In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Stark & Stark’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee are shining a spotlight on some of our AAPI employees.

We sat down with Laurel Robbins (Korean name: Sun Hee), a personal injury paralegal in our Hamilton office, to discuss her favorite cultural traditions, and what AAPI Heritage Month means to her.

Stark & Stark (S&S): What is your cultural identity?

Laurel Robbins (LR): This one has always been a struggle to me. I grew up in a predominately Caucasian family. My mom’s side is Polish/Czech and my dad’s side has roots to England. With this, I grew up quite Americanized. I look Asian-American, sometimes I feel Korean-American, and other times I joke that I’m white.

S&S: What is your favorite cultural tradition?

LR: I did not really grow up with Korean traditions in my household. My parents sent me to adoptee camp where I met a lot of other people “like me.” During that time, I was introduced to the foods, martial arts, fan dancing, and more. I even started doing the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. Fun Fact: I hold my second-degree black belt and I am a certified instructor!

S&S: What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

LR: For me, AAPI Month is the time for people of the AAPI community to be recognized for their contributions to society from the early roots to present. It is the time when individuals can learn about the history of this diverse community, learn about different cultures and traditions, arts, literature, try something new (like food!), learn more about the ways in which the community has contributed and continues to contribute to the world we live in.

S&S: The theme for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year is advancing leaders through opportunity. How do you think we can all work to achieve this goal?

LR: I honestly don’t know, but room needs to be made for the AAPI Community at the table. Doing so gives a voice in leadership, a voice in change, and a voice in different perspectives.

S&S: How do you think your culture has influenced you in your professional life?

LR: I’m not sure my Korean side has influenced my professional life. I think my parents, who supported me, led by example, and showed me that if I work hard and am disciplined, I can achieve anything. They’ve also taught me to be open-minded, listen, and be compassionate.

S&S: What do you hope to see for the AAPI community in the future?

LR: First, I hope to see that the AAPI community isn’t here just to be a number. Being diverse is something companies seem to want to pride themselves on, but they have one colored person represented at the table. Leaders and companies cannot facilitate change, or understand minority cultures or backgrounds, if they do not have someone at the table to help them learn. But people have to want to learn and be open to feedback of where change is needed to keep and promote the AAPI community, or any minority community. We need to be heard, respected, and valued to the same extent as our peers. Too often of times, we are here to fill a quota. Diversity should be a standard, not a metric. Secondly, I hope to see less hate within the AAPI community and less hate from outside the community. This month is to celebrate us, and the deep, rich traditions from our cultures that date back centuries. Yet, our communities have some deeply rooted disdain for others within the community itself, whether seen through the caste system or through homogony. These thoughts are outdated and only separate the community. I hope to see less hate toward the AAPI community, a community that spans decades and sacrificed so much for the founding of this Nation. The racism, the hate speech, the baseless attacks on individuals and communities, MUST STOP.

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In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Stark & Stark’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee are shining a spotlight on some of our AAPI employees.

We sat down with Bhaveen R. Jani, a personal injury shareholder in our Hamilton office, to discuss his favorite cultural traditions, and what AAPI Heritage Month means to him.

Stark & Stark (S&S): What is your cultural identity?

Bhaveen R. Jani (BRJ): Indian American

S&S: What is your favorite cultural tradition?

BRJ: My favorite cultural tradition is encapsulated in an Indian wedding. Indian weddings are steeped in cultural traditions and rituals that vary across different regions and religions in India. These traditions often involve music, dance, colorful attire, and elaborate ceremonies, creating a captivating and immersive experience for guests. Indian weddings are often extravagant affairs that span multiple days and involve numerous ceremonies and events. Indian weddings are known for their stunning and colorful attire. Guests, especially women, adorn themselves in traditional and ornate outfits. Last, Indian weddings are incomplete without dance and music. Guests often participate in lively dance performances, such as Bollywood dances. If you ever have the opportunity, definitely go because it’s a unique experience, but bring a comfortable pair of shoes!

S&S: What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

BRJ: AAPI Heritage Month is significant because it is a dedicated time to celebrate and honor the diverse contributions, achievements, and experiences of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. It is also an opportunity for individuals of Asian descent to embrace and express pride in their cultural roots and ethnic identities. AAPI Heritage Month also plays a crucial role in educating others about the history, contributions, and struggles of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It helps to dispel stereotypes, challenge misconceptions, and promote a more nuanced understanding of the diverse AAPI communities.

