Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Press Releases

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS GOVERNOR MIKIE SHERRILL’S NOMINATION OF MARGO CHALY TO SERVE AS SECRETARY OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Cristal Lambert — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 22:09:45 GMT

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS GOVERNOR MIKIE SHERRILL’S NOMINATION OF MARGO CHALY TO SERVE AS SECRETARY OF HIGHER EDUCATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2026.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) celebrates Governor Mikie Sherrill’s nomination of HBA-NJ board member Margo Chaly to serve as New Jersey’s next Secretary of Higher Education. This historic nomination marks a significant milestone for Latina leadership and reflects a continued commitment to expanding access to higher education for students and families across the Garden State.

Ms. Chaly is the former Executive Director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), and prior to that, served as HESAA’s Chief of Staff. While at HESAA, Ms. Chaly played a key role advancing its mission to support accessibility to, and affordability of, post-secondary education in New Jersey. Of particular note is Ms. Chaly’s oversight of the administration of $600 million annually in need-based grants and financial aid.

In response to Ms. Chaly’s nomination, HBA-NJ President Cristal Lambert made the following remarks: “the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey recognizes that Margo Chaly’s nomination is both historic and deeply meaningful for our community. As a first-generation Guatemalan-American and lifelong New Jersey resident, Margo understands firsthand the financial and structural barriers that too often prevent talented students from accessing higher education. Her career has been defined by a commitment to expanding opportunity and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to a college education in New Jersey.” President Lambert added, “For the students who are working, caring for family members, or questioning whether college is financially possible, Margo Chaly’s leadership represents hope. Her work has consistently centered on students and her nomination reinforces the importance of investing in their futures.”

Ms. Chaly currently serves as a trustee of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey and previously co-chaired the HBA-NJ’s statewide Women’s Empowerment Leadership & Law (WELL) Conference. She also volunteers with the HBA-NJ’s American Dream Pipeline Highschool Mentorship and Statewide Law Student Mentorship Programs and was recognized by the Hispanic National Bar Association in February 2025 as a Top Lawyer Under 40.

The HBA-NJ congratulates Margo Chaly on this extraordinary and well-deserved nomination and looks forward to her continued leadership in advancing access, affordability, and opportunity in higher education throughout New Jersey.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES HISTORIC APPOINTMENT OF ANDRÉS ACEBO AS 13TH PRESIDENT OF NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY

Cristal Lambert — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 18:55:17 GMT

Celebrating 45 Years:

1980-2025

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES HISTORIC APPOINTMENT OF ANDRÉS ACEBO AS 13^TH PRESIDENT OF NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 12, 2025

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) proudly congratulates HBA-NJ member Andrés Acebo on his unanimous appointment by the New Jersey City University (NJCU) Board of Trustees as the institution’s 13th president.

Acebo, who has served as interim president since January 2023, becomes only the third Hispanic to lead a four-year public university in New Jersey and the youngest known president of a public institution in the state.

During his tenure as interim president, Acebo guided NJCU through the most critical period in its 98-year history. He reduced institutional debt by tens of millions, drove three consecutive semesters of double-digit transfer enrollment growth, secured the university’s first-ever positive financial outlook from Moody’s, and forged partnerships that strengthen access and opportunity. Most recently, he advanced the historic merger that will create Kean Jersey City, an institution that will benefit students well into the future.

In his remarks upon being installed as president, Acebo emphasized the need for higher education to be at the forefront of shaping future leaders, underscoring NJCU’s vital role in providing accessible pathways to success.

In response to Acebo’s appointment, HBA-NJ President Alex Fajardo made the following remarks: “Acebo represents both the promise of the American dream and the importance of representation in higher education leadership. Andy’s appointment is a milestone for the Hispanic community and for New Jersey. His journey from being the first-generation son of Cuban exiles to becoming the youngest university president in the state is an extraordinary example of what is possible. As a trailblazer in higher education, his accomplishments reflect the values of perseverance, service, and excellence that we at the HBA-NJ strive to foster in the community.”

Fajardo added: “The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey celebrates this achievement and looks forward to supporting President Acebo as he continues to lead with vision, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to NJCU’s students and the community at large.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY COMMENDS JUDICIAL ACTION BLOCKING UNCONSTITUTIONAL FEDERAL EXECUTIVE ORDERS

Arianna Mouré — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:30:59 GMT

Celebrating 45 Years:

1980-2025

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY COMMENDS JUDICIAL ACTION BLOCKING UNCONSTITUTIONAL FEDERAL EXECUTIVE ORDERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 7, 2025

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) ) applauds U.S. District Judges Deborah L. Boardman and John Coughenour for issuing back-to-back injunctions to block a presidential Executive Order intended to curb birthright citizenship guaranteed under the 14^th Amendment of the United States Constitution.

The Executive Order, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” signed by President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025, disregards more than a century of legal precedent. The HBA-NJ commends the various immigration advocacy groups, as well as 22 states, including New Jersey, that filed lawsuits challenging the Executive Order. As stated by New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, “The president cannot, with a stroke of a pen, write the 14th Amendment out of existence, period.”

The Executive Order is one of several controversial federal actions adversely impacting immigration laws, policy and due process. The U.S. Department of Justice recently suspended critical programs that provide immigrants access to basic legal information and representation. Multiple Executive Orders revoked categorical parole programs and expanded the use of immigration enforcement. These actions, paired with promises by President Trump to carry out “the largest deportation program in American history,” are leading to unconstitutional detainments and expedited removals.

“As an immigrant who was welcomed to the United States during the Mariel Boatlift, I am deeply saddened by these draconian directives,” said Alex J. Fajardo, President of the HBA-NJ. “To think that Americans who look a certain way will need to carry ‘their papers’ with them at all times, out of fear of arrest during one of these targeted enforcement operations, is dismaying. For many individuals living in this nation, seeking refuge was the only way to save their lives. This country has a long-standing tradition of offering relief to those in need through avenues such as asylum or refugee status. Undocumented residents in New Jersey contribute to our economy by paying taxes, opening business, and providing critical services and employment opportunities within our communities.”

In 2022 alone, undocumented immigrants paid $46.8 billion in federal taxes, $29.3 billion in state and local taxes, $27.7 billion in Social Security taxes, $6.4 billion in Medicare taxes, and $1.8 billion in unemployment insurance. This influx to the economy comes from undocumented immigrants who will likely never benefit from government programs like Medicare or Social Security.

“Enforcing the new Executive Orders issued by the President will devastate those targeted for deportation, separate families, and inflict severe harm on our economy,” said Fajardo. “The HBA-NJ stands ready to assist individuals whose rights are violated as a result of these recent measures.”

The HBA-NJ is committed to working with our affiliates and partner organizations to monitor and respond to ongoing developments. The HBA-NJ is partnered with the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) Region 3 in recruiting attorneys interested in assisting individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations understand and assert their rights. Interested attorneys, who need not have experience with immigration law prior to the training, can sign up for additional information here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeH7hxcde11iK1idBQ907nDpv0fgLWmaMsgV_EMBLduTE5nGw/viewform.

While it is evident that the Trump administration is disproportionately targeting the Latino community, we recognize that this approach may soon extend to other groups that do not conform to a narrow, outdated view of what Americans should be or look like. This approach not only harms our communities but undermines the diversity and values that define our nation. While we advocate for immigration reform and the protection of our borders, we must do so with policies that respect and protect all individuals, regardless of their background.

As members of the bar, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution, protecting individual rights, and fostering a nation rooted in equality and justice for all.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES DEGRADING COMMENTS MADE AGAINST PUERTO RICO AND THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY

Arianna Mouré — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 18:00:50 GMT

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF ITS 43RD ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA & AWARDS DINNER

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 13:58:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2024.

On June 8, 2024, the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) hosted its 43^rd Annual Scholarship Gala & Awards Dinner at The Riverview Ballroom in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. It was a full-house at The Riverview Ballroom, with over 260 attorneys, judges, law students, legal professionals, guests united in celebration of the HBA-NJ’s 2024 Scholarship Recipients and its Corporate Partner of the Year Award, Law Firm of the Year Award, Corporate Attorney of the Year Award, and Margarita Echevarria Trailblazer Award honorees.

Thanks to the continued support of its generous sponsors, the HBA-NJ awarded a total of $53,000 in scholarships. These scholarships were awarded to 18 deserving law school students from Rutgers Law (Newark and Camden), Seton Hall Law, Charles Widger School of Law (Villanova University), City University of New York Law, Irvine School of Law (University of California), and Harvard Law. Scholarships were also awarded to two high school students from Passaic and Union City who participated in the HBA-NJ’s very own American Dream Pipeline Program. The HBA-NJ applauds its scholarship recipients for their academic achievements, their demonstration of perseverance and accomplishment within the Hispanic community, and the great promise they hold for the future of the bar and our community at large.

Further, the HBA-NJ recognized four honorees for their dedication to the mission of the HBA-NJ, their advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and their leadership within their respective spaces. Notably, the HBA-NJ honored Esquire Process Servicing, LLC as Corporate Partner of the Year for its support of the HBA-NJ and its programming, as well as its comprehensive and trusted legal support services nationwide. The HBA-NJ honored Riker Danzig LLP as Law Firm of the Year for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and its dedication to the highest standards of professional excellence. The HBA-NJ also awarded its inaugural Corporate Attorney of the Year Award to José Ramón González, Esq., Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary of Equitable Holdings, Inc., for his exemplary contributions and leadership in the corporate space, as well as his advocacy for underrepresented voices by way of his integral involvement in organizations like Latino Justice PRLDEF, the Latino Donor Collaborative, and the Cuban American Alliance for Leadership & Education (CAALE). The HBA-NJ’s award segment concluded with the recognition of its Margarita Echevarria Trailblazer Award recipient, Daniel Mateo, Esq., a partner at Holland & Knight LLP, the 2023-2024 President of the Hispanic National Bar Association, and a past president of the HBA-NJ. Mateo was highlighted for his longstanding mentorship of Hispanic attorneys in New Jersey and beyond, his extensive work advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives and his courage and foresight as a trailblazer for Hispanic Attorneys.

During the Gala, the HBA-NJ’s 44^th President, Jacqueline Peña, congratulated the honorees and spoke of this year’s theme of Pa’lante: Progress Through Purpose. President Peña expressed the HBA-NJ’s pride in helping this year’s scholarship recipients realize their aspirations of becoming future members of the legal community. Ms. Peña also congratulated this year’s award recipients for embodying the spirit of progress through purpose through their work in furthering the interests and representation of members of the Hispanic community.

Gala attendees also enjoyed the guest performance of My Passion Dance Studio from North Bergen, New Jersey, who entertained guests with a salsa dance routine.

The HBA-NJ extends its deepest gratitude to our Gala guests for their generous support and their attendance at this year’s ceremony. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our Gala sponsors:

Annual Underwriter and Diamond Gala Sponsor

Lowenstein Sandler LLP

Annual Benefactor and Gold Gala Sponsor

Archer & Greiner, P.C.

Annual Amigo and Platinum Gala Sponsor

Reed Smith LLP

Platinum Gala Sponsors

Day Pitney LLP

Johnson and Johnson

Annual Amigo and Gold Gala Sponsors

Baker Hostetler LLP

Bederson LLP

Bowman and Brooke LLP

Hudson Court Reporting

Riker Danzig LLP

Stark & Stark, P.C.

Annual Primo and Silver Gala Sponsor

Plata Law Group LLC

Silver Gala Sponsors

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Holland & Knight LLP

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

For press inquiries, please contact: Jacqueline S. Peña, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Jacqueline.Pena@bowmanandbrooke.com, and Press Secretaries, Janett Smyth at jsmyth@ryker.com and Maria Marrero at m.marrero22@gmail.com

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES JUDGE RAQUEL VALLEJO, WENDY REEK, AND LEONARDO A. HERNANDEZ ON THEIR CONFIRMATION TO THE BENCH AND JUDGES YOLANDA C. RODRIGUEZ AND LISA MIRALLES WALSH ON THEIR RECEIPT OF TENURE

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 19:59:30 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 22, 2023

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates long-time members the Honorable Raquel Vallejo and Wendy Reek, and former Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor, Leonardo A. Hernandez, on their confirmations as judges of the New Jersey Superior Court. The HBA-NJ also congratulates the Honorable Yolanda C. Rodriguez, J.S.C., and the Honorable Lisa Miralles Walsh, A.J.S.C. on their receipt of tenure. Notably, Judge Miralles Walsh is the first Latina to serve as Assignment Judge in Union County.

Judge Vallejo is a former trustee of the HBA-NJ, having served on the board for over 9 years in the roles of Union County Trustee and Trustee-at-Large. She has extensive experience litigating complex and contested matrimonial and family law issues. She dedicated much of her practice to advocacy for victims and the wrongfully accused. Judge Vallejo is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Attorney, an achievement held by only 0.5% of attorneys in the State. While appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Judge Vallejo praise her 90-year-old mother in attendance at the hearing, remarking: “I was raised by a single mother who taught me the value of education, hard work, perseverance, and determination. Thanks to her sacrifices, I’m living proof that the American dream is attainable.” She will serve in the Superior Court of New Jersey for Union County.

Ms. Wendy Reek is a skilled trial attorney, having tried more than 70 jury trials to verdict. She is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney, a distinction held by less than 2% of attorneys in New Jersey. Ms. Reek was honored last month by the Middlesex County Trial Lawyers Association as the 2023 recipient of the Herman L. Breitkopf Award. She will serve in the Superior Court of New Jersey for Somerset County.

Mr. Leonardo A. Hernandez was an Assistant Prosecutor with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. At the Hudson Prosecutor’s Office, he oversaw homicide investigations and prosecuted complex and high-profile criminal cases. He will serve in the Superior Court of New Jersey for Essex County.

HBA-NJ President, Jacqueline Peña stated: “The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey commends Governor Murphy and his administration for their commitment to increasing the diversity of our great State’s bench. The HBA-NJ is proud to have endorsed Judges Vallejo, Reek, and Hernandez for judgeships. They are all respected members of the Bar, who undoubtedly will continue their dedication to excellence as members of the judiciary. We implore the Governor to continue to work with the HBA-NJ to identify Latino judicial candidates so that our judiciary can reflect the diversity of our communities.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

For press inquiries, please contact: Jacqueline S. Peña, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Jacqueline.Pena@bowmanandbrooke.com, and Press Secretaries, Janett Smyth, Esq. at JSmyth@hoaglandlongo.com and Maria Marrero, Esq. at M.Marrero22@gmail.com

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY EXTENDS ITS SINCERE SYMPATHIES FOR THE LIVES LOST AND CONTINUED VIOLENCE IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:30:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 30, 2023.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) would like to extend our sincere sympathies for the lives lost and continued violence in Israel and Palestine, and the traumatizing impact on our loved ones, families, and community, at home and abroad. We condemn the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and stand in solidarity with the innocent people of Israel and Palestine. As a diverse and inclusive organization, we stand with the rights of Jewish and Muslim Americans and condemn all acts of hate speech and violence. During this difficult time leading into the holidays, we are grateful for the support expressed by fellow affinity bars and ask others to join in standing up against antisemitism and Islamophobia.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

For press inquiries, please contact: Jacqueline S. Peña, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Jacqueline.Pena@bowmanandbrooke.com, and Press Secretaries, Janett Smyth, Esq. at jsmyth@hoaglandlongo.com and Maria Marrero, Esq. at m.marrero22@gmail.com

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE INSTALLATION OF JACQUELINE PEÑA AS ITS 44TH PRESIDENT AND THE SWEARING IN OF ITS 2023-2024 OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 20:33:40 GMT

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE INSTALLATION OF JACQUELINE PEÑA AS ITS 44^TH PRESIDENT AND THE SWEARING IN OF ITS 2023-2024 OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2023.

