Tag: young lawyers committee

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Young Lawyers Committee Hosts 2024 Annual Picnic in Central Park

On August 10, 2024, AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) hosted the AABANY Annual Picnic in the Heckscher Playground picnic area in Central Park. The event, which began at 11:00 am and ended at 4:00 pm, enjoyed bright, warm, and sunny weather. It connected various members of different positions and backgrounds, from various committees. Members chatted and relaxed in the sunshine, some with pets, others with their young children, all sharing food provided by the Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli. (Additionally, Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli has been touted on the internet as a contender for New York’s best Bahn Mi spot, and has largely remained in business during and after the struggles of the pandemic due to community patronage, so AABANY encourages everyone to go support them.) Among the many attendees were Yang Chen, AABANY Executive Director, Alice Biagini, AABANY Deputy Executive Director, Terrence Shen, AABANY President in 2021, and various other Committee Chairs and members. YLC’s Co-Chairs Justin Lee and Jameson Xu organized the event and were in attendance as well. 

The Young Lawyers Committee has taken up responsibility for this annual picnic, to the delight and appreciation of the many AABANY members who attend.. The significance of this event is broad and cannot be overstated: it allows a brief but much-appreciated respite from the trials of daily life and connects the diverse aspects of AABANY’s large and far-reaching community.

Thank you to everyone who spent their Saturday with AABANY and contributing to our vibrant association. AABANY thrives on participation and passion, and AABANY would not be as robust without you all. Thank you to the Young Lawyers Committee, and to Co-Chairs Justin and Jameson, for their dedication and hard work in planning, organizing, and executing this perennial favorite.

To see photos from the picnic, view the album here.
To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee please click here.

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AABANY Committees Host a Panel on Pursuing a Specialization in Bankruptcy

What is bankruptcy law? How does it differ from general litigation and transactional practices? Why do people call it “restructuring?” And how do I get a job in this amazing field? 

On July 11, 2024, AABANY’s Commercial Bankruptcy and Restructuring, Student Outreach, and Young Lawyers Committees held a panel at the offices of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP to answer these questions—hopefully enticing students and junior attorneys to join the next generation of corporate bankruptcy lawyers and providing added perspectives for the benefit of current legal and non-legal practitioners in the audience. 

Our all-female, all-AAPI panel of attorneys from leading law firms—Cleary Gottlieb, Kelley Drye, Mayer Brown, Sidley, and Skadden Arps—went deep. They talked about the nuances of the corporate bankruptcy and restructuring practice and why it is such an appealing field. It’s a great mix of litigation and transactional work, the panelists emphasized, the work is dynamic and varies based on the nature of one’s representation, and bankruptcy’s faster pace makes it rather exciting and provides hands-on experience earlier on in an attorney’s career. The panel also fielded various questions from the strongly turned-out audience such as what qualities make for an effective bankruptcy lawyer and why the practice tends to concentrate in New York.

What further came out of the panel and the rest of the evening was just how closely knit the bankruptcy world is. During the reception, attendees caught up with old colleagues at other firms, and new and old friends stayed long after they finished their last glasses of wine. 

Thank you to our panelists Connie Choe, Dabin Chung, Weiru Fang, Hoori Kim, and Shan Lu for their insights, to Patrick Chen and Justin Lee for moderating, and especially to Kelley Drye for hosting our event. 

To find out more about the Commercial Bankruptcy and Restructuring Committee, please click here.

To find out more about the Student Outreach Committee, please click here.

To find out more about the Young Lawyers Committee, please click here.

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AABANY Young Lawyers and Student Outreach Committees Present “The Self-Compassionate Lawyer: Reclaiming Power Over the Pursuit of Perfection with Dr. Matt Poon”

The legal profession is notorious for its high-stakes nature, demanding workloads, and a culture that often glorifies perfectionism. In an effort to address the mental health challenges faced by lawyers and law students, AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee and Student Outreach Committee presented on February 1 “The Self-Compassionate Lawyer: Reclaiming Power Over the Pursuit of Perfection.”  This program was held at the New York office of Wilson Sonsini and brought together legal professionals and students for an insightful and interactive presentation by Dr. Matt Poon. It reflects the theme for this fiscal year, “Embracing Wellness and Well-being: Strengthening the Legal Profession by Investing in Ourselves.”

Dr. Poon delved into the deep-seated contributing factors that drive individuals in the legal field toward the pursuit of perfection. Attendees gained an understanding of the benefits and consequences associated with such pursuits, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these tendencies to foster a healthier professional life.

This interactive event didn’t shy away from the harsh realities of burnout and imposter syndrome within the legal profession. Participants engaged in a thought-provoking discussion and gained valuable insights into the significance of prioritizing mental well-being. Dr. Poon guided the audience through an exploration of cognitive biases and distortions linked to perfectionism. By understanding these thought patterns, attendees were empowered to challenge and reframe their perspectives, ultimately fostering a more realistic and compassionate approach to their professional and personal lives.

