The members of the Hispanic Bar Association join the hundreds of attorneys, judges and professionals that mourn the loss of the Hon. Lisa Thornton, Monmouth County's Assignment Judge, who died suddenly this past Saturday.  A well respected and hard working Judge, Lisa was everyone's friend, mentor and confidante.  Her unexpected death should remind everyone that life is precious, take time to care for yourself and hug your loved ones.  A caring jurist, she took her job seriously, worked hard and laughed often.  Her laughter was infectious.  Her death is a real loss for everyone whose life she touched, if even for a moment.  May she rest in peace.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates its member and supporter, Michael Noriega, Esq., on his nomination to sit as an Associate Justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court. This is an important nomination. Although Latinos represent the largest minority population in this State, no Latino sits on the Court today and no Latina has ever sat on the Court.  Once confirmed, Michael will bring much needed Latino representation to one of our State’s most important and respected institutions. 

Michael is extraordinarily qualified to be an Associate Justice and we expect him to proudly promote and serve justice for all New Jerseyans.  As part of his practice, Michael represents core members of New Jersey’s underrepresented communities, including immigrants fighting for their right to stay in this country.  He previously worked as a public defender.  He has devoted his career to ensuring that everyone has a voice, irrespective of their race, color, religion, or socioeconomic status.  And we are confident that, if confirmed, he will bring that same ideology to the Court and advance the HBA-NJ’s mission of a more inclusive and diverse legal system. 

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES ANDRÉS ACEBO ON HIS GROUNDBREAKING APPOINTMENT AS INTERIM PRESIDENT OF NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY (NJCU)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 3, 2023

Andrés is the second Hispanic to hold this esteemed position and is the youngest known president to lead a public university in the State of New Jersey. Born and raised in Hudson County, Andrés has dedicated both his professional and personal life to service. Currently, he is a member of the HBA-NJ; the Deputy Regional President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA); has served on the judicial vetting team for the HNBA and Alliance for Latinx Leadership and Policy (ALLP); and is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Cuban American Alliance for Leadership and Education (CAALE).

As a recognized leader in the educational, legal and Hispanic communities, Andrés has received numerous awards including being recognized as a “40 under 40 Latinos in the NYC Region”, New Jersey Super Lawyer Rising Star, A Top Latino Lawyer in the U.S. as well as receiving a Good Scout award. Andrés is actively involved in civic engagements and non-profit activities to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity. Prior to this appointment at NJCU, Andrés represented government entities, institutions of higher learning and public school districts. He received his law degree from Rutgers Law School and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University. After graduating law school, Andrés clerked at the Appellate Division for the Honorable Jonathan N. Harris, J.A.D.

When reached for comment, President Webb stated, “We are so proud of Andrés and his accomplishments. We are happy for all of his success and will continue to watch his growth, personally and professionally. His commitment to our Hispanic community is a testament to his belief in diversity and inclusion.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

For press inquiries, please contact: Perla Medina at medinap220@gmail.com, HBA-NJ Press Secretary.

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Albertina Webb, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at awebb@hillwallack.com. 

©2022 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 27, 2023

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”)

The Coalition of Affinity Bar Associations of New Jersey (CABA-NJ) – consisting of the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey (ABWL-NJ), the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, Inc. (APALA-NJ), the Garden State Bar Association (GSBA), the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ), and the South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey (SABA-NJ) – supports the efforts of the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA) to defend 13 At-Large Seats, which include Seats on the Board of Trustees, the Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee, and the Nominating Committee of the NJSBA (“Protected Seats”). Recently, a New Jersey state court found that NJSBA improperly reserved the Protected Seats for members of underrepresented groups. CABA-NJ supports efforts by the NJSBA to defend the Seats, which, due to the court’s decision, are in jeopardy.

CABA-NJ is comprised of the above identified five bar associations. Each association has diverse memberships and is purposed to represent and protect the interests of New Jersey’s diverse communities through policies, regulations, and collaboration with other bar associations, including NJSBA. Throughout the longstanding relationship with NJSBA, the organizations that comprise CABA-NJ have witnessed, and commend, the efforts taken by NJSBA to diversify its Boards and Committees in a lawful and ethical manner. NJSBA’s establishment of the Protected Seats clearly reflects changes in our state’s demographics in the general and professional populations, and the NJSBA’s response to those changes. Our diverse communities must have a voice in effectuating positive change by having a seat at the table at the NJSBA alongside New Jersey’s leaders. The elimination of the Protected Seats, we believe, works to undermine these goals. 

CABA-NJ will closely monitor the developments of litigation related to the court’s decision. CABA-NJ is prepared to provide the NJSBA with the support required to preserve the Protected Seats so that the leadership and membership of the NJSBA can continue to be diversified.

The Coalition of Affinity Bar Associations of New Jersey

Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey

Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey, Inc.