On November 1, 2023, the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) held its 44^th Annual Installation and Swearing-In Ceremony of its Officers and Trustees at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, New Jersey. Longtime member of the HBA-NJ and Past President, Anna María Tejada, a partner at Saul Ewing LLP, served as the mistress of ceremonies at the sold-out ceremony, which had 350+ guests in attendance, including, but not limited to, judges, lawyers, and students from numerous counties throughout the State.

The Honorable Michael Noriega, Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, and longtime supporter of the HBA-NJ, swore in the Officers and Trustees. The Officers and Trustees were especially honored to be sworn in by Justice Noriega, currently, the only Hispanic Justice on the Court. The Honorable Jaclyn V. Medina, Judge of the Superior Court for Bergen County, and former executive board member of the HBA-NJ, swore in Jacqueline S. Peña as the 44^th President of the HBA-NJ. Peña, an associate at Bowman and Brooke LLP and first generation American, kicked off her inaugural remarks as President of the HBA-NJ by introducing the 2023-2024 theme, “Pa’lante: Progress Through Purpose.” Pa’lante, a Spanish contraction of para adelante, means “straight ahead” or “forward.” President Peña encouraged attendees to remember theirs and the HBA-NJ’s purpose as they move forward as members of the Hispanic legal community. She explained that the key to furthering the HBA-NJ’s purpose, which includes diversity and inclusion within the legal community and the community at-large, was education and mentorship, and challenged listeners to honor their responsibility to “ensure that our current members and the next generation of Latino lawyers have the knowledge and support they need to succeed.” Peña noted that, despite having graduated from high school as valedictorian, she felt underprepared for the rigors of the much larger setting that was her college experience. Peña remarked that she met that challenge with a determination to succeed and moved forward with the support of her family, community, and mentors, many of whom she met through the HBA-NJ. In speaking of the plans for her tenure, President Peña announced the anticipated expansion of the American Dream Pipeline Program, a program started by the HBA-NJ in 2013 to mentor high school students in urban areas. Peña also announced the launch of a new pipeline program designed to help members achieve in-house counsel roles, equity partnership, and “rainmaker” status. “By empowering our members and future lawyers with information,” Peña asserted, “we can pave the way for progress through purpose.”

Albertina “Abby” Webb, Immediate Past President of the HBA-NJ and a partner at Hill Wallack LLP, closed her tenure as President of the HBA-NJ by giving an impassioned and inspiring speech highlighting the HBA-NJ’s dedication to the Hispanic community of New Jersey, and urging the attendees to “lift as you climb.” Webb also underscored the HBA-NJ’s accomplishments during her term as president, including the continuation of the Nuts & Bolts program with the New Jersey Women’s Lawyers Association, the alliances made with fellow affinity bars, the seminars presented to boost awareness of domestic violence, and the organization’s newly attained CLE accreditation status. Webb also presented this year’s Corazón Del HBA-NJ Award to Arianna Mouré, Membership Secretary of the HBA-NJ and Counsel at Scarinci Hollenbeck, for her unwavering service to the affinity bar. Also of special note was the call to continued service and collaboration made during the speech of Daniel Mateo, National President of the Hispanic National Bar Association, Past President of the HBA-NJ (2011-2012), and a partner at Holland & Knight LLP. Mateo highlighted that, of the past presidents of the Hispanic National Bar Association, three (himself included) have hailed from New Jersey.

The HBA-NJ thanks its sponsors and Installation attendees for their generosity and continued support. Notably, the HBA-NJ extends its gratitude to Lowenstein Sandler LLP for its Underwriter Annual and Diamond Installation sponsorship; Archer & Greiner P.C. for its Benefactor Annual and Gold Installation sponsorship, Esquire Process Servicing, LLC for its Amigo Annual and Diamond Installation sponsorship, as well as to Reed Smith LLP for its Amigo Annual and Platinum Installation sponsorship, and to our Amigo Annual and Gold Installation Sponsors: Bowman and Brooke LLP, Riker Danzig LLP, Bederson LLP, Stark & Stark, P.C., Baker Hostetler LLP, and Hudson Court Reporting; our Gold Installation sponsors: Weiner Law Group, LLP and Gibbons P.C.; our Silver Installation sponsors: O’Toole Scrivo LLC, Bendit Weinstock, P.A., Pashman Stein Walder Hayden P.C., the Law Offices of Cesar Martin Estela, Greenberg Traurig, LLP, Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP, Johnson & Johnson, Holland & Knight LLP, and Columbia Bank; and our Annual Primo and Bronze Installation Sponsor: the Plata Law Group LLC.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

For press inquiries, please contact: Jacqueline S. Peña, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Jacqueline.Pena@bowmanandbrooke.com, and Press Secretaries, Janett Smyth at jsmyth@hoaglandlongo.com and Maria Marrero at m.marrero22@gmail.com

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org.

THE HBA-NJ CONGRATULATES PAST PRESIDENTS ANNA MARIA TEJADA AND REYNOLD LAMBERT, AS WELL AS MEMBERS ANDRÉS ACEBO, GUILLERMO C. ARTILES AND STEPHANIE BROWN ON BEING NAMED TO THE 2023 ROI INFLUENCERS: PEOPLE OF COLOR LIST

Cristal Lambert — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:27:42 GMT

The ROI -NJ, a widely-renowned online media company created to inform and connect businesses in New Jersey, has released its annual ROI Influencers: People of Color list recognizing people of color in New Jersey who have made a significant impact in the business, academia, nonprofit and governmental sectors. The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) is proud to celebrate the selection of the following past presidents and members as ROI Influencers: People of Color 2023:

Past President Anna Maria Tejada is a Partner at Saul Ewing in Newark where she practices labor and employment law. In addition to her long list of accolades, this is her second time making the ROI Influencers: People of Color list.

Past President Reynold Lambert is a Partner at Lowenstein Sandler where he practices business and class action litigation. Reynold has previously made the ROI Influencers: People of Color list and has been recognized by the New Jersey Law Journal as a Diverse Attorney of the Year.

Andrés Acebo is the President of New Jersey City University, where he has led the school out of financial difficulties toward a bright future with an emphasis on educating underserved first-generation students.

Guillermo C. Artiles is a Partner and the Chair of the Government Affairs Practice group at McCarter & English. Most recently, Guillermo served as Associate Counsel to New Jersey Governor Philip D. Murphy.

Stephanie A. Brown is the Associate Director of Government Affairs at Wonder, an upscale food delivery startup. Stephanie also currently serves as Chair of the New Jersey State Ethics Commission.

Abby Webb, President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, commented, “The inclusion of five HBA-NJ members on the ROI Influencers: People of Color list shows that our membership has influence, is making an impact, and that our hard work is being recognized. I congratulate these deserving leaders and I look forward to seeing more of our members make the list next year!”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

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.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT’S DECISION TO STRIKE DOWN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAMS.

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:54:47 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 5, 2023.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) denounces the decision by the United States Supreme Court to strike down affirmative action programs at public and private colleges throughout the country. This decision is deeply concerning and represents a major setback in efforts to remedy the nation’s long history of discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities. The Court’s decision ultimately rejected and ignored 45-years of precedent and the notion that colleges have a sufficiently compelling interest in creating a racially diverse student body.

The Court’s majority states that the interests articulated by the colleges, such as training future leaders, acquiring new knowledge based on diverse outlooks, promoting a robust marketplace of ideas, and preparing engaged and productive citizens, are vague and not sufficiently coherent concepts to justify an affirmative action program.

The HBA-NJ firmly believes that these interests are clear, legitimate, and vital justifications for affirmative action programs. The HBA-NJ also believes that the removal of affirmative action programs threatens the diversity of our law schools and adversely impacts representation in the legal community. We urge colleges, as well as state and local governments across the nation, to take proactive measures to promote diversity in education. This decision will undoubtedly have a detrimental impact on underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities, further limiting their access to higher education and the career opportunities that follow.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey pledges to monitor the impact of this decision and to continue to support diversity, equity and inclusion policies in higher education and the legal profession. Together, we must strive for a society that recognizes and embraces the value of diversity.

Albertina Webb, President of the HBA-NJ, said, “The HBA-NJ will not stop fighting for equity and equality in the legal field. We will continue to support and promote institutions and individuals who fight with us in the quest for promoting and increasing diversity in the legal field. As Justice Sotomayor correctly stated, “[i]gnoring race will not equalize a society that is racially unequal. What was true in the 1860s, and again in 1954, is true today: Equality requires acknowledgment of inequality.”

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES VICTOR AFANADOR, ESQ. AS HE BECOMES PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THE FEDERAL BAR OF NEW JERSEY

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 00:29:08 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 13, 2023

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) is ecstatic to congratulate longtime member Victor Afanador as he is installed as the President of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey, 2023-2024.

Victor was born and raised in the great City of Newark, NJ, in an under privileged socio-economic environment. Fortunately, he had the firm family foundation that guided him through his educational development. As such, he truly understands and appreciates the struggles of growing up in an inner city with little financial means. He uses his professional journey as a platform for his community services by giving back to the greater Newark Community and its law schools by serving as a mentor and committing his time and energy to local educational advancement organizations.

A 2003 graduate of the Leadership Newark Fellowship Program, Victor has served on the board of directors of African Globe Theatreworks (a professional theater company based in Newark, New Jersey), and serves as a member of the board for Aspira, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to developing the educational and leadership capacity of Latino youth. Throughout the years, he has remained actively involved with the HBA-NJ, attending meetings and signature events, as well as mentoring board members and students alike. A well-respected attorney, Victor makes the HBA-NJ proud of his participation and contributions to his professional career and how well he manages his work-family balance. He is liked by everyone who meets him and is well liked and respected by Judges, colleagues and contemporaries.

Albertina Webb, President of the HBA-NJ, said, “Victor always puts a smile on my face when I see him. He has respected the mission of the HBA-NJ for years and I know he will continue to serve the Federal Bar well as its President. I look forward to seeing him continue to shine in this position and hope that the HBA-NJ can participate in programs with the AFBNJ during his presidency and beyond. On behalf of the HBA-NJ, we wish Victor much success in this new endeavor.”

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES RICARDO SOLANO JR. ON HIS RETURN TO GIBBONS P.C. AS CO-CHAIR OF ITS WHITE COLLAR AND INVESTIGATIONS GROUP

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:08:19 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 7, 2023

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) is pleased to congratulate longtime member and former trustee, Ricardo Solano Jr. on his return to Gibbons P.C. (Gibbons) as co-chair of its newly formed White Collar and Investigations Group. This will be Mr. Solano’s third stint at Gibbons. He began his legal career at Gibbons as an associate in the Criminal Defense practice and later returned as a Director in that practice. This time he will help launch, lead, and build the White Collar & Investigations Group.

Mr. Solano will co-chair the practice with longtime Gibbons attorney Lawrence S. Lustberg, another well-respected and senior criminal defense attorneys in New Jersey and beyond and a nationally recognized authority in constitutional and criminal law and procedure, who has been responsible for many seminal federal and state court decisions in a broad range of cases.

Mr. Solano is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and First Assistant Attorney General of New Jersey. He clerked for the Honorable Maryanne Trump Barry of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the Honorable Deborah T. Poritz of the New Jersey Supreme Court. More recently, he was a partner at Friedman Kaplan Seiler Adelman & Robbins LLP, with a focus on white collar crime. Mr. Solano later joined The Straus Group, a private investment family firm in Fort Lee, and CareOne as its Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer. Mr. Solano grew up in Paterson and currently resides in Bernardsville. He earned a B.A. from New York University and a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law. Mr. Solano is currently President of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey and is a supporting member of the HBA-NJ and a former trustee for the organization.

Albertina Webb, President of the HBA-NJ, commented, “Ricardo has served the Hispanic community and the legal profession throughout his career. He is well respected and regarded in the legal community. He has been a loyal HBA-NJ member and supported our mission and events with his attendance and participation. I am proud to see him take on the new role in his career. It seems a natural step in his career trajectory and Gibbons is very lucky to have him. We wish Ricardo success in his new position.”

Unexpected Death of The Honorable Lisa Thornton

Albertina Webb — Wed, 31 May 2023 00:23:58 GMT

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 APPLAUDS GOVERNOR MURPHY’S NOMINATION OF MICHAEL NORIEGA TO SERVE AS ASSOCIATE JUSTICE ON THE NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT.

Tue, 16 May 2023 19:15:12 GMT

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.

About Michael’s nomination, President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Albertina Webb, remarked: “The HBA-NJ is very proud of Michael and knows he will represent our community with honor and distinction. He sat on our public policy committee for many years, where he helped us navigate important issues that our community faced. His appointment will ensure that the New Jersey Supreme Court will have Justices who are not only qualified, but also representative of the communities they serve. Although we are thrilled about Michael’s appointment, we strongly believe that the New Jersey Supreme Court should also have a qualified Latina sitting on it. Michael’s appointment is a step in the right direction, and we look forward to his speedy confirmation by the Senate.”

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

Arianna Mouré — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 19:51:50 GMT

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

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.

