AABANY’s Trusts & Estates Committee Co-Hosts Two-Day Guardian ad Litem Training at New York City Bar Association

The Trusts & Estates Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) recently co-hosted a two-day Guardian ad Litem (GAL) training program at the New York City Bar Association. This highly successful event aimed to attract and certify more minority attorneys to serve as GALs, who represent the best interests of children in legal proceedings. Held in person on September 30 and October 1, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, the comprehensive training followed the Part 36 stipulations of New York State’s Unified Court System. It provided participating attorneys with the essential skills and certification needed to fulfill their roles as GALs in the courts.

In addition to AABANY, the training was co-sponsored by the Caribbean Attorneys Network, Dominican Bar Association, Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York, Jewish Lawyers Guild, Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY), LGBT Bar NY (LeGaL), Metropolitan Black Bar Association, New York Women’s Bar Association, South Asian and Indo-Caribbean Bar Association of Queens, Suffolk County Bar Association, and Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association. This collaboration showed the collective commitment to providing equitable opportunities for minority attorneys in New York’s legal system.

The program was led by a respected panel of surrogates, court attorneys, experienced trusts, and estates attorneys. Participants received detailed instruction on the GAL appointment process, ethical considerations, administration and probate proceedings, SCPA 17-A guardianship, kinship hearings, accounting proceedings, and the role of GALs in Supreme Court and other courts. The training materials included outlines and sample GAL reports to prepare attendees for future assignments.

Participants appreciated the accessibility of the training, which was offered at a fraction of the usual cost. Co-sponsoring organization members were charged $99, which is significantly lower than typical CLE rates for similar training programs and usually scheduled during work hours. The CLE achieved its objective of greater minority representation among Guardians ad Litem, an important and impactful step toward diversity in the legal profession. 

With over 60 participants, the event successfully created a more inclusive and diverse group of certified GALs. The feedback from attendees and faculty was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that they had never seen a program with such extensive participation from court professionals, including seven surrogates addressing the ethical components. Surrogate Rita Mella and the Trusts & Estates Committee achieved their goal, providing minority attorneys a crucial step toward greater diversity of professionals serving in New York’s legal system.

Thanks to the Trusts & Estates Committee for organizing this important and impactful program aimed at advancing diversity and inclusion in the Surrogates’ Courts of New York. To learn more about the Trusts & Estates Committee and how you can get involved, go here.

Contribute Your Expertise in a Meaningful Way: Become a NAPABA Co-Chair!

NAPABA committees and networks enable our members to gain access to a robust knowledge-sharing network of seasoned AANHPI professionals. NAPABA’s committees focus on substantive practice specialties or specific service areas, such as civic engagement. NAPABA’s networks encompass individuals with similar experiences, such as solo practice or military service. These peer-led groups serve as a networking community and enable members to learn best practices and stay on top of the latest legal trends.  

NAPABA is seeking committee or network co-chair recommendations from the membership to fill vacancies and we urge you to consider contributing your expertise and experiences in a meaningful way within NAPABA. Serving as a co-chair presents a unique chance to take up a leadership role within NAPABA, connect with AANHPI attorneys in your practice area or who share similar experiences, and enhance your professional profile. Many of our committee and network co-chairs have later served on NAPABA’s Board of Directors. 

Who can become a co-chair?

An appointee must: 

  • Have demonstrated proven leadership skills; 
  • Have demonstrated the highest standards of personal integrity and trust professionally and personally; 
  • Have personal and professional experience relevant to the goals/objectives of the Committee; 
  • Have demonstrated a commitment to the furtherance of the Committee’s goals, including leadership and pipeline development; 
  • Be a member in good standing of NAPABA or a NAPABA affiliate; and 
  • Be willing to serve for a six-year term.

What information do I need to provide?

We request applicants submit the following materials in a SINGLE PDF:

  • A Resume or similar material that demonstrates personal or professional experience relevant to the goal(s) and objective(s) of the committee or network.
  • A Statement of Interest demonstrating the following:  
  • Proven leadership skills in NAPABA, local NAPABA affiliates, or other professional activities
  • The highest standards of personal integrity and trust in all professional and personal activities
  • Additional details outlining your personal or professional experience relevant to the goal(s) and objective(s) of the committee or network not outlined in your resume.
  • Biography

Where do I apply?

Ready to apply? Click on the button below to start your application! The deadline to apply is Monday, September 18, 2023 at 5:00 pm ET.

Committees and networks with co-chair vacancies:

Committees

  • Bankruptcy & Restructuring Committee 
  • Cannabis/CBD/Hemp Law & Policy Committee 
  • Civil Rights Committee 
  • Corporate Transactions Committee 
  • Data Privacy & Security Committee 
  • Dispute Resolution Committee 
  • Diversity and Inclusion Committee 
  • Energy, Environment & Sustainability Committee 
  • Entertainment Law Committee 
  • Government Enforcement & Compliance Committee 
  • Immigration Committee 
  • Insurance Law Committee 
  • Litigation Committee 
  • Mass Torts & Class Actions Committee 
  • Pro Bono & Community Service Committee 
  • Real Estate Committee 
  • Tax Committee 
  • Trusts & Estates Committee 
  • Wellness Committee 

Networks

  • In-House Counsel Network
  • Law School Professors & Administrators Network 
  • LGBTQ Network 
  • Partners Network
  • Public Sector Network 
  • Solo & Small Firm Network

If you have any questions about our committees or networks or the application process, please contact [email protected].