The In-House Counsel Committee and the Corporate Law Committee of AABANY held the 2024 Winter Soiree on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Le Chalet in Saks Fifth Avenue. This annual event was set against the stunning backdrop of an elegant indoor space and the breathtaking midtown skyline from the balcony, providing a perfect setting for a night to remember.
This Winter Soiree marks the first time we held it in-person, having held a virtual Winter Soiree during the pandemic in 2022. We also moved this event from summer to winter during AABANY’s 2024 fiscal year, so that we did not follow the AABANY dinner in May 2023 with another major event in June, the traditional time when we held our annual soiree for in-house counsel and law firm attorneys.
The Winter Soiree was an invite-only event, open to in-house counsel, law firm attorneys and sponsors of AABANY’s 2023 Annual Dinner and the 2024 Winter Soiree. The event enjoyed the attendance of numerous senior in-house lawyers, including many General Counsels, as well as senior attorneys and partners from law firms, making it an ideal opportunity for networking, reuniting with friends, and making new connections. The diverse group of attendees represented several companies across various industries and top global and regional law firms. We are grateful for the participation of many companies, including the following non-exhaustive list, encompassing a broad range of industries:
AIG
Bloomberg
Christian Dior Couture
Con Ed
JPMorgan Chase
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corp.
Morgan Stanley
Neuberger Berman
Pfizer
Sanofi
Taco Bell
Televisa/Univision
The Walt Disney Co.
Tiffany & Co.
Zurich American Insurance Co.
The event began at 6:30 pm. Guests enjoyed an array of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, wines, and cocktails, accompanied by engaging conversations. Discussions at the soiree covered a wide range of topics, from potential referrals and collaborations to personal interests and hobbies. About an hour into the event, AABANY’s In-House Counsel Committee Co-Chairs Anushree Bagrodia, David Sohn, and Kazuko Wachter, gave welcoming remarks and spoke about the work of the In-House Counsel Committee and AABANY to advance the legal profession and the AAPI community. Dennis Hopkins, Partner at Perkins Coie, a Platinum sponsor of the Winter Soiree, also addressed the crowd and spoke about the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the long relationship Perkins Coie has had over the years with AABANY.
AABANY thanks all the Winter Soiree sponsors for helping to make the event possible:
Platinum
Broadridge
Perkins Coie
Gold
Baker & McKenzie LLP
Davis + Gilbert LLP
Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
Haynes and Boone LLP
Jenner & Block LLP
Littler Mendelson P.C.
Milbank LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
Silver
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Groombridge, Wu, Baughman & Stone LLP
Herrick Feinstein LLP
Linklaters LLP
Rupp Pfalzgraf LLP
Wilson & Chan LLP
AABANY also thanks our 2023 Annual Dinner sponsors that make our year-round programming, including marquee events like the Winter Soiree, possible. For a full listing of all our 2023 Annual Dinner sponsors, go here.
We also appreciate the efforts of the Corporate Law Committee’s Co-Chairs Tracy Feng, Alice Hsu, Edward J. Lee, Vice Chair Ashley Wong, and the student volunteers for their invaluable assistance in helping us before and at the soiree.
On November 15th, 2023, AABANY held its Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic at the AAFE (Asian Americans for Equality) Community Center, at 111 Norfolk Street. Our devoted volunteers gave up their Wednesday evening to give back to our community, providing free legal services and language assistance to all who came into the clinic. Volunteer interpreters and attorneys helped clients resolve a variety of issues, in the areas of housing, immigration, and civil practice.
Special thanks to the Student Outreach Committee for their postering campaign and passing out the lovely flyers which Mayer Brown printed for us! The majority of the 18 clients seen indicated in their intake forms that they came because of the flyers posted in stores, local libraries, and streets.
Though AABANY attorneys assisted with a range of interesting cases, one notable situation involved a client who sought advice on how to deal with an unresponsive attorney representing his case for unpaid wages. The litigant was represented by counsel, and AABANY attorneys couldn’t provide a second opinion about the case. Nonetheless, the volunteers provided a listening ear, carefully evaluating the client’s situation before responding with helpful advice. The attorneys advised the client to consider reaching out to the NYS Dept of Labor to file a claim and seek assistance. Moreover, they suggested the client explore the Attorney Fee Dispute Resolution Program, which provides low-cost arbitration hearings as an alternative to protracted court battles. Ultimately, this case demonstrates AABANY attorneys’ commitment to empowering clients with accessible avenues for justice. The client departed the clinic content, having obtained valuable and satisfactory advice.