S&S: The theme for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year is advancing leaders through opportunity. How do you think we can all work to achieve this goal?

BRJ: As with any organization, which has also been proven by research, there is a direct link between inclusive decision-making and better business performance. Companies and our firm can capitalize on the diversity they have by including more diverse employees in business decisions at all levels.

S&S: How do you think your culture has influenced you in your professional life?

BRJ: My cultural background has been my unsung advantage in my professional life. I’m able to connect to my underrepresented clients more because of our shared culture and experiences.

S&S: What do you hope to see for the AAPI community in the future?

I would like to see more AAPI representation on the bench since approximately 10% of the population in New Jersey is AAPI. The current judicial demographics is not in line with the population here in NJ.

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In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Stark & Stark’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee are shining a spotlight on some of our AAPI employees.

We sat down with Lara Weber, a senior human resources specialist in our Hamilton office, to discuss her favorite cultural traditions, and what AAPI Heritage Month means to her.

Stark & Stark (S&S): What is your cultural identity?

Lara Weber (LW): Indian

S&S: What is your favorite cultural tradition?

LW: The clothes, the food, and the family connections.

S&S: What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

LW: An opportunity to highlight all the contributions that this population has brought and all we have gained as a culture.

S&S: The theme for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year is advancing leaders through opportunity. How do you think we can all work to achieve this goal?

LW: Ensuring everyone receives an equal opportunity to grow, feel empowered, encouraged, and comfortable with being different.

S&S: How do you think your culture has influenced you in your professional life?

LW: Workplaces and culture in the early 2000s and likely before were very different than now. There was little or no consideration given to anyone with a different background, language, culture, religion, or upbringing. Everything was geared toward the mainstream culture alone. That has slowly changed, and it is wonderful to see true diversity all around be celebrated. It is enriching for everyone.

S&S: What do you hope to see for the AAPI community in the future?

LW: I hope that we continue to be more inclusive in the future, create understanding, and recognize the tremendous value of diversity.

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Tune in on May 25^th  at 9 PM to A&E’s latest episode of City Confidential,  which will cover the story of  the “The Lost Boys of Bucks County.” Stark & Stark attorney, Carin O’Donnell, represented the family of one of the murder victims in a civil case.  For more information about the case, click here.

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Stark & Stark is pleased to welcome Anthony Medori, Esq. to our Hamilton office. Anthony is a member of the Accident & Personal Injury Group, where he concentrates his practice on all aspects of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death resulting from motor vehicle crashes, motorcycle, bus, commercial vehicle and trucking accidents, construction accidents, defective products, slip and fall accidents, dog bite injuries, medical and nursing home negligence, and dram shop litigation.

Prior to joining Stark & Stark, Anthony spent 10 years as a trial attorney for a South Jersey personal injury firm where he practiced throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, regularly handling all aspects of litigation from case commencement through mediation and trial.

Stark & Stark is excited to have Anthony join our team. Welcome to the firm!

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In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Month, Stark & Stark’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee are shining a spotlight on some of our AAPI employees.

We sat down with Dipa Rapole, a transactional practice group attorney in our Hamilton office, to discuss her favorite cultural traditions, and what AAPI Month means to her.

Stark & Stark (S&S): What is your cultural identity?

Dipa Rapole (DR): Indian-American

S&S: What is your favorite cultural tradition?

DR: My favorite cultural tradition is the celebration of Holi. Holi is celebrated during the start of spring and is known as the festival of color. During Holi, everyone gets together and throws colorful powder on each other. It is fun, messy, and brings everyone together! Holi is celebrated all throughout India and stands for love, happiness, and the start of a new season.

S&S: What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

DR: It is a special time when Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have the opportunity to share and teach their culture and values to others. It is a time to learn from each other and expand our horizons.

S&S: The theme for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year is advancing leaders through opportunity. How do you think we can all work to achieve this goal?

DR: Being open to diversity and accepting new ideas and opinions of all cultures.

S&S: How do you think your culture has influenced you in your professional life?

DR: My culture is very much about hard work and togetherness. In my professional life, I have always valued working with others to find solutions to the issues we face daily.

S&S: What do you hope to see for the AAPI community in the future?

DR: I hope that the AAPI community can continue to grow and include everyone in all that its culture has to offer.

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In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Stark & Stark’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee are shining a spotlight on some of our AAPI employees.

We sat down with Nima Pereira, an IT helpdesk support specialist in our Hamilton office, to discuss her favorite cultural traditions, and what AAPI Heritage Month means to her.

