Tag: pro bono

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Yen-Yi Anderson: A Leader in Law, Service, and Faith

Yen-Yi Anderson, Esq., founder of Anderson & Associates Law, has forged a remarkable legal career grounded in integrity, a commitment to the Asian Pacific American (APA) community, and faith. Her firm was honored with the NAPABA (National Asian Pacific American Bar Association) 2024 Award for APA-Minority-Owned Law Firm which was presented at the NAPABA Convention during the Gala on Saturday, Nov. 9.  During this time of recognition and achievement, Yen-Yi reflects on her journey, achievements, and hopes for the future.

Reaction to Winning the NAPABA 2024 Award

Receiving the NAPABA award was both a surprise and an honor for Yen-Yi. NAPABA annually recognizes an APA-owned law firm that has achieved prominence and distinction while maintaining the highest ethical and legal standards, and has demonstrated strong commitment to advancing the APA community. Initially, Yen-Yi hesitated, unsure if she was deserving compared to giants like Hugh Mo, whom she admires. However, she thought about  her journey in the legal field and her growing passion for helping others, which led her to see the award as a recognition of her relentless dedication and growth.

Yen-Yi’s humble reaction underscores her belief that “everything in law is practice,” a constant process of refining one’s skills and building relationships. Her commitment to serving the community is evident through her collaboration with New York State Senator Iwen Chu, with whom she opened a Special Needs Trust Fund for a 9-month baby suffering from a rare brain tumor. Together with Senator Chu, they were able to raise enough money to help the family afford necessary surgeries and lifelong care. In her involvement with AABANY, she would accept any referrals for pro bono work “without hesitation.” Yen-Yi reflects that she wants to be remembered as someone who made herself available. She gave her time, resources, and energy to those who needed it, including a family who suffered a vicious and brutal attack which left two young survivors in need of funding for daily medical needs. Yen-Yi’s firm assisted the victim’s family by setting up a special needs trust, submitting a safety deposit box petition through an administrative proceeding in Surrogate’s Court, and providing immigration services for an extended family member abroad so that she could come to the United States to take care of the helpless father with two young survivors. 

The Role of Faith in Her Career

Yen-Yi’s faith plays a central role in her personal and professional life. Raised in Taiwan, she did not grow up religious, but her journey of faith began at NYU Law School, where she faced immense academic pressure. Her encounter with Christianity transformed her, providing her with a sense of community and purpose. Yen-Yi cites Bible study and the parable of the mustard seed as pivotal in helping her embrace a life of faith and service.

Her faith continues to guide her legal practice. She strives to emulate God’s love by helping others, remaining grounded, and offering her services to those in need. “God is love,” she reflects, and this belief fuels her desire to serve with humility and compassion.

Inspirational Figures and Key Influences

Yen-Yi is the first lawyer in her family, so she had no immediate role model to guide her into the profession. Rather, her inspiration came from figures like Robert Pennoyer, a WWII veteran and attorney at Davis Polk and later at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler. Pennoyer was the great-grandson of John Pierpont Morgan, and in his memoir As It Was, he offers a seemingly obvious yet deeply profound quote that struck Anderson as an aspiring attorney: “Every lawyer would be a better lawyer if he only knew he had to begin at the beginning.” This quote would stick and resonate with Yen-Yi for the rest of her life, as she admired how, for Pennoyer, everyday seemed like a new day – a new beginning – and his excitement and passion showed even at the age of 94, when he would still go to work enthusiastically. His lifelong passion for law deeply influenced her approach to the profession, showing her that learning and curiosity should never cease, and every day is an opportunity and a new beginning. 

Yen-Yi also expresses gratitude for the support of her peers at AABANY (Asian American Bar Association of New York), who have fostered a culture of mutual support rooted in Asian heritage.

Winning the Epiq Women Award and Her Legacy

In addition to the NAPABA Award, Anderson won the 2024 Epiq Women Award for Justice and Advocacy back in the spring, which acknowledges women’s achievements and the role of legal professionals in supporting women and their rights. “I am the least deserving,” she says, but her peers see her as a leader who has demonstrated tenacity and passion throughout her career.

