AALAM - Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts upcoming events

AALAM Book Club: Same Bed Different Dreams (Sunday, March 15, 2026)

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The AALAM Book Club's fourth book will be Same Bed Different Dreams by Ed Park.

“A wild, sweeping novel that imagines an alternate secret history of Korea and the traces it leaves on the present—loaded with assassins and mad poets, RPGs and slasher films, K-pop bands and the perils of social media.

In 1919, far-flung Korean patriots establish the Korean Provisional Government to protest the Japanese occupation of their country. This government-in-exile proves mostly symbolic, though, and after Japan’s defeat in World War II, the KPG dissolves and civil war erupts, resulting in the North-South split that remains today.

But what if the KPG still existed now, today—working toward a unified Korea, secretly harnessing the might of a giant tech company to further its aims? That’s the outrageous premise of Same Bed Different Dreams, which weaves together three distinct narrative voices and an archive of mysterious images and twists reality like a kaleidoscope, spinning Korean history, American pop culture, and our tech-fraught lives into an extraordinary and unforgettable novel.

Early on we meet Soon Sheen, who works at the sprawling international technology company GLOAT, and comes into possession of an unfinished book authored by the KPG. The manuscript is a mysterious, revisionist history, tying famous names and obscure bit players to the KPG’s grand project. This strange manuscript links together figures from architect-poet Yi Sang to Jack London to Marilyn Monroe. M*A*S*H is in here, too, and the Moonies, and a history of violence extending from the assassination of President McKinley to the Soviet downing of Korean Air Lines Flight 007.

Just as foreign countries have imposed their desires on Korea, so too has Park tucked different dreamers into this sprawling bed of a novel. Among them: Parker Jotter, Korean War vet and appliance-store owner, who saw something--a UFO?--while flying over North Korea; Nora You, nail salon magnate; and Monk Zingapan, game designer turned writing guru. Their links are revealed over time, even as the dreamers remain in the dark as to their own interconnectedness. A thrilling feat of imagination and a step forward from an award-winning author, Same Bed Different Dreams begins as a comic novel and gradually pulls readers into another dimension—one in which utopia is possible."

If you are interested in receiving a copy of this book for the book club, please sign up here by Sunday March 22nd: https://aalam.wildapricot.org/event-6616278

Members of AALAM can sign-up for $5 and Non-Members for $10. This fee goes towards us shipping a brand new copy of the book to your door.

As part of the Book Club, there will be one ~1 hour virtual book discussion with AALAM members. The discussion will likely be in late May to early June, so you will have over two months to read the book.

Discussion questions will be sent out in advance to facilitate discussion. Upon signing up, you must provide your correct home address so we can send the book to your address. Please double check before submitting.

Please only sign-up for a book if you plan on attending a virtual AALAM discussion of the book in late May/early June.

If you have any questions, please email Celene Chen at celene.chen@cooley.com

Law Firm Insider Guide: Navigating Underutilization and Thriving During a Slow Spell (Thursday, April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Billable hours down? Assignments slowing? A lukewarm performance review? You are not alone. Join the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts (AALAM) and South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (SABA GB) for a no-nonsense, strategy-focused webinar that pulls back the curtain on how law firms really work.

Featuring Mian Wang (Greenberg Traurig), Amisha Patel (Orrick), Ameek Ashok Ponda (Sullivan & Worcester), and Lesley Chuang (DLA Piper), this webinar will unpack what is happening behind the scenes: how partners evaluate associates (formally and informally), how staffing decisions are made, and what signals truly matter. We will share strategies associates can use to increase visibility and demonstrate value, and course‑correct when things feel off‑track.

We will also tackle the hardest question head‑on: when it makes sense to stay and invest, and when it may be time to explore external options thoughtfully. This is a candid conversation for associates who seek clarity, control, and a realistic path forward. Don’t miss it!

Registration closes on Monday, April 6. Teams link will be provided to all registrants.

AALAM IHC Spring Social at Swingers Back Bay (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Spring weather is finally here! Join AALAM’s In‑House Counsel Committee for a fun evening featuring good company, friendly competition, and a great chance to unwind after work. We'll be hanging out at Swingers Back Bay, an indoor "crazy golf" spot with mini-golf courses, carnival-style arcade games, street food, and plenty of space to mix and mingle.

Registration is $5 for AALAM members and $10 for non-members. Attendance is limited to IHC. Whether you are an existing IHC member or new to the group, we hope you will join us for a fun night out.

Please contact Diana (dchiang@statestreet.com) with any questions. See you there!

AALAM Legends Dim Sum Brunch (Saturday, April 25, 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

AALAM x Red Sox - AAPI Heritage Celebration (5/1) (Friday, May 01, 2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Join AALAM for the Red Sox annual AAPI Heritage Celebration on May 1 when the Red Sox take on the Houston Astros at 7:00pm!

Register by Friday, April 17.
Limited to AALAM attorneys in good standing.
AALAM attorneys may invite up to 1 guest.

Each ticket will also receive a Red Sox AAPI Celebration jersey with sizes distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Arrive early to experience cultural performances! Special cultural themed food and drink will also be available for purchase.

Let's go Red Sox!

Cancellation Policy: If you sign up and have to cancel, please do so immediately. Any registrants that cancel on or after Friday, April 24, 2026 will be required to refund AALAM the cost of the ticket ($37). If you have any questions or issues please email Celene Chen at celene.chen@cooley.com

Guest Policy: Friends, family members, and significant others are more than welcome to join us! AALAM attorneys may invite up to 1 guest. Please include your guest registration when you sign up on the AALAM website, link below.