On February 27, 2025, Vishal Chander, founding attorney of The Chander Law Firm PC and Co-Chair of the Issues Committee of the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY), served as moderator for a Fireside Chat with Bethany Li, Executive Director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF).
The event was organized by AABANY’s Issues Committee, Professional Development Committee, and Government Service and Public Interest Committee, and co-sponsored by NYU APALSA, the South Asian Bar Association of New York, the Filipino American Lawyers Association of New York, and the National Association of Cambodian American Lawyers.
Highlighting AALDEF’s Legacy and Bethany Li’s Leadership
The conversation explored AALDEF’s 50-year history as a civil rights organization advocating for Asian American communities through litigation, education, and grassroots partnerships. Topics included voting rights, language access, immigration, surveillance, and AALDEF’s ongoing role in supporting underserved communities.
Bethany Li also shared her personal journey into public interest law, from growing up in Massachusetts in an immigrant family to becoming a staff attorney and now executive director at AALDEF. She reflected on the challenges of law school, the value of community lawyering, and the importance of building cross-racial solidarity in legal advocacy.
AABANY Committee Collaboration
The Fireside Chat was a collaborative effort among three AABANY committees focused on legal education, public service, and emerging legal issues. As Issues Committee Co-Chair, Vishal worked closely with fellow committee leaders to coordinate the event and lead a thoughtful discussion on the intersections of law, history, and identity.
Continuing the Firm’s Commitment to Public Engagement
The Chander Law Firm PC supports efforts to elevate legal advocacy, public service, and civil rights education. Vishal’s leadership role in AABANY and involvement in organizing this event reflect the firm’s commitment to serving not just clients, but also the broader legal and advocacy communities.
To learn more about AALDEF and AABANY’s work:
