APALA - NJ 24th Gala

Annual GALA Program

Diamond Sponsor Reception (Horizon Room; By Invitation Only)

Cocktail Reception (Junior Ballrooms)

Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony (Grand Ballrooms)

Opening Remarks

Introduction of Master of Ceremonies

Francis W. Yook, Esq. - APALA-NJ President (2023-2024)

Associate, Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP

Master of Ceremonies’ Welcome

Vincent J. Roldan, Esq. - APALA-NJ Director (2023-2024)

Partner, Mandelbaum Barrett PC

Scholarship Awards

Misheel Boldbaatar – Seton Hall University School of Law

Kristina Goshorn – Rutgers Law School - Camden

Anya Wasserman – Rutgers Law School - Newark

President’s Award

Punam P. Alam, Esq. – APALA-NJ President (2022-2023)

Assistant General Counsel, Educational Testing Service

Musical Performance

I Love Dance – K-Pop Dance Company

Keynote Address

Bloom Li – Actor, Chang Can Dunk

Annual GALA Program

Trailblazer Award

Raj Mukherji, Esq. – New Jersey Assemblyman, District 37

Professional Achievement Award

Anna Mercado Clark, Esq. – President-Elect, National Asian

Pacific American Bar Association; Partner, Phillips Lytle LLP

Corporate Leadership Award

Irene C. Chiu, Esq. – Senior Vice President, General Counsel

& Chief Compliance Officer, Microport Orthopedics, Inc.

Public Service Award

Ellen Park, Esq. – New Jersey Assemblywoman, District 33

Rising Star Award

Jason Ye, Esq. – Partner & Asia Practice Co-Chair, Ortoli | Rosenstadt LLP

Attorney of the Year Award

Tommy Shi, Esq. – Senior Manager of Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Foley Hoag LLP

Closing Remarks

Allan C. Zhang, Esq. – APALA-NJ President-Elect (2023-2024) Associate, McKirdy, Riskin, Olson & DellaPelle, PC

Karaoke After-Party (Horizon Room)

Table of Contents

Message from APALA-NJ Immediate Past President

Message from APALA-NJ President

Master of Ceremonies

Keynote Speaker

Honorees

Message from Dignitaries

Letter from Senator Robert Menendez

Letter from Senator Gordon M. Johnson

Assemblywoman Shama A. Haider

Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park

Letter from Congressman Frank Pallone Jr.

Letter from Senator Vin Gopal

Letter from Assemblywoman Sadaf E. Jaffer

Letter from Burlington County Commissioner Balvir Singh

Letter from Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla

Letter from Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich

Letter from Fort Lee Councilman Peter Suh

Letter from Fort Lee Councilman Paul Yoon

Letter from Bergenfield Mayor Arvin Amatorio

Letter from Managing and Founding Partner Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP

2023-2024 APALA-NJ Executive Board

2022-2023 APALA-NJ Executive Board

APALA-NJ Past Presidents & Founding Board Members

APALA- NJ Lifetime Members

Student Scholarship Award Recipients

Gala Committee Members Acknowledgements

PUNAM P. ALAM Looking Back Statement

When I took the oath to become President of APALA-NJ during the 2022-23 term my guiding posts were to continue to advocate for equity, increase education and awareness regarding issues that impact AAPIs and increase visibility for AAPIs in the legal profession. As the only pan-Asian organization in New Jersey, I also felt it was important to celebrate our diverse culture, educate others about celebrations that are important to the Asian American community, and make a positive impact on the communities and organizations that continue to serve AAPIs.

With the support of my dedicated Board, throughout the year, we prioritized engaging our future generation of lawyers and increased member engagement. We had the opportunity to share our rich pan-Asian culture and together celebrated holidays such as Diwali and Lunar New Year. In furtherance of our goal to educate, we consistently engaged our followers on social media with informative posts about cultural celebrations and issues impacting Asian Americans. The Board, along with JPAC, who remained passionate about broadening AAPI representation in the legal profession, penned an op-ed advocating for the appointment of the first AAPI New Jersey Supreme Court Justice, which had wide-reaching impact. Recognizing the importance of community impact, the Board supported organizations such as Manavi, an organization dedicated to ending all forms of violence against South Asian survivors, and the Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC), an organization that serves the interests of immigrants and refugees. We engaged with our sister AAPI organizations in New York and Pennsylvania, whether by collaborating to put together an event, supporting each other’s fundraising efforts or increasing our respective member engagement.

This is just the tip of the iceberg to what was a successful 2022-23 term and I would be remiss if I did not thank my Board – Francis, Allan, Irene, Janice, Arooj, Arupa, Ashwath, Bo, Lena and Sudha – whose passion and dedication helped make the year a success. While I am incredibly proud of all we accomplished, there is much work to be done to ensure that AAPIs remain on a trajectory to equity and representation. For this reason, I am particularly excited about this year’s Gala Theme “Everything Everywhere All Achievers.” Tonight is a celebration of the strides AAPIs have made in the legal profession and beyond and a reminder that while progress may take time, it is certain.

Greenberg Traurig Asian American Affinity Group

FRANCIS W. YOOK

Looking Forward Statement

I spent a lot of my childhood in the basement of our Trumbull, Connecticut home glued to the TV—one of two in the household. Before streaming, or even DVDs, we had VHS cassettes, which included Disney classics like The Little Mermaid, and Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey. But hardly any of the movies I grew up watching featured Asian actors, who, if anything, would be relegated to a small, supporting role. So imagine my surprise when I first witnessed Mr. Miyagi – a slight, elderly, and unassuming Asian man – not only subdue the inimical John Kreese, but also have a major role in The Karate Kid. “Wow,” I thought, “Asians can be on TV? Asians can beat up the bad guy?” The movie left an impression.

Fast forward three decades, and the script has flipped. We now see Asian films, or films featuring Asian actors, that are not only entertaining and hugely successful, but also critically acclaimed: Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021), Minari (2020), Parasite (2019), and Crazy Rich Asians (2018), to name just a few. Between the continued success of Bollywood, the surge in popularity of K-Dramas, and evolving offerings of new genres and content over streaming platforms, it is evident that Asian entertainment is here to stay.

Given my penchant for movies, it is no surprise that this year’s APALA-NJ Gala has a film motif. Our Gala theme is, “Advancing Asian Representation: Everything Everywhere All Achievers”. We gather here tonight in Fort Lee, New Jersey – the original birthplace of the American film industry – to recognize the accomplishments of leaders and trailblazers in our Asian American and Pacific Islander community, who, through their passion, drive, and dedication, have broken through barriers, and reshaped AAPI representation in the legal industry, in the same way Pat Morita, Michelle Yeoh, and Simu Liu have transformed Hollywood. It continues to be our mission, duty, and responsibility at APALA-NJ to build upon this important work, and advance AAPI representation everywhere.

We hope this evening’s Gala will inspire you to reach new heights. So get up on that stage, step into the spotlight, and be a star.

VINCENT J. ROLDAN

Vincent J. Roldan is a Partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC in the Banking and Financial Services practice groups. He has represented parties in interest in various aspects of bankruptcy proceedings and out of court workouts across the U.S. He also represents clients in non-bankruptcy litigation in state and federal courts on various tort, contract, intellectual property and collection matters. He is a frequent speaker and published writer with respect to restructuring, commercial bankruptcy and distressed investing.

Mr. Roldan served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lewis M. Killian, Jr., United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Florida. Mr. Roldan received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Mr. Roldan currently serves on the boards of three organizations: National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, and Secured Finance Network. He is also a past president of the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York; a founding member of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association; and a member of the Asian American Bar Association of New York, for whom he founded the Bankruptcy and Restructuring committee.

