Recipients of the 2022 Don Liu Scholars Award include Raymond Magsaysay (right) | Photo via AABANY
NEW YORK—The Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) has announced that the Don H. Liu Scholars Program applications are now open.
The program, founded in 2014 by two past presidents of AABANY—Mike F. Huong and Jean Lee—seeks to identify and cultivate future Asian American leaders in the legal community. It aims to address the single most important reality facing Asian American professionals today: the barrier to advancement.
According to AABANY, the selection committee will choose up to three scholars this year. Each scholar will be awarded $15,000 and have access to prominent mentors, including Don H. Liu, who recently retired from his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Risk Officer of Target Corporation.
The program will assist in on-campus interview bidding strategy, professional and soft-skills development, and networking opportunities, including identifying potential internships.
Don H. Liu, for whom the scholarship is named, said, “Racial equity is a term that is used often, but I view the Scholars Program as the ultimate investment in racial equity.”
Liu has mentored a generation of AAPI attorneys and offered unwavering support for the AABANY, National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA), and other AAPI organizations. Don’s commitment to advancing AAPI attorneys into leadership positions inspired attorneys Jean Lee and Mike Huang to establish the Don H. Liu Scholars Program in 2014.
“My favorite part about being a DHL Scholar is that feeling of family. Getting to meet the other scholars, getting to meet the mentors, and getting to meet the people behind the program has been an incredibly empowering experience,” said FilAm Raymond Magsaysay, a 2020 DHL Scholar who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He was a Judicial Clerk for Justice Goodwin Liu, California Supreme Court, and is now an Associate at Latham & Watkins LLP.
Each year, the DHL Scholars Program awards $15,000 to AAPI law students enrolled in their first year of law school. Scholars receive a $5,000 yearly scholarship award for three years in law school. Since its inception in 2014, the program has produced 29 scholars and has entered the DHL community to mentor incoming scholars.
“Ask any of our Scholars, and they will tell you that DHL is so much more than a scholarship. When you’re chosen as a DHL Scholar, the support doesn’t stop there,” the program explains.”You’re welcomed into a community that is invested in your long-term success. Part of that community experience involves being mentored by past Scholars and DHL team members who have established AAPI leaders in the legal profession.”
To apply or to find more details on the application process and eligibility requirements, please visit http://www.donhliuscholars.org/our-program.
–With Ricky Rillera/PDM
