Career Panel Insights from the Bench: 2026 Legal Careers Panel & Networking
How do you stand out in today's competitive legal job market? What do law firm partners and in-house general counsels look for in an associate? What key strengths should you highlight in interviews, and what common pitfalls should you avoid? How do you navigate different career paths—such as BigLaw, in-house, litigation, or transactional practice?
AABANY, NYU China Law Students Association, and Chinese American Lawyers Forum (CALF) proudly present the 2026 Legal Careers Panel & Networking Event on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at NYU School of Law.
Join us for a distinguished panel featuring senior legal professionals from international law firms, boutique litigation practices, and global financial institutions. Our speakers will share practical insights on career planning, interviewing strategies, professional development, and workplace growth. The panel will be followed by a networking reception, providing attendees with a valuable opportunity to connect directly with speakers and legal peers in New York.
Featured Speakers:
Lian Duan General Counsel, China Merchants Bank, New York Branch Lian Duan oversees legal and compliance operations at CMB NY Branch, advising executive management on strategic legal issues and coordinating with headquarters. With over 11 years at CMB NY Branch, she was named one of American Banker's "The Most Powerful Women in Banking: Next" in 2019. Prior to CMB, she led the Guarantee Legal/Compliance Department at PICC Guangdong. She holds an LL.M. in Banking and Financial Law from Boston University School of Law, as well as LL.B. and LL.M. (International Law) degrees from Sun Yat-sen University.
Jonathan Zhou Partner, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP Jonathan Zhou is a New York-based partner specializing in complex U.S. and cross-border M&A and corporate transactions. His practice spans deals ranging from the HSR threshold to multi-billion-dollar transactions, including private and public M&A, private equity and sovereign wealth fund investments, carve-outs, and strategic joint ventures. He holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School (University of Pennsylvania Law Review member), an M.S. in Chemistry and Master's in Environmental Policy from Duke University, and a B.S. in Chemistry from Fudan University.
Angus Ni Co-Founder & Partner, Morrow Ni LLP Angus Ni has represented companies and individuals in hundreds of complex cross-border disputes, with a strong focus on securities litigation, international arbitration, class actions, and federal criminal trials. As one of the few native-level Mandarin-fluent senior trial lawyers in the U.S., Angus assists Chinese investors and enterprises in navigating U.S. litigation to protect their rights and assets. Prior to co-founding Morrow Ni LLP, he practiced at top-tier U.S. litigation and international firms. He earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Chicago Law School and a B.A. with High Distinction from the University of Toronto.
Simona Xu Senior Litigation Associate, Cooley LLP Simona Xu focuses on high-stakes cross-border disputes and emerging tech legal issues, covering commercial litigation, international arbitration, regulatory defense, white-collar investigations, IP litigation, and data compliance. Native bilingual in English and Mandarin, she regularly guides Asian clients through U.S. proceedings and represents U.S. clients in Asia-related matters. She previously judicial-interned for Hon. Kiyo A. Matsumoto in the E.D.N.Y. and maintains an active pro bono practice. She holds a J.D. from Duke University School of Law and a B.A. from Yale University.
Hardy Zhou Tax Associate, Cooley LLP | Co-Chair, Asia Practice Committee, AABANY Hardy Zhou specializes in U.S.-China tax planning and cross-border transactions, structuring M&A, private equity funds, capital markets deals, and corporate reorganizations. With over 10 years of experience, he previously practiced with Ropes & Gray and Baker McKenzie in Shanghai and Hong Kong. He holds an LL.M. in Taxation from NYU School of Law, with prior degrees from Sun Yat-sen University, CUPL, and Leiden Law School.
What You Will Learn:
Key traits partners and general counsels value in associates
Actionable interview strategies to effectively pitch your strengths
Career planning blueprints for law students and junior attorneys
Career trajectories across M&A, litigation, tax, and in-house roles
Growing demand for bilingual and cross-border legal talent
Authentic strategies for building and sustaining professional networks
Practical insights on lateral market movements and firm transitions
Who Should Attend:
Current law students (JD / LLM)
Recent law graduates and job seekers
Practicing attorneys seeking lateral opportunities or career expansion
In-house counsel, firm partners, and legal recruiters
Legal professionals interested in the New York market and cross-border practice
Event Details: Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM EDT Location: Lipton Hall, NYU School of Law Ticket Price: $20 per person Refreshments: Beverages, light snacks, and Mooncakes provided
Agenda: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Check-in & Open Networking 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Legal Careers Panel Discussion 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Q&A & Networking Reception
Co-Hosts:
Asian American Bar Association of New York (AABANY)
NYU China Law Students Association (CLSA)
Chinese American Lawyers Forum (CALF)