Walsh Associate Francis W. Yook Installed as President of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, Inc.
NEWARK, N.J. – Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP proudly announces that associate Francis W. Yook has been installed as President of the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, Inc (APALA-NJ) for the 2023-24 term.
“I am proud of everything we accomplished last term and remain very excited about the new term. We have some great people returning to the APALA-NJ board, and our new board members are already active and engaged. The board’s expansion from 11 to 15 seats and the considerable number of candidates at our election show that APALA-NJ’s visibility and reach are growing.”
During his time at Brooklyn Law School, Francis was a member of the executive board of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association (APALSA), where he organized events like the APALSA Alumni Dinner, and volunteered at the Clinton Hill Library for the Neighborhood Theater Project, a literacy and theater program for pre-school and elementary school students. Francis emphasized: “Many of us on the APALA-NJ board have served on an APALSA chapter previously. It’s great experience and in many ways a preview to serving on a board for a larger organization like APALA-NJ
Later this month, APALA-NJ, along with other affinity bar organizations, will be participating in a CLE panel discussion organized by the Administrative Office of the Courts covering an array of topics including diversity, equity, and inclusion in both private and public industry sectors. APALA-NJ is also planning a “Walking Tour” at the Newark Museum of Art, which boasts a sizeable collection of Asian art and antiquities, tentatively scheduled for August 10. APALA-NJ’s Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony is scheduled for September 28.
At Walsh, Francis 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. Francis is also Co-Chair of the Diversity in the Profession Committee of the Bergen County Bar Association.
“We are immensely proud of Francis’ installment as President of the APALA-NJ,” said managing partner, Liza Walsh. “His dedication to our clients and passion for creating a positive impact within the community have always been evident in his work. I have no doubt that he will excel in his new role and elevate the APALA-NJ to even greater success.”
The Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey’s only Pan-Asian bar association serving Asian American attorneys throughout the state. APALA-NJ, founded in 1985 and incorporated in 1993, is the largest specialty bar association that collectively represents the interests of Asian and Pacific American lawyers in the State of New Jersey. Interested parties can join APALA-NJ by visiting their website. Membership is free for law students and law school graduates not yet admitted to practice.
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