NEW JERSEY’S COALITION OF AFFINITY BAR ASSOCIATIONS SUPPORTS THE EFFORTS OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE BAR ASSOCIATION TO DEFEND 13 AT-LARGE SEATS

Arianna Mouré — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:39:30 GMT

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

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONDEMNS THE DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES RECENTLY DISCOVERED IN MILLVILLE MUNICIPAL COURT AGAINST THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY

Arianna Mouré — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 17:36:35 GMT

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

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.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE DECISION TO STRIKE DOWN ROE V. WADE

Arianna Mouré — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 13:36:50 GMT

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

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

_____________________________________________________

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 Congratulates Judge Evelyn Padin on Her Confirmation to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

Sylvia-Rebecca Gutierrez — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 19:00:22 GMT

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

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

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY MOURNS WITH THE RESIDENTS OF UVALDE, TEXAS

Arianna Mouré — Fri, 27 May 2022 14:32:19 GMT

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.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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 Congratulates Leidy Gutierrez for Being Selected to Receive the Hispanic National Bar Association Top Lawyers Under 40 Award

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 21:08:01 GMT

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

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.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Jose R. Almonte on His Appointment As a Magistrate Judge to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Sylvia-Rebecca Gutierrez — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 18:59:12 GMT

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

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Myrna Pérez on Her Historic Confirmation to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Reynold Lambert — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 19:44:10 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 26, 2021

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey congratulates our member and friend, Myrna Pérez, on her confirmation to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Ms. Pérez will be the only Latina on the Court and its first Latina since Justice Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed to the United States Supreme Court over a decade ago. About Ms. Pérez confirmation, HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, said: “We are very proud of Ms. Perez’s historic confirmation, although we are not surprised. Ms. Pérez is an incredibly talented lawyer, which is why the HBA-NJ endorsed her. I have no doubt that Ms. Pérez will serve with honor and distinction, and make our country and community proud. We congratulate Ms. Pérez and look forward to her continued successes as a Judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Condemns Xenophobic Remarks Made by Councilwoman Robin M. Vaughn.

Reynold Lambert — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 14:37:39 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 11, 2021

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) denounces the xenophobic remarks recently made by Trenton Councilwoman, Robin M. Vaughn, during a public hearing to a member of the Latinx community. This is not the first time Councilwoman Vaughn reportedly has made demeaning statements as an elected official.

Upon seeing the reports, HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, stated: “We are appalled. Asking a Latino whether he understands English, in the middle of a discussion taking place in English, is a racist attack on him and the Latinx community. We will not tolerate racism or bigotry from anyone, much less our elected officials who are supposed to represent the very best of our communities. Whether fueled by ignorance or hatred, Councilwoman Vaughn’s abhorrent conduct has no place in our society. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms, and demand that Councilwoman Vaughn immediately retract her hateful statements and issue a public apology.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Executive Board Member, Jessica Ortiz, on Being Appointed Deputy Inspector General and Director of Investigations at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Reynold Lambert — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 04:22:51 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2021

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates its Executive Board Member and Membership Secretary, Jessica Ortiz, on her appointment as Deputy Inspector General and Director of Investigations at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. About Ms. Ortiz’s appointment, HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, said: “We are so excited that Jessica was chosen for this incredibly important position. As Deputy Inspector General and Director of Investigations, she will be charged with investigating fraud and corruption within the Port Authority. This is one of the top positions within the agency, and Jessica is perfect for the job. She will excel in her new role and do it with honor and distinction. She is an all-star lawyer and decorated member of the Hispanic legal community. She has been an invaluable member of the HBA-NJ’s leadership team, and will bring those same leadership skills to her new position. We congratulate Jessica and look forward to her continued successes.”

Ms. Ortiz will join the Port Authority after 15 years of working as a gifted litigator and federal prosecutor. As a partner at MoloLamken LLP, Jessica focused on white collar crimes, government investigations, regulatory matters, and complex commercial litigation. Before becoming partner at MoloLamken, Ms. Ortiz worked for eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. She was lead counsel in numerous jury trials and served as co-chief of the Narcotics Unit, managing more than 40 federal prosecutors. Prior to becoming a star prosecutor and litigator, Ms. Ortiz clerked for the Honorable Julio Fuentes on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo Law School.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Condemns Anti-Semitic Racism, Hate, and Violence, and Stands in Solidarity with the Jewish Community.

Reynold Lambert — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:23:49 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2021

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) strongly condemns the growing anti-Semitic racism, hate, and violence sweeping our nation. Violent attacks against Jewish people, businesses, synagogues, and temples based on their faith and religion are increasing at alarming rates and have resulted in senseless murders and injuries in our very own, beloved State of New Jersey, the Metropolitan New York area, and across the nation. Anti-Semitism has been ignored for far too long and we cannot be silent. We urge local, state, and federal governments, as well as community, civic, religious, political, and corporate leaders, to take a stance and demonstrate a unified front against anti-Semitism. These senseless attacks must come to end.

As stated by HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert: “Anti-Semitism has no place in our society, and willful ignorance and silence is entirely unacceptable. Many of our HBA-NJ members, colleagues, friends, and family members are members of the Jewish community and they need our support. Hate crimes against any community based on race, religion, or otherwise will not end until we unequivocally take a stance in solidarity and reject all forms of discrimination and hatred. History has shown us that anti-Semitic attacks tend to grow infectiously, and the recent increase we are seeing in our local area and throughout the nation is alarming, outrageous, and downright shameful. Silence is no longer an option. There must be zero tolerance for any form of racism or bigotry, and the HBA-NJ calls on its members, local communities, and all governments to take a part in ending anti-Semitism. We urge everyone to become educated on the issues, learn the history, engage in dialogue, and stand up and fight for what is right, what is just, and what is morally and ethically necessary.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Past President, Julia López, for Being Named to the NJBIZ Law Power 50.

Reynold Lambert — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:19:02 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 28, 2021

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates our 39^th President, Julia López, for being named to the highly coveted NJBIZ Law Power 50. As noted by NJBIZ, the Law Power 50 “are the best problem solvers the state has to offer.” We could not agree more. HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, remarked: “I am not the least bit surprised to see Julia receive such a distinguished honor. She is a role model and an influential leader on both a state and national level. During her Presidency, Julia’s vision and fierce advocacy propelled the HBA-NJ to new heights. I know she brings that same leadership, passion, and dedication to her practice. Her clients value her innovative and creative problem solving abilities, as do we. We congratulate Julia on this amazing achievement, and look forward to celebrating many more in the years to come.”

Julia is a Partner in Reed Smith’s Life Sciences Health Industry Group, practicing in the areas of products liability litigation and commercial litigation. She is the firm’s nationwide partner chair for the Hispanic/Latinx business inclusion group known as UNIDOS. From 2018 to 2019, Julia served as the HBA-NJ’s 39^th President. She currently serves as the Hispanic National Bar Association National Finance Director, where she is helping to implement initiatives for Latinx attorneys and students, the community, and its strategic partners. She leads a team of lawyers and professionals nationwide tasked with communicating with the bar’s supporters and sponsors to ensure the sustainability of the HNBA.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Stands in Solidarity with the Cuban People in Their Fight for Freedom and Basic Human Rights.

Reynold Lambert — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 19:54:13 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2021

After more than 60 years of oppression and tyranny under the Communist Regime, the Cuban people have taken to the streets en masse in peaceful protest. Outside of members of the military and government, Cubans have been denied basic human rights and are now facing a raging pandemic that the Cuban Authoritarian Regime cannot, or will not, control. Across the island the Cuban people have come together to demand change and the end of the dictatorship. But these peaceful protestors have been met with militaristic force, reportedly resulting in at least one death and scores of disappearances. The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) strongly condemns any effort to strip the Cuban people of their basic right to peacefully protest against injustice and to demand freedom.

HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, remarked: “As the son of Cuban immigrants, I know all too well the atrocities and hardships faced by the Cuban people. They are now fighting for basic human rights that we oftentimes take for granted, and it is imperative that we—as Americans—support that effort. Anywhere in this world, people should be free to peacefully march and protest against their government, without fear of violence or retribution. The HBA-NJ stands in solidarity with the Cuban people marching for their freedom, and urges the Biden Administration to use diplomatic channels to ensure that their right to peacefully protest is honored and respected by the Cuban government.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Paul Nieves and Michael Jimenez on Their Confirmation As Judges of the Superior Court, and Applauds Governor Murphy for Announcing His Intent to Nominate Veronica Allende to the Bench.

Reynold Lambert — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 15:10:19 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2021.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates our former board member, Paul Nieves, and member, Michael Jimenez, on their recent Senate confirmation as Judges of the New Jersey Superior Court. The HBA-NJ also applauds Governor Murphy for announcing his intent to nominate our member, Veronica Allende, as a Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court. HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, remarked: “Judge Nieves, Judge Jimenez, and Ms. Allende are all dynamic attorneys and inspiring leaders in our community, which is why the HBA-NJ endorsed each of them for a judgeship. I have no doubt that they will continue to make the HBA-NJ and our community very proud.”

The significance of these confirmations and nomination of Latinx attorneys to the bench cannot be understated. President Lambert explained: “For decades, the HBA-NJ has fought hard to diversify the bench. Hispanics represent the largest minority population in New Jersey, and it is of critical importance that our judiciary accurately reflect our community. We have worked closely with the Governor’s office to identify supremely qualified Latinx candidates for judicial and other positions—like Judge Nieves, Judge Jimenez, and Ms. Allende—and will continue to do so.”

We present below a very brief overview of the impressive qualifications of Judge Nieves, Judge Jimenez, and Ms. Allende:

Paul Nieves: Judge Paul Nieves is currently assigned to the Superior Court, Family Division, Union County. Judge Nieves brings 25 years of experience to the bench. Born and raised in the South Bronx, he was an experienced trial attorney, having served as the Assistant Section Chief at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. Judge Nieves also had a distinguished career in the Army Reserves and recently retired as a Major, with over 22 years of service. His duties as a Judge Advocate included service as the Fort Dix Prosecutor for three years, advising the Commanding General at the 353rd Civil Affairs Command and deploying with the 18th Airborne Corps to Baghdad, Iraq. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters. Before his confirmation to the bench, Judge Nieves sat on the HBA-NJ Board of Trustees.

Michael Jimenez: Judge Michael Jimenez is currently assigned to the Superior Court, Family Division, Hudson County. Judge Jimenez was a partner for Scarinci Hollenbeck, where he focused on representing entities,real estate developers and owners, financial institutions, and public and private business organizations in a variety of transactional matters. He served as Corporation Counsel for the Town of West New York, as Town Attorney to the Town of Guttenberg, Special Litigation Counsel to the North Bergen Board of Education, and Labor Counsel to the Hudson County Schools of Technology. He also served as a municipal prosecutor, public defender, and counsel to numerous school boards, including North Bergen, Weehawken, Hoboken, Paterson and Fairview. Judge Jimenez brings a wealth of trial experience to the bench, as he handled a wide variety of civil and criminal matters in the state and federal courts, and has extensive experience in Local Public Contracts Law and Open Public Records Act matters.

Veronica Allende: Veronica Allende was the first Hispanic woman to serve as Director of the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ). While at DCJ, Ms. Allende supervised and successfully oversaw the prosecution of various crimes, and also launched the clergy abuse task force. Prior to joining the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Ms. Allende worked as an Assistant United States Attorney, where she collaborated with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute federal crimes. Ms. Allende was also employed as a Deputy Attorney General for the Division of Criminal Justice, where she served as the Deputy Bureau Chief for the Cyber Crimes Bureau. In that capacity, she investigated and prosecuted cyber-related offenses, working with law enforcement officers of various units, including the Department of Homeland Security. Before she entered public service, Ms. Allende practiced land use and commercial real estate law with the law firm of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Board Member, Raquel Vallejo, on Her Promotion to Partner at The Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group

Reynold Lambert — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 14:23:20 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 10, 2021

We celebrate our friend and fellow board member, Raquel Vallejo, on her recent promotion to partner at her firm, the Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group. Ms. Vallejo received her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law. While in law school, she was a member of the Seton Hall Center for Social Justice, where she provided legal aid services in the areas of matrimonial and family law to Essex, Morris, and Union County residents. After graduating law school, Ms. Vallejo served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Thomas P. Zampino J.S.C. in the Essex County Family Part. She has experience with all facets of family law litigation, including complex contested issues of custody, parenting time, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution of assets. She volunteers her time at the Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter through its legal advocacy program, where she represents clients in domestic violence proceedings.

HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, applauded Ms. Vallejo’s achievement, stating: “Raquel is a rockstar in every sense of the word. We have been lucky to have her as a trusted board member and friend for many years, and I know she will excel in her new role.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Past Presidents Judge Esther Salas, Camelia Valdes, Anna Maria Tejada, and Melinda Colón Cox on Being Named to the 2021 ROI-NJ Influencers: Women in Business List

Reynold Lambert — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 19:16:16 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2021

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) proudly congratulates past HBA-NJ Presidents Judge Esther Salas, Camelia Valdes, Anna Maria Tejada, and Melinda Colón Cox for their selection to the ROI-NJ’s prestigious 2021 Women in Business List. The ROI-NJ is a well-respected business media company known for providing news impacting New Jersey’s business community and for its annual top influencers in New Jersey lists. The ROI-NJ recently published the “ROI Influencers: Women in Business List,” comprised of the “Top 50 Women Influencers” list, and eight separate sector lists, including a “Women in Professional Services” category. Not surprisingly, the ROI recognized four past HBA-NJ presidents this year, naming the Honorable Esther Salas, a District Court Judge for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camelia Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor, and Anna Maria Tejada, a Partner at Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, to its “Top 50 Women Influencers” list, and Melinda Colón Cox, a Partner at Parker Ibrahim & Berg Partner, to its “Top Women in Professional Services” list.

HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, stated: “The HBA-NJ celebrates the ROI-NJ’s recognition of influential women leaders in New Jersey, and is honored to see several of its past Latina presidents listed on the 2021 ROI Influencers: Women in Business List. They are all rock stars paving the way for future Latina leaders, and we could not be more proud of them. We will continue to promote the advancement of our women leaders and look forward to seeing more of our leadership on ROI-NJ’s influencer lists in years to come.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Condemns Racism, Intolerance and Violence Against the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

Reynold Lambert — Sat, 20 Mar 2021 01:26:52 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2021

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) strongly condemns racism, intolerance and violence against the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. On Tuesday, Stop AAPI Hate reported that there were at least 3,795 hate incidents against the AAPI community between March 19, 2020, and Feb 28, 2021. Our nation has seen a spike in hostility toward the AAPI community coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the mass shootings at the Atlanta, Georgia massage businesses on Tuesday are the latest example.

HBA-NJ President Reynold Lambert stated: “The HBA-NJ denounces acts of violence and bias against the AAPI community. We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community and will act and speak out against the alarming trend of violence reported by Stop AAPI Hate this week. The evil hate-crimes committed against the AAPI community are un-American and unacceptable in our society, and we urge law enforcement to quickly and appropriately investigate and prosecute these crimes.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE SWEARING IN OF VICE PRESIDENT ELECT KAMALA HARRIS, THE FIRST BLACK-ASIAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO BE ELECTED AS VICE PRESIDENT, BY JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR, THE FIRST LATINA WOMAN APPOINTED TO THE SUPREME COURT.

Reynold Lambert — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 02:06:28 GMT

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE SWEARING IN OF VICE PRESIDENT ELECT KAMALA HARRIS, THE FIRST BLACK-ASIAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO BE ELECTED AS VICE PRESIDENT, BY JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR, THE FIRST LATINA WOMAN APPOINTED TO THE SUPREME COURT.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 19, 2021.