Garden State Bar Association

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  December 15, 2022

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) denounces the discriminatory practices against members of the Hispanic community recently uncovered by a municipal court judge in Millville Municipal Court. The Honorable Jason D. Witcher, J.M.C. courageously recognized and condemned a pattern of discriminatory actions taken by Millville court administrators against Spanish-speaking defendants and defendants with Hispanic-sounding surnames. Judge Witcher stated he previously reported his findings and was ignored. Judge Witcher has stated that he was threatened with removal from the bench following his complaint that Hispanic defendants in his Cumberland County courtroom were being required to appear in-person for hearings, while non-Hispanic defendants were given the option to appear virtually. Such discriminatory conduct is particularly harmful to an already underserved community because it unnecessarily forces people to take time off work or school, find childcare at an additional cost and increases the fear and disdain for the judiciary for being targeted. 

There is no place for discrimination within our society, but certainly not within the State's judicial system. HBA-NJ learned that the Judiciary has already started an investigation into these allegations, and we look forward to a full report and immediate resolution to these prejudicial practices.  We applaud and stand by Judge Witcher for speaking out against these disturbing discriminatory practices against the Hispanic community and implore any and all vicinages engaging in such conduct to cease and desist immediately.  As stated by HBA-NJ President, Albertina Webb: “These allegations are very alarming, particularly in a State where the Hispanic community constitutes nearly 20% of the population.  All New Jersey residents are entitled to equal access to our courts, regardless of race, color, or national origin.  We thank Judge Witcher for raising these injustices on the record."      

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

For press inquiries, please contact: Perla Medina at medinap220@gmail.com, HBA-NJ Press Secretary.

 

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Albertina Webb, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at awebb@hillwallack.com. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 27, 2022

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey denounces the decision by the United States Supreme Court to strike down Roe v. Wade, a legal precedent that has protected women’s right to choose to have an abortion under the United States Constitution for the last 50 years.  This decision is shocking and a dangerous setback for the rule of law and gender equality, as it deprives women and girls in the United States of the legal protections necessary to ensure that all women have access to and the right to choose to have a safe abortion with dignity and privacy, without discrimination.  This decision will be devastating, particularly for Latina women, who represent the nation’s largest racial minority group and who already face limited access to health care.  

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey calls on President Joe Biden to take all necessary measures to mitigate its consequences and issue executive orders protecting access to safe abortion, and provide funding to states for the provision of safe abortion services. We also remind State legislatures that it is still within their power to protect abortion rights and access to abortion services at a state level.  Banning abortions will have an immediate and irreparable impact on women, taking from them a right that has been central to their ability to plan their lives, families, and careers.

The President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Tabatha L. Castro, had this to say: “The burdens of this ruling will disproportionately fall on women of color, immigrants, those struggling to make ends meet and our youth.  The decision to continue a pregnancy or terminate it must fundamentally be a woman’s decision. Forcing women to carry a pregnancy against their will, will make it harder to escape poverty, disrupting their education, career and life plans, and making it more difficult to leave an abusive partner. The impact of this decision will fall hardest on those belonging to racial minorities and those living in poverty who already struggle to access fundamental health care. The United States Supreme Court reversed nearly 50 years of precedent and I am afraid of what is next. We must take a stand and unite to support a women’s fundamental right to choose.”  The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey will keep fighting for polices affirming abortion as a human right. 

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

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For press inquiries, please contact: Jessica Ramirez, Esq., at jr@djd.law and/or Arianna Moure, Esq., at amoure@sh-law.com, HBA-NJ Press Secretaries.

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Tabatha Castro, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Tabatha@thecastrofirm.com.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”)  congratulates our very own Evelyn Padin on her historic confirmation to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Padin was nominated by President Joe Biden and was confirmed on May 25, 2022 to New Jersey’s federal bench, where she will fill a spot that has been vacant for seven years. Evelyn was an active member of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey where she recently served as a Trustee-at-Large. She is also the first Puerto Rican and first Latina President of the New Jersey Bar Association.

Padin has practiced in New Jersey for three decades, focusing mainly on family law and civil personal litigation out of her Jersey City office. She received her law degree from Seton Hall Law School and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers College. She also obtained her Masters in Social Work from Fordham University. After graduating law school, Padin clerked for the Honorable Lorraine Parker in Sussex County, and was previously employed by the firm of Linares & Coviello in Bloomfield, New Jersey.

She is a founding member of the Justice Virginia Long Family Inn's of Court in Hudson County and is designated a Trial Master. She served as Vice President and Founder of the Caravel Foundation, whose mission is to educate and empower underrepresented members in the community.  Ms. Padin was appointed as a court family mediator, served on the Board of New Jersey Women Lawyers, and also sat on the Board of Governors to the New Jersey Association for Justice. Padin also sat on the New Jersey State Bar Association, Judicial and Prosecutorial Advisory Committee and Nominating Committee, as well as the recently formed Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. She also served on the Meeting, Arrangement Planning, Finance, and Long-Term Planning Committees for the New Jersey State Bar Association and served on the National Council of State Bar Presidents Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Padin served as co-chair of the Diverse Attorneys of Seton Hall (DASH). She was also appointed by New Jersey General Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin to serve on an advisory committee regarding campus sexual assault. 