BLOOM LI KEYNOTE

Bloom Li is a New York-based actor who stars in the titular role of “Chang” in Disney’s feature film CHANG CAN DUNK, a film that centers on an Asian American teen and basketball fan who wants to be able to dunk, and who soon learns much more about himself, his friends, and his family in the process.

The youngest of 3 children and born to Chinese immigrants, Bloom grew up in NYC’s Chinatown and New Jersey. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career & studied with master teachers, Stuart Rogers and Marjo-Riikka Makela. Numerous short films that Bloom has appeared in have played at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Palm Springs International ShortFest, and South by Southwest.

Riker Danzig has dedicated itself to fostering a work environment that promotes diversity, inclusion and the highest standards of personal and professional excellence. These core values have given a common direction to our firm. We are proud of our contributions to equal opportunity in the legal profession.

Riker Danzig is pleased to support the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey. We warmly congratulate our former colleague Tommy Shi and all the deserving honorees.

LEGAL MINDS

BUSINESS MATTERS

MORRISTOWN TRENTON NEW YORK CITY RIKER.COM

ELLEN PARK

Assemblymember Ellen J Park was born on March 6, 1972, in Seoul, South Korea. She immigrated to the United States in 1978 and her family settled in Sunnyside, Queens, where she attended public school P.S. 150. Ms. Park moved to Flushing, Queens in 1984 and went to attend the prestigious Bronx High School of Science. She received her B.A. from New York University and J.D. from Hofstra Law School.

Ms. Park has been a practicing attorney since 2000 in New York. She and her husband, Richard Ma founded the Law Offices of Ma & Park in 2006, practicing criminal and real estate Law. She worked for a national insurance brokerage firm as an Assistant Vice President of Claims for HUB International, Specialty Lines, Northeast Division. Ms. Park started at Aon Insurance in August 2022.

Along with her husband and sons, Dante and Axel, Ms. Park moved to Englewood Cliffs in 2009. She was elected to the Englewood Cliffs Borough Council in 2016 and served until 2018.

Not only has Ms. Park has been balancing raising her two sons and building her career, but she has also always been an active member of the PTA, the Korean Community, and the Little League in Englewood Cliffs.

When she was at Hofstra Law School, Ms. Park was the Vice President of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association and headed a Voter’s Registration Drive on Main Street in Queens in 1996. She also hosted a conference for Hofstra Law School with Judge Denny Chin as the guest speaker, one of the first Asian American federal judges nominated by President Clinton. As Councilwoman, Ms. Park helped pass Affordable Houing in Englewood Cliffs and she fought to recognize and embrace Englewood Cliffs as a “Stigma Free Zone”.

Ms. Park’s life is the American Dream. She arrived here as an immigrant, not speaking a word of English, feeling out of place, enduring financial hardships, but also committed to building a better future for her family.

As an Assemblymember, Ms. Park focuses on getting out information to the people, especially various government and non-government grants and assistance that is available to those in need. She focuses on educating children to accept and learn about each other’s cultures and differences. She plans to share her knowledge and experiences as the next generation of immigrants make their journey to build a life for their families and achieve the American Dream.

Ms. Park believes that diversity and inclusion and the inalienable rights of all people regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation is what makes the United States of America the best country in the world and wants to ensure that these rights will remain steadfast and true for future generations.

Jason Ye is a Partner of Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP and Co-Chair of firm’s Asia Practice. Jason concentrates his practice on cross-border corporate and capital market transactions and has represented many domestic and international companies, investment banks and institutional investors on transactions including initial and secondary public offerings, alternative public offerings, and private placements. Widely recognized as one of the most active attorneys in the industry, Jason also regularly represents public companies, particularly those based in Asia, regarding their NYSE or Nasdaq initial listing and post-listing compliance. Jason also advises public companies on general corporate governance and federal filing requirements under the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934. An expert on Asia-related capital market matters, Jason has been invited to many speaking engagements globally and quoted on numerous occasions by major media outlets in the U.S. and Asia. As one of very few Chinese-Americans, Jason was the recipient of the 2021 50 Outstanding Asian American in Business Award. Jason was selected to the 2020 - 2023 New York Metro Corporate and Securities Law “Super Lawyer” Rising Stars list. Jason currently sits on the Alumni Steering Committee of the Rutgers Center for Corporate Law and Governance and has initiated a scholarship fund with Rutgers Law School to support future law students with interest in corporate law.

JASON YE

Tommy Shi is the Senior Manager, Diversity Equity & Inclusion for Foley Hoag, serving across the firm as a thought leader and resource on DE&I matters as well as supporting the Chief Diversity Officer on the department’s overall effectiveness and daily operations.

Most recently, Tommy founded and served as Managing Partner of Tommy Shi Advisory Group, providing business advisory services focusing on leveraging Diversity, Equity & Inclusion as a competitive business advantage. Tommy has also served as Director of Inclusion & Diversity – US for Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and as Director of Diversity & Inclusion for Day Pitney.

At Mercedes-Benz USA, Tommy was the Diversity and Inclusion Officer, leading the strategic direction, development and implementation of the company’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy. Tommy’s responsibilities embraced Marketing, Sales, Human Resources and Dealer Network Activities. Tommy was also responsible for the company’s Corporate Giving activities.

Tommy served as the Head of Procurement for Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, the company’s flagship dealership in the United States. Tommy joined Mercedes-Benz USA as a Counsel in the legal department after working as a litigation associate at

HONOREE

TOMMY M. SHI

Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti in Morristown, New Jersey.

Active in diversity activities and organizations and a frequent speaker on diversity issues, Tommy has received a Corporate Leadership Award from the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey; an Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award and a Vanguard Award from the Automotive Hall of Fame. Other awards include an Award of Excellence from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Diversity Advocacy Award from the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers Association and a Corporate Achievement Award from the Organization of Chinese Americans.

Tommy serves on the Board of Directors for the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund and is a past president of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey.

Tommy has served as a member of the Leadership Advisory Council of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association; the Association of National Advertisers’ Multicultural Marketing and Diversity Committee; the PGA Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the Corporate Advisory Board of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting and the Board of the Tri-State Diversity Council.

Tommy served on the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Character and also as a Trustee and Chair of the Young Lawyer’s Committee of the Morris County Bar Association.

A graduate of the Boston College Law School, Tommy holds a Bachelor of Arts from the Johns Hopkins University. Tommy and his family reside in Chatham, New Jersey.

HONOREE

RAJ MUKHERJI

Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, a fifth-term legislator in New Jersey, has made significant strides in his political career. Serving as the Deputy Speaker of the General Assembly and previously as the Majority Whip, he made history as the first Indian-Bengali state legislator in the U.S. and the second South Asian American elected in New Jersey. Currently vying for a seat in the 32nd Legislative District of the NJ Senate, Mukherji chairs the Judiciary Committee and is Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee. His dedication to democracy, human rights, and marginalized communities is evident.

Before his political journey, Mukherji was a healthcare and tech entrepreneur, Deputy Mayor of Jersey City, and local prosecutor. His patriotism led him to enlist in the U.S. Marines as a reservist post the 9/11 attacks, serving in military intelligence. As an entrepreneur, he achieved over half a billion dollars in enterprise value, creating numerous jobs.

In the Legislature, Mukherji has championed laws on economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, women’s rights, environmental protection, veterans’ welfare, and civil liberties. He believes in housing and healthcare as basic human rights and has volunteered for 15 years with the Jersey City Housing Authority. His academic contributions include teaching Constitutional Law at New Jersey City University and Seton Hall Law School.

His accolades are numerous. From being named the Assembly’s “Humane Legislator of the Year” in 2014 by the Humane Society to receiving awards from the NJ Pharmacists Association, NJ Psychological Association, NAACP, and more. His commitment to environmental protection earned him multiple awards, including being a two-time recipient of the Legislative Leadership Award from NY/ NJ Baykeeper.

