margaret stressed that AABANY provides a beneficial space for networking and mentorship, for local and international students alike, as well as a Pro Bono & Community Service Committee and Legal Referral and Information Service that’s well-equipped to aid non-English speakers with its volunteers fluent in diverse Asian languages. Over her career, Margaret has witnessed progress regarding diversity in law, but she notes that the “Bamboo ceiling” continues to prevent Asians in law from achieving partnership or other higher-ranking roles. Now, she fondly mentors thirty students, advocating for diversity in law, in addition to her impressive case load.

To listen to the full podcast, click here.

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Bereavement Notice: Norman Lau Kee

AABANY is saddened by the news of the passing of Norman Lau Kee. He was a true pioneer in the Asian American legal profession, being among the first Chinese American lawyers to serve the community in New York’s Chinatown. He also served and led the community through his involvement with the Chinatown YMCA, the Chinese-American Planning Council and the US Asia Institute. AABANY named its Trailblazer Award, presented at the Fall Conference, after Norman Lau Kee. His son Glenn is a Past President of AABANY and was the first Asian American President of the New York State Bar Association.

We send our condolences to Glenn and the Lau Kee family. Below are further details about the wake and giving donations in lieu of flowers.

It is with sadness that the Lau Kee family announces the passing away of Norman Lau Kee on November, 9, 2017.  Mr. Kee was a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Fordham University School of Law, and served in the US Navy.  He began the practice of law in 1956 as the third Chinese-American lawyer to practice in Chinatown.   A great civic leader, Mr. Kee also served as Chairman of the Federal Advisory Commission to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, on the New York City Commission of Human Rights, and on the boards of several community organizations.  He helped to found the Chinatown YMCA and the US Asia Institute, and was the recipient of numerous civic awards.   He was also a sailor, skier and opera lover.

Norman Lau Kee is survived by his wife, Esther; children Glenn, Deborah, Laura Ann, Gail, Valerie; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.  The wake will be held in New York on November 27, 2017, 3:00 pm at Ng Fook Funeral home at 36 Mulberry Street, New York, NY.  A memorial event will held in Washington DC on December 7th at the US Asia Institute at 6:00 pm.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New York Chinatown YMCA (contactglaukee@laukeelaw.com) or to the US Asia Institute in Washington DC (contact mary.sue.bissell@usasiainstitute.org).

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