A highlight of the event was the exploration of Dr. Kristin Neff’s groundbreaking work on self-compassion. Dr. Poon provided practical insights into incorporating self-compassion into daily life, equipping participants with a powerful tool to counteract the detrimental effects of perfectionism.  

In line with the event’s goals, participants left with a toolbox of skills and tools to effectively manage self-imposed expectations, pressure, and criticism. Dr. Poon shared actionable strategies that could be readily applied in both personal and professional settings, such as meditation exercises, recognition of cognitive biases and thought patterns, and having a “defense team” in your own inner courtroom of self-criticism.

Beyond the enriching content, the program fostered a sense of community among attendees. We exchanged self-written sticky notes with affirmative words we would like to hear during difficult times, as a reminder to be our own best friends in times of adversity. 

Thank you to AABANY’s Student Outreach and Young Lawyers Committees for organizing this event and to Wilson Sonsini for providing the venue.  Thank you to the Student Outreach Committee Co-Chair, Vivian Lee, Young Lawyers Committee Co-Chairs Kwonsun Jung and Ada Wang, for putting this event together. To find more about Dr. Matt Poon’s work, please check https://www.drmattpoon.com/. To learn more about the Student Outreach Committee go here. To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee go here.

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Smashing Good Time: AABANY’s Ping Pong Social at PingPod, presented by Solo and Small Firm Practice, Young Lawyers, and Immigration Law Committees

When it comes to bringing people together for a weekend afternoon of fun, networking, and friendly competition, the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) knows how to serve up an ace. On Saturday, October 7, AABANY’s Solo and Small Firm Practice, Young Lawyers, and Immigration Law Committees organized an exciting Ping Pong social event at PingPod on the Lower East Side, and it was an afternoon filled with excitement, camaraderie, and impressive rallies.

Ping Pong enthusiasts from various legal backgrounds gathered at PingPod, each armed with a paddle and ready to showcase their skills. From beginners to seasoned pros, the event welcomed players of all levels. It was a fantastic opportunity for lawyers from both private and public sectors and recent law school graduates to let off some steam and engage in some friendly competition.

Participants also found themselves forging new connections, discussing legal topics, and even making potential career moves between rallies. Ping Pong truly served as the icebreaker, and the event demonstrated how professional connections can be made in the most unexpected settings.

Thank you to everyone for spending their Saturday afternoon with AABANY. Here’s to more exciting events and unforgettable moments brought by AABANY! Special thanks to Yen-Yi Anderson, Co-Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Practice Committee, Ada Wang, Co-Chair of the Young Lawyers Committee, and Susan Song, Co-Chair of the Immigration Law Committee, for their hard work planning and organizing this event.

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AABANY Membership Committee Hosts Second Annual Oyster Happy Hour on September 7

On Thursday, September 7, 2023, students and practitioners alike attended the AABANY Oyster Happy Hour at Sagaponack NYC. Nearly thirty folks attended for a night of oysters, bar bites, and networking. The Membership Committee annually hosts this Oyster Happy Hour at Sagaponack NYC and, this year, strategically partnered with the Student Outreach and Young Lawyers Committees to give law students an opportunity to network with practitioners as they kicked off their fall semesters. Thank you to everyone who attended and to our co-sponsoring committees including the Military & Veteran Affairs Committee. And a special thanks to the folks at Sagaponack NYC for the great food and service as always. If you have any ideas for fun AABANY membership events, please email [email protected]. 

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Young Lawyers Committee Presents: AABANY’s Annual Central Park Picnic

On July 8, 2023, AABANY’s Young Lawyers Committee (“YLC”) hosted its annual picnic in Central Park’s Heckscher Picnic Area, connecting members from various committees and their families and pets. Alongside family and friends, AABANY members chatted and relaxed over burgers from Shake Shack and fresh fruits and healthy snacks from Whole Foods. Among the attendees were the President, Karen Kim, the Executive Director, Yang Chen, and former President, Terrence Shen. YLC’s Co-chairs, Ada Wang and Kwonsun Jung, organized the event.

While temperatures this summer are breaking record highs, the heat did not inhibit our members’ enjoyment of the event. Throughout the picnic area, members could be found bonding under the eaves of shady pine trees, sharing laughter and making memories. The picnic ran from 11 AM to 3 PM, and the time passed quickly. Unfortunately, thunder clouds loomed in the distance as 3 PM approached. To avoid getting drenched by incoming storms, attendees woefully packed up their snacks and blankets. Thankfully, the festivities continued, with members gathering for an afterparty at the Smith near Lincoln Center, continuing the joy over drinks and light bites. 

Thank you to everyone for spending their Saturday with AABANY and contributing to the warm and vibrant community that makes our organization so special. We look forward to many more memorable events and opportunities to come together in the future. Special thanks to the Young Lawyers Committee, and the Co-Chairs, Kwonsun and Ada, for their hard work planning and organizing this event. To learn more about the Young Lawyers Committee, click here. 