Mukherji’s personal journey is equally inspiring. As the son of immigrants, he supported himself through education when his family returned to India due to financial constraints. His father’s health challenges shaped his views on healthcare access. A prodigious entrepreneur, Mukherji founded a tech company in middle school, later selling it to enlist in the Marines post 9/11. Despite leaving high school early, he pursued higher education, earning multiple degrees. Currently, he’s pursuing a Master of Public Policy at Princeton University. Additionally, he’s a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has Broadway credits.

Anna Mercado Clark, Esq., CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, FIP is a partner at Phillips Lytle LLP, a full service law firm in the U.S. and Canada. She is co-leader of Phillips Lytle’s Technology Industry Team, which includes serving as leader of the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Team and e-Discovery Team, as well as co-leader of the Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Team. Additionally, Anna focuses her practice in the areas of business and commercial litigation and, as a former assistant district attorney, handles white collar criminal matters and investigations. She counsels sophisticated clients on technology solutions, risk mitigation, data protection and compliance strategies given the constantly evolving regulatory landscape. She regularly speaks at national and international conferences as a subject matter expert on these issues. Anna is also an adjunct professor of law at Fordham University School of Law, teaching a course on data security and privacy (which she developed), as well as fundamental lawyering skills.

Anna is a member of Phillips Lytle’s Governing Committee (the executive committee for the firm), and its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Steering Committee. She also spearheads the firm’s award-winning diversity pipeline program titled, “Peace Out!” which focuses on 6th to 8th grade students who are often underprivileged and underserved. Anna designed the innovative program and the exercises used, trains volunteers (attorneys in and outside of Phillips Lytle), and recruits and liaises with schools, teachers and students to administer the program. She also promotes partnerships between the firm, minority bar associations and law school organizations, which included hosting and organizing trial reenactments of significant cases that had broad racial and equity implications, a human trafficking panel dis-

HONOREE

ANNA MERCADO CLARK

cussion and innovative mentorship programs. She is a founding member of the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York (FALA NY), for which she was the inaugural Vice President. Anna is also on the board of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) where she serves as Development Director and is the President-Elect of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), an organization with 90 affiliates around the country and serves the interests of 60,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) legal professionals.

This year, Anna received the Huntington Her Hero Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York City Bar Association and the Fordham University School of Law Moot Court Distinguished Alumni Award. She was also recognized in Crain’s New York Business Notable Women in Law 2022 publication. Additionally, she was named to City & State’s Responsible 100, Above & Beyond Innovators and Power of Diversity: Asian 100 lists, Lawyers of Color’s inaugural Nation’s Best List, and is a recipient of the Hon. Denny Chin ‘78 Alumni Award for Excellence in the Legal Profession from the Fordham University School of Law Asian Pacific American Law Student Association. Anna was a finalist and won Best Brief and Best Team at the 2003 and 2004 regional competitions of NAPABA Law Foundation’s Thomas Tang National Moot Court Competition, as well as Best Oral Advocate in the 2003 regional and 2004 national competitions, and was a semifinalist in the 2003 national competition. She also won Best Brief and Best Team at the 2004 Cardozo/BMI Entertainment Law Moot Court Competition. Anna was the recipient of the Fordham Law School Archibald R. Murray Student Award for Excellence in Public Service, cum laude. This award is given to law students who have devoted

250 - 499 hours to pro bono and/or community service work during their years as Fordham law students. She is also a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and was named a Ponemon Institute Distinguished Fellow.

She has been appointed to three leadership positions on the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Science and Technology Law Section, including vice chair for the Cloud Computing Committee, co-chair of the Privacy and Computer Crime Committee and vice chair of the Membership and Diversity Committee.

Anna obtained her B.A. in Biology from Rutgers University and J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. She has been awarded the following ANAB-accredited credentials by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP): Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E); Certified Information Privacy Professional for the U.S. Private Sector (CIPP/US); and Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM). CIPP/E and CIPP/US are preeminent certifications for advanced concentration in European data protection laws and U.S. private-sector laws, standards and practices, respectively. The CIPM certification recognizes Anna’s ability to design, build and operate data privacy management programs that are compliant with privacy laws and regulations. Anna has also been designated as a Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP). The FIP designation signifies that she has demonstrated her comprehensive knowledge of privacy laws, privacy program management and essential data protection practices with significant data security and privacy experience in these areas. Anna is among a select group of individuals around the world who have received this designation.

HONOREE

IRENE CHIU

IRENE CHIU is the Senior VP, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at MicroPort Orthopedics, a subsidiary of MicroPort Scientific (0854 HK Stock). She has an exceptional track record in the legal field spanning over 23 years.

Irene is responsible for all legal and compliance matters globally. Prior to joining MicroPort, Ms. Chiu held multiple C-suite level positions, including VP, General Counsel at GCA Therapeutics, a specialty pharmaceutical company; Managing Director, General Counsel at NAL Pharmaceuticals Ltd., an international drug development company; and Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel at Systagenix Wound Management (a divestiture of J&J, and later as part of Acelity/3M), a global advanced wound care company. Previously, she was an experienced international corporate attorney (with finance / accounting background) in private practice with international law firms Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and Hodgson Russ LLP. She was also associated with the Economic Crimes Divisions at the US Attorney’s Office, DC (intern) and the Hong Kong legislator (extern).

Irene is licensed attorney in NJ and NY, and a qualified solicitor in the UK. She holds a Juris Doctor degree (with Honors) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude) from State University of NY at Buffalo, a Certificate in Financial Management from Cornell University, and a Certificate of Healthcare Compliance from Seton Hall Law School. Irene is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) and posseses knowledge

of Japanese.

Irene is active in the community and currently serves on the board of trustees for the Princeton Charter School and the board of the Asian Pacific American Law Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ). She is an activist for DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and women’s rights and is a member of the Asian American Bar Association of NY, NJ Women Lawyers Association, Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association (SAPA), and National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. She currently resides in Princeton with her husband and two daughters.

Honor and Awards

Top 25 Healthcare Technology Leaders of NY, Healthcare Technology Report, June 2023

Leader In Law Honoree, NJBIZ (New Jersey’s leading business journal), May 2022

Most Powerful & Influential Woman Award, National Diversity Council, August 2015

Emerging Leader Award, Asian American Bar Association of NY, February 2011

Distinguished Alumni Award, State University of NY at Buffalo - School of Law, April 2006

President’s Award, Minority Bar Association of Western New York, October 2004

Faculty Award, State University of NY at BuffaloLaw School, May 2000

UB Law Alumni Association GOLD Group Award, UB Law Alumni Association, May 2000

“APALA-NJ’s Gala Committee, Board of Directors, and Membership thanks all sponsors, advertisers, supporters, and attendees for joining us at our 24th Annual Gala, and making this event truly memorable. Here’s to you all - cheers!”

GORDON M. JOHNSON

SENATOR, 37TH DISTRICT

SHAMA A. HAIDER

ASSEMBLYWOMAN, 37TH DISTRICT

ELLEN

J. PARK

NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE

96 ENGLE STREET

ENGLEWOOD, NJ 07631

PHONE: (201) 308-7062

A

SSEMBLYWOMAN, 37TH DISTRICT

September 28, 2023

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 232

372 Green Village Road

Green Village, NJ 07935

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to extend our best wishes to everyone gathered for the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ)’s Annual Gala!

APALA-NJ embodies the spirit of the State of New Jersey. As members, you have made APALA-NJ unique, creating the sole Pan-Asian bar association serving Asian and Pacific American attorneys in our state. APALA-NJ provides a network of peer support and a foundation for one of the fastest growing minority groups in New Jersey.

