AJSOCAL’s Pro Bono Advisory Council (PBAC) hosted its 11th annual fundraiser on March 26, 2025. 92 participants, all of whom are working toward a better future for AAPI communities, engaged in friendly competition and games—including Crowd Says, Quiz Show, Hits in Disguise and many more! Thanks to the venue sponsor, Littler Mendelson P.C., the in-person game night took place in Century City on a vibrant Wednesday evening!
Game night attendees had the opportunity to connect and network, including with members of AJSOCAL’s PBAC. We are glad our wonderful sponsors and volunteers—whose dedication and efforts better our community—could engage with one another.
The event also recognized AJSOCAL’s Champion Volunteers of 2025. Thank you so much for contributing to our mission!
- Maria Saavedra – Maria, a recent Cal State Northridge graduate, made a lasting impact at AJSOCAL as a Spanish interpreter for our Immigration and Citizenship Projects. She played a vital role in assisting clients with naturalization interviews, DACA applications, and other immigration remedies. Though she has since moved on, her dedication and contributions continue to resonate, and we wish her the best in her next endeavors.
- Linda Lam Lay – Linda Lam Lay has been a steadfast advocate for survivors, providing critical legal support in family law cases. When a domestic violence survivor needed urgent representation, Linda stepped in without hesitation, securing a restraining order and vital custody protections. Her dedication to pro bono service has made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for her commitment to justice and our community.
- Kailia Garfield – Kailia Garfield has been an exceptional volunteer and former intern with AJSOCAL’s Immigration Project, demonstrating remarkable dedication beyond her years. A senior at Mark Keppel High School and soon-to-be NYU student, she remained engaged even after her internship, returning to support our Monterey Park Clinic. We are grateful for her contributions and excited to see all she will achieve in the future.
- Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP – Skadden Arps is being recognized for its outstanding pro bono work and dedication to justice. The firm has been a vital partner to AJSOCAL, recently securing a key court victory for massage therapy students facing discrimination and holding the LA County Sheriff’s Department accountable for its handling of hate crimes. Special thanks to Khaled Abbas, Raza Rasheed, Jessica Ro, Manfred Lau, and Winston Hsiao for their leadership and commitment to this important work.
- Steven Yoda – Steve Yoda has been a dedicated supporter of AJSOCAL for nearly two decades and a leader on our Pro Bono Advisory Council since 2015. As a named partner at Walzer Melcher & Yoda, his expertise in family law has been invaluable, most recently through his pro bono work at our SAFE Space Clinic. Beyond his legal contributions, Steve has been a passionate advocate for AJSOCAL, strengthening our pro bono network.
What is the fellowship?
- Recruiting now for our inaugural 2-year fellowship – will start in fall 2026
- Named after our legacy advocate who served at AJSOCAL for nearly 30 years, helping community members become US citizens
- Helping to build the pipeline of future staff attorneys dedicated to public interest at AJSOCAL
- The first fellow will focus on immigration law given the tremendous need right now under the new administration
- Future fellows may have a different focus, depending on org and community needs
- Candidates must graduate from law school before September 2026 with a J.D.
In addition, our deepest appreciation goes to the game night’s team sponsors and individual registration sponsors. This tradition would not be possible without your generous support!
The teams brought their A-game to Century City, and we at AJSOCAL loved the enthusiasm and energy. Congratulations to this year’s champions:
- Most Spirited Team – Team Walzer Melcher & Yoda LLP – Dim Sum Divorcees
- Punniest Team Name – Team Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP – SIX-y & I Know It
- Overall Game Night Winner – Team Littler Mendelson P.C – Littler-ally The BEST
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this year’s game night so memorable—we can’t wait to see you next year.
Our Teams
If you couldn’t make it to game night but still want to support our mission of advancing justice for AAPI communities, please consider donating, volunteering, or joining our incredible staff. Thank you from all of us at AJSOCAL!