The President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Tabatha L. Castro, had this to say about this momentous confirmation: “On behalf of the HBA-NJ, we are thrilled to congratulate Judge Padin on her remarkable nomination. Judge Padin’s extensive background demonstrates her commitment to serving the public and the justice system as a whole.  We applaud her and thank her for being an inspiration to Latinos. Although she will be coming off of our Board, we are immensely proud to have Judge Padin continue to fulfill her life’s mission of serving others.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 27, 2022 Boulder. Aurora. Las Vegas. Orlando. San Bernardino. Charleston. Sutherland Springs. Poway. Parkland. Sandy Hook. The Uvalde massacre is the second mass school shooting to rock the country in 10 days following an attack at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York. This school shooting reminded the nation of the horrific mass murder at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, that left 20 children and six adults dead, and the Columbine High School shooting of 1999 that killed 12 students and one teacher. Across America, parents are raw with fury, anguish and hopelessness; students are paralyzed with anxiety and fearful of returning to school. As usual, elected officials from across the country have sent an outpouring of sympathy to the victims of the shooting, and supporters of stricter gun safety laws and regulations voiced outrage that a killer used firearms in yet another school massacre.  Unfortunately, Congress has declined to pass significant new gun legislation after dozens of shootings. In the aftermath of another school massacre, we ask, what are we going to do as a country?  The Hispanic Bar of New Jersey demands that Congress act now. We need to strengthen our gun safety laws and make schools safe again, while at the same time finally develop a plan to address an obvious mental health crisis in our country. It is time for Congress to enact bipartisan gun safety legislation.  The President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Tabatha L. Castro, had this to say: “Time and again, we are heartbroken by the news of another mass shooting.  We must do everything in our power to keep these tragedies from happening.  We must take action on gun control now. We will continue to call on our federal leaders to do more, because our nation’s current stance for preventing gun violence is unacceptable. Our children should not suffer.  We mourn with the people of Texas and the families who have lost their loved ones.” ### About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community. The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers. Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

For press inquiries, please contact: Jessica Ramirez, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary at JR@djd.law or (973) 844-6222 or Arianna Moure at amoure@sh-law.com or (908) 309-5193.

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Tabatha Castro, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Tabatha@thecastrofirm.com.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) congratulates  Trustee at Large and friend, Leidy Gutierrez for being recognized by The Hispanic National Bar Association ("HNBA") prestigious 2022 “HNBA Top Lawyers Under 40” Awards.  This award honors exceptional attorneys from across the country, who have shown leadership skills, are commitment to the Hispanic community, and have proven excellence in the legal profession.   After a rigorous review process, only 40 of the best young Hispanic lawyers from across the nation were selected for this year’s award. 

Leidy J. Gutierrez is currently an Associate in Reed Smith LLP’s Princeton office and a member of the Financial Industry Group. Leidy’s practice focuses on Financial Services Litigation, representing financial institutions in individual and complex actions concerning banking and consumer finance issues in state and federal courts. Prior to joining Reed Smith, Leidy served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Bonnie J. Mizdol, Assignment Judge, Superior Court of New Jersey. Leidy serves as Director of CLEs for the HNBA, is a Latina Commissioner, and as Deputy Regional President for Region III, and is the Associate Chair of Reed Smith’s business inclusion group UNIDOS.

Tabatha L. Castro, President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, commented, “Ms. Gutierrez has been a long-standing member of our Board of Trustees and is an integral part of our team where she serves the Latino legal community in the State of New Jersey, and also nationally. She is a great role model for our young lawyers, and we are proud to work alongside her.” We congratulate Leidy Gutierrez on this award.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

For press inquiries, please contact HBA-NJ Press Secretaries: Jessica Ramirez, Esq. at JR@djd.law or Arianna Moure, Esq. at amoure@sh-law.com.

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Tabatha Castro, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Tabatha@thecastrofirm.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 28, 2022.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) congratulates former HBA-NJ Member and friend, Jose R. Almonte, on his appointment as a Magistrate Judge to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.   Prior to becoming a Magistrate Judge,  Judge Almonte worked for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where he served was Chief Counsel for the Criminal Division. Judge Almonte also worked as senior investigations counsel for Stryker, and was also an associate at the international firm of  Dechert, LLP. Judge Almonte is a graduate of Rutgers Law School, and thereafter served as a Judicial Clerk  on the New Jersey  Supreme Court.

Tabatha L. Castro, current President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, commented, “the Federal Court in New Jersey continues to elevate the court with judges of diverse background to further strengthen their resolve to have the federal bench appear like the citizens that come before it. Having Magistrate Judge Almonte in this role further strengthens that resolve.” We congratulate Judge Almonte on his prestigious appointment, and look forward to his continued success. 

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

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The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101