The goal of APALA-NJ is to empower Asian and Pacific Americans in the legal profession through support, education, and networking opportunities. While there are more Pan -Asians in law than ever before, serving as private attorneys, public defenders, prosecutors, and judges throughout the legal sphere, as proven by our colleagues collected here for tonight’s celebration and by those who could not attend but are members of APALA-NJ; there can always be more. That is truly what makes APALA-NJ special, the organization is not satisfied with the status quo, instead they expand, growing in terms of membership, leadership, and mentorship.

We join you in celebrating all the honorees tonight, all of whom have impressive resumes in and outside the legal profession, and all well-deserving of their respective awards.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Francis Yook, President of APALA-NJ and the APALA-NJ Executive Board for their tireless hard work and dedication, not just in putting tonight together, but for all they do throughout the year.

Thank you for all the outstanding work you do and the roles you play. We salute you on this special day and wish you all the best!

Sincerely,

Gordon M. Johnson

Shama A. Haider

Ellen J. Park Senator, District 37 Assemblywoman, District 37 Assemblywoman, District 37

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

VIN GOPAL Senator, 11th District Majority Conference Leader

September 19, 2023

President Francis W Yook

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey

Dear President Yook:

It is my distinct honor to congratulate all of the award winners being recognized during the 24th Annual Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey Gala, and to thank APALA-NJ and all of the award winners for their contributions to the APA community.

Congratulations to Raj Mukherji- Trailblazer Award

Anna Mercado Clark- Professional Achievement Award

Irene Chiu- Corporate Leadership Award

Ellen Park- Outstanding Public Service Award

Jason Ye- Rising Star Award

Tommy Shi- Attorney of the Year Award

Please extend my compliments to the award winners for all they do to promote diversity and to support the entrance and advancement of Asian Pacific Americans into and within the legal profession in New Jersey, and my best wishes for success in their future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Vin Gopal Senator, 11th District

FRANK PALLONE, JR

September 8, 2023

APALA-NJ

372 Green Village Road Green Village, NJ 07935

Dear Friends:

It is with great pleasure that I write today to celebrate the 24th Annual Gala of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey. I would also like to join you in congratulating this year’s honorees, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Assemblywoman Ellen Park, Anna Mercado Clark, Irene Chiu, Jason Ye, and Tommy Shi.

I commend the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALANJ) for its continued efforts to advocate for and recognize Asian Pacific Americans in the legal profession and greater community. Representing the common interests of Asian Pacific Americans, you serve as a leading voice on issues and priorities to the community and your support helps ensure valuable and equal opportunities for Asian Pacific Americans. As a fellow attorney, I applaud APALA-NJ for its dedication to advancing Asian Pacific Americans in the legal field and fostering growth and awareness of the greater Asian Pacific American community.

Once again, please accept my congratulations to each of the honorees and my best wishes for an enjoyable gala. I look forward to hearing of your future successes.

Sincerely,

FRANK PALLONE, JR. Member of Congress

ASSEMBLYWOMAN SADAF F. JAFFER

16TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

HUNTERDON MERCER MIDDLESEX SOMERSET COUNTIES

September 11, 2023

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, Inc.

P.O. Box 232

372 Green Village Road

Green Village, NJ 07935

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, Inc. (APALA-NJ),

I write to congratulate you on APALA-NJ’s 24th Annual Gala and commend your dedication to the advancement of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation both within the legal profession and beyond. This esteemed event brings together a diverse powerhouse group of legal professionals, attorneys, judges, professors, and other supporters of APALA-NJ’s mission.

I join you in celebrating this year ’s theme, “Advancing Asian Representation: Everything Everywhere All Achievers,” and commend each of this year ’s Honorees for their invaluable contributions toward AAPI representation in various arenas of power, culture, and influence.

APALA-NJ's commitment to combating the underrepresentation of AAPI professionals is necessary for fostering a stronger and more inclusive legal industry As a member of the New Jersey AAPI Legislative Caucus, I congratulate you on this momentous occasion and look forward to witnessing the continued growth of APALA-NJ’s impact in the years ahead.

Sincerely,

ASSEMBLYWOMAN SADAF F. JAFFER

112 Commons Way

Princeton, NJ 08540

(609) 423-2564

AswJaffer@njleg.org

September 13, 2023

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 232 372 Green Village Road Green Village, New Jersey 07935

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Burlington County Board of Commissioners, I’d like to send my congratulations and thanks to the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association for all you do to promote diversity, equality and the advancement of Asian and Pacific Americans in the legal profession, judiciary and government.

Since your establishment in 1985, APALA-NJ has helped educate and advocate for our growing community and raise awareness about critical issues of concern to Asian and Pacific Americans. Your work has helped advance the careers of thousands of APA residents in New Jersey and promoted a positive image of Asian Americans.

Our Board would also like to congratulate this year’s honorees Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Assemblywoman Ellen Park, Anna Mercado Clark, Irene Chiu, Jason Ye, and Tommy Shi.

While I cannot be with you tonight, please accept my warmest wishes for an exceptional 24th Annual Gala and continued success in the years to come.

My very best,

Balvir Singh Burlington County Commissioner

Dear APALA-NJ:

On behalf of Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ) on your 24th Annual Gala. This milestone event is a testament to your unwavering dedication to the Asian and Asian Pacific American legal community in New Jersey.

APALA-NJ's commitment to empowering Asian and Pacific Americans in the legal profession is both commendable and deeply resonant. Through your efforts, many Asian and Pacific Americans have been supported in their entrance and advancement within the legal realm. This guiding light ensures that the path is smoother for those who aspire to carve out their niche in the legal profession.

Furthermore, your endeavors to educate both your members and the broader community have been invaluable. By addressing issues of critical concern to the local community and consistently promoting a positive image, APALA-NJ has played a pivotal role in enriching our collective understanding and fostering inclusivity.

One of the standout aspects of APALA-NJ's mission is the provision of networking opportunities. This initiative has forged strong bonds among members of the Asian and Pacific American legal community, ensuring they have a robust support system to lean on. Collaborative spirit, mentorship, and mutual growth are the fruits of such endeavors.

Having attorneys who are members of APALA-NJ over the years, our firm has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of your work. As the founder of a firm with a majority of lawyers who are of Asian descent, I am especially appreciative of APALA-NJ’s efforts. It has been our honor to walk side by side with APALA-NJ, championing the empowerment of Asian and Pacific Americans in our profession. We look forward to deepening our partnership and championing the causes that lie at the heart of APALANJ's mission.

Wishing you a successful and memorable 24th Annual Gala!

Warm regards,

Managing and Founding Partner Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP

Borough of Fort Lee

Mayor MARK J. SOKOLICH

Borough Administrator

ALFRED R. RESTAINO

Borough Clerk

EVELYN ROSARIO, RMC, CMC

Administrative Offices

Councilman Peter J. Suh

309 Main Street

Fort Lee, New Jersey 07024-4799 (201) 592-3500, Ext. 1003

Fax (201) 592-1657

Council

JOSEPH L. CERVIERI, JR.

BRYAN DRUMGOOLE

ILA KASOFSKY

HARVEY SOHMER

PETER J. SUH

PAUL K. YOON

September 15, 2023

It is my honor and privilege to congratulate Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, Inc (APALA-NJ), on all their success over the years.

It is wonderful having an organization like APALA-Nj which supports the entrance and advancement of Advancement of Asian Americans into and within the legal profession. They educate members and the community about issues of critical importance to us Asian Americans and provide opportunities for members to network.