After one of the lowest points in our Nation’s history, we celebrate a remarkable milestone in the fight for gender and racial equality. On January 20, 2021, Vice President Elect Kamala Harris, born to immigrant parents from Jamaica and India, will be sworn into office by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first female Latina justice, born to Puerto Rican parents. This is a historical event. Both of these trailblazing women have broken the country’s highest concrete ceilings and placed themselves in history, by becoming America’s first women of color to hold their respective positions. The President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Reynold Lambert, said: “This historic oath will inspire generations of young girls, especially those of color, to strive to hold positions of leadership. It also serves as a turning point for women’s leadership, leading into a new age of possibilities. The theme of the inauguration this year is ‘America United,’ and the swearing in of Vice President Elect Kamala Harris by Justice Sonia Sotomayor symbolizes the possibility of new connections of race and culture, of new kinships, and of a blended America.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE ATTACK ON OUR NATION’S CAPITOL

Melinda Cox — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 02:33:27 GMT

1980-2021

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE ATTACK ON OUR NATION’S CAPITOL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2021

The Hispanic Bar of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) strongly condemns the violence, destruction, and threat to life and justice that took place in Washington DC. HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, remarked: “The rioters who broke into our Nation’s Capitol Building pursued an extremist agenda by engaging in violence and destruction, undermining the bedrock of our political rights and democratic freedoms. Although our democracy safeguards the right of peaceful protest, those who choose to participate in criminal behavior must be held accountable under the law. As Americans, we must stand together and call for an end to such outrageous attacks to our sacred democracy.”

After the chaos and destruction subsided, President Donald J. Trump conceded the election and finally affirmed that there would be an “orderly transition on January 20^th.” “The peaceful transition of power is not, and never has been, an option exercisable at the whim of the President. It is the core of our democracy, and it must be respected, always. We urge President Trump to stay true to his word and honor his oath to defend the Constitution,” said President Lambert.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

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PRESS RELEASE: THE HBA-NJ SUPPORTS AILA-NJ'S REQUEST FOR VIDEOCONFERENCE HEARINGS IN NON-DETAINED CASES.

Melinda Cox — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 12:30:00 GMT

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS THE AMERICAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, NEW JERSEY CHAPTER’S REQUEST FOR VIDEOCONFERENCE HEARINGS IN NON-DETAINED CASES.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2020

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) supports the efforts of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, New Jersey Chapter (“AILA-NJ”), to enjoin the Newark Immigration Court from compelling attorneys to appear for in-person proceedings in matters involving persons who are not detained (“non-detained cases”).

In March 2020, the Executive Office of Immigration Review (“EOIR”) postponed in-person hearings for non-detained persons in the Newark Immigration Court due to the worldwide health pandemic caused by COVID-19. Despite the ongoing pandemic, on June 24, 2020, EOIR announced that it would reopen the Newark Immigration Court for non-detained cases on July 13, 2020. The Assistant Chief Immigration Judge of the Newark Immigration Court entered a standing order governing appearances in non-detained cases. The standing order generally provides, among other things, that respondents electing to proceed with a telephonic hearing will waive a number of rights, including the right to proceed in person and to object to the admissibility of documents. The order further provides that if counsel is unavailable by telephone at the time of the hearing, he or she will be required to appear in person at any rescheduled hearing. The order also affords immigration judges discretion to halt any telephonic hearing and require an in-person hearing, as deemed necessary or appropriate, without any due consideration for the health of the respondent or respondent’s counsel.

In response, on July 31, 2020, AILA-NJ – which is part of a national nonpartisan organization and consists of over 400 members who regularly practice in the Newark Immigration Court – filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. In the Complaint, AILA-NJ seeks, among other relief, an injunction prohibiting the Government from mandating that immigration attorneys appear in person for non-detained cases and proceedings, as statute and regulations allow the Government to permit such proceedings to take place by videoconference. AILA-NJ’s Complaint identifies grave risks to counsel and respondents posed by EOIR’s mandate, and ethical dilemmas that immigration attorneys’ are facing – including being forced to choose between their health and the risks of COVID-19 versus their obligation as an attorney to zealously advocate for their clients. The Complaint also provides tragic examples of persons who have died from COVID-19 from either appearing or working at the Newark Immigration Court prior to its closure in March 2020.

HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox said: “Lawyers in New Jersey, or anywhere, should not have to choose between their health and the health of their clients and their clients’ right to due process, on the one hand, and compliance with EOIR’s mandate, on the other hand. Forcing attorneys to make that choice is reckless and unacceptable, especially considering that courts in New Jersey and around the country have adapted to the perils caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by allowing virtual proceedings. The HBA-NJ urges EOIR to implement safety precautions and procedures that preserve the due process rights of immigrants in non-detained cases, while protecting our immigration attorneys. Anything less is an alarming disregard for human life and an indifference to immigrants’ right to fair and just representation. We can and must do better to ensure the safety of our colleagues and our immigrant community.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

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For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034.

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Melinda Colón Cox, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Melinda.Cox@piblaw.com or (908) 333-6214.

PRESS RELEASE: THE HBA-NJ DENOUNCES THE ATTACK AGAINST JUDGE ESTHER SALAS AND HER FAMILY AS A HATE CRIME

Melinda Cox — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:05:25 GMT

Celebrating 40 Years:
1980-2020

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE ATTACK AGAINST JUDGE ESTHER SALAS AND HER FAMILY AS A HATE CRIME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2020

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) denounces the attack on Judge Esther Salas and her family as a hate crime based on race and sex. As a result of this senseless act of violence, Judge Salas and her husband, Mark Anderl, tragically lost their only child, Daniel Anderl, and Mark was critically injured. “We cannot stand by idly or silent when faced with a hate crime. This attack was intentional and highlights the very real fact that racism and discrimination are alive, even in our legal profession. We cannot and will not let discrimination and racism win. Let us all rise up, support, and lift Judge Salas and her family during this most devastating time through the power of prayer, advocacy against hate, and support from our community,” stated HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox.

As we mourn with Judge Salas and her family, we are reminded of the Judge’s strength, her leadership, and her illustrious career. Of Cuban and Mexican descent, Judge Salas achieved the American Dream through hard work, persistence and perseverance by embracing her culture, values and beliefs. She is a graduate of Rutgers Law School, a proud alumna of the Rutgers Minority Student Program, and served as the HBA-NJ’s 22^nd President. Prior to joining the federal bench, Judge Salas was also dedicated to public service as a federal public defender. In 2006, Judge Salas became the first Latina U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey, and was subsequently nominated by then-President Barack Obama and elevated as a federal district judge in 2010. Again, continuing to blaze trails as the first Latina to serve in the position of federal district judge in the District of New Jersey, Judge Salas has an unwavering commitment to public service and ensures that justice is served each day in her courtroom. "She is always present for the HBA-NJ and our community and never hesitates to pay it forward and inspire countless others. Judge Salas works tirelessly to serve the legal community and community at large and to mentor the next generation of leaders and students. For her trailblazing career and contributions to the legal profession and community at large, Judge Salas has earned many accolades, awards and honors. Simply put, Judge Salas’s work ethic is unmatched and the New Jersey Federal Judiciary is blessed to have her on the bench,” said President Cox.

President Cox concluded: “Make no mistake that the HBA-NJ will be here to speak up and speak out against this abhorrent hate crime and the discriminatory actions against Judge Salas, women, and minority communities. There is no place for hate, racism or discrimination in this society and certainly not in our own legal profession. For now, however, we humbly request that everyone focus on the power of prayer, so that Judge Salas and her family may begin to heal and find peace.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

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For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034.

Our Thoughts and Prayers Go Out to Judge Salas and Her Family

Melinda Cox — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 14:29:04 GMT

Dear HBA-NJ Familia,

As many of you know, our beloved Judge Esther Salas suffered a horrific tragedy last night that we cannot even begin to comprehend. Her husband, Mark Anderl, and her son, Danny, were both shot by a gunman who remains at large. Tragically, Danny did not make it and Mark remains in critical, but stable, condition after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. Judge Salas was not injured. We ask that you please keep Judge Salas, Mark and Danny in your thoughts and prayers.

Words cannot begin to express the depth of our sorrow and pain for Judge Salas and her entire family. Judge Salas is not only a Past-President, but most importantly, she is a mentor, a friend and our family. Family is everything to Judge Salas and we know just how proud her and Mark are and will always be of Danny – a bright, dynamic young man with a zest and passion for life. We pray that the gunman is promptly located, apprehended and brought to justice, so that Judge Salas and her entire family can begin to heal from this horrendous crime. If you or anyone you know has relevant information, you are urged to contact the Newark FBI at 973-792-3001.

We appreciate the outpouring of love and support received from our HBA-NJ familia and community. Judge Salas is currently surrounded by her family and closest friends and we ask that you please respect her and her family’s privacy during this unimaginable time, as she focuses on Mark’s recovery and tries to heal from this devastating loss.

As we learn more information, we will share what we can with our HBA-NJ community. In the meantime, we ask that you please keep Judge Salas, Mark and the entire family in your prayers.

With love, sympathy and prayers,

Melinda Colon Cox
HBA-NJ President

HBA-NJ's Statement on the Comments Made by GOYA's CEO, Robert Unanue

Melinda Cox — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 13:41:07 GMT

HBA-NJ’s STATEMENT ON THE COMMENTS MADE BY GOYA’S CEO, ROBERT UNANUE

DATE: July 13, 2020

This Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) is deeply disappointed in the remarks made by GOYA’s CEO Robert Unanue calling President Trump “a builder” and stating “we’re all truly blessed . . . to have a leader like President Trump”, as Mr. Unanue’s statements ignore the fact that President Trump is known for his degrading words and harmful policies against the Latino community. HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox, stated: “President Trump has villainized our community, he has called us rapists, drug mules, and bad hombres, he has caged our children, and he has often described our community as ‘illegals’, marginalizing what our community has done for this country and suggesting that we are not wanted or needed here in America. So when the CEO of a company like GOYA, which claims deep roots in the Latino culture, and that purposely caters to the Latino consumer population of the U.S., glorifies President Trump as a ‘builder’ without any acknowledgment of his checkered past with that same community, there naturally will be an eruption of emotion, sadness, frustration and anger from that same population.” Mrs. Cox further stated, “As attorneys and as a bipartisan association that represents Latino attorneys across the state of New Jersey, the HBA-NJ believes in the sanctity of the constitutional right of freedom of speech; however, the right to free speech does not mean that one’s words do not come with consequences. To have a New Jersey headquartered Latino company such as GOYA express such strong support and praise for President Trump – without any acknowledgment of the broken relationship the President has with our Latino community or the hurt and pain that our community has experienced as a result of his words – is reckless and dangerous. As CEO of a company that prides itself in becoming ‘part of the culture’ of the Latino community, Unanue needs to be better, do better and must be held to a higher standard.”

The HBA-NJ is an association that represents the interests, development and advancement of Latinos in the legal profession and seeks to protect the interests of the Latino community through policies, regulations and collaboration with other community and civic organizations. HBA-NJ President Cox acknowledges that GOYA has done a lot of good for the New Jersey and Latino communities, explaining: “We have seen GOYA donate substantial amounts of food to various Latino communities and GOYA has contributed to our community in many ways, which has resulted in a very loyal Latino-customer base. GOYA can and should certainly support initiatives and programs that will help the Latino community and minority-owned businesses gain access to educational and economic opportunities, but it can do so without forgetting our community’s reality, which is that we are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, our unemployment rate is at 14.5%, immigrant families remain separated and detained, our Puerto Rican families are still trying to recover from Hurricane Maria – without the necessary support from the Trump administration – and we continue to face discrimination and prejudices because of who we are. With that reality in mind, Unanue must understand the pain and anger that he has unleashed as a result of his words.”

Mrs. Cox concluded, “Goya is a powerful Latino-owned company, built on the backs of our community and our culture. Personally, I hope that GOYA’s leadership publicly recognizes the insensitivity of Unanue’s words, so that this community can start to heal and can continue to support Latino-owned businesses like GOYA.”

PRESS RELEASE: THE HBA'NJ'S STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF CARLOS INGRAM LOPEZ WHILE IN CUSTODY OF THE TUSCON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Melinda Cox — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 14:05:19 GMT

Celebrating 40 Years
1980-2020

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY’S STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF CARLOS INGRAM LOPEZ WHILE IN CUSTODY OF THE TUCSON POLICE DEPARTMENT.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2020

Carlos Ingram Lopez. Another victim and name we must say and remember due to the same senseless use of deadly, excessive force by law enforcement officers, resulting in yet another brutal and unjust murder. This must stop.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) is horrified by the murder of Carlos Ingram Lopez, a 27-year-old cooking school graduate from Tucson, Arizona, a father to a 2-year-old daughter, a fiancé, a brother, a son, a grandson, a cousin, a friend. On April 21, 2020, Mr. Ingram-Lopez’s grandmother called the police early in the morning, stating that he was acting erratically and that he was experiencing what has since been described as a “mental crisis”. When the police officers arrived at the scene, Mr. Ingram-Lopez was naked. Notwithstanding his state of mind, the officers restrained Mr. Ingram-Lopez face-down to the ground, handcuffed him, put at least one plastic blanket over him, and a mesh spit guard for 12 grueling and uninterrupted minutes before he stopped moving. Carlos can be heard on one of the police officer’s bodycams making various pleas for help, in English and Spanish, for water (agua), and for his grandmother (nana), and asking her to help him (nana ayudame – help me). And, in an all too familiar plea made by minority victims of police brutality, Carlos also told the officers that he could not breathe. The officers did not care. The bodycam video of Carlos’ unnecessary and horrific death was just made public despite the crime being committed almost 2 months ago.

The Tucson Police Department, like most police departments across the nation, is under scrutiny for their use of excessive force on the black and Latinx community. Mr. Ingram Lopez’s death, about a month before George Floyd’s death, is another troubling reason why police reform is warranted and necessary. Since publication of Mr. Floyd’s death, society has witnessed deeply disturbing interactions between the police and peaceful protestors, some resulting in unnecessary serious injury and death.

Tuscon Police Chief Chris Magnus, known as a progressive, forward-thinking Chief, offered his resignation and conceded that the officers failed to follow proper protocol for dealing with a person experiencing a mental health crisis involving “excited delirium.” He also acknowledged that his department failed to disclose the death in a timely manner and that the three officers involved had violated department policy. The three officers involved – Samuel Routledge, Ryan Starbuck, and Jonathan Jackson – have since resigned. Tuscon Mayor Regina Romero, Tuscon’s first Latina mayor, expressed outrage at the incident and said that a life was “needlessly lost” and that the three officers would have been terminated had they not resigned.

There should be zero tolerance for such inaction and misconduct and the resignation of the officers is not a sufficient response. HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox, stated: “There is no evidence that Carlos Ingram-Lopez was threatening the officers, resisting arrest or that the level of physical force used against Carlos was warranted. Law enforcement officers are trained to protect and serve and should be held to a higher standard in these types of situations. The officers involved must be held accountable, regardless of whether there was any willful or malicious intent. A human life was unnecessarily lost as a result of their failure to follow proper protocols for physical restraints and for handling an incident involving a person experiencing a mental crisis. Resignation is not enough. Carlos and his family deserve justice.”