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AABANY Committees and KALAGNY Host Second Annual Ski Trip to the Poconos

AABANY’s 2023 ski trip, co-sponsored with the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY), took place on Saturday, February 11 at Shawnee Mountain. The event was co-sponsored by the Corporate Law, Women’s, Young Lawyers, and Membership Committees.

A private charter bus left New York City Saturday morning for the hour-and-a-half drive to the Pocono Mountains. Over 30 AABANY and KALAGNY members, friends, family and children enjoyed favorable ski conditions at Shawnee on a sunny winter day under bright blue skies.

First timers and beginners participated in group and private ski and snowboard lessons. Skiers and snowboarders met for lunch by the hearth in the Hope Lodge at the base of the mountain. The ski day concluded with an après-ski dinner in the Kirkwood Room of the historic Shawnee Inn accompanied by candlelight and live piano music.

Thanks to all the co-sponsoring Committees and KALAGNY for organizing the event, and thanks to everyone who attended.

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AABANY Celebrates Lunar New Year at MSG with the Knicks

On Tuesday, January 24, forty AABANY members, family and friends celebrated Lunar New Year at Madison Square Garden as the Knicks took on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The night was filled with memorable moments: The New Asia Chamber Music Society performed the national anthem and there was a special lion dance performance during halftime. Two of our members caught t-shirts that were fired into the crowd by cannons and during the third quarter AABANY even got a shoutout on the Garden Vision big screen. And to cap it all off, the Knicks won a nail biter by a score of 105-103.

Thanks to the Membership Committee for organizing another successful event and shoutout to the Asia Practice, Bankruptcy, Career Placement, Mentorship, Military & Veterans Affairs, Women’s, and Young Lawyers Committees for co-sponsoring.

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AABANY Hosts Membership Open House At King & Spalding LLP

On July 28, 2022, AABANY hosted its first-ever Membership Open House at King & Spalding LLP. With over 50 attendees, the Membership Open House gave new and prospective members the opportunity to speak with Board Members and Committee Chairs to learn about the work AABANY does and how new and prospective members can get involved.

Membership Director Christopher Bae in his introductory remarks welcomed attendees and thanked Board Members and Committee Chairs for coming. Former AABANY President Andy Hahn (2004) then highlighted the importance of getting involved with an organization like AABANY.

This AABANY Membership Open House spotlighted the Young Lawyers Committee, the Litigation Committee, and the Prosecutors Committee. Jasmine Chean from the Young Lawyers Committee, Lois Ahn from the Litigation Committee, and David Hsin-Tai Chiang from the Prosecutors Committee each spoke on why members should get involved with their committees.

Attendees were encouraged to network, enjoy food and drinks, and meet with the chairs of 23 committees that were present at the Open House. New and recent members were given the opportunity to participate in a raffle where two winners won either a Zoom or coffee meet-and-greet with former AABANY Presidents Andy Hahn (2004) or Brian Song (2019). Congratulations to Tian Chi Ma who won the raffle to meet Andy and to Stephanie Lu who won the raffle to meet Brian.

Thank you to King & Spalding LLP for hosting AABANY’s Membership Open House, and thank you to former AABANY Presidents Andy Hahn and Brian Song for volunteering for the new member raffle! Thank you to Co-Vice Presidents of Programs & Operations Joseph Eng, Jr. and Beatrice Leong, and Membership Director Christopher Bae for putting together this successful event!

We look forward to seeing everyone at the next Open House in October. In the meantime, if you have any questions about how to get more involved in AABANY and maximize your membership experience, feel free to reach out to the Membership Committee at [email protected].

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AABANY’s Annual Picnic Returns to Central Park on August 13

On August 13, 2022, the Young Lawyers Committee (YLC) Co-Chairs, Jasmine Chean, Jimmy Kang, Jenny Park along with Vice Chair of Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee Yifeng Chen planned and organized AABANY’s Annual Picnic in Central Park. This was the first time in three years that AABANY held the picnic in Central Park. We could not have asked for better weather for this return: The temperature was in the low 80s with no humidity. The Spector Playground Lawn, where the picnic took place, had shade from the trees to keep the guests cool.

Over 55 guests attended, and AABANY members brought their children, siblings, spouses, and even their parents to enjoy the perfect picnic weather. YLC Co-Chairs ordered dumplings from Vanessa’s Dumplings and provided sandwiches and snacks for the guests to enjoy.

Board Members in attendance included Andy Yoo, the Board Liaison for the YLC, Vice President of Programs & Operations Beatrice Leong, and Board Director David Sohn. It was David’s 40th Birthday, and he made time to bike to the park to say ‘hi’ to members and guests!

Pro Bono and Community Service Committee Co-Chair May Wong sold kites and toys to fundraise for the Pro Bono Clinic.

We thank everyone who made it out on a beautiful Saturday to celebrate this annual event with us, and we thank the leaders from the YLC and the Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee for all their hard work to make it happen.

For more information about YLC, go to https://www.aabany.org/page/123. For more information about the Solo & Small Firm Practice Committee, go to https://www.aabany.org/page/111.

To see all the photos from the picnic, go to:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wDsx62GrLhnK7ry16

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