Looking ahead, Yen-Yi hopes to expand her firm’s impact, particularly in the areas of immigration and commercial litigation. She envisions her firm as a beacon for immigrant communities, a place where people can find trust and support. Her ultimate goal is to be remembered as someone who never gave up and who continually worked to help more people. She describes herself as someone who “always strove to do better” and always “strove to help more and more people”; certainly, her story inspires us all to strive to do the same. 

To learn more about Yen-Yi and the APA-Owned Law Firm award, click here, and be sure to watch this honoree video played at the NAPABA Gala.

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Support the APIAVote Voter Hotline Leading up to Election Day on November 5

Volunteer hours can be logged for legal professionals needing pro-bono hours

Our partners at Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) and Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC) are recruiting bilingual volunteers to staff the APIAVote Voter Hotline for the 2024 Presidential Election season.

This is a non-partisan, multilingual informational hotline designed to help members of our community find polling places, understand how to register to vote, and ensure they have timely and factual information needed to get to the polls. Training sessions started on September 22 and upcoming sessions are on September 24 and October 9!

APIAVote needs persons fluent in Bengali/Bangla, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Tagalog, Urdu, and Vietnamese! Lawyers are trusted civic emissaries and voices in our communities, and your voice matters and helps!  

As a completely volunteer-run hotline, volunteers will provide the resource to make civic engagement more accessible to the communities.  

Here is what you can expect as a volunteer:

  • Provide live, remote assistance from Monday, October 7, leading up to Election Day on Tuesday, November 5!
  • Return calls to voters who left voicemails asking for voter assistance  
  • Be supported every step of the way by the co-captains of APIA Vote’s Hotline: Jean Ger, Zaria Guignard, Mike Messina, Hannah Locop, and Yu Jing Chen  
  • Hotline captains will be online and available to assist every day
  • No prior experience is required – all training will be provided via Zoom throughout the election cycle.

Will you volunteer for the election protection hotline throughout the 2024 Presidential Election cycle? Sign up here!

You can sign up for a training session below.
Tuesday, September 24 at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT/6:00 PM PT: Sign up here
Wednesday, October 9 at 5:30 PM ET/4:30 PM CT/2:30 PM PT: Sign up here

Additional training sessions will be announced in the future.

Please share widely with anyone you believe would like to get involved!

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Thank You to Our Volunteers at the August Pro Bono Clinic in Queens

Thank you AABANY, PBCS, AAFE, and our volunteers who assisted with the August 7th pro bono legal clinic in Queens! Our volunteers spent the rainy night meeting 13 clients and answered questions involving housing, divorce, and immigration law.

The clinic saw some returning clients at the pro bono clinic, and attorneys were able to connect them to more resources to help them resolve their cases. New clients were satisfied with the legal advice given, with a clear understanding of what actions to take next. Volunteer attorneys and interpreters collaborated with one another to address concerns with clients that spoke Spanish and Chinese. AABANY Interns had the opportunity to shadow attorneys and watch them work to address client problems and provide referrals. Interns helped to collect the intake forms and surveys, delivering them to organizers for data collection.

Thank you again to everyone, including volunteer attorneys:

  • Anthony Wong
  • Beatrice Leong
  • Gary Yeung
  • Kevin Hsi
  • Lina Lee
  • May Wong
  • Richard In
  • Shirley Luong
  • Willow Liu

Thanks also to the non-attorney volunteers:

  • Rita Zheng
  • Emily Kam
  • Ruo Yang

Overall, the event was a success as clients took the attorneys’ advice to take the next step in their cases. If you would like to participate in future Pro Bono clinics to help serve the community, please join us at these upcoming events:

Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic on August 21, 2024 at AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002. Sign up here – https://forms.gle/SD2VMY8X6yE4vsxW9

Queens Pro Bono Clinic on October 2, 2024 at AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355. Sign up here – https://forms.gle/5PjG8A73EE1XENyV9

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AABANY Pro Bono & Community Service Committee Hosts Inaugural Rooftop Fundraiser for Pro Bono Clinic

On Wednesday July 24th, 2024 AABANYs Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee hosted their inaugural rooftop fundraiser, holding a silent auction and collecting donations to contribute towards the committee’s Pro Bono Clinics. AABANY’s Pro Bono Clinic provides free legal services and information for low- to middle-income members of the community, including New York’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Skilled legal practitioners as well as non-legal volunteers all contribute their time and effort in support of the clinics. 