Police Chief Magnus has reportedly requested that the F.B.I. examine the circumstances that led to Mr. Ingram-Lopez’s death, adding: “I hope we can learn from this incident, do better, and achieve at least some level of healing within the community.” The criminal investigation into the incident has also been sent to the county attorney’s office, which has to date, not determined or announced whether it will file criminal charges against the officers.

HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox said: “Our hearts go out to the family of Carlos Ingram Lopez, who was only 27. Our hearts also go out to the families of Rayshard Brooks and Elijah McClain, who were killed by police officers, and the countless other families affected by police brutality. An interaction between a police officer and an individual of the black or brown community should not be a death sentence. We cannot afford to lose any more lives. Time is up. Our elected officials must act now and our community must show up and vote for the 2020 election to ensure that change is implemented.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

____________________________________________________________________

For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034.

PRESS RELEASE: THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR ITS DECISION ON DACA

Melinda Cox — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 18:58:01 GMT

Celebrating 40 Years:
1980-2020

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS THE SUPREME COURT OF THE
UNITED STATES FOR ITS DECISION ON DACA.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2020

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) applauds the Supreme Court of the United States’ (“SCOTUS”) decision to reject the Department of Homeland Security’s (“DHS”) attempt to rescind the program known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”). DACA is an immigration relief program that allows certain individuals, who arrived as children in the United States, to apply for forbearance of removal proceedings. An individual granted relief under DACA is eligible for work authorization and other benefits. Approximately 800,000 individuals have been approved for DACA status since the program’s inception in 2012. DACA recipients contribute to the rich diversity of the American population, work, pay taxes – over $8 billion a year according to the Democrats of the Committee on Small Business – and contribute to the economy, growth and livelihood of the United States. This country is their home and the SCOTUS made the right decision to stop the current federal administration from rescinding the DACA program.

HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox said: “The SCOTUS’ decision on DACA is a much needed victory and sign of hope for the Latinx community, especially for the lives of the 800,000 DACA recipients. In the opinion, the SCOTUS recognized the current administration’s and DHS’ haste in ending DACA, but the decision is a reminder that our elected officials must act and provide a legal pathway to citizenship. DACA recipients, for now, can take a breath without the fear of DHS deporting them at a moment’s notice, but there is still much work to be done to protect our immigrant community.”

While the SCOTUS’ decision brings some much needed relief and hope to our immigrant population, the HBA-NJ urges the Senate to pass the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6), which was passed by the House of Representatives on June 4, 2019 by a vote of 237 to 187. The passage of the legislation would provide protection to DACA recipients, Dreamers and other certain individuals from deportation by providing them with “conditional permanent resident” status, as well as an opportunity to obtain permanent legal status in the United States if certain qualifications are met. As stated by HBA-NJ President Cox: “The SCOTUS decision is a great step in the right direction but the immigrant community deserves more. Immigrants built this country and the United States is their home. The administration must recognize, accept and, most importantly, embrace this large sector of the population that makes America what it is today – beautiful, diverse and rich in culture and in color.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034.

Press Release - The HBA-NJ Supports Governor Murphy's Historic Nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court

Melinda Cox — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 18:40:04 GMT

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS GOVERNOR MURPHY’S HISTORIC NOMINATION OF FABIANA PIERRE-LOUIS TO THE NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2020

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) proudly supports Governor Murphy’s historic nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis as an Associate Justice for the New Jersey Supreme Court and urges the Senate to confirm her nomination. If confirmed, Fabiana Pierre-Louis would be the first Haitian-American woman to sit on New Jersey’s highest court.

Diversity in New Jersey’s highest court is necessary to ensure that the Supreme Court reflects the diverse population it serves. Ms. Pierre-Louis’s nomination and anticipated confirmation will diversify our judiciary, helping to ensure that diverse perspectives and backgrounds are adequately represented. The HBA-NJ enthusiastically supports her nomination and applauds Governor Murphy for recognizing the importance and need for such diversity on the State’s highest bench. As quoted in Essence, Governor Murphy acknowledged, “[G]iven the challenges which are being brought to the forefront of our society, and the questions which will undoubtedly rise to reach our Supreme Court – core issues of socioeconomic equality and equity – there is no better meeting of an individual and the times.” The HBA-NJ agrees.

Most importantly, Fabiana Pierre-Louis’s extensive experience makes her well-qualified and especially deserving of this appointment. She is a graduate of Rutgers Law School, clerked for Justice John Wallace, Jr. (ret.) and practiced in private law for several years before joining the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. While in the Department of Justice, Ms. Pierre-Louis was the first woman of color to hold the title of Attorney-in-Charge in the Camden and Trenton offices, overseeing and prosecuting criminal trials and matters on a range of issues, including child exploitation offenses, national security matters, and public corruption, among others. She is the daughter of Haitian immigrants and a first-generation American citizen. She was the first in her family to attend law school and to become a lawyer.

HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox said: “I commend Governor Murphy for his decision to nominate Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the highest court of our state and for recognizing the importance of diversity on our bench. Ms. Pierre-Louis would be the first Black woman and, in fact, the first woman of color, to serve on the state’s highest court. Her nomination is a crucial step in the much needed direction of our state and country. New Jersey is a diverse state and our courts should reflect its constituents. Ms. Pierre-Louis is not only a highly-qualified candidate, but she is known for her honesty, candor and integrity and has a history of upholding justice, which she would undoubtedly do as an Associate Justice on the New Jersey Supreme Court. We urge the Senate to confirm her nomination.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The HBA-NJ's Statement on the Murder of George Floyd and Others, the Protests and the Need for Change - Enough is Enough

Melinda Cox — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 22:04:10 GMT

Celebrating 40 Years:
1980-2020

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY’S STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD AND OTHERS, THE PROTESTS AND THE NEED FOR CHANGE – ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 1, 2020

George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. We must say their names.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) is saddened and outraged by the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, and the countless others who have lost their lives because of the color of their skin. Recent events caught on camera have pulled back the curtain on an ugly and prejudicial America that has been too-often ignored – an America where individuals are treated differently and systematically targeted due to the color of their skin. Our black and brown communities will no longer remain silent or complacent in response to this culmination of ongoing, systemic, institutionalized oppression. In addition to these horrific recent acts of clear racism and violence, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastically disparate impact on minorities, claiming a disproportionally higher toll of lives among the black and Latinx communities and nothing is being done to prevent this injustice or to protect our communities. Enough is enough.

The most recent murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer over an alleged counterfeit $20.00 bill is horrific and disturbing. All of the Minneapolis officers involved in George Floyd’s tragic murder must be fully investigated and must be held accountable for their senseless killing of a black man who was not resisting arrest, not disobeying police orders and was murdered and treated disparately only because of the color of his skin. The message must be clear – rogue police officers are not above the law and black lives matter. The HBA-NJ calls on our elected leaders to demilitarize the police and to help rebuild the community’s trust in law enforcement. We must all work for justice and do our part every day by calling out each and every injustice including microaggressions. We are in a time where the cameras are rolling and capturing terrible actions that have been ignored for far too long. It is enraging and it should not require the senseless murder of a black man or violent protests across the nation for the government to take a stance on equal justice for all. HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox said: “We need our government officials to protect the rights of our community – all communities – regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality or religion. We need officials to effectuate real change through new legislation, regulations, police training programs and laws that ensure our police are properly trained to handle escalated situations with an alleged criminal and any inherent situation involving a person of color, because the truth is that racism and biases, whether conscious or unconscious, clearly exist and the consequences of that in our police departments have been deadly. Systemic reform is necessary. Let’s truly make the American justice system fair and equal to all and let’s end the abuse of power that is so prevalent throughout society.”

With respect to the peaceful protests and the rebellions over the weekend throughout the nation, the message is clear – our black and brown communities are hurting. While the HBA-NJ never condones violence, the anger, the frustration, the pain, the sadness, and the overall realization that black lives are too often overlooked is real and change is necessary. We must acknowledge our differences, we must rebuild from past historical mistakes, and we must understand, believe and invest in an antiracist society to ensure that the injustice of George Floyd’s death does not happen again.

The HBA-NJ knows and acknowledges that the majority of law enforcement officers have respect for their position of power, use their authority with fairness and integrity, and serve to protect all communities. “We thank the law enforcement and police officers who dedicate their lives to protect the people and who see beyond color to ensure equality to justice for all. We also thank the many police officers and other government officials that joined in the peaceful protests over the weekend, kneeling down by our community members and sharing in our pain. Now, more than ever, we need all communities to unite and we need all our voices to be heard if we truly want to support and protect our black and brown communities”, said HBA-NJ President Cox.

HBA-NJ President Cox further noted: “Our hearts go out to the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and to all the other families who have lost their loved ones due to police brutality and senseless acts of violence, racism and hate. Our hearts go out to Christian Cooper for being faced with unprovoked verbal abuse and racism during his routine bird watching stroll in Central Park. Our hearts go out to our black and brown communities who are scared, tired, frustrated and hurt. Our communities need our help, and as lawyers, we must do what we can to ensure justice is served and find ways to lift our community. We must act swiftly and with urgency.” As attorneys, the legal profession has a duty to rise up and take a stance to ensure that the laws and rights of all people are equally, fairly and justly applied. The HBA-NJ stands with its black and brown communities, the family of George Floyd and the countless other black families who have lost loved ones unnecessarily because of the color of their skin, and we join you, the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Hispanic National Bar Association, the Garden State Bar Association, the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey, and the many other affinity bar associations in New Jersey and across the nation, in solidarity, to protect our communities and to uphold the law equally against and for all communities. HBA-NJ President Cox concluded: “To our black community, we hear you, we see you, and we stand with you. Enough is enough.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS NEW JERSEY FOR RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS TO RESIDENTS ON PAROLE OR PROBATION AND EXPANDING THE EXPUNGEMENT LAWS.

Melinda Cox — Fri, 27 Dec 2019 18:12:17 GMT

*Celebrating 40 Years:* *1980-2019* THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS NEW JERSEY FOR RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS TO RESIDENTS ON PAROLE OR PROBATION AND EXPANDING THE EXPUNGEMENT LAWS. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 27, 2019 The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) applauds the New Jersey Assembly and Senate for passing two bills, which benefit the Latinx community: 1) restoring voting rights to residents on parole or probation (A5823/S4260); and 2) revising and expanding expungement eligibility and procedures (A5981/S4154). On December 18, 2019, Governor Philip D. Murphy signed both bills into law. In a press release discussing the passing of both legislations, Governor Murphy said: “Our Administration is deeply committed to transforming our criminal justice system, and today we are taking a historic step to give residents impacted by that system a second chance. I am proud to sign one of the most progressive expungement laws in the nation, which will allow more New Jerseyans the opportunity to fully engage in our society. I am also proud to enact legislation that will restore voting rights to over 80,000 residents on probation or parole, allowing them to fully participate in our democracy.” With these two bills, New Jersey aims to restore some of the racial disparities of the criminal justice system. The expungement bill creates a new “clean slate” petition for residents who have not committed an offense in 10 years and do not have a conviction for a crime that is not subject to expungement. The bill also eliminates expungement filing fees and creates an e-filing system. To implement the new provisions of the expungement law, the bill also appropriates $15 million to the Department of Law and Public Safety. Further, as a result of the restoration of voting rights bill, which is effective March 17, 2020, approximately 80,000 residents, who are on parole or probation, will have their right to vote restored. HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox noted: “Through the passage of these bills, historically disenfranchised groups, like the Latinx community, who are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system, will have their right to vote restored. 2020 will be a historic presidential election year for our nation, and these citizens will have the opportunity to take part of our democracy by exercising their constitutional right to vote. Similarly, the expansion of the expungement law allows residents to reintegrate fully into our society. The HBA-NJ applauds the New Jersey legislature and Governor Murphy for leading criminal justice reform in our great State.” ### *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: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Melinda Colón Cox, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Melinda.Cox@piblaw.com or (908) 333-6214.

©2019 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY COMMENDS THE STATE FOR PASSING HISTORIC LEGISLATION THAT EXPANDS ACCESS TO DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS

Melinda Cox — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 22:05:20 GMT

*Celebrating 40 Years:* *1980-2019* THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY COMMENDS THE STATE FOR PASSING HISTORIC LEGISLATION THAT EXPANDS ACCESS TO DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2019 The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) commends the New Jersey Assembly and Senate for passing bill A4743 on Monday, December 16, 2019, and Governor Philip D. Murphy for signing the bill into law on Thursday, December 19, 2019. This legislation represents a significant advancement of Latinx rights in New Jersey. The legislation creates two categories of driver’s licenses. The first category allows New Jersey residents who do not qualify for a REAL ID Act license—either because they are unable or unwilling to prove lawful presence in the U.S.—to receive a standard license. The second category of licenses may be used for federal purposes (REAL ID Act compliant) and is available to those who prove lawful presence in the U.S.¹ In discussing the historic impact that this legislation will have during a press conference on the day the bill was signed, Governor Murphy stated, “Today is a simple recognition that our immigrant communities and each of you are a vital part of our State and of our economy. . . . Our roads will be safer, and our ranks of uninsured drivers will be lower, and that’s good for all of us.” In addressing concerns that the legislation could result in discriminatory use of the information, the Governor noted, “We are going to protect you and your personal information and that of any other resident who applies for a standard driver’s license. Insurance companies won’t be allowed to hike your premiums because you don’t have a REAL ID [license] and employers or landlords or even the government won’t be allowed to discriminate against you. We honor and welcome our immigrant brothers and sisters in our immigrant communities – we are, after all, a nation of immigrants.” Following Governor Murphy’s speech, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, the primary sponsor of A4743, discussed the time, dedication and effort that went into passing the legislation, as well as the positive impact the bill will have on various communities. Assemblywoman Quijano explained, “along the way, we learned that other communities faced obstacles to secure their driver’s licenses too. Communities like senior citizens, the homeless, LGBTQIA, and survivors of domestic violence will also benefit from better and more inclusive access to driver’s licenses. While faced with stiff opposition [to the proposed legislation] at times, [and] temporary defeat, we stood steadfast and today we celebrate.” Senators Nellie Pou and Teresa Ruiz also participated in the press conference, noting the importance of this legislation to the Latinx community and commending all of the legislators, advocacy groups, and individuals who worked tirelessly to push for the passage of the legislation. In explaining the need for legislators to use their voice and power to make a difference, Senator Teresa Ruiz stated, “We truly have the power to write policy that engages every community and creates equity, and fairness and inclusion and, ultimately, safety for women who want to raise their daughters in a better world.” By passing this legislation, New Jersey becomes the 15^th State (plus DC) to expand access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. The new legislation will become effective by January 1, 2021. Notably, it includes certain safety measures to ensure its proper implementation. For example, the chief administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission must implement a two-year public awareness campaign to educate the public about the requirements and availability of a standard license versus a REAL ID license. An eleven-member advisory board will oversee the Motor Vehicle Commission’s implementation of the law. Finally, within 12 months of the law’s implementation, the advisory board will issue a report to the Governor’s office and State Legislature with its findings and recommendations to address any issues or concerns with the legislation. In reiterating the HBA-NJ’s support for the legislation, its President, Melinda Colón Cox stated, “The HBA-NJ applauds the legislature for passing this historic and progressive legislation. New Jersey has joined the ranks of a growing number of states that grant driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, a population that cannot and will not be ignored any longer. This law promotes mobility for undocumented New Jerseyans and allows them to become productive members of society, while enhancing our economy, making our roads safer, and empowering our Latinx community. By passing this law, New Jersey has sent a powerful message that immigrants are an integral part of our community and deserve equal access to fair and equitable treatment under the law. Si se pudo!” __________________________________ ¹ For more information regarding the bills and REAL ID Act, please review the HBA-NJ’s June 6, 2019 Press Release wherein the HBA-NJ expressed its support of the proposed legislation, available at https://www.njhba.org/page-647227/7661984. ### *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: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Melinda Cólon Cox, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Melinda.Cox@piblaw.com or (908) 333-6214.

