History

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The Chinese American Lawyers Forum (CALF) was founded in 2017 when Ms. Ying Cao, an experienced attorney and advocate for Chinese American legal professionals, created the first WeChat group to foster connections among Chinese American lawyers. Recognizing the need for a dedicated professional network, she expanded this initiative, bringing together legal professionals across different practice areas and locations.

As the founding partner of Ying Cao Law LLC in the Greater New York area, Ying Cao has played a key role in shaping CALF into a leading platform for Chinese American lawyers. Her vision was to build a community that fosters career advancement, legal discussions, and professional networking.

Over the years, CALF has experienced remarkable growth, evolving into the largest and most influential organization for Chinese American lawyers in the U.S., with:

🔹 Over 2,300 members across seven WeChat groups

🔹 900+ Chinese American lawyers from 30+ U.S. states

🔹 Law school students & professors

🔹 Chinese lawyers trained in the U.S. who have returned to practice in China

Through webinars, legal seminars, job postings, and mentorship programs, CALF continues to empower legal professionals and strengthen the Chinese American legal community.