The event was hosted at the Lookup, a rooftop bar atop the Kixby Hotel with a spectacular view of the Empire State Building. Complimentary food and beverages were served featuring exotic cocktails and mocktails, as well as elevated American Classics like grilled cheese and lobster rolls.

The guests in attendance ranged from AABANY Co-Founder Rocky Chin, law school students, practicing attorneys, AABANY Executive Director Yang Chen, current and former Co-Chairs of the PBCS Committee, numerous AABANY members, as well as high school and college students. Everyone mixed and mingled, exchanging colorful anecdotes and reuniting with old friends, while bidding on the silent auction items.

The following bidding items, were all donated by prominent members of the legal and AABANY community for the silent auction to raise funds for the Pro Bono Clinic:

  • Pre-nuptial or postnuptial agreement, from consultation, negotiations, to execution was generously donated by Beatrice Leong 
  • Two admission tickets to Summit Vanderbilt were generously donated by Dianna Lam 
  • One day golf experience for 2 people, including admission to golf course, cart and equipment rentals, and dinner, was donated by Hardy Zhou
  • One hour virtual private chess training was donated by Hassan Minhas
  • Two hour private kung fu/defense class was donated by Joseph Eng, President of AABANY
  • Thirty minute resume review by professional headhunter/legal recruiter was donated by Katherine Loanzon
  • $100 Skyfoods Supermarket Giftcard was donated by Kevin Yam
  • One handcrafted and customized artwork was donated by May Wong
  • A private yoga class was donated by Tsui Yee
  • A bottle of Ron Barcelo Blanco Rum was donated by Yan Sin

In total the event, through ticket sales, donations, and bids, raised $8,800 in contributions to the clinic. The winning bidders will be contacted separately by the PBCS Committee on how to claim their auction prizes. 

Throughout the night members of the PBCS Committee leadership gave speeches. Co-Chair Lina Lee began by applauding every volunteer, thanking them for their time and effort but especially their drive to go above and beyond for each client. Every lawyer that volunteered their time and expertise expressed a desire to do good for the community. Lina continued discussing the life-changing services the clinic provided, sharing anecdotes of young mothers, asylum seekers, new Americans, and recent immigrants who had desperately needed the legal services provided.

Next to speak was Co-Chair May Wong, who regaled the crowd with anecdotes on the portrait of Yang at the event and encouraged everyone present to bid on the auction item she had donated, which was a handcrafted and customizable piece of artwork created by her.

After May, Executive Director Yang Chen spoke on how the Pro Bono Clinic had grown from humble beginnings into an award- and grant-winning community project that helped hundreds upon hundreds of people yearly, growing from one clinic in Manhattan to three, covering Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. He mentioned that while free legal services were provided, it cost money to provide these services, and the generous donations of the many in-person and online attendees would help cover the costs of providing free legal services that the community sorely needs. 

Co-Chair Gary Yeung spoke next, discussing his personal experience with the clinic, how he grew as a legal professional as the legal clinic grew in prominence. Co-Chair Kwok Kei Ng closed for his fellow Co-Chairs by reiterating the praise for the volunteers and thanking all the guests for their support and attendance. 

The event continued into the onset of evening as the sun dipped below the rooftop’s view of the Manhattan skyline, bathing the sky in neon purples and oranges. Drinks, stories, and laughs continued to flow as the night slowly came to an end. 

AABANY gives a big thanks to AALFNY and Schulte. Roth & Zabel for co-sponsoring this event, everyone who donated items for the silent auction, those who attended the event and everyone who donated in person or online.