©2019 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey. You received this email because you are a valued friend of ours. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive such communications from us.

HBA-NJ Supports Bill S-2100/A-3456, Which Removes the Prohibition on Voting By Persons Convicted of an Indictable Offense Who are on Parole, Probation, or Serving Sentence

Melinda Cox — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:48:43 GMT

Celebrating 40 Years:

1980-2019

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS BILL S-2100/A-3456, WHICH REMOVES THE PROHIBITION ON VOTING BY PERSONS CONVICTED OF AN INDICTABLE OFFENSE WHO ARE ON PAROLE, PROBATION, OR SERVING SENTENCE.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2019

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) supports bill S-2100/A-3456, proposed legislation that would restore voting rights to nearly 100,000 New Jerseyans by removing prohibitions on voting currently imposed upon people convicted of an indictable offense who are on parole, probation or serving a sentence.

Voting is a fundamental right in our democracy. Felon disenfranchisement laws have historically been used to deprive racial minorities, including the Latinx community of New Jersey, of their basic right to vote. Statistics show that, currently, people of color, including the Latinx community, make up a large percentage of the nearly 100,000 persons prohibited to vote because of criminal convictions. As a result, felon disfranchisement laws disparately impact our Latinx and minority communities and unfairly dilute the Latinx political power in this State.

The Latinx community, in its entirety, should and must have a voice in effectuating change in New Jersey by having the right to elect State leaders and to vote on important public policies and law. Felon disenfranchisement is a tool used to silence that voice, and the adoption of bill S-2100/A-3456 would reverse the prejudicial impact disenfranchisement has had on the Latinx community and other communities.

The HBA-NJ believes that criminal punishment and the right to elect representatives have no legitimate or logical connection to criminal deterrence. Our criminal justice system punishes by taking a person’s liberty through incarceration or limiting it through probation or parole. Such punishment is sufficient as studies have shown that stripping a person of his or her right to vote does not have a deterrent effect on criminal conduct. Bill S-2100/A-3456 would facilitate rehabilitation for the nearly 100,000 individuals currently ineligible to vote by giving a traditionally underrepresented population a voice to effectuate positive change within their own communities.

Voting is one of the most significant rights conferred by citizenship. As stated by Chief Justice Earl Warren, “[c]itizenship is not a license that expires upon misbehavior.” The commission of a crime must be punished, but it does not remove the felon from our society and should not strip them of their basic constitutional right to vote, which is derived from citizenship. Bill S-2100/A-3456 would restore this right, and the HBA-NJ proudly supports and endorses its passage. HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox noted: “Today, throughout the State of New Jersey, citizens are exercising their right to vote in the elections and thousands of our Latinx community members are currently unable to exercise that same fundamental right. It is time for change and it is time to empower and support our community by supporting the restoration of their right to vote. Passage of bill S-2100/A-3456 will promote fairness and justice in our voting system, will encourage the rehabilitation of convicted felons by making it known that they remain a part of our society, and will further empower and educate our community members by giving them a voice and the ability to effectuate real change in this State. The HBA-NJ proudly supports the bill and we are here to assist.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

__________________________________________________________________________________________

For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034.

The HBA-NJ Installs Melinda Colon Cox as its 40th President, Swears in its 2019-2020 Officers and Trustees and Kicks Off its $40,000 in 40 Days Fundraiser

Melinda Cox — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 20:40:30 GMT

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY INSTALLS MELINDA COLON COX AS ITS 40TH PRESIDENT, SWEARS IN ITS 2019-2020 OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES AND KICKS OFF ITS $40,000 IN 40 DAYS FUNDRAISER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2019

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) held its 40th Annual Installation and Swearing-In Ceremony of its Officers and Trustees at the Pleasantdale Château in West Orange, New Jersey on October 22, 2019. The Honorable Michael A. Shipp, District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, swore in the Officers and Trustees. After 11 years of service to the HBA-NJ, Melinda Colón Cox, partner at the law firm of Parker Ibrahim & Berg LLP (“PIB Law”), was sworn in as the HBA-NJ’s 40th President.

Longtime member of the HBA-NJ, Albertina (“Abby”) Webb, Vice President for the Southern Region of the HBA-NJ and a partner at Hill Wallack LLP, served as the mistress of ceremonies at the sold-out event. Judges, lawyers, and students from all over the state were among the 400 guests. Julia A. López, Immediate Past President of the HBA-NJ and an attorney at Reed Smith LLP, highlighted the HBA-NJ’s accomplishments over the past year during her presidency, including the creation of the HBA-NJ Scholarship Endowment Fund and the recent CBS news segment on the HBA-NJ’s American Dream Pipeline Programs. Irene Oria, National President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (“HNBA”) and partner at Fisher Broyles, also made remarks highlighting the importance of collaboration with the HBA-NJ and congratulating the organization for being named as the HNBA’s 2019 Affiliate of the Year. We also recognized long-term board member Jonathan Barrera, Esq., HBA-NJ Region 4 Trustee for Passaic County and Assistant Prosecutor at the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, with the Corazon Del HBA-NJ Award for his outstanding dedication and unwavering service to the organization, which includes his years of leading our Union City High School American Dream Pipeline program.

During her presidential remarks, Melinda Colón Cox announced this year’s theme for the HBA-NJ: “Rise Up – Engage, Empower, Educate.” While looking at the diverse guests in attendance, Melinda remarked: “Against all odds, we have succeeded and we should be proud. But with that success comes a great responsibility – we each have an obligation to pay it forward and to ensure the success of our Latino community.” With the upcoming 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote and the political and social state of our nation, there is no question that 2020 will be a big year and President Cólon Cox underscored the need for the Latino legal profession to rise up, reminding attendees that “we rise, by lifting others.” In discussing this year’s theme, President Cólon Cox explained: “If we want to see progress, we must all rise up by engaging in community, political and social activism, by empowering and elevating one another, and by educating ourselves and our future leaders to promise a better tomorrow.”

In celebrating the four decades of the organization, during the Installation, the HBA-NJ launched its $40,000 in 40 days Fundraiser in Celebration of the HBA-NJ’s 40th Anniversary and raised nearly $18,500 in one night. All donations will go to the HBA-NJ Scholarship Endowment Fund, and 100% of the proceeds will be used to award annual scholarships to deserving high school and law school students. If you would like to donate, please text “HBANJ40” to 44321 for more information – all donations are tax deductible. The HBA-NJ also presented a special 40^th Anniversary video presentation, entitled: The Past, the Present and the Future, which included photographs and video messages from the HBA-NJ’s 39 past presidents and 40^th president, and also published and circulated a special 40^th Anniversary edition of its Abogados Newsletter, highlighting the HBA-NJ’s robust 40-year history, which is available on the HBA-NJ’s website at www.njhba.org.

The HBA-NJ thanks its sponsors and Installation attendees for their generosity and support. In particular, we would like to thank PIB Law for its Underwriter Annual and Diamond Installation sponsorship, as well as our Amigo Annual and Gold Installation sponsors: 1) Archer & Greiner P.C.; 2) Day Pitney LLP; 3) Hudson Court Reporting & Digital Media; 4) Lowenstein Sandler LLP; 5) Prudential; 6) Reed Smith LLP; and 7) Sterling National Bank; Amigo Annual and Silver Installation sponsor: 1) Stark & Stark; and Silver Installation sponsors: 1) Bederson LLP; 2) D’Arcy Johnson Day; 3) DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP; 4) Fox Rothschild LLP; 5) Law Offices of George Rios, P.A.; 6) Norris McLaughlin P.A.; 7) Norton Rose Fulbright; and 8) Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATED ITS 38th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA and AWARDS DINNER and ESTABLISHED the HBA-NJ SCHOLARSHIP AND ENDOWMENT FUND

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 00:27:20 GMT

Celebrating 39 Years:

1980-2019

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATED ITS 38th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA and AWARDS DINNER and ESTABLISHED the HBA-NJ SCHOLARSHIP AND ENDOWMENT FUND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2019

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) held its 38th Annual Scholarship Gala and Awards Dinner (the “Gala”) at The Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, New Jersey on June 22, 2019. Almost 400 attorneys, federal and state judges, law students, and guests attended the Gala where the HBA-NJ recognized three remarkable honorees in the Latinx legal community. Longtime supporter of the HBA-NJ, Parker Ibrahim & Berg LLP was honored as the Law Firm of the Year for its dedicated and demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. Beacon Hill Legal was honored as Corporate Partner of the Year for delivering excellent and trusted service to law firms and companies across the State of New Jersey. Further, the HBA-NJ awarded the Margarita Echevarria Trailblazer Award to Evelyn Padin, who became the first Latina President of the New Jersey State Bar Association in its 120-year history.

HBA-NJ’s 39th President Julia A. López’s said, “The Gala recognized longtime supporters of the HBA-NJ and the Latinx community. The HBA-NJ also made history by presenting over $100,000 between scholarships and the creation of a scholarship endowment that will help sustain HBA-NJ’s goals going forward. I am proud to be part of the history that will help secure the success of the Latinx leaders of tomorrow.” The HBA-NJ specifically awarded $52,000 in scholarships to 12 Latinx law students and 2 American Dream Pipeline Program high school students, and it established the HBA-NJ Scholarship Endowment with an initial check in the amount of $50,000. The HBA-NJ further pledged to make annual contributions to the HBA-NJ Scholarship Endowment.

During the Gala, Carimer N. Andujar passionately spoke about her plight of overcoming obstacles and challenges as an undocumented individual. Ms. Andujar is a Dreamer, and a graduate of the American Dream Pipeline Program and Rutgers School of Engineering Class of 2019. President López remarked, “This year’s theme was Diversity Makes America Great and having Carimer address the guests at the Gala was important to me. She epitomizes the immigrant story of someone who had to flee terrible conditions in order to survive and find opportunities for a better life. Not only did she find those opportunities, but she succeeded. It was important for the guests to hear firsthand from someone who is marginalized in today’s society, but who still attained success through the support of a strong network. Her success is our success, and her story epitomizes the HBA-NJ’s mission at its core. We are proud of Carimer and will continue to support her and other Dreamers and students alike.”

The HBA-NJ thanks its sponsors and Gala attendees for their generosity and support. President López said, “It was great year for the HBA-NJ, which could not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, and I look forward to the celebration of the HBA-NJ’s 40th anniversary next year.” Please save the date for the Installation and Swearing-In Ceremony of our 40^th President, Melinda Colón Cox, and the 2019-2020 Board of Trustees on October 22, 2019, at the Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, New Jersey.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Julia A. López, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at jalopez@reedsmith.com or (609) 524-2022.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Supports Bills A4743/S3229, Which Allow New Jersey Residents Who Do Not Qualify For a Real ID Act License, To Receive a Driver’s License

Arianna Mouré — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 03:30:05 GMT

Celebrating 39 Years:

1980-2019

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Supports Bills A4743/S3229, Which Allow New Jersey Residents Who Do Not Qualify For a Real ID Act License, To Receive a Driver’s License.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 6, 2019

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) urges the New Jersey Assembly and Senate to pass bills A4743 and S3229. The bills create two types of driver’s licenses: 1) a basic driver’s license, and 2) a REAL ID Act compliant driver’s license. The basic driver’s license provides driving privileges to New Jersey residents who do not qualify for a REAL ID Act license. The REAL ID Act compliant license, in turn, may be used for federal purposes and is available to those who prove lawful residence in the United States.

In 2005, Congress enacted the REAL ID Act. The Act established rigorous application requirements for driver’s licenses and identification cards for access to federal facilities and nuclear power plants, and for boarding commercial flights.

New Jersey’s proposed legislation is a practical response to privacy concerns raised by the REAL ID Act, such as the retention by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) of copies of documents that individuals submit to prove their identity or residency. By directing state agencies to not retain such documents, the proposed bills aim to comply with federal law—which mandates access to state agency records—while protecting the privacy of New Jersey residents.

If enacted, the bills would also provide immigrants with access to New Jersey’s roads—thereby increasing their access to employment, education, and healthcare. The law would generate additional revenues through licensing fees and would boost the economy through a more mobile labor force. Additionally, under the law, new drivers would join the insurance pool, thereby lowering insurance rates that must account for accidents involving uninsured motorists. Finally, access to these licenses would reduce the risk of undocumented drivers being detained for unlicensed driving; or worse, thereafter being placed into the custody of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for potential deportation.

There may still be risks for those carrying these licenses, such as confirmation bias on the part of law enforcement (i.e., the belief that a standard driver’s license automatically equates to an undocumented driver) or federal agencies making adverse inferences based on limited information received from the MVC. Notwithstanding, mobility without fear of deportation is essential for quality of life. Undocumented New Jerseyans should be able to weigh any potential risks against the benefits of: 1) access to licenses, and 2) insurance to protect valuable property, passengers, and other motorists. Accordingly, the HBA-NJ urges legislators to pass bills A4743 and S3229 without further delay.

HBA-NJ President Julia A. López noted: “This bill is a step in the right direction. If the bill becomes law, it will be crucial for the State and its agencies to implement additional privacy protections and educate the public and law enforcement on the significance and implications of the two categories of licenses.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034.