I want to personally thank each and every member of this great organization for their dedication and hard work to their endeavors, and congratulate them on their successful 24th Annual Gala. I wish them continued success in all their efforts.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Suh Councilman, Borough of Fort Lee, NJ

GALA COMMITTEE 2023-2024

Francis W. Yook – Co-Chair

Nick Pradaxay – Co-Chair

Punam Alam

Janice Arellano

David Han

Lena Kim

Raymond Kim

Vince Roldan

Brian Yarzab

Allan Zhang

Past Presidents & Founding Board Members

1985-1986 Hon. Sue Pai Yang, J.W.C. (Retired)

1986-1987 Hon. Patricia Medina Talbert, J.S.C. (2000-2007)

1987-1988 Hon. Sue Pai Yang, J.W.C. (Retired)

1993-1994 Linda Wong

1996-1997 Hon. Patricia Medina Talbert, J.S.C. (2000-2007)

1997-1998 Donna Chin

1998-1999 Tommy Shi

1999-2000 Calvin Wong

2000-2001 Amrita Master Dalal

2001-2002 Alexander Lee

2002-2003 Lora Fong

2003-2003 Jae Im

2003-2005 Vimal Shah

2005-2006 Hon. Theresa Yang, J.W.C.

2006-2007 Eugene Huang

2007-2008 Michael Angulo

2008-2009 Sudha Kantor

2009-2010 David Kwon

2010-2011 Aney Chandy

2011-2012 Sapana Shah

2012-2013 Paul Yoon

2013-2014 Florelee Wan

2014-2015 Jhanice V. Domingo

2015-2016 Theodore K. Cheng

2016-2017 Eric G. Fikry

2017-2018 Christine Kim Neeman

2018-2019 Jack Chan

2019-2020 Andrew Sarrol

2020-2021 Jenny Chung

2021-2022 Qing H. Guo

2022-2023 Punam P. Alam

Lifetime Members

Afsha Ajmiri Giner

Mark Ali

Rachita Bhatt

Supti Bhattacharya

Jack Chan

Kyle Chan

Kashif Chand

Tariq Chaudhri

Theodore Cheng

Denley Chew

Ehsan Chowdhry

Jhanice Domingo

Lora Fong

Qing Guo

Sooyoung Jeon

Kevin Lau

Raj Mukherji

Christine Neeman

Gary Pasricha

Parag Patel

Priya Ramrup

Asaad Siddiqi

Kin-Wah Tong

Florelee Wan

Danielle Wolf

Sue Yang

Brian Yarzab

Jason Ye

Francis W. Yook

Paul Yoon

Amanda Yu

Allan C. Zhang

Founding Members: Hon. Sue Pai Yang, Hon. Patricia Talbert, Father John Chang, Sylvia Chin

Congratulations to APALA-NJ President, Francis W. Yook Esq., the APALA-NJ Board of Directors, and all Honorees and Award Recipients! We are proud to support APALA-NJ’s 24th Annual Gala and it is our pleasure to host this very special gathering and occasion.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2023-2024

Francis W. Yook President

Allan C. Zhang President-Elect

Sudha V. Raja Treasurer

Brian J. Yarzab Secretary

Lena K. Kim Vice President of Communications

Doris Cheung

Vice President of Membership

Arupa Barua – Director

Rasmeet Chahil – Director

Irene Chiu – Director

Irene Hsieh – Director

Amos Kim – Director

Nick Pradaxay – Director

Vincent J. Roldan – Director

Neethi Vasudevan – Director

Amanda M. Yu - Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2022-2023

Punam P. Alam President

Francis W. Yook President-Elect

Sudha V. Raja Treasurer

Irene Hsieh Secretary

Janice Arellano

Vice President of Communications

Allan Zhang

Vice President of Membership

Arupa Barua – Director

Bo Han – Director

Lena Kim – Director

Arooj Siraj – Director

Ashwath Trasi – Director

PRESIDENT FRANCIS W. YOOK

Francis W. Yook is an associate at Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP where he focuses his practice on commercial and business disputes, product liability, mass tort and multi-district litigation, and other federal and bankruptcy matters. He clerked for Judge Edward Kiel in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, and Judge Lisa Firko in the New Jersey Superior Court, Bergen Vicinage. Before joining Walsh, he was an associate at a large regional law firm.

Francis presently serves as the President of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey for the 2023-2024 term, and is a member of the Association’s Gala Committee, Golf Committee, and Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee. He is also an associate of the Justice Morris Pashman American Inn of Court, and Co-Chair of the Diversity In the Profession Committee for the Bergen County Bar Association. Francis previously served on the Fort Lee Zoning Board of Adjustment and as attorney for the Palisades Park Planning Board. Francis obtained his law degree from Brooklyn Law School and his English degree from Boston University.

PRESIDENT Elect ALLAN ZHANG

Allan Zhang is an attorney with McKirdy, Riskin, Olson & DellaPelle, P.C. His practice is focused on protecting property owner’s rights in eminent domain, redevelopment and property tax appeal matters. He has been selected by his peers as a “Rising Star” since 2020 in the field of Eminent Domain Law as published in New Jersey Super Lawyers Directory. Prior to joining the firm, he served as law clerk to the Honorable Charles W. Dortch Jr., Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, Family Part, in Camden, New Jersey.

Mr. Zhang received his B.S. and M.S.W. from New York University. He received his J.D. from Rutgers Law School where he served as a staff editor on the Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion, student director of the Planning Estates Pro Bono Project for two years, and student director of the Domestic Violence Project. Mr. Zhang was awarded the prestigious Mary Philbrook Public Interest Award for public service and received the Dean’s Pro Bono Publico Award for Exceptional Service to the Community and Dean’s Award for Service to Rutgers Law School.

Allan is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York and the United States District Court of New Jersey.

VP OF MEMBERSHIP DORIS CHEUNG

Doris Cheung is Counsel with Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C., and practices in the Litigation and Appellate Advocacy group, with a focus on complex commercial litigation in both state and federal courts. She is a member of APALA-NJ’s Golf Committee.

Doris graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Rutgers University-Newark School of Law with a Juris Doctor. Following a clerkship with the Hon. Kathryn Brock of Union County, Doris practiced at Pringle Quinn Anzano P.C., where she litigated lawsuits against medical mills and personal injury attorneys, and at Norris McLaughlin P.A., where she practiced general commercial litigation with a focus on business divorces and contract disputes.

VP OF COMMUNICATIONS LENA K. KIM

Lena K. Kim is an Associate with Jackson Lewis, P.C. Her practice focuses on employment litigation as well as providing advice and counseling to employers.

Lena’s experience includes representing and counseling school boards and other public entities on matters related to governance, labor and employment, and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. Her litigation experience includes defending clients in professional liability, products liability, and general liability matters. Lena served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lourdes I. Santiago, J.S.C. (Ret.), in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Hudson Vicinage, where she handled matters in the Family Division, primarily focusing on the Children in Court docket. Lena also regularly served as a court-appointed mediator for matrimonial and non-dissolution matters.

Lena received her Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in Newark, NJ. While in law school, Lena was an Associate Managing Editor of the Rutgers University Law Review and a Member of the Moot Court Board. Lena served as a clinical law student in the Rutgers Immigrant Rights Clinic and as a research and writing assistant in drafting an amicus brief on behalf of over 100 immigration law professors nationwide. Lena was also a teaching fellow for the Minority Student Program and completed a judicial internship for the Honorable Jose L. Linares, U.S.D.J. (Ret.), United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Lena received her Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University.

SECRETARY BRIAN J. YARZAB

Brian J. Yarzab is a corporate and commercial real estate lawyer at Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C. and the secretary (and a lifetime member) of APALA-NJ. He first joined APALA-NJ in 2013 and has since remained involved in the local APA communities of New Jersey and Greater New York.