You can continue your support by donating here: https://probono.aabany.org/donate

Or, if easier but with fees-attached option, here: 

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/asian-american-law-fund-of-new-york-inc/pro-bono-legal-clinic-fundraiser-donations

Please join the PBCS Committee at the following upcoming events:

Queens Pro Bono Clinic on August 7th, 2024 at AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355. Sign up here – https://forms.gle/5PjG8A73EE1XENyV9

Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic on August 21st, 2024 at AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002. Sign up here – https://forms.gle/SD2VMY8X6yE4vsxW9  
To learn more about AABANY Pro Bono & Community Service Committee contact [email protected] or click here.

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Thank You to the Volunteers at July 13th Pro Bono Clinic

Thank you to the CPC, the offices of Council Members Alexa Avilés and Justin Brannan, State Senator Iwen Chu, all of our Brooklyn community partners, and AABANY volunteers for joining us at the Brooklyn Pro Bono Legal Clinic held at CPC Brooklyn Community Services, 4101 8th Ave, on July 13, 2024.

During the clinic, we met 18 clients who had questions about housing, immigration, and special education law matters. 

In addition to having law students shadowing us, we had Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) high school students from CPC who helped clients complete their client intake forms and client satisfaction surveys. For any who may want to participate or know of someone who would, SYEP connects New York City kids between the ages of 14 and 24 with career opportunities and paid work experiences each summer.

Pro bono clinics function to address a wide array of problems and questions. At this clinic we had parents asking about how to apply for special education needs for their children. Many NYC children are not receiving adequate and immediate special education services, and if the child is denied special education needs, there is a limited time period for the parents to appeal the Department of Education’s decision. For further help please visit Advocates for Children of NYC (https://advocatesforchildren.org/) who can provide know-your-rights brochures and legal representation.

The day’s work was praised by clients in attendance. For example, one client stated, “This is the best service for people who can’t afford legal services.”

Thank you again to everyone, including volunteer attorneys:

  • Anna Chen
  • Daobo Wang
  • Francis Chin
  • Gary Yeung
  • Kwok Kei Ng
  • May Wong
  • Willow Liu
  • Yan Sin
  • Yichun Liu

Thanks also to the non-attorney volunteers:

  • Athena Zhang
  • Lingjun Chen
  • Nandar Win Kerr
  • Ruo Yang
  • Wendy Zeng

Please join us at the next exciting events:

July 24th – AABANY Pro Bono Clinic Fundraiser – https://www.aabany.org/events/event_details.asp?legacy=1&id=1858155

Queens Pro Bono Clinic on August 7th, 2024 at AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 2nd Floor, Flushing, NY 11355. Sign up here – https://forms.gle/5PjG8A73EE1XENyV9

To learn more about AABANY Pro Bono & Community Service Committee contact [email protected] or click here. 

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NAPABA Urges the U.S. Senate to Confirm Adeel Mangi to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit


For Immediate Release: 
Date: April 2, 2024 		Contact: Rahat N. Babar, Deputy Executive Director

WASHINGTON – Today, the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) joined 125 national, state, and local organizations from across the country to urge the United States Senate to confirm Adeel Mangi swiftly to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In a letter spearheaded by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, NAPABA and its partners highlighted Adeel Mangi’s exceptional qualifications and condemned “the baseless and bigoted attacks being waged against this exceptional and historic nominee.”

In November 2023, President Joe Biden nominated Mr. Mangi to the Third Circuit. If confirmed, Mangi would be the first Muslim American judge on any federal appellate court in the nation. As NAPABA noted when he was nominated, Mr. Mangi is a 2014 NAPABA Best Under 40 awardee and an active leader in the Asian American community. His long record of accomplishments, including his pro bono work supporting the Muslim American community, is groundbreaking.

“From the time that the President nominated Adeel Mangi nearly five months ago to today, nothing in Mr. Mangi’s tremendous record of achievements has changed,” said Anna Mercado Clark, President of NAPABA. “Instead, since his nomination, Mr. Mangi has been the subject of baseless attacks that smack of Islamophobia. Our community is all too familiar with the rise of hate, and what Mr. Mangi has had to endure is unacceptable. We urge the U.S. Senate to confirm his nomination.”

