History

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The Chinese American Lawyers Forum (CALF) was founded in 2017 by Ms. Ying Cao, an experienced attorney and advocate for the Chinese American legal community. What began as a WeChat group to facilitate communication among Chinese American lawyers quickly evolved into a broader initiative aimed at empowering legal professionals, supporting aspiring law students, and addressing legal issues affecting the Chinese American community.

As the founding partner of Ying Cao Law LLC in the Greater New York area, Ms. Cao played a central role in shaping CALF’s early vision—building a community grounded in mentorship, legal education, and civic-minded service. Her goal was not only to connect legal professionals but to cultivate a space where they could collaborate, share knowledge, and inspire the next generation of public-interest-minded attorneys.

Since its founding, CALF has grown into one of the largest national platforms for Chinese American legal professionals, law students, and individuals interested in pursuing legal education or a legal career in the United States, with:

🔹 Over 2,300 participants across seven WeChat groups
🔹 More than 900 Chinese American lawyers from over 30 U.S. states
🔹 Participation from law students, professors, legal scholars, and individuals exploring the legal path
🔹 Inclusion of U.S.-trained Chinese lawyers who have returned to practice in China

Through its webinars, CLE-accredited seminars, mentorship programs, legal education initiatives, and public-interest programming, CALF continues to empower individuals across the legal pipeline while promoting civic engagement and access to justice. The organization remains committed to fostering leadership, encouraging public service, and building a more inclusive and informed legal community.