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Julia A. López, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at jalopez@reedsmith.com or (609) 524-2022.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES EVELYN PADIN, ESQ. AS THE FIRST LATINA TO SERVE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE BAR ASSOCIATION

Arianna Mouré — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 01:30:39 GMT

Celebrating 39 Years

1980-2019

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES EVELYN PADIN, ESQ. AS THE FIRST LATINA TO SERVE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE

NEW JERSEY STATE BAR ASSOCIATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2019

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) congratulates Evelyn Padin, Esq. on her installation as the first Latina President of the New Jersey State Bar Association (“NJSBA”). Ms. Padin was installed on May 16, 2019, at the NJSBA’s Annual Meeting and Convention in Atlantic City. The NJSBA has existed for 120 years and supports more than 18,000 members statewide. The last and only time the NJSBA had a Latinx President was more than 40 years ago when the Honorable Joseph H. Rodriguez served as its President. The HBA-NJ commends the NJSBA for electing Ms. Padin.

Ms. Padin is a former trustee of the HBA-NJ; she also served as a trustee for the Hudson County Bar Association and on various committees for the NJSBA. Ms. Padin has served in many roles and worn many hats. She is an attorney, business owner, mother, and advocate. Ms. Padin works tirelessly for those who do not have a voice, often organizing and running programs to educate communities on their legal rights. As President of the NJSBA, her goal is to ensure that the residents of the State of New Jersey have equal rights and access to New Jersey’s courts.

Noting how history was made by Ms. Padin’s recent installment as the NJSBA President, HBA-NJ President Julia A. López said, “Evelyn is a seasoned attorney and succeeded in a time when only a few Latinas were a part of the bar. Her determination and passion are readily apparent, so it is no surprise that she was elected and installed as the first Latina President of the NJSBA. During her speech, Evelyn’s message was loud and clear – she intends to embrace her culture and roots, and continue to promote diversity, equal rights and growth throughout the bar, the judiciary, the government, and the entire State of New Jersey. Evelyn’s goals are inspiring, and the HBA-NJ looks forward to working with her and the NJSBA.”

###

About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION’S ATTACK ON THE LATINO COMMUNITY

Arianna Mouré — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 16:39:20 GMT

Celebrating 38 Years:

1980-2018

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION’S ATTACK ON THE LATINO COMMUNITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2018

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) strongly denounces the current administration’s continued attack on the Latino community. The administration has now announced its plans to deploy up to 15,000 active-duty troops to the border in an effort to stop the group of migrants, also known as the migrant caravan, headed to the United States. Many of the individuals in the migrant caravan, which began their journey earlier this month, seek asylum in the United States to flee persecution and violence in their home countries. The use of active military, seemingly one of the largest during peacetimes, is yet another example of the criminalization of Latinos.

As noted by Julia A. López, HBA-NJ President: “From the highest office in our land, Latinos are being called bad hombres, hardened criminals, and rapists simply because they are Latino.” The HBA-NJ condemns the use of the military at the border, as well as the rhetoric that incites hatred, exacerbates racial tensions, and further polarizes our nation at a time when our country needs unity. Not only is this behavior inconsistent with American principles, but denying people the ability to apply for asylum is a violation of the laws and international conventions that prescribe how the United States must treat its neighbors who seek to establish a “credible fear” of returning home. Let’s be clear: Immigrants have long been a part of the fabric of the United States, dating back to the ships full of migrants coming to this country through Ellis Island.

In another anti-immigrant ploy, the President plans to nullify the 14th Amendment of the Constitution with an executive order. The 14th Amendment guarantees all persons born or naturalized in the United States as citizens of the United States. The proposed executive order would seek to eviscerate birthright citizenship from children born on United States soil to undocumented immigrants. This proposition is a clear indication of misguided and unfounded assertions against migrants. Terminating the 14th Amendment with an executive order is also an attack of the Constitution—the basis of our democracy.

The President of the HBA-NJ, Julia A. López, emphasized: “We must all raise our voices when the Latino community is under attack and when immigrants are not treated with dignity. Immigrants have always made America great. Now more than ever, when Latinos are the largest growing minority in this country and our vote equals power, we must raise our voices as Americans and exercise our right to vote on November 6th. In these defining times, we must put humanity over political lines and stand up against all anti-immigrant, anti-Semitic, anti-Islamic, and racist hate speech.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY INSTALLS JULIA A. LÓPEZ AS ITS 39TH PRESIDENT AND SWEARS IN ITS 2018-2019 OFFICERS & TRUSTEES

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 14:12:18 GMT

Celebrating 38 Years:

1980-2018

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY INSTALLS JULIA A. LÓPEZ AS ITS 39TH PRESIDENT AND SWEARS IN ITS 2018-2019 OFFICERS & TRUSTEES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 31, 2018

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) held its 39th Annual Installation and Swearing-In Ceremony of its Officers and Trustees at the Pleasantdale Château in West Orange, New Jersey on October 24, 2018. The Honorable Esther Salas, District Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, swore in the Officers and Trustees. After 14 years of service to the HBA-NJ, Julia A. López, a Reed Smith attorney and Guatemalan immigrant, was sworn in as the HBANJ’s 39th President.

Longtime member of the HBA-NJ, Albertina (“Abby”) Webb, Vice President for the Southern Region of the HBA-NJ and a partner at LaRocca Hornik Rosen Greenberg &Patti LLC, served as the mistress of ceremonies at the sold-out event. Judges, lawyers, and students from all over the state were among the 400 guests. Hector D. Ruiz, Immediate Past President of the HBA-NJ and a partner at Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP, and Jennifer Salinas, National President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (“HNBA”) and Executive Director of Intellectual Property Litigation at Lenovo, made remarks. The HBA-NJ also recognized Cristal Lambert, HBA-NJ Treasurer and legal counsel at Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc., and Jacqueline S. Peña, HBA-NJ Membership Secretary and counsel at Travelers Insurance, with the Corazon, Del HBA-NJ Award for their outstanding dedication and unwavering service to the organization.

During her presidential remarks, Julia A. López announced this year’s theme for the HBA-NJ: “Diversity Makes America Great.” Noting that “we are living in unprecedented times” in which “our community is under attack,” President López observed that the Latino/a community is the largest minority group in the State of New Jersey and in the country and that “our vote is power.” She encouraged attendees to exercise the right to vote on November 6th. She also noted that the HBA-NJ would continue to serve as an “agent of change,” by “empowering our community” and “advocating for diversity and inclusion on our benches, in all branches of our government, at our law firms, and in our law schools.” The HBA-NJ also displayed powerful art donated by Latin American artists to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (“UNHCR”) RefugiArte project. Growing up as an immigrant, Julia thanked the UNHCR and the Latin American artists for raising awareness to this important issue and promoting positive attitudes towards the refugee and immigrant experience.

Also in attendance were: Assemblywoman Annette Quijano; Julio M. Fuentes, Senior United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit; Jose L. Linares, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey; several HNBA leaders including Irene Oria, HNBA President-Elect and special counsel at Stroock, Stroock & Lavan, Miguel Alexander Pozo, HNBA/HBA-NJ Past President and member of Cozen O’Connor’s Minneapolis office, and Pedro J. Torres-Díaz, HNBA Past President and a principal in the San Juan, Puerto Rico and Miami offices of Jackson Lewis; several state court judges, and many HBA-NJ former presidents. Students from the HBA-NJ’s American Dream Pipeline Program in Union City and Passaic, New Jersey also attended the event.

The HBA-NJ thanks its sponsors and Installation attendees for their generosity and support. In particular, we would like to thank our Platinum sponsor, Reed Smith LLP; Gold sponsors: 1) Archer & Greiner P.C.; 2) Beacon Hill Legal; 3) Day Pitney LLP; 4) Hudson Court Reporting & Digital Media; 5) Lowenstein Sandler LLP; 6) Parker Ibrahim & Berg LLP; 7) Prudential; and 8) Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP; and Silver sponsors: 1) Advanced PMR and Synergy Spinecare and Rehabilitation Medicine PC; 2) Bederson LLP; 3) D’Arcy Johnson Day; 4) Kaufman Dolowich Voluck LLP; 5) Law Offices of George Rios, P.A.; 6) McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney &Carpenter LLP; and 7) Waters McPherson McNeil, P.C.

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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: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com

or (973) 966-8034.

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at:

www.njhba.org or contact Julia A. López, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at jalopez@reedsmith.com or (609) 524-

2022.

You received this email because you are a valued friend of ours. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to

receive such communications from us.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Daniel Mateo on His Appointment to the State Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee

Arianna Mouré — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 01:58:19 GMT

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Veronica Allende on Being Named as the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 05:36:35 GMT

	*Celebrating 38 Years:* *1980-2018* The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Veronica Allende on Being Named Director of the Division of Criminal Justice for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 27, 2018 The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) congratulates Veronica Allende on being appointed as the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. The Division of Criminal Justice oversees New Jersey’s unified, integrated system of law enforcement. As Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Veronica is responsible for 500 investigators, detectives, lawyers, and professional personnel who are charged with investigating, enforcing and prosecuting criminal activity. The Division also provides oversight and coordination to the State’s law enforcement community at the state, county and municipal level to ensure the safety and security of all New Jersey residents. “Veronica is a smart, tough, experienced prosecutor who will make a terrific Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. She brings more than a decade of experience prosecuting a wide variety of crimes, from drug trafficking to cybercrime to political corruption. The fact that Veronica is the first Hispanic woman to serve as the Director makes her appointment all the more compelling. I look forward to working with her as we tackle the opioid crisis, reduce gun violence, and strengthen police-community relations,” said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. From 2007 to 2015, Veronica served as a Deputy Attorney General with the Division of Criminal Justice, where she first worked in the Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, and later, with the Official Corruption Bureau. In addition, Veronica served as a member of the Attorney General's Shooting Response Team, through which she investigated officer-involved shootings. In 2015, Veronica received a promotion to Deputy Bureau Chief of the Financial and Computer Crimes Bureau and oversaw the Computer Crimes Unit, which investigates and prosecutes child pornography and other computer-related criminal activity. She left the Division for a year and a half to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where she served as an Assistant United States Attorney, investigating and prosecuting a wide variety of federal crimes. Before her career in public service, Veronica practiced land use and commercial real estate law at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer. She received her law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Philosophy from Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland. “The HBA-NJ applauds the Office of the Attorney General for its appointment of Veronica Allende as the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice. Veronica is an esteemed attorney with a true commitment to public service. We are very proud of her and her advancement in the profession,” said HBA-NJ President Hector D. Ruiz. ### *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: Rachel A. Gonzalez, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at rgonzalez@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8201. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Hector D. Ruiz, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at hruiz@thewalshfirm.com or (973) 757-1100.

	©2017 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey. You received this email because you are a valued friend of ours. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive such communications from us.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE SEPARATION OF FAMILIES AND DETENTION OF CHILDREN

Arianna Mouré — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 03:15:23 GMT

Celebrating 38 Years:

1980-2018

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES

THE SEPARATION OF FAMILIES AND DETENTION OF CHILDREN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2018

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) strongly condemns the Trump Administration’s “zero-tolerance” prosecution policy that resulted in the separation of children from their families. The Executive Order signed by President Trump on June 20, 2018, is woefully deficient, leaves many questions unanswered, and does not do enough to safeguard our children and lift the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border.

In April 2018, the Trump Administration ordered prosecutors to “adopt immediately a zero-tolerance policy” for illegal border crossings. This policy resulted in the wrongful, forcible separation of infants and young children from their families, and the detention of minor children in deplorable and traumatizing living conditions. Since April, at least 2,300 children have been separated from their mothers and fathers. Make no mistake about it: This policy is an attack on our community and is inconsistent with American values and principles.

In response to public outcry, President Trump signed an Executive Order on June 20, 2018, which purports to keep families together at the border. This irresolute Executive Order, however, continues to inflict harm on our children and families. The Executive Order aims to imprison parents who are charged with a misdemeanor along with their children for indefinite periods of time. In addition, through the Executive Order, the Trump Administration seeks to modify the Settlement Agreement in Flores v. Sessions, CV 85-4544, which requires that children not be detained for more than 20 days. Such lengthening of the detention of minors may have severe negative psychological consequences on children who spend months and potentially years in detention centers.

Many questions remain unanswered by the June 20, 2018 Executive Order. The Executive Order does not state when the separation of children from families will stop or when the Executive Order will be implemented. It fails to address what will happen to the over 2,300 detained children who have already been separated from their parents and detained, the conditions in which they are already detained, or when they will be returned to their parents. It also fails to address what will happen to the children whose parents have been deported or to the children who USCIS have failed to properly track. There are reports that the USCIS cannot match some children with parents because of inadequate recordkeeping.

The HBA-NJ is deeply concerned about the psychological effects on the young children as a result of their separation from their parents, prolonged detention in the USCIS shelter system, and confinement in detention centers. “Whatever your stance is on immigration, young children should not be used as a political ploy in the immigration debate, especially given that first-time illegal entry is a misdemeanor,” said HBA-NJ President Hector D. Ruiz.

The United States immigration system remains in dire need of comprehensive reform. There is still no resolution for individuals under the DREAM Act. Unaccompanied immigrant children are still not given the right to counsel. Many individuals seeking asylum from persecution and violence continue to be held indefinitely even after proving credible fear.

The HBA-NJ calls upon the Trump Administration and Congress to enact real immigration reform to create a humane and thoughtful solution to the current crisis. The HBA-NJ will continue to remain extremely vigilant on this issue and other legal issues affecting the Latino community.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

For press inquiries, please contact: Rachel A. Gonzalez, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at rgonzalez@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8201. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Hector D. Ruiz, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at hruiz@thewalshfirm.com or (973) 757-1100.

©2018 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey.
You received this email because you are a valued friend of ours. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive such communications from us.

The HBA-NJ Congratulates Juan Cartagena for being Honored with the American Bar Association’s 2018 John Marshall Award

Melinda Cox — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 14:03:17 GMT

Celebrating 38 Years:
1980-2018

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Juan Cartagena for being Honored with the American Bar Association’s 2018 John Marshall Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 5, 2018

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) congratulates long-time member and former HBA-NJ General Counsel Juan Cartagena for being selected by the American Bar Association (“ABA”) to receive the prestigious John Marshall Award for 2018. The ABA established the John Marshall Award to recognize individuals who have made a positive impact on the justice system. It chose Mr. Cartagena to receive this distinguished award because of his years of dedication and hard work, which led to extraordinary improvements in the administration of justice and justice reform, and for bringing public awareness to the justice system. The ABA will honor Mr. Cartagena at its annual meeting being held in Chicago, Illinois on August 3, 2018.

Mr. Cartagena is currently the President and General Counsel of Latino Justice PRLDEF, a national civil rights public interest law office. He has worked nationally on voters rights and voter registration initiatives on behalf of Latino and African American communities. He is known to use “the law to effectuate systems change for the benefit of marginalized communities.”

Mr. Cartagena is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Columbia University School of Law. He has received numerous other prestigious awards including: the Freedom Fighter Award, Jersey City NAACP; the Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award, Dartmouth College; the Cesar Chavez Community Service Award, U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute; and the Don Pedro Albizu Campos Award, Jersey City Borinquen Lions Club.