As always, AABANY thanks our Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee, AAFE, our community partners, and our dedicated team of volunteers for their continued efforts and support. We would like to recognize the following individuals, for supporting AABANY at Wednesday’s clinic:
Volunteer Attorneys:
Casey M. Lee
Francis Chin
May Wong
Yan Sin
Yen-Yi Anderson
Interpreters and Shadowers:
Angela Zhao
Daniel Kang
I-Kai Lee
Jieman Tan
Wendy Xia
Wei Huang
Yiming (Roselyn) Chen
Yuchen Zheng
AAFE:
Jiwon Youn
Elton Ye
Ling Ren
For any volunteers that were unable to make it on Nov. 18th, we hope that you will be able to join us at the next Brooklyn Pro Bono Clinic, taking place on December 2, 2023 at CPC Brooklyn Community Services. For more information, please click here.
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the Asian American Bar Association of New York’s (AABANY) Student Outreach Committee (SOC) held its Fall 2023 Postering Campaign in Manhattan’s Chinatown. The event was co-sponsored by Mayer Brown LLP and AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service Committee.
Volunteers and law students from the Greater New York area donated their valuable time on a Saturday morning to distribute flyers and promote AABANY’s pro bono legal resources to local businesses and residents in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Our volunteers covered areas from East Broadway to Kenmare Street. Some volunteers reported that small business owners and residents were ecstatic to learn about our Pro Bono Clinics and are “grateful such a service exists for the Asian American community.”
After the postering campaign, our Executive Director, Yang Chen, invited the volunteers and law students to a complimentary group lunch at Deluxe Green Bo, a small Shanghainese restaurant in the heart of Chinatown. Our volunteers and law students enjoyed some tasty soup dumplings, seafood casseroles, pan-fried noodles, and yellow fish with dry seaweed.
AABANY would like to thank Mayer Brown for their support with the printed flyers and supplies.
We also express our sincere gratitude to the volunteers and law students below for their time, leadership, and overall commitment to giving back to the community.
Volunteers
Charlene Hong Emily Kong, Esq. (Mayer Brown) Justin Lee Vivian Lee William Lee, Esq. (Mayer Brown) Jameson Xu Sharon Yang Kelly Yao
Law Student Volunteers
Brooklyn Law
Kyle Hogan Michael Qian
Cardozo Law
Gabrielle Capulong Kimberly Cheung Justina Chen Isaac Kim Edwin Liu Angela Zhao
Columbia Law
Woohyeong Cho Melodie Han
Cornell Law
Sage Park
Fordham Law
Amanda Dai Yuanyuan Li Stephen Park
NYU Law
Dai An Jiang Zachery Lee Gina Tan Chris Wong Haixin Xie Jinge (Evelyne) Yang Hanyi Yu
On November 1st, 2023, AABANY held its Queens Pro Bono Legal Clinic at the AAFE (Asian Americans for Equality) One Flushing Community Center. The clinic met with 15 clients, coming in with questions about criminal, housing, immigration, and family law. Volunteer attorneys and interpreters patiently addressed client concerns, answering questions and connecting them to lawyers through AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS). We are extremely grateful to have volunteers willing to start early at 6pm and stay beyond 8:30pm to finish speaking with the clients.
We thank the AABANY Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee and AAFE for organizing and hosting this event. We also thank Council Member Sandra Ung for partnering with us to make this service available to the community.
Thank you to our volunteers for supporting the clinic. Your time and dedication are essential for delivering crucial assistance to individuals seeking legal guidance. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:
Volunteer Attorneys:
Beatrice Leong
Casey Lee
Eugene Kim
Gary Yeung
Kevin Hsi
Lina Lee
May Li
May Wong
Shirley Luong
Interpreters and Coordinators:
Daniel Kang
Melodie Han
Yiming (Roselyn) Chen
Nuala Naranjo (AAFE)
Elton Ye (AAFE)
Maria Bergeron (AAFE)
Sally Lin (AAFE)
Here is a list of upcoming Pro Bono Clinics:
Manhattan, November 15, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street. Sign up by 12pm, November 10 to volunteer.