“The baseless attacks against Mr. Mangi have a chilling effect,” said Priya Purandare, Executive Director of NAPABA. “As we have raised in an op-ed and in a recent news article, Mr. Mangi’s treatment, if left unanswered, runs the risk of losing an entire generation of legal talent from entering public service and the opportunity to compose a federal bench that reflects the changing demographics of the United States. History will remember this moment. NAPABA stands behind Mr. Mangi’s nomination and looks forward to his confirmation.”

Adeel A. Mangi is a partner at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP. He began his legal career there as an associate in 2000, became counsel in 2009, and was elevated to partnership in 2010. Mr. Mangi received his LL.M. from Harvard Law School in 2000. He qualified as a Barrister and received his Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Skills from the City University London Inns of Court School of Law in 1999 and his First Class Degree in Law from the University of Oxford, Pembroke College, in 1998.

We urge the U.S. Senate to move expeditiously on Mr. Mangi’s nomination and confirm him.

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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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Support Stabbing Victim Mr. Yoo

Kang Hwan Yoo, a 70-year-old Korean immigrant business owner was stabbed repeatedly inside his store last month. Last week, the alleged perpetrator was finally arrested, but some of Mr. Yoo’s most challenging times remain ahead.

AABANY, along with community leaders and organizations, demands justice for Mr. Yoo. AABANY Board and AAVTF Member, Christopher Bae, is representing Mr. Yoo pro bono to help ensure that he receives all the legal, financial, and victim services that he needs. 

Please consider donating to Mr. Yoo’s official Gofundme. Click here to learn more and to donate. 

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Congratulations to the Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C. for Receiving NAPABA’s APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year Award

The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, P.C (Mo Law Firm). is being recognized as APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year by the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA). This award is presented annually to an acclaimed law firm that has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocating for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, while simultaneously upholding the highest ethical and legal standards within the field. This well-deserved recognition not only acknowledges the Firm’s outstanding legal work, but also its staunch commitment to Pro Bono representation of AAPI crime survivors and those facing race-based discrimination. The Mo Law Firm was presented with the award during the Saturday evening Gala at the NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis, on November 11.

The Mo Law Firm, headquartered in New York City, is set apart by its distinguished father-daughter team among its legal staff. As founder and partner, long-time AABANY member Hugh H. Mo, and counsel, Elizabeth L. Mo, were both former prosecutors at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Their careers embody the American dream and the immigrant ethos of upholding tradition while pursuing professional success. 

The son of one of China’s first female journalists and a law professor killed by the communists for his democratic beliefs, Hugh H. Mo immigrated to America at the age of nine. Growing up in NYC’s Chinatown, Mo witnessed firsthand the discrimination and oppression that the Chinese American community faced. After receiving his J.D. from Boston University School of Law, Hugh was ready to make his mark on the legal landscape of New York. He was the first Asian American appointed as an Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan DA’s Office, and was also the first Asian American appointed as Deputy Commissioner for the New York City Police Department.

Continuing the legacy of her family’s dedication to the law, Elizabeth L. Mo embarked on her own remarkable journey. After graduating from Boston University School of Law, she became an Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and served in both the Trial and Investigations Divisions. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her passion for advocating on behalf of the marginalized mirrors her father’s dedication. Today, this dynamic father-daughter duo collaborate and combine their wealth of experience and shared values in their pursuit of legal excellence and justice.

When asked about their initial reaction to receiving this prestigious award, both Hugh and Elizabeth expressed their deep gratitude towards AABANY and NABAPA. “Essentially, this recognition stands as a lifetime achievement award, not just for our Firm, but for both Liz and me, acknowledging our unwavering commitment as Asian American lawyers,” remarked Hugh, contemplating his distinguished career. Elizabeth echoed her father’s sentiments, adding: “We are so thankful to AABANY and NAPABA for supporting our careers and our Firm. Only in America could a firm like ours exist and prosper, and this recognition also serves as tribute to all of those that have come before us and people who we hope to inspire.”

