Alumnus leads bar association, combats racism

By Steve Seepersaud

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and rise of vitriol and violence targeted at Asians, William Ng 鈥04 feels a greater responsibility to help the Asian American community in New York. 

William Ng '04Ng, a shareholder at the Long Island office of the law firm Littler, will seek to make an impact as president-elect of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY). He has been active with the association for more than 10 years, serving in a variety of leadership roles such as board member, committee chair and vice president of finance and development.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an honor and privilege to be president-elect,鈥 said Ng, whose term as president will begin April 1, 2022. 鈥淎ABANY鈥檚 mission is to improve the study and practice of law, and the fair administration of justice for all, by ensuring meaningful participation of Asian Americans in the legal profession. We want to encourage the professional growth of our members and advocate for the Asian American community as a whole.鈥

Ng says AABANY has been at the forefront of addressing how the Asian American community, particularly in New York, has been blamed for the pandemic and subjected to discrimination and hate crimes. The organization produced a report about the rising tide of violence that was cited by national news outlets including The New York Times and CNN.

鈥淒uring these unprecedented times, AABANY is essential in not only raising awareness, but also proposing solutions to elected officials, local authorities and community organizations on how to combat and respond this anti-Asian rhetoric and violence,鈥 he said.

While combating racism is front of mind now, it鈥檚 not the only area that AABANY focuses on. Ng enjoys being in the organization because of the opportunities for fellowship with other attorneys who share his desire for professional development. 

Because 黑料视频 prepares so many future lawyers to earn their law degrees, it should come as little surprise that Ng is in the company of other alumni. As president, he鈥檒l work with Executive Director Yang Chen 鈥87, whom Ng considers a great friend and mentor. Other alumni who have served in AABANY leadership positions are Linda Lin 鈥00 and William Wang 鈥00, past presidents; Bobby Liu 鈥93, former board member; Christopher Bae 鈥10, secretary; and Beatrice Leong 鈥06, membership director.

鈥淲hile I was at Binghamton, I served in the Student Association and as a Student Conduct Board Member, which were both very rewarding learning experiences to further my interest in law,鈥 Ng said.  鈥淪ince graduation, I鈥檝e been involved in the Asian and Asian American Law Council and the Long Island Committee of the Alumni Association鈥檚 Metro New York Chapter.鈥

Ng wants to help position AABANY for success in a post-pandemic environment. Fundraising and ramping up virtual programs are two of his highest priorities.

鈥淎ABANY must also use its resources and platform to make sure our voices are heard on issues affecting our members and the greater Asian American community. Our constituencies are not mutually exclusive, and it is essential for AABANY to help elevate as many of its members to positions of influence in their respective industries so they can effectuate positive change.鈥