Celebrating and Exploring the Story and Career of Hon. Lillian Wan

On August 5, 2026, Hon. Lillian Wan of the Appellate Division Second Department

visited a group of students from all walks of life, including high school students, undergraduate

students, recent graduates, and law students, at Anderson and Associates, Law P.C.’s midtown

office. This event offered a rare opportunity for students to understand the distinct journey

Justice Wan took to become the first Asian American woman to be appointed to the Appellate

Division in New York State and the first Asian American to be elected to Brooklyn’s Supreme

Court. Aside from discussing her professional accomplishments, Justice Wan shared thoughtful

reflections on her career and her life, and she was generous in providing this group of young,

aspiring attorneys with valuable advice.

Justice Wan began with sharing her journey into law. It wasn’t one that was clear-cut.

Instead, like many others, she did not know that she would end up becoming a lawyer and a

judge. She had found her passion through exploring and experimenting with the legal field,

where she eventually began her career at the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) in

family court and, later on, at Kings County Surrogate’s Court.

As an attorney, Justice Wan never fathomed the idea of becoming a judge. She revealed

that she never saw a judge that looked like her. There was no Asian representation on the bench,

so she never believed that she could be the first. It was through her mentors’ encouragement and

her perseverance that Justice Wan applied to become a judge.

Justice Wan was asked how having a trailblazing legacy has shaped her as a person and

as a judge. “When you are the first, you shouldn’t be the last,” she responded. It is a responsibility

that weighs heavily on her to be the first, yet it also motivates her to always improve and show

up for the aspiring attorneys who look up to her. Despite her busy schedule, Justice Wan is a firm

believer in showing up for her loved ones and her community—whether it be soccer games for

her son, a gala for her friend, or an event for students who are interested in learning more about

the legal field, she makes time for it all. This is a reminder that there is more to the legal

profession than work. It is about inspiration, representation, education, and community.

At the end of this event, Justice Wan made sure to leave this group of young aspiring

attorneys with priceless advice that led her to where she is today: Always work hard and go for

your goals and dreams, even if you don’t think you are qualified for it, and never give up on

them. It took Justice Wan years of perseverance to be appointed as a judge for the Appellate

Division. For much of her life, she never thought she was qualified for the positions she applied

for, but she also explains that the one that dissuades us from our goal is often ourselves. She

encourages the students and attorneys in the room to be persistent in working hard to achieve their goals, even if they fail or believe they are unqualified. She urges everyone to both take the

opportunities given to them and make the opportunities they want for themselves. She reminds

the attendees to advocate zealously for themselves and the people they will be representing.

The students and attorneys departed with a valuable understanding: success is defined not

by accolades or perfection, but by perseverance, confidence, and a steadfast commitment to

serving their communities. Our team at Anderson and Associates Law, P.C. appreciates Judge Wan’s generosity of her time and wisdom.