With a combined 60 plus years of trial and investigation experiences, the Mo Law Firm has achieved remarkable success for its primarily Chinese clients. However, for this unique firm, legal representation goes beyond the courtroom. The Firm’s mission is tri-fold: vigorously advocating for their clients, mentoring AAPIs and championing the AAPI community’s causes. The firm represents a variety of corporate entities, foreign entrepreneurs, emerging start-ups, and governmental organizations, and individuals, domestic and overseas, delivering innovative legal advice and strategic counsel and problem solving in a variety of practice areas, including federal and state litigation, white collar criminal defense, commercial litigation, compliance and regulatory, business and tax matters.

Beyond that, the firm engages in extensive Pro Bono work, giving back to the community. “A lot of people think of Pro Bono as volunteer work, or being part of an overall effort to do good. I think that as an attorney, Pro Bono should be very much part of an attorney’s practice, career, as well as dedication,” firmly stated Hugh, who has dedicated his life to public service. Adding onto her father’s beliefs, Elizabeth portrayed Pro Bono as an endeavor that should not be marked by ability, but by obligation. “It is not about the ‘we can’s’ or ‘we should’s,’ but rather, by the fact that we must give back to the community,” she stated fervently. 

Elizabeth expanded on the interplay between her Asian American identity and her legal work. “As Asian Americans, we have a very unique cultural and language competency that not everyone has. It’s like being a unicorn— our firm is truly a unicorn in this industry. We would like to dedicate our skills and competencies to Pro Bono resources.” The Mo Law Firm has provided legal representation to victims of Asian hate crimes, individuals targeted by scams, students and healthcare professionals facing discrimination. Additionally, they have advocated for AAPI interests in unprecedented legal challenges, exemplifying their commitment to justice and community advancement over 30 years of legal practice. 

Speaking about memorable Pro Bono cases, Hugh shared an instance where he helped an Asian American high school student suffering from school bullying because of his racial identity navigate unjust felony and misdemeanor charges for making alleged terrorist threats on social media against his tormentors. After a back and forth battle with the District Attorney’s office, Hugh was able to secure a non-criminal disposition for the young man, allowing him to continue his education unfettered by a criminal record. Years later, Hugh learned that the young man not only graduated from college and law school, but was working as an Assistant District Attorney. The young man’s life journey would not have been possible without Hugh’s zealous advocacy on his behalf. “We as lawyers, if we have the capacity to do so, we should step up and do right every day. Lawyers should use our resources— our trade, our experience, our connections— to do good,” Hugh declared. Recalling the case proudly, Hugh believes that this case truly epitomizes the Mo Law Firm’s dedication to its ethos, the pursuit of justice and unwavering commitment advocating for clients beyond the call of duty. 

The Mo Law Firm’s approach to Pro Bono work goes far beyond legal representation, encompassing a holistic perspective. “To us, Pro Bono is not just about representing victims of hate crimes, but also supporting and mentoring the clients and other attorneys. It’s really so embedded in our firm’s culture that we don’t even think of it as Pro Bono,” Elizabeth explained. During his legal career spanning over four decades, Hugh has co-founded numerous APA civil and community organizations including: the Chinatown Health Clinic (predecessor to the Charles B. Wang Community Health Center), NYPD Asian Jade Society, Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) and most recently, the NYPD Asian American Police Executives Council (AAPEX). Most notably, Hugh and Elizabeth have been actively involved and supported AABANY and NAPABA throughout their legal careers, with Hugh serving as a founding member of AABANY and Elizabeth as a former Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Committee and currently as Co-Chair of NAPABA’s Government Enforcement and Compliance Committee. 

AABANY congratulates Hugh H. Mo and Elizabeth L. Mo for their well-deserved recognition as NAPABA’s APA-Owned Law Firm of the Year. Not only have they demonstrated exceptional legal prowess, their tireless dedication to the principles of justice and equity, especially on behalf of the AAPI community, is a profound testament to their values.

