SPEAKERS

The first Asian-American judge for the Monmouth Vicinage, David F. Bauman took the oath of office on July 11, 2008.

Judge Bauman was initially assigned to the Family Division, where he served until September 1, 2009.  His current assignment is that of Presiding Judge – Civil Division, which resolves Trials (Jury and Non-Jury), Non-Binding Arbitration, Voluntary Binding Arbitration, Mediation of Small Claims Matters, Bar Panel Presumptive Mediation Program, Complex Commercial Program Expedited Jury Trials, Conferences, Proof Hearings, Friendly Hearings, Wage Executions, and Warrant Hearings.  Judge Bauman currently serves on the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Education.

Prior to taking the judicial oath in July 2008, Judge Bauman was a partner at Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C., specializing in general litigation with a focus on complex civil and criminal matters. From 1988 through 1991, he served on active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps, working as a prosecutor, defense counsel, and lead trial attorney for high profile criminal matters. He held positions in the Marine Corps Reserve, such as staff judge advocate, company commander and appellate government counsel. His service awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Letter of Commendation, Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps, and Certificate of Commendation, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines.

 Admitted to the New Jersey Bar, Judge Bauman participated as a lawyer in numerous activities including the New Jersey Supreme Court Municipal Court Practice Committee, the New Jersey Supreme Court Civil Practice Committee, the New Jersey Battered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project, the NJSBA Franchise Law Committee, the NJSBA Special Committee on Military Law and Veterans Affairs, and the Board of Advisors for the Criminal Justice Program for Fairleigh Dickinson University.  He authored an article that was published in New Jersey Lawyer Magazine.  He has been a presenter and panelist at seminars sponsored by The New Jersey State Bar Association, most recently in connection with the Civil Case Law Update in New Brunswick in February 2012.   In 2008, APALA/NJ honored him with an achievement award.  Judge Bauman is a graduate of Columbia University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and Boston College Law School.

Alvin T. Wong was elected Judge of the State Court of DeKalb County, Georgia’s third largest county, in 1998. He was the first Asian Pacific American (APA) to run for public office in metro Atlanta and is the only APA to be elected judge in the Southeast. Judge Wong was elected in a county where APAs made up less than two percent of registered voters and has served continuously unopposed for more than a decade.

A former partner at Gambrell & Stolz (now Baker Donelson), Judge Wong had 21 years of experience as a corporate and trial attorney before running for office. He chaired the State Bar of Georgia’s Investigative Panel for disciplinary action against unethical practices by Georgia attorneys. His most recent project has been to create a DUI Court to treat chronic alcohol addiction.

His heart is in the community. Judge Wong serves on the boards of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and the NAPABA Law Foundation. He has mentored future leaders, as co-director of NAPABA’s Thomas Tang Moot Court Competition and a volunteer with civic organizations dedicated to helping teens avoid drugs, pregnancy, and unemployment.Judge Wong has received many awards for service, leadership, and trail-blazing, including the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award by Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School; OCA’s “Citizen of the Year 2000”; and a 1997 NAPABA Trailblazer.

Al Wong immigrated to the US from Hong Kong at age 14. He lives in Atlanta with wife Jeannie Lin, a creative communications consultant, two cats, and a dachshund.