Brooklyn, December 2, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm, at Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc., 4101 8th Avenue. Sign up by 12pm, November 27 to volunteer.
Manhattan, December 20, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, at AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street. Sign up by 12pm, December 15 to volunteer.
Queens, January 10, 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave. Sign up by 12pm, January 5 to volunteer.
Click here for more information about our Pro Bono Clinics and the PBCS Committee. Or sign up for the next BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) Sidebar Meeting on November 16 to learn more about the Clinic and the Committee. Go here for more details and to register.
On October 18th, 2023, AABANY held its Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic at the AAFE (Asian Americans for Equality) Community Center, at 111 Norfolk Street. Our dedicated volunteers gathered on Wednesday evening to provide invaluable, free legal services to the community. The clinic was met with a large number of volunteers, eager to give back to the New York AAPI community. Volunteer interpreters and attorneys met with clients, discussing a range of issues, encompassing family, immigration, and employment law.
AABANY would like to thank our Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee, AAFE, our community partners, and our hard-working volunteers for giving us their time and energy. Our success could not be possible without your support. AABANY hopes to continue making a positive impact on the community and providing much-needed legal services to those in need. We extend our sincere gratitude towards the following individuals:
Volunteer Attorneys:
Anna Wang
Beatrice Leong
Helen Lee
Hongye Mao
Francis Chin
Menglong (Anthony) Zhu
Osamu Watanabe
Tiange (Tim) Chen
Wenhsien Cheng
Xue Luan
Yan Lian Kuang-Maoga
Yan Sin
Yang Xu
Yi Stewart
Interpreters and Shadowers:
Cecilia Yang
Gaohany Guo
I-Kai Lee
Jieman Tan
Justin Lee
Ruo Yang
Shi Tang
Suzie Yu
Yiming (Roselyn) Chen
Yu-Syuan Huang
Yuwen Long
AAFE:
Elton Ye
Ling Ren
Once again, AABANY thanks all the volunteers, AAFE, community partners, and the PBCS Committee who made this Pro Bono Clinic possible. Please join the next Queens Pro Bono Clinic taking place on November 1st at One Flushing Community Center. For more information, please click here.
On September 23, 2023, AABANY hosted its 14th annual Fall Conference, “Embracing Wellness and Well-being,” at the Fordham University School of Law. This year’s conference was co-sponsored with Fordham Law School’s Center on Asian Americans and the Law. AABANY was also honored to co-host the National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association (NAPIPA) 4th Annual Conference. AABANY thanks NAPIPA for contributing many excellent programs to the Fall Conference, including the Plenary Lunch Session.
Credit: Rosa Margarita McDowell
The conference kicked off with breakfast, which welcomed legal professionals from around the country to Fordham Law School. Attendees chatted over coffee, pastries and other breakfast fare, sharing their excitement and anticipation, before heading off to attend the morning’s CLE programs.
The morning session of the conference offered a variety of topical programs to choose from, including:
The sessions ran concurrently, in two 90-minute blocks in three parallel tracks.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Embracing Wellness and Well-being,” which was well- reflected in this year’s diverse lineup of programs. The morning’s panels laid a strong foundation for the rest of the event, addressing complex and evolving challenges within the legal profession, while emphasizing the importance of well-being and community engagement. This thematic emphasis on well-being resonated throughout the event, encouraging attendees to reflect on their roles as legal professionals while nurturing their personal and collective wellness. To see photos from the morning session go here.
During the first part of the morning session, AABANY’s Anti-Asian Violence Task Force premiered their video, “Voices against Anti-Asian Hate.” The documentary featured survivors of anti-Asian hate attacks and community supporters, followed by a panel discussion among members of the Anti-Asian Violence Task Force involved in the production of the video. For more information about the screening, click here.