Please join AABANY in congratulating The Law Firm of Hugh H. Mo, PC on this award, along with all the honorees being recognized at the 2023 NAPABA Convention.

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AABANY Congratulates Jennifer Wu on Receiving the NAPABA Pro Bono Service Award

AABANY congratulates Jennifer Wu, co-chair of AABANY’s Women’s Committee and Founding Partner at Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP, as a recipient of  NAPABA’s Pro Bono Service Award. This recognition is well-deserved, acknowledging Jennifer’s exceptional commitment to Pro Bono service and unwavering dedication to advancing civil rights, aligning with NAPABA’s mission to promote justice, equity, and opportunity for Asian American Pacific Islanders. Jennifer’s exemplary legal and advocacy work also exemplifies the values and aspirations of the Asian American Bar Association of New York, making her an inspiring role model for the legal community at large. This award will be presented during the Gala on Saturday evening, November 11, at the NAPABA Convention in Indianapolis.

When asked what she felt when she first learned that she was getting this award, Jennifer recounts her initial feelings of overwhelming appreciation and gratitude for the NAPABA community. “To me, Pro Bono work has always been driven by a sense of purpose, with no expectation of accolades or recognition. Receiving the NABABA Pro Bono Service Award is like the cherry on top. It’s truly gratifying to receive recognition, particularly when you’re dedicated to serving a community that often goes unnoticed,” remarked Jennifer. 

Jennifer’s Pro Bono career has been as exceptional as it has been unconventional. Her Pro Bono work differs significantly from what is traditionally associated with legal Pro Bono services. While many high-profile cases commonly involve courtroom appearances and legal battles, Jennifer’s approach is distinct. She provides legal guidance and support, helping victims and their families navigate issues that are more practical in nature. “While this type of work may not conform to what is conventionally recognized by the legal community,” Jennifer stated, “I am deeply honored by NAPABA’s acknowledgment.”

Jennifer demonstrates her exemplary dedication to the community through her active involvement in a wide array of groundbreaking initiatives and Pro Bono cases. Through her legal work, Jennifer has taken on the crucial role of representing victims of Anti-Asian violence, advocating for justice, and providing essential support to their families. Jennifer’s Pro Bono services have been extraordinary— she has taken on the representation of nearly every individual who has lost their life to anti-Asian violence in the past two years in New York City. 

Notably, Jennifer Wu played a pivotal role in seeking justice for GuiYing Ma and her family, and raising awareness about the tragic incident. In March 2022, Jennifer orchestrated a press conference for GuiYing Ma’s family, and its subsequent national coverage in the New York Times granted them a vital platform to voice their story and demand justice. Then, in April of that same year, Jennifer worked closely with GuiYing’s family to craft an in-depth feature about her life, further shedding light on the incident’s impact. Currently, Jennifer is working with the Queens family attacked in a car and families of the Allen, Texas mall shooting, both of which are suspected to be hate crimes. 

Growing up in an immigrant family in New Jersey, Jennifer recounted how her upbringing has affected her outlook on the importance of Pro Bono service and civil rights advocacy. As the first lawyer in her family, it struck her that Pro Bono services were not available for those that needed them. “I noticed that organizations out there simply don’t solve the problems that my immigrant family faces,” observed Jennifer. Asian immigrants, in particular, face a host of unique challenges in gaining access to legal services. “Many immigrants find themselves in a challenging middle ground—they’re not considered poor enough to qualify for legal aid, but they also lack the financial means to afford a top-tier lawyer who can represent them effectively,” Jennifer stated.

This phenomenon highlights the pressing need for legal services that bridge the gap for immigrant communities, making it clear that there is a substantial segment of the population that falls into this underserved category. Armed with her personal experiences and profound understanding of the immigrant experience, Jennifer hopes to dedicate her legal career to addressing this gap in service, reshaping the legal landscape to better serve the needs of all members of society.