In his legal practice, Brian represents corporations, partnerships, and other business associations and serves as legal and strategic advisor to those who govern and manage them. Brian helps clients navigate both the boardroom and the courtroom when it comes to commercial and real estate transactions and disputes. He also provides counsel and representation to applicants in zoning and land use matters before municipal and regional boards, where he works closely with architects, engineers, and planners to secure governmental approvals and permits for commercial, industrial, and residential developments.

Brian received his undergraduate degree from The College of New Jersey, where he studied finance; and his law degree from Rutgers School of Law, where he served on the editorial board of the Women’s Rights Law Reporter. Brian was born in South Korea but has lived the entirety of his life in New Jersey. For the record, he calls Taylor ham “Taylor ham” and recognizes the existence of Central Jersey.

TREASURER SUDHA V. RAJA

Ms. Raja currently serves as the Chief of Staff in the Division of Law, Department of Law and Public Safety, State of NJ (DOL) managing the administrative, operational, budgetary, and personnel activities in the DOL. After graduating from Temple University Beasley School of Law Sudha joined the DOL in 2001 as a Deputy Attorney General in the former Treasury Section, and thereafter served in the Transportation, Construction, and Condemnation Section (TCC) starting in 2005. During her years of service to date—in excess of two decades—Sudha has also served as Assistant Section Chief of TCC, and, most recently, as Deputy Chief of Staff. Sudha has handled complex construction litigation and agency advice representing various State agencies and has received the Attorney General’s award for excellence in litigation. In addition to the DOL, Sudha has served for 4 years as a member of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, District Ethics Committee, District VII and as the Chair of the Asian Employee Resource Group actively mentoring new attorneys at DOL.

Sudha first became a member of the APALA-NJ in 2011 and has been an active member since 2017. Believing in the goals of the APALA-NJ, served as one of the Board of Directors for a couple of years and as Treasurer since 2021.

Ms. Arupa Barua currently serves as the Ethics Liaison Officer for the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). In this position, she is responsible for administering NJDOT’s ethics program and ensuring that employees are in compliance with State ethics codes, laws, regulations, and executive orders.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Barua was the Motor Vehicle Commission’s (MVC) Equal Employment Opportunity Officer and Title VI Coordinator. In this role, she was responsible for MVC’s compliance with all applicable State and Federal anti-discrimination laws, which include, but are not limited to, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In furthering this goal, Ms. Barua successfully implemented a number of procedures and policies that assisted in eliminating barriers for employees and members of public.

Ms. Barua also worked as a Deputy Attorney General (DAG) for the State of New Jersey’s Office of the Attorney General for several years. As a DAG, she was assigned to the Employment Counseling and Labor section, where she represented and advised State agencies on an array of employment and labor matters, including but not limited to, employment discrimination claims, unfair labor practices, prevailing wage compliance, employee discipline appeals, and unemployment insurance appeals.

Besides her involvement with APALA-NJ, Ms. Barua is also a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Committee on Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement.

Ms. Barua received her B.A. from Michigan State University’s James Madison College of Public Affairs, majoring in International Relations with a minor in International Development, Muslim Studies, and Asian Studies. Thereafter, she received her Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law in Camden.

Ms. Barua is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. She was born in Bangladesh and immigrated to the United States when she was six years old. Ms. Barua currently resides in Voorhees, New Jersey, with her husband and two young children.

DIRECTOR ARUPA BARUA AB

DIRECTOR RASMEET CHAHIL

Rasmeet is an associate at Lowenstein Sandler. She represents clients in high-stakes commercial litigation, as well as internal investigations and white collar criminal defense matters. Rasmeet also has significant experience litigating all phases of bankruptcy matters, including the investigation of potential claims and causes of action through Rule 2004 examinations and the commencement of adversary proceedings on behalf of liquidating trusts.

Strongly committed to pro bono work, Rasmeet has obtained asylum for a father/son pair separated at the border; and secured multiple final restraining orders for domestic violence victims through the firm’s partnerships with Kids in Need of Defense and Partners for Women and Justice. She has also successfully argued an appeal of a final restraining order before the New Jersey Appellate Division.

Rasmeet obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School.

DIRECTOR

IRENE HSIEH

Irene Hsieh is a partner in the Employment Law and Litigation Departments at Greenbaum, Rowe, Smith & Davis LLP, where she is a member of the Higher Education Practice Group and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Leadership Team. Based in the firm’s Woodbridge office, Ms. Hsieh concentrates her practice in commercial litigation with experience encompassing employment discrimination and retaliation actions, including the representation of both plaintiffs and defendants in employment-related matters. She represents clients in commercial business disputes and has also handled litigation in the areas of construction law and trusts and estates. Ms. Hsieh is a member of the Association of the Federal Bar of NJ, the NJ Supreme Court District Ethics Committee for District VIII (Middlesex County) and was appointed to the NJ Supreme Court Special Civil Part Practice Committee as designee of the APALA-NJ. Ms. Hsieh received her J.D. from Columbia Law School and earned her B.A. summa cum laude from Rutgers University. She is admitted to practice in NJ and NY.

Amos Kim is a commercial litigation associate specializing in bankruptcy matters at the New York office of BakerHostetler. He is currently a member of the BakerHostetler team entrusted with the task of serving as court-appointed counsel to the trustee for the SIPA liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC.

Prior to joining BakerHostetler, Amos served as a judicial law clerk at the Eastern District of New York allowing him to develop an understanding of the federal court system. Before his federal clerkship, Amos served as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of New York where he gained invaluable litigation experience in the public sector. While serving the City of New York, Amos defended City employees such as public school teachers and police officers. He embarked on this position after graduating from Brooklyn Law School, where he was a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Honor Society and Recipient of the Public Interest Public Service Fellowship.

Beyond the legal profession, Amos was never a stranger to public service. After graduating from Cliffside Park High School in New Jersey, he served as a nuclear machinist mate onboard submarines for the U.S. Navy from 2000-2008 where he developed a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie. He attributes his desire for inclusion and diversity to his military career, and seeks to bring the same culture of support to APALA-NJ. After his military career and prior to his legal education, Amos worked for General Electric as a technical advisor and JP Morgan as a Private Client Banker.

DIRECTOR AMOS KIM AK

DIRECTOR

NICK PRADAXAY

Nick is an Associate Attorney at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC in the firm’s Litigation section. Nick's practice includes general commercial litigation and complex commercial litigation. Prior to joining Buchanan, Nick worked at an international firm based in London where he specialized in litigating complex commercial insurance coverage matters in both state and federal courts. Nick also previously served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Hany A. Mawla, J.A.D. of the New Jersey Appellate Division.

Nick received his J.D. from Rutgers Law School, where he served as the Business Editor for the Rutgers University Law Review, chairman of the Hunter Moot Court program, a legal writing teaching fellow, and a member of the intramural mock trial team. He also externed for the Honorable Tonianne J. Bongivoanni, U.S.M.J of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the Honorable George S. Leone, J.A.D. (ret.) of the New Jersey Appellate Division. Nick also served as the first teaching assistant for the inaugural Minority Student Program at Rutgers Law School's Camden campus and was president of the Asian/Pacific-American Law Student Association for two years.

Outside of work Nick likes staying active by competing in recreational sports leagues and golfing with his friends. He is also an avid sports fan and roots for all things related to the Florida Gators and Detroit sports.

DIRECTOR

VINCENT J. ROLDAN

Vincent J. Roldan is a Partner at Mandelbaum Barrett PC in the Banking and Financial Services practice groups. He has represented parties in interest in various aspects of bankruptcy proceedings and out of court workouts across the U.S. He also represents clients in non-bankruptcy litigation in state and federal courts on various tort, contract, intellectual property and collection matters. He is a frequent speaker and published writer with respect to restructuring, commercial bankruptcy and distressed investing.

Mr. Roldan served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lewis M. Killian, Jr., United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Florida. Mr. Roldan received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.