Credit: Qijun (Simon) Ma
In a fourth track, the Fall Conference’s Trial Advocacy Program (TAP) was held. TAP offered junior lawyers a unique opportunity to hone their trial skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. This year’s TAP program was particularly noteworthy for conducting the first two segments over Zoom, in the weeks leading up to the Fall Conference. The program unfolded over two virtual sessions on specific dates. The first segment, held on September 13th, delved into Opening Statements and Direct Examinations. The second session, which took place on September 20th, covered Cross Examinations and Closing Statements, further enriching participants’ trial skills and knowledge.
The culmination of the TAP program occurred in-person, at the Fall Conference, kicking off with an engaging keynote speech delivered by Brian Lee, Executive ADA at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. His insights and expertise added tremendous value to the program. Following the keynote address, TAP participants conducted a mock trial, where participants had the chance to put their newly acquired skills into practice. Seasoned trial lawyers graciously served as mentors during this mock trial, providing invaluable feedback and guidance to help participants refine their trial advocacy skills. Thanks to all the TAP mentors and participants who made this year’s TAP a success.
Starting at 10:30 am, the Fall Conference offered a Diversity Career Fair, featuring a range of public and private sector organizations eager to network and connect with passionate young professionals. Participating employers included Legal Services NYC, The Legal Aid Society, the U.S Department of Justice, and several District Attorneys’ offices. Attendees were able to converse with representatives, receiving answers to questions and learning more about working at the various agencies, organizations and companies. Some employers collected resumes and held on-site interviews, providing the opportunity for candidates to express their interest in working for participating employers.
Credit: AABANY
To see photos from the Diversity Career Fair, go here.
Attendees convened in the Costantino Room for the Plenary Lunch Session, featuring the program “Prosecution in the 21st Century: Discussion with Four Trailblazer District Attorneys.” The panel featured four renowned District Attorneys, including:
Eric Gonzalez, District Attorney, Kings County
Alvin Bragg, District Attorney, New York County
Darcel Clark, District Attorney, Bronx County
Thien Ho, District Attorney, Sacramento County
Participants listened intently as the DAs discussed their unique journeys and challenges as diverse attorneys and prosecutors. They talked about their roles as advocates for future diverse prosecutors and shared their visions and policies for the short- and long-term future of prosecution. Additionally, the DAs addressed the crucial issue of prosecuting anti-Asian bias incidents and hate crimes, emphasizing the importance of combating prejudice and protecting marginalized communities.
Credit: AABANY
The Fall Conference also featured the Corky Lee photo exhibit, featuring six photos taken by the renowned photographer. The exhibit highlighted Corky’s legacy of photographing every aspect of the Asian American experience. The works on display included a 2003 photo of Asian American judges from both the Federal and State judiciary, with Hon. Denny Chin and Hon. Marilyn Go (Ret.) featured in front, and a photo of Vincent Chin’s mother, illustrating the long legacy of anti-Asian hate crimes. AABANY honored Corky with an award in 2017 recognizing his invaluable contributions to society and especially the AAPI community. We continue to carry forth his legacy of activism through the work of AABANY and its partners at the 2023 AABANY Fall Conference, NAPIPA (National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association) and the Center on Asian Americans and the Law at Fordham Law School.
Credit: AABANY
The afternoon session featured more engaging and impactful programs:
These panels covered a range of topics, including work-life balance, affordable housing, hate crimes prosecution, and mental health well-being. Additionally, they discussed the importance of embracing wellness in the legal profession and promoting diversity in appellate courts. Overall, the panels provided insights and strategies for addressing these pressing issues in the legal profession. Attendees were exposed to a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and opportunities for professional and personal growth. To see photos from the afternoon session go here.
After a full day of CLE programs, TAP, and DCF, the conference closed with a cocktail reception, where panelists and attendees connected over drinks and light bites.
Credit: Qijun (Simon) Ma
“It was such an honor to be surrounded by so many different law students and lawyers from so many different areas of law, and learn more about the Asian legal community,” said volunteer Alyzah Ziga, part of the large Syracuse Law School contingent. A special thanks goes out to the dedicated student volunteers from:
Brooklyn Law School
Cardozo School of Law
Columbia Law School
Cornell University
Fordham Law School
New York Law School
New York University
NYU School of Law
Pace School of Law
Seton Hall School of Law
St. John’s University School of Law
Syracuse University College of Law
Touro Law Center
Thank you for generously contributing your time to assist with registration, address attendee inquiries, and handle attendees check-in/check-out for CLE credits. The Fall Conference would not have run as well and as smoothly without your assistance throughout the day. To see some photos of our dedicated volunteers, go here.