Furthermore, “the immigrant community is not assimilated enough [to know about] government services [and]  to trust the people that are there to help them. They don’t trust the police, they don’t trust the district attorney— they don’t even trust the hospitals treating them,” observed Jennifer. “When they don’t trust those institutions, their reaction is to withdraw, and not engage. This is okay, except when someone’s been really hurt. All of the sudden, they’re faced with these legal institutions that for their entire life, they’ve tried to avoid.”

Against this backdrop of general distrust of existing institutions, Jennifer views her Asian identity as a unifying force, a connection that can help close the gap between immigrant communities and the often intimidating legal system. Her immigrant background thus becomes a point of connection and relatability, enabling her to break down barriers and establish trust with individuals who may have been apprehensive about seeking help. Her commitment to building these crucial bridges not only helps immigrant families find the justice and support they need but also serves as a powerful testament to the impact of diversity and cultural understanding that facilitates the efficacy of her Pro Bono advocacy.

Aside from her illustrious Pro Bono career, Jennifer is actively involved in AABANY as a co-chair of AABANY’s Women’s Committee. When asked about her experience in the committee, Jennifer’s face lit up with a smile, and she warmly reflected on her involvement. “Though I’ve engaged in mentorship experiences in the past, they often felt awkward because they didn’t naturally evolve,” Jennifer declared, in an animated tone. “What makes the Women’s Committee so exceptional is that it provides an organic opportunity to connect and engage with a diverse and accomplished group of female Asian lawyers.” Her warmth and enthusiasm in discussing her role in the Committee demonstrates her dedication to empowering the next generation of legal professionals. To learn more about AABANY’s Women’s Committee, please click here.

Furthermore, Jennifer has been a prominent member of AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force, contributing to AABANY’s two reports on Anti-Asian hate in NYC during the COVID era: A Rising Tide of Hate and Violence against Asian Americans in New York During COVID-19 and Endless Tide: The Continuing Struggle to Overcome Anti-Asian Hate in New York. 

To announce the release of the Endless Tide report, Jennifer delivered remarks at a press conference held on May 31 at the offices of Paul, Weiss in midtown Manhattan. During this event, Eva Zhao, the widow of Zhiwen Yan, the delivery worker who tragically lost his life in Forest Hills, spoke about her hardships and struggles in the wake of her husband’s murder. Significantly, the very next day, the perpetrator responsible for Zhiwen Yan’s tragic death was arrested, marking a significant breakthrough in a case Jennifer had worked diligently on. Jennifer’s relentless efforts and dedication in the Zhiwen Yan case played a pivotal role in bringing closure to the grieving family and securing justice for the victim. To read more about Jennifer’s involvement in this case, and her approach to anti-Asian violence casework, click here.

Please join AABANY in congratulating Jennifer on receiving the NAPABA Pro Bono Service Award, In the legal world and beyond, Jennifer Wu’s work serves as an embodiment of the power of empathy, cultural understanding, and unwavering dedication to justice. 

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Pro Bono and Community Service Committee Holds First Bring Your Own Lunch Sidebar on Sept. 28

The Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Commmittee is launching a monthly Bring Your Own Lunch (BYOL) Sidebar Meeting, on Thursdays. The first one was held over Zoom on September 28. The PBCS Committee thanks Trusts & Estates Committee Co-Chairs Pang-Mei (P.M.) Natasha Chang and Yi Stewart for speaking at the inaugural event.

At the clinics, the PBCS Committee has been seeing more and more clients asking questions about estate planning. The attendees had the opportunity to discuss issues generally asked, such as setting up trusts vs. wills, spousal elective share, advanced directives, guardianships, and intestacy vs. probate.

For this area of practice, one should be familiar with the laws under EPTL and SCPA. To learn more about the Trusts & Estates Committee and how you can get more involved, sign up for their upcoming meeting on October 4 here.

The next BYOL Sidebar is on October 12, 2023 at 1pm. Please sign up here.

The next pro bono clinic is on October 14, 2023 from 12:30pm – 3:30pm. Please sign up here to volunteer.

To learn more about the PBCS Committee, go to probono.aabany.org.

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