Stark & Stark (S&S): What is your cultural identity?

Nima Pereira (NP): Sri Lankan

S&S: What is your favorite cultural tradition?

NP: Traditional dresses, festivals, and cuisines.

S&S: What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

NP: It means that I come from a country that has a long history of flavor, humanity, and love.

S&S: The theme for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year is advancing leaders through opportunity. How do you think we can all work to achieve this goal?

NP: We can start by recognizing the contributions, influence, and achievements to American history, culture, and society that AAPI’s have done.

S&S: How do you think your culture has influenced you in your professional life?

NP: Stark & Stark has been a positive work culture firm for me, and I believe that promotes productivity, engagement, and improved employee experience. I have been working here for 16 years.

S&S: What do you hope to see for the AAPI community in the future?

NP: Hope to see more donations going towards AAPI organization working to support the community. Organizations that helps stop violence towards AAPI.

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The Mercer County Bar Association (MCBA) has named Stark & Stark Shareholder Robert Bratman the recipient of the 2023 Professional Lawyer of the Year Award*. The Professional Lawyer of the Year Award recognizes a member of the MCBA who is respected by colleagues for their character, competence, and exemplary professional behavior.

Robert is the Practice Group Leader of the firm’s Accident & Personal Injury Group, where he represents individuals who have been catastrophically harmed or killed due to the negligence of others. He is an expert Civil Trial Attorney as certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

“I was very fortunate to have been mentored by Albert Stark, who taught me early in my career the importance of kindness and civility in the practice of law. It is an honor to be recognized by such an esteemed organization as the Mercer County Bar Association, and I am grateful for this recognition,” said Robert. “This is even more so when I consider the past recipients of the award including Denise Mariani Esq., and Judge Catherine Fitzpatrick. I accept the award on behalf of all the lawyers who have dedicated themselves to upholding the principles of professionalism and civility in the legal profession. It is a privilege to be a part of this profession, and I will continue to work tirelessly to uphold its high standards.”

Congratulations on this honor!

*No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

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In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Stark & Stark’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee are shining a spotlight on some of our AAPI employees.

We sat down with Heather Morgan, a personal injury settlement coordinator in our Marlton office, to discuss her favorite cultural traditions, and what AAPI Month means to her.

Stark & Stark (S&S): What is your cultural identity?

Heather Morgan (HM): Korean-American.

S&S: What is your favorite cultural tradition?

HM: Korean Dol (or Doljanchi) is the first birthday celebration for a Korean child. “Dol” means birthday and “janchi” means banquet or feast. For the Doljanchi, parents celebrate by having a party with many traditional foods and rituals. This ceremony blesses the child with a prosperous future. The birthday baby wears a “hanbok” (traditional Korean clothing). The highlight of the “Dol” or “Doljanchi” is the “Doljabi”. The “Doljabi” is a fortune telling game where the parents lay out several symbolic items. Some Doljabi items include:

• Pencil: The baby will be a scholar.
• Paint Brush: The baby will be an artist.
• Money: The baby will be wealthy.
• Microphone: The baby will be an entertainer.
• Stethoscope: The baby will be a doctor.
• Gavel: The baby will be a lawyer.
• Computer Mouse: The baby will be a software engineer.
• Golf Ball / Baseball: The baby will be an athlete.

Whichever item the baby picks first predicts what type of person the baby will be when they grow up! I have two boys…ages 8 and 9. We had a Dol celebration for both boys when they turned 1 years old. My older son Kai picked a pencil and my younger son Jace picked a golf ball.

S&S: What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?

HM: To me, AAPI Heritage Month is a time to acknowledge, appreciate, respect and celebrate the rich and diverse culture, traditions and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It’s a great time to remember our own history and be proud of who we are. I am proud to be a Korean-American. It’s an opportunity to share my culture with the community and highlight all the positive contributions. It’s also a great opportunity to recognize the accomplishments and successes of AAPI individuals.

S&S: How do you think your culture has influenced you in your professional life?

HM: Respect, hard work and family are very important in our Korean culture. My family and I immigrated to the United States when I was 7 years old. We didn’t speak English and had to attend public school and integrate into my local community. My parents instilled within me the values of hard work and discipline. They taught me to respect others and by being disciplined, I could achieve success in my career and life.

S&S: What do you hope to see for the AAPI community in the future?

HM: I hope that we continue to believe that we can make a difference even if progress is slow and to appreciate, respect and celebrate all the different Asian cultures. I believe that we can always learn something from the perspective of others.

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