Credit: AABANY
The informal and relaxed atmosphere during the reception allowed attendees to actively converse and forge professional connections, a testament to the sense of camaraderie and community that had been prevalent throughout the day. “It was amazing to meet all of these like-minded and passionate Asian American lawyers. It’s always very inspiring to be around such driven, and accomplished individuals who really just want to help each other succeed. Though this was my first Fall Conference, it’s definitely not going to be my last,” said Kwonsun Jung, Young Lawyers Committee Co-Chair and associate at Lowenstein Sandler.
Credit: Qijun (Simon) Ma
While the reception was still going on, some of the attendees departed Fordham Law School to attend NAPIPA’s 9th Annual Scholarship Banquet & Trailblazer Award Presentation, hosted at Seng Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown. AABANY congratulates Paul Jhin, President of NAPIPA, for winning the Award of Excellence. Paul has not only been a prominent leader but also a catalyst for change within the AAPI law community, serving as an inspiration to all. Judge Chin received NAPIPA’s Trailblazer Award. Judge Denny Chin’s illustrious career and commitment to justice have not only left an indelible mark on the legal community but have also inspired countless individuals. We would also like to recognize Hugh Mo, who was honored with NAPIPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Hugh’s lifelong pursuit of legal excellence and AAPI advocacy serves as a testament to his commitment to justice and equity for all. Lastly, AABANY extends its warmest congratulations to James Lin, this year’s recipient of AABANY’s Trailblazer Award. James has been a powerful and dynamic presence in the criminal justice and law enforcement community for over thirty years, and we are excited to formally recognize his considerable achievements over a long career. The evening was a true celebration of outstanding individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in our legal community, and AABANY is proud to have been a part of it. To see photo from the NAPIPA Scholarship Banquet, go here.
Credit: AABANY
AABANY wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who contributed to the success of the 2023 Fall Conference. We extend our sincere thanks to the following sponsors:
Broadridge Financial Solutions (Elite Sponsor)
ConEdison (Elite Sponsor)
Fish and Richardson (Elite Sponsor)
Perkins Coie (Gold Sponsor)
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Bronze Sponsor)
Goldstein Hall (Bronze Sponsor)
Hudson Court Reporting (Bronze Sponsor)
Kensington Vanguard (Bronze Sponsor)
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati (Bronze Sponsor)
In addition, we acknowledge and thank the Annual Dinner 2023 Sponsors for their generous year-round support of AABANY. We extend special recognition to Morrow Sodali, our After-Party Sponsor; Broadridge Financial Solutions, our Diamond Sponsor; and Kirkland & Ellis, our Pre-Dinner GC Reception Sponsor. To view a full list of our generous sponsors, please visit our sponsors page here. Your continued support empowers us to pursue our mission and create meaningful events like the Fall Conference. Thank you for your commitment to AABANY as well as its numerous programs and activities.
Furthermore, AABANY thanks all our esteemed panelists and moderators for sharing their valuable insight and time with our members and community. We express our sincere gratitude to all the Program Chairs who organized an excellent slate of programs. We are deeply grateful for their vital role in making this event an enriching and enlightening experience for all attendees. Finally, thank you to the attendees and volunteers who gave us their valuable time this weekend. The Fall Conference thrived through your participation, and we hope that we will see you again at upcoming AABANY events.
For more information about this year’s Fall Conference, you can visit our website here.
On September 6th, 2023, AABANY held its Queens Pro Bono Legal Clinic at the AAFE One Flushing Community Center. The clinic met with 31 clients, coming in with questions about housing, immigration, family law, and civil litigation. Volunteer attorneys and interpreters patiently addressed client concerns, answering questions and connecting them to lawyers through AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS). We are extremely grateful to have volunteers willing to start early at 6pm and stay beyond 8:30pm to finish speaking with the clients.