Mr. Roldan currently serves on the boards of three organizations: National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, and Secured Finance Network. He is also a past president of the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York; a founding member of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association; and a member of the Asian American Bar Association of New York, for whom he founded the Bankruptcy and Restructuring committee.

DIRECTOR

NEETHI VASUDEVAN NV

Neethi Vasudevan is an attorney with Ulrichsen Rosen & Freed LLC. Neethi’s practice is focused solely on family law and she has experience with a range of issues including, enforcement of prior court orders, calculating and modifying child support, custody and parenting time disputes, as well as other family law related issues. Neethi is an active member of the Women’s Divorce Alliance. She also serves as co-chair on the Family Law Committee of the Mercer County Bar Association. Prior to joining Ulrichsen Rosen & Freed LLC, Neethi was the law clerk to the former Presiding Judge of the Mercer County Family Part, the Honorable Catherine Fitzpatrick, J.S.C. (ret.), where she primarily handled cases under the matrimonial docket.

Neethi received her B.A. from The College of New Jersey and received her J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law. While she was in law school, Neethi interned for the Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center, a non-profit organization that provides legal services to low-income Asian Americans and immigrants. She also served as a student attorney in the American University Washington College of Law’s International Human Rights Law Clinic. During her final year in law school, Neethi was recognized for completing the American University Washington College of Law’s Pro Bono Honors Pledge in the category of Exceptional Pro Bono Service. Neethi is admitted to practice in the State of New Jersey.

DIRECTOR AMANDA M. YU

Amanda M. Yu, Esq. is a Partner at O’Cathain Law Group, LLC, in Hackensack, New Jersey, where she practices exclusively family and matrimonial law. Amanda is admitted to practice in New Jersey, the District of New Jersey, and New York. She is a proud lifetime member of APALA-NJ and presently serves as a member of the Board of Directors.

Amanda received her B.A. from Rutgers University and her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law. She served as a law clerk to the Honorable Linda E. Mallozzi, J.S.C., Union County Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part. Amanda is an active member of the New Jersey State Bar Association (Family Law Section and Young Lawyers Division) and the Bergen County Bar Association (Monthly Dinner Meetings, Diversity in the Profession, Family Law, and Membership Committees). Amanda also serves on the Family Law Executive Committee, and is an Acting Associate Managing Editor of the New Jersey Family Lawyer.

In addition to her involvement in the State and local Bar Associations in New Jersey, Amanda is deeply involved as an alumna of Fordham Law. She serves on the Executive Committee and as Chair of the New Attorneys Division of the Fordham Law Alumni Attorneys of Color (“AAC”) affinity group. Amanda is also one of the two Co-Chairs of the Recent Graduate Committee.

Amanda is proud to have been selected by a vote of her peers as one of Bergen County’s Top Lawyers for 2022 and featured in Bergen Magazine. She has also most recently been included in the Super Lawyers 2023 New Jersey Rising Star list by Thomson Reuters.

DIRECTOR

IRENE CHIU

IRENE CHIU is the Senior VP, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer at MicroPort Orthopedics, a subsidiary of MicroPort Scientific (0854 HK Stock). She has an exceptional track record in the legal field spanning over 23 years.

Irene is responsible for all legal and compliance matters globally. Prior to joining MicroPort, Ms. Chiu held multiple C-suite level positions, including VP, General Counsel at GCA Therapeutics, a specialty pharmaceutical company; Managing Director, General Counsel at NAL Pharmaceuticals Ltd., an international drug development company; and Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel at Systagenix Wound Management (a divestiture of J&J, and later as part of Acelity/3M), a global advanced wound care company. Previously, she was an experienced international corporate attorney (with finance / accounting background) in private practice with international law firms Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and Hodgson Russ LLP. She was also associated with the Economic Crimes Divisions at the US Attorney’s Office, DC (intern) and the Hong Kong legislator (extern).

Irene is licensed attorney in NJ and NY, and a qualified solicitor in the UK. She holds a Juris Doctor degree (with Honors) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Magna Cum Laude) from State University of NY at Buffalo, a Certificate in Financial Management from Cornell University, and a Certificate of Healthcare Compliance from Seton Hall Law School. Irene is fluent in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) and posseses knowledge of Japanese.

Irene is active in the community and currently serves on the board of trustees for the Princeton Charter School and the board of the Asian Pacific American Law Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ). She is an activist for DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and women’s rights and is a member of the Asian American Bar Association of NY, NJ Women Lawyers Association, Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association (SAPA), and National Asian Pacific American Bar Association. She currently resides in Princeton with her husband and two daughters.

Honor and Awards

Top 25 Healthcare Technology Leaders of NY, Healthcare Technology Report, June 2023

Leader In Law Honoree, NJBIZ (New Jersey’s leading business journal), May 2022

Most Powerful & Influential Woman Award, National Diversity Council, August 2015

Emerging Leader Award, Asian American Bar Association of NY, February 2011

Distinguished Alumni Award, State University of NY at Buffalo - School of Law, April 2006

President’s Award, Minority Bar Association of Western New York, October 2004

Faculty Award, State University of NY at BuffaloLaw School, May 2000

UB Law Alumni Association GOLD Group Award, UB Law Alumni Association, May 2000

PUNAM ALAM

Punam Alam works as Assistant General Counsel at Educational Testing Service (ETS) with a focus on employment law. At ETS, Punam serves as a co-executive sponsor of ABLE, a business resource group dedicated to building and promoting a supportive and affirming community that leads ETS’s commitment to equality and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

Prior to joining ETS, Punam worked within Nukk-Freeman & Cerra, P.C.’s litigation group, with a focus on management defense in employment law. Prior to joining NFC, Punam served as Deputy Attorney General in the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Employment Litigation group handling a full caseload of complex employment litigation matters filed against state departments and agencies.

Prior to assuming the role of President during the 2022-23 term Punam was involved in the organization for several years in different and expanding roles including Board of Director, Treasurer and President-Elect. Punam remains involved in APALA-NJ as Chair of the Women’s Initiatives Committee, a committee created during her presidency and serves on the Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee (JPAC), In-House Counsel Committee and Gala Committee. Punam is also a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Committee and Diversity Committee. Punam serves on the Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Law.

In 2022, Punam was selected as a fellow in the highly competitive Leadership Academy Program (LAP) lead by NAPABA. Punam has also served as a panelist and moderator related to various employment law and diversity issues. Punam graduated cum laude from Seton Hall University School of Law. While at Seton Hall, Punam served as Vice President of APALSA and was an active member of several organizations, including the Women’s Law Forum. When not working or attending to her numerous commitments, Punam enjoys spending time with her family, including her two children, Aayan and Aaleyah.

GALA COMMITTEE

JANICE ARELLANO

Janice V. Arellano is Counsel at Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs, LLC’s Matawan office. She represents private and public entities in employment and labor counseling and litigation, workplace investigations, and education/school law. She also represents various school districts as general counsel on a wide range of matters. Her experience includes all aspects of litigation, including development of case strategy, drafting discovery, as well as taking and defending depositions. Additionally, Janice serves as court-appointed counsel in guardianship matters throughout Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

In addition to her practice, Janice serves on the APALA-NJ JPAC Committee, New Jersey Advisory Council to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and NJSBA Diversity Committee. She was recently elected to the Fellowship of the American Bar Foundation. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a B.A., cum laude, in Philosophy. She received her M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania and law degree from Temple University – James E. Beasley School of Law. Prior to law school, she was a CHCI Public Policy Fellow in Washington, DC and teacher in Philadelphia Public Schools for three years. Most significantly, Janice enjoys being a mother and spending time with her son, Austin Emilio.

