On September 27, 2025, Managing Attorney Vishal Chander moderated a dynamic and timely panel titled “People Power! How Movement Lawyering Strengthens Democracy While Pushing for Systemic Change” at the Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) Fall Conference, held at New York Law School.
The panel brought together five distinguished advocates working across racial justice, housing, labor, immigration, and civil rights law:
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- Bethany Li, Executive Director, Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF)
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- Marika Dias, Managing Director, Safety Net Project, Urban Justice Center
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- Jenny Lam, Associate, Cohen, Weiss and Simon LLP
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- Philip Desgranges, Attorney-In-Charge, Legal Aid Society
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- Kevin Jason, Deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives, NAACP Legal Defense Fund
Together, they explored how movement lawyering transforms traditional legal advocacy by centering community-led strategies, balancing ethical boundaries, and building trust across social justice ecosystems. The conversation included real-world case studies in tenant advocacy, civil rights litigation, union organizing, and immigrant defense.
“It was an honor to guide this conversation with some of the most thoughtful and experienced practitioners working at the intersection of law and social movements,” said Vishal Chander. “Their stories and strategies underscore how legal tools can help redistribute power—when rooted in solidarity and humility.”
The session was part of AABANY’s broader efforts to spotlight lawyering that dismantles systemic injustice while building community resilience and leadership.
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