We thank the AABANY Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee and Asian Americans for Equality for organizing and hosting this event. We also thank Council Member Sandra Ung for partnering with us to make this service available to the community.
Thank you to our volunteers for supporting the clinic. Your time and dedication are essential for delivering crucial assistance to individuals seeking legal guidance. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:
Volunteer Attorneys:
Richard In Lina Lee Beatrice Leong Lord Chester So May Wong Gary Yeung
Interpreters and Coordinators:
Gabriel Hisugan Jocelyn Jao Willow Liu Nuala Naranjo-Odoherty
Here is a list of upcoming Pro Bono Clinics:
● Brooklyn, October 14, from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, at Chinese-American Planning Council, Inc., 4101 8th Avenue. Sign up here to volunteer.
● Manhattan, October 18, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, and AAFE Community Center, 111 Norfolk Street. Sign up here to volunteer.
● Queens, November 1, from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, at AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave 2nd Floor. Sign up here to volunteer.
Click here for more information about our Pro Bono Clinics and the PBCS Committee.
On August 5th, 2023, AABANY held its Brooklyn Pro Bono Legal Clinic at the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) Brooklyn Community Services Center. The clinic met with 25 clients, coming in with questions about housing, immigration, and family law issues. Volunteer attorneys and interpreters patiently addressed client concerns, answering questions and connecting them to lawyers through AABANY’s Legal Referral and Information Service (LRIS).
We thank the Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee and the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) for organizing and hosting the event. Established in 1965, CPC is a social services organization dedicated to helping Asian American, immigrant, and economically disadvantaged communities within New York City to obtain equitable access to essential resources and opportunities, thus fostering Asian American success.
The next Pro Bono Clinic will be on September 6th, from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, and located at AAFE One Flushing Community Center, 133-29 41st Ave 2nd Floor, Queens, NY 11355. You can sign up here to volunteer. To add the date and time for this clinic to your calendar, click here. For upcoming clinics, please check AABANY’s calendar and update your email preference in your account to receive our emails.
Thank you to our volunteers for supporting the clinic. Your time and dedication is essential for delivering crucial assistance to individuals seeking legal guidance. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to:
Volunteer Attorneys:
Amber Lee Ashley Shan Gary Yeung Kwok Kei Ng May Wong
Interpreters and Observers:
I-Kai Lee Jihyon Kim Ruo Yang Yini Lai
To learn more about the Pro Bono & Community Service Committee, click here.
On July 15th, 2023, AABANY’s Pro Bono and Community Service (PBCS) and Immigration Law Committees participated in Immigrant Resource Day, a community event aimed at promoting services for New York immigrants, including those who are newly-arrived in the country. Held in Herald Gospel Plaza in Flushing, nearly twenty New York City government departments and various community organizations came together under the banner of the Chinese Christian Herald Crusades.
The event attracted hundreds of attendees of various backgrounds, coming in for immigration information, legal consultation, social welfare programs, and to apply for the New York Resident Card (IDNYC). At the event, PBCS Committee Co-Chairs, Kwok Ng and Lina Lee, and Vice Chair May Wong, managed the Pro Bono Legal Clinic at the event. At the clinic, AABANY volunteer attorneys generously volunteered their time and expertise to offer guidance, advice, and support to those seeking legal assistance.
The event surpassed all expectations in terms of the number of individuals served in a single day. With 56 registered participants seeking advice, AABANY was able to successfully assist 28 families facing challenging situations. We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support and dedication shown by the volunteers who participated in the event. The tireless efforts of our team, consisting of fourteen AABANY attorneys, four AABANY non-attorneys, and three staff members from Asian American for Equality (AAFE), our community partner, contributed to the overall success of the day.
Furthermore, the Co-Chairs of the Immigration Law Committee, Zhixian (Jessie) Liu and Susan Song, invited former Co-Chair Tsui H. Yee to present a workshop about asylum and immigrant rights. Ms. Yee, an immigration lawyer with over 20 years of experience, discussed the process of applying for asylum, requirements for qualification, the timeline of the application process, and answered questions posed by the audience. Overall, the workshop not only provided valuable insights into the asylum application process, but also gave attendees a platform to receive expert guidance from an experienced legal professional.
The fair also highlighted the urgent need for immigration attorneys that can provide crucial assistance to Chinese migrants and asylum seekers that have arrived at the US-Mexico border in recent months. AABANY lawyers were able to interact with many individuals seeking assistance with asylum and deportation-related matters, who were influenced by misleading information on social media platforms, exploited by unscrupulous agents, or left without legal representation. The Immigration Law Committee hopes to establish a comprehensive network of trusted referrals and legal support for this community, enlisting the help of attorneys on a pro bono basis, through paid representation, or for collaboration in future workshops.
Thank you to the PBCS and Immigration Law Committees for organizing this event. Furthermore, we extend our gratitude to Jessie Liu and Susan Song, the Co-Chairs of the Immigration Law Committee, for their exceptional efforts in conducting the workshop alongside Tsui H. Yee. We appreciate their dedication in assisting clients with immigration issues, even taking on back-to-back cases to address clients’ pressing concerns. We thank Tsui for sharing her valuable legal expertise during the workshop and for generously addressing the concerns of clients even after its conclusion. Her contributions helped drive the success of the event. In addition, we thank our partner organizations, the Chinese Christian Herald Crusades (CCHC), and AAFE.
Last but not least, thank you to the dedicated volunteers that made the Pro Bono Clinic at Immigration Resource Day a success:
Volunteer Attorneys:
Chris Kwok
Gary Yeung
John Hwang
Kevin Hsi
Kwok Kei Ng
Lina Lee
May Wong
Shengyang (John) Wu
Shirley Luong
Susan Song
Tsui Yee
Yvette Wang
Zhixian (Jessie) Liu
Zhujing Wu
Interpreters & Shadowers:
David Tse
I-Kai Lee
Jadyn Tiong
Ruo Yang
Nuala Naranja (AAFE)
Elton Ye (AAFE)
Xiaodong Zhang (AAFE)
If you have expertise in asylum and deportation matters, or you know someone who does, please reach out to the Immigration Law Committee co-chairs, Zhixian Liu or Susan Song, and help AABANY establish a network of trusted referrals for newly arrived immigrants.
You can also help out by keeping an eye out for future Pro Bono Clinics here, and registering as a volunteer. Click here to view the calendar entry for the next Pro Bono Clinic on August 16th, and fill out the registration form here. Please register as a volunteer by 12pm, August 11th, 2023.
On Wednesday, July 19th, 2023, AABANY hosted a highly successful Manhattan Pro Bono Legal Clinic at the AAFE (Asian American for Equality) Community Center, at 111 Norfolk Street, where compassionate volunteers offered their time and expertise to provide invaluable free legal services to the community. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Pro Bono & Community Service (PBCS) Committee, AAFE, our community partners, and our dedicated volunteers! Throughout the evening, we had the privilege of meeting with 22 clients, engaging in discussions of various legal issues, including immigration, housing, and family law. This was a vast increase from last month’s clinic when we had 8 clients.
In partnership with AAFE Community Center and other community partners, we recognize that the success of the Pro Bono Clinic would not be possible without our volunteers’ unwavering dedication to serving the community. By offering services in both Mandarin and Cantonese, we aim to continue to provide support for those who may face linguistic or cultural barriers when seeking access to legal services. Together, we continue to make a difference in the lives of our community members.
Volunteer Attorneys:
Beatrice Leong
Pang-Mei (P.M.) Natasha Chang
Tiffany Ngeo
Yen-Yi Anderson
David Mou
Menglong (Anthony) Zhu
Yan Sin
Yuanyuan Li
Interpreters and Shadowers:
Daphne Mei
Anna Bao
Ruo Yang
Wendy Zeng
MengXi (Claire) Xiong
I-Kai Lee
Doh Yun (John)
Suzie Yu
Alex Hwang
AAFE:
Ling
Thanks to all the volunteers, AAFE, community partners, and PBCS Committee who made this Pro Bono Clinic possible. Please join the next Manhattan Pro Bono Clinic taking place on August 16th at AAFE Community Center. To volunteer, please register here by August 11th. For more information, please click here.