David Han counsels and represents businesses in a range of employment-related and traditional labor matters, including many involving the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act and the National Labor Relations Act. David joined Fisher Phillips after practicing as an associate attorney in the Labor and Employment Group of a large regional law firm, where he represented public and private employers in matters before the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Committee and the NLRB. David assisted clients with unfair labor practice charges, unit clarification petitions, and collective bargaining negotiations. He also has experience drafting appellate briefs and employee handbooks, handling issues relating to discrimination, equal pay, the Family Medical Leave Act, and New York State and City Human Rights Laws.

DAVID HAN GALA COMMITTEE

While in law school, David served as a judicial intern for the Honorable Linda Lordi Cavanaugh, J.S.C., in the Family Division of the New Jersey State Court, and for the Honorable Joan Bedrin Murray, J.T.C., in the Tax Court of New Jersey. He also interned at the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration in the New York Regional Office, where he assisted the public with ERISA matters. Upon graduation, David clerked for the Honorable Joan Bedrin Murray, J.T.C.

With a well-established career in law and financial services, Raymond has demonstrated a profound commitment to excellence and innovation in the legal and financial sectors. Presently, Raymond is Senior Managing Director & President of Life Insurance Premium Financing at Peapack-Gladstone Bank. In this role, he marries his legal expertise and financial acumen to oversee a range of responsibilities in spearheading his division.

A distinguished alumnus of the State University of New York – Binghamton University where he majored in Philosophy, Politics, and Law, he later pursued a Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law. During his time at Rutgers, he was recognized with several awards including the Marshall Brennan Constitutional Law Fellow, Dean’s Pro Bono Award for Exceptional Service, and the Horace & Kate King Wu Public Interest Fellow, showcasing his dedication to the legal field and community service.

Beyond his corporate engagements, Raymond has been an active member of various councils and associations, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the community. His tenure as a director at the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of NJ, Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of NJ Foundation, and The AAPI Foundation underscores his commitment to supporting the broader community.

RAYMOND KIM GALA COMMITTEE

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

ANYA WASSERMAN

Anya Wasserman is a second-year law student at Rutgers Law School–Newark. She was adopted from Russia but lived in New Jersey most of her life. Anya attended King’s College London and pursued a Master’s at Oxford University. While at university, Anya wrote her thesis on the indigenous rights of the Guaraní in Paraguay. Before attending law school, Anya lived and worked in London for six years. She worked at two financial technology start-ups

and then at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. At law school, Anya took an additional module on Law and Inequality, volunteers with Church World Service on immigration matters, and is an avid member of Jessup Moot Court, the International Law and Human Rights Journal, Student Bar Association, and the International Law Society. Next summer, Anya will attend Lowenstein Sandler LLP in Roseland as a Summer Associate in the Litigation Department.

MISHEEL BOLDBAATAR

My name is Misheel Boldbaatar. I am a current 2L at Seton Hall University School of Law and the current Vice President of APALSA. I am a Mongolian immigrant that came to the United States when I was around 8 years old. I have been involved in APALA-NJ, KALAGNY, and AABNY since I began law school and am involved in volunteering for KALAGNY and APALA-NJ.

The AAPI community has been crucial in helping me grow and develop into the individual I am today, both from before and after I began law school. APALSA, APALA-NJ, AABANY, and KALAGNY hold a special place in my heart for guiding and mentoring me when I was a clueless 1L and aspiring first generation lawyer. I strongly desired to give back to the AAPI legal community so I ran for leadership positions in APALSA and was fortunate enough to be elected Vice President.

In my spare time I love to train MMA, powerlift, fish, snowboard, read, and cook miscellaneous Asian dishes I find online.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

KRISTINA GOSHORN

Kristina Goshorn is a current 1L student at Rutgers Law School, Camden, where she is involved in the Minority Student Program and was named a Social Justice Scholar. She is a first-generation college and law student. Born in Okinawa, Japan to her U.S. Army Veteran father and immigrant mother from the Philippines, Kristina has always had the exposure to recognize the significance of diversity and the role history played into forming the American culture.

Kristina grew up in Gettysburg, PA and attended Albright College, concentrating in Spanish and International Relations. In college, she was involved in the Student Government Association, Sigma Kappa Sorority, and two honor societies of Sigma Delta Pi (National Spanish Honor Society) and Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honor Society). Kristina also participated in a research project entitled, “The Preservation of Memory in a Post-Dictatorship Society: Chile’s Remembrance of its Past” the fall semester of her junior year. She later studied abroad in Santiago, Chile, where she also volunteered with the Ministry of Education of Chile as an English Teacher’s Assistant.

Upon graduation in May 2018, Kristina was hired to complete two internships, serving as a summer intern for U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. in Philadelphia, PA and for U.S. Representative Dina Titus in Washington, D.C. Following the internships, Kristina worked as a Field Organizer for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party during the U.S. 2018 Midterm Elections. For the past four years, Kristina has worked as a paralegal, most recently for The Galati Law Firm where she helps immigrants from all over the world seek a new life in America. She has since left this position to attend law school full-time and currently resides in Philadelphia, PA.

Congratulations to APALA-NJ on its 24th Annual Gala and to tonight’s Honorees.

Here's to a fantastic journey ahead, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and enough lawyer-related jokes to keep you entertained until the next billable hour. Cheers!!

- You friends at AREAA: Central NJ Chapter

AREAA is dedicated to promoting sustainable homeownership opportunities in Asian American communities by creating a powerful national voice for housing and real estate professionals that serve this dynamic market.

Find out more about us at https://areaa.org/centralnewjersey

Congratulations to APALA’s 2023 honorees

Congratulations to APALA’s 2023 honorees!

Honorable Raj Mukherji

Honorable Raj Mukherji

Anna Mercado Clark,

Anna Mercado Clark, Esq.

Irene Chiu, Esq.

Irene Chiu, Esq.

Honorable Ellen Park

Honorable Ellen Park

Jason Ye, Esq.

Jason Ye, Esq.

Tommy Shi, Esq.

Tommy Shi, Esq.

Archer is Proud to Support

APALA-NJ’s 2023 Annual Gala

Archer has always considered dedication to the community an integral part of its mission and central to the firm’s enduring success. We take great pride in giving back to the communities in which we live and work and are pleased to support the APALA-NJ’s 24th Annual Gala. We congratulate the 2023 award recipients!

For more information, visit us at archerlaw.com

A true leader.

We are honored to work with Irene Chiuand MicroPort Orthopedics on many of their important transactions and strategic priorities.

Advising life sciences companies for over 60 years, Baker McKenzie understands the challenges companies face and what it takes to overcome them.

The global law firm for a connected world

applauds the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey on its 24th Annual Gala and extends its congratulations to the 2023 Award Recipients

Women Lawyers Making a Difference

njwla.org

The New Jersey State Bar Association extends warm wishes to APALA-NJ President

Francis W. Yook and the Executive Committee

for an inspiring 24th Annual Gala and a gratifying and productive year ahead.

Congratulations also to all of APALA’s celebrated honorees this evening:

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Assemblyman Raj Mukherji

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Anna Mercado Clark

CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AWARD

Irene Chiu

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Assemblywoman Ellen Park

RISING STAR AWARD

Jason Ye

ATTORNEY OF THE YEAR AWARD

Tommy Shi

The New Jersey State Bar Association is grateful to each honoree for their exceptional service to the New Jersey legal community.

T h e K o r e a n A m e r i c a n

L a w y e r s A s s o c i a t i o n o f

G r e a t e r N e w Y o r k p r o u d l y

s u p p o r t s t h e A s i a n P a c i f i c

A m e r i c a n L a w y e r s o f N e w

J e r s e y a n d c o n g r a t u l a t e s

a l l o f i t s 2 4 t h A n n u a l

G a l a h o n o r e e s .

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