“On behalf of the HBA-NJ, I am delighted by the ABA’s selection of Juan as the recipient of the distinguished John Marshall Award for 2018. Juan has been instrumental in bringing about change through the law for Latino, African American, and other under-represented communities. It is a true testament to all that Juan has accomplished for him to receive national recognition before the ABA for his work."

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

________________________________________________________________________________________

For press inquiries, please contact: Rachel A. Gonzalez, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at rgonzalez@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8201.

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Hector D. Ruiz, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at hruiz@thewalshfirm.com or (973) 757-1100.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS NEW JERSEY BILL NUMBER S-699, WHICH WILL PROVIDE STUDENTS ACCESS TO STATE FINANCIAL AID REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS

Arianna Mouré — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 00:49:12 GMT

Celebrating 38 Years:

1980-2018

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS NEW JERSEY BILL NUMBER S-699, WHICH WILL PROVIDE STUDENTS ACCESS TO STATE FINANCIAL AID REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2018

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) supports New Jersey Bill Number S-699, as it will provide students access to state financial aid regardless of immigration status. Under this bill, students who meet a number of stringent requirements are eligible to apply for, and participate in, state financial aid programs. For many students, denial of access to financial aid precludes them from pursuing higher education and reaping the resulting economic benefits.

If this bill becomes law, it will create resources for all students in New Jersey, including those who are undocumented, to achieve equal access to higher education opportunities. Higher education results in additional economic opportunities and more individuals accessing positions that are vital to our society. “Bill Number S-699 provides New Jersey with the opportunity to achieve true tuition equality, and make higher education a priority for all deserving students,” said HBA-NJ President Hector D. Ruiz.

On March 13, 2018, the New Jersey Senate Budget Committee considered Bill Number S-699. Members of HBA-NJ were present at this hearing where testimony was taken from stakeholders and state-wide organizations supporting the bill. The New Jersey Budget Committee voted in favor of the bill, allowing it to proceed to a full-Senate vote. “The HBA-NJ applauds the majority of the Senate Budget Committee Members who voted in favor of this Bill Number S-699 allowing all New Jersey students fair and equal access to higher education,” said Ruiz.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

press inquiries, please contact: Rachel A. Gonzalez, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at rgonzalez@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8201.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Three Members on Being Selected to Receive the Hispanic National Bar Association’s 2018 Top Lawyers Under 40 Awards

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 03:06:50 GMT

Celebrating 38 Years:

1980-2018

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Three Members on Being Selected to Receive the Hispanic National Bar Association’s 2018 Top Lawyers Under 40 Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2018

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) congratulates three members, Andrés (Andy) Acebo, Jaclyn Medina, and Miguel A. Nieves on being selected to receive the 2018 “Top Lawyers Under 40 Awards” from the Hispanic National Bar Association (“HNBA”).

Mr. Acebo, Ms. Medina and Mr. Nieves are amongst 33 award winners nationwide whom the HNBA selected for this prestigious honor based upon their “demonstrated professional excellence, integrity, leadership, commitment to the Hispanic community, and dedication to improving the legal profession.”

Andrés (Andy) Acebo

Mr. Acebo is a partner with the law firm of DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin LLP. He counsels and represents governmental entities, higher education institutions and public-school districts, and closely-held corporations. His practice focuses primarily on the areas of employment and labor, education law, and government/public entity law. He is regularly retained by governmental entities to conduct independent special investigations into alleged public official and employee misconduct and adverse employment actions.

Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Acebo clerked for the Honorable Jonathan N. Harris, J.A.D. (retired) in the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. He has published several articles concerning the cross-section of race, law, politics, and public policy with the Columbia Journal of Race and Law, the Brown University Policy Review, the Seton Hall Legislative Journal, and the Rutgers Race and the Law Review. Mr. Acebo also has been recognized as a Rising Star in the area of Labor and Employment by New Jersey Super Lawyers. He has also held leadership roles within local and national bar associations, including formerly as Press Secretary of the HBA-NJ. He currently serves as a Deputy Regional President (Region III) of the HNBA. Mr. Acebo received his undergraduate degree from Brown University and his Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law.

Jaclyn Medina

Ms. Medina is a managing attorney and First Assistant of the Bergen Criminal Trial Region of New Jersey’s Office of the Public Defender. She represents indigent individuals charged with indictable crimes at all phases of trial litigation. She co-chairs the Public Defender’s Ethics and Professionalism Committee and serves on its statewide Continuing Legal Education Committee. She has been a long time Board Member of the HBA-NJ, where she currently serves as the Vice-President of the Northern Region. She also currently serves on the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Committee on Minority Concerns.

Ms. Medina has been an adjunct professor for over a decade at Fairleigh Dickinson University teaching undergraduate and graduate courses to Latino immigrants and diplomatic officials from various missions to the United Nations and Latin-American consulates. She was the recipient of a New Leaders of the Bar award from the New Jersey Law Journal in 2016. She earned her undergraduate degree from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University and her Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law.

Miguel A. Nieves

Mr. Nieves is Vice President & Corporate Counsel for Prudential Financial and a member of the company’s Financial Management Law Group. He provides legal support to Prudential’s corporate treasury on a broad range of activities, including capital markets and intercompany financing transactions, and securities law matters.

Prior to joining Prudential, Mr. Nieves was an associate in Sidley Austin’s Capital Markets Group in New York, where he represented issuers and underwriters in a variety of public offerings and private placements of securities, worked extensively on liability management transactions, and provided legal advice to clients under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Mr. Nieves received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law.

“On behalf of the HBA-NJ, we are extremely proud that Andy, Jaclyn and Miguel have been recognized nationally for their tremendous achievements in the legal profession, as well as in the community,” said HBA-NJ President Hector D. Ruiz. “For all that they have accomplished, they truly deserve this honor and recognition.”

###

About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Appointees to Governor-Elect Murphy’s Transition2018 Committee

Tue, 28 Nov 2017 04:29:18 GMT

Celebrating 37 Years:

1980-2017

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Appointees to Governor-Elect Murphy’s Transition2018 Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 28, 2017

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) applauds Governor-Elect Philip D. Murphy on appointing a diverse group of individuals to his Transition2018 Committee. The HBA-NJ congratulates its members who received appointments, as well as appointees from the Garden State Bar Association, New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association, and the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey.

The Transition2018 Committee consists of 500 appointees to the following subcommittees: transition counsel; agriculture; budget; education, access, and opportunity; environment and energy; government technology and innovation; healthcare; housing; human and children services; labor and workforce development; law and justice; military and veteran affairs; stronger and fairer economy; transportation and infrastructure; and urban and regional growth. These subcommittees will meet before Governor-Elect Murphy takes office in January 2018 and will provide him with reports and recommendations to help the new administration set its legislative and regulatory agenda.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

For press inquiries, please contact: Rachel A. Gonzalez, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at rgonzalez@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8201.

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THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY Installs Hector D. Ruiz As Its 38th President And Swears-In Its 2017/2018 Officer And Trustees

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT

Celebrating 37 Years:

1980-2017

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY Installs Hector D. Ruiz As Its 38th President And Swears-In Its 2017/2018 Officer And Trustees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 15, 2017

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) held its 38th Annual Installation and Swearing-In Ceremony of its Officers and Trustees at the Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, New Jersey on November 9, 2017. The Honorable Jose L. Linares, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, swore-in the officers and trustees. Hector D. Ruiz, a partner at Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP, was sworn-in as the HBA-NJ’s 38th President.

Carlos M. Bollar, a partner at Archer & Greiner and a Past President of the HBA-NJ, served as the master of ceremonies of the event that was well attended by federal and state court judges, attorneys, and law and high school students. Arlene Quiñones Perez, a partner at DeCotiis, FitzPatrick Cole & Giblin, LLP and Immediate Past President of the HBA-NJ, and Pedro J. Torres-Díaz, a principal in the San Juan, Puerto Rico and Miami, Florida offices of Jackson Lewis and Immediate Past President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (“HNBA”), made remarks. The HBA-NJ also recognized long-time officer, Vice President of the Southern Region Albertina Webb, a partner with LaRocca Hornik Rosen Greenberg & Patti LLC, with the Corazon Del HBA-NJ Award for her outstanding dedication and unwavering service to the organization. The dinner and program concluded with Hector D. Ruiz’s President’s speech, during which he announced this year’s theme for the HBA-NJ: Working Together, Making a Difference.

Also in attendance were: Mayor Carolann Garafola, of Warren Township, Erica V. Mason, a partner at Constancy Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP in Atlanta, Georgia and HNBA President, and many past presidents of the HBA-NJ.

Union City High School students that regularly participate in the HBA-NJ’s American Dream Pipeline Program also attended the event with their chaperone.

During the event, guests were encouraged to contribute to the Todos Unidos Fundraising Campaign to aid in disaster relief of those who are still suffering in the wake of natural disasters that occurred earlier this year. This Fundraising Campaign will continue throughout the year for distribution to Puerto Rico, Mexico and other areas in need of disaster relief.

The HBA-NJ again thanks its sponsors and Installation attendees for their generosity and support. In particular, we would like to thank our Amigo and Gold sponsors: (i) Day Pitney LLP; (ii) Hudson Court Reporting & Digital Media; (iii) Lowenstein Sandler LLP; (iv) Reed Smith LLP; (v) Walsh Pizzi O'Reilly Falanga LLP; and, (vi) Prudential.

###

About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

For press inquiries, please contact: Rachel A. Gonzalez, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at rgonzalez@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8201.

©2017 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey.

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The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Strongly Condemns Offensive Speech and Rhetoric Exhibited During Recent Political Campaigns in Hoboken and Edison, New Jersey

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 14:28:17 GMT

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY STRONGLY CONDEMNS OFFENSIVE SPEECH AND RHETORIC EXHIBITED DURING RECENT POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS IN HOBOKEN AND EDISON, NEW JERSEY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2017

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) denounces offensive flyers targeted at voters in two New Jersey towns in advance of last Tuesday’s election. In the weeks preceding the November 2017 election, racist and xenophobic propaganda was distributed in Hoboken and Edison, New Jersey, attacking Asian-American candidates.

The HBA-NJ denounces campaign literature targeting candidates on account of their race, familial origin, and religion. “Attempts to dissuade U.S. citizens from all backgrounds from running for political office and participating in the political process have no place in our American civil discourse,” said HBA-NJ President Hector D. Ruiz.

We are proud of the diversity in the State of New Jersey and congratulate all the trailblazers who ran for political office this term. We commend the voters in New Jersey who have looked past the attempts by some to use the November election to try to spread hate and fear, and voted for candidates based upon their merits.

The HBA-NJ will continue to denounce hate, racism and xenophobia and will stand by others of all backgrounds who are being victimized by such unnecessary rhetoric.

###

About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

For press inquiries, please contact: Rachel A. Gonzalez, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at rgonzalez@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8201.

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HBA-NJ Supports Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Maria and Earthquake Victims

Arianna Mouré — Sun, 01 Oct 2017 03:42:16 GMT

Celebrating 37 Years:

1980-2017

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS THE VICTIMS OF THE RECENT HURRICANES AND EARTHQUAKES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2017

The past few weeks have been extremely difficult. Our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, Texas, Florida, the entire Caribbean and Mexico have been dangerously impacted by the recent catastrophic hurricanes and earthquakes that continue to threaten many lives.

While the survivors of these disasters continue to show their resilience, the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) is working with support and disaster response organizations, both locally and in the affected areas, to offer our assistance in any way possible.

“We extend our thoughts and prayers to victims of these recent natural disasters in the United States, Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, including members of our HBA-NJ families” said HBA-NJ President, Arlene Quinones Perez. “We are working hard to remain in contact with relief organizations in the affected areas and are continuing to assess needs and see how we can help.”

We will continue to update our website as information becomes available, as many of the organizations in the affected areas are still attempting to re-open their offices and assess the needs of the victims. Helping our brothers and sisters will require a long-term commitment from our membership and we have no doubt that the HBA-NJ familia will rise to the occasion and assist those in need.

Please check our website for updates and resources for assisting in the relief and rebuilding efforts. In the meantime, those who would like to donate their time, money, goods or pro bono legal services can visit the following websites:

Direct Relief (All affected areas)

LatinoJustice PRLDEF (Mexico & Puerto Rico)

Hispanic Federation (Mexico & Puerto Rico)

ConPRmetidos (Puerto Rico):

Fondos Unidos de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)

ABA Volunteer Legal Services (various resources and legal assistance to disaster survivors)

Legal Corps for Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico)

###

About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

For press inquiries, please contact: Wendy Rubinstein, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at wrubinstein@decotiislaw.com or (201) 928-1100.

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at aqperez@decotiislaw.com or (908) 625-7714.




	©2017 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey. You received this email because you are a valued friend of ours. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive such communications from us.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE JOSE L. LINARES ON BECOMING CHIEF FEDERAL JUDGE IN NEW JERSEY

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 03:28:24 GMT

	*Celebrating 37 Years:* *1980-2017* THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE JOSE L. LINARES ON BECOMING CHIEF FEDERAL JUDGE IN NEW JERSEY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2017 The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates our past President and friend, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, Judge Jose L. Linares on his historic achievement of becoming the first Hispanic Chief Federal Judge in New Jersey. Judge Linares has presided over some of the highest-profile political corruption cases in the state in the U.S. Courthouse in Newark. The Havana-born judge, who fled Cuba with his family as a boy, became a State Superior Court Judge in Essex County in 2000, and was nominated to the federal bench by President George W. Bush in 2002. Prior to his tenure on the bench, Judge Linares was a Supervising Attorney in the New York City Department of Investigation from 1978 to 1980 before moving to New Jersey to became a private practice attorney licensed in the State of New Jersey from 1980 to 2000. A graduate of Jersey City State University in 1975, Judge Linares earned his law degree from Temple Law School in Philadelphia in 1978. The HBA-NJ is proud of its past President, Honorable Jose L. Linares, United States District Judge, on his historic achievement of becoming Chief United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey. HBA-NJ President Arlene Quinones Perez, on behalf of the entire HBA-NJ Board and members, wishes Judges Linares continued success. “We know you will lead the Honorable Court with grace, wisdom and understanding.” ### *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: Wendy Rubinstein, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at wrubinstein@decotiislaw.com or (201) 928-1100. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at aqperez@decotiislaw.com or (908) 625-7714.

	©2017 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey. You received this email because you are a valued friend of ours. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive such communications from us.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES JUDGE ALBERTO RIVAS ON BEING NAMED ASSIGNMENT JUDGE OF MIDDLESEX VICINAGE

Arianna Mouré — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 02:32:09 GMT

	*Celebrating 37 Years:* *1980-2017* THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES JUDGE ALBERTO RIVAS ON BEING NAMED ASSIGNMENT JUDGE OF MIDDLESEX VICINAGE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2017 The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates Judge Alberto Rivas on being named the Assignment Judge of the Middlesex Vicinage, effective July 1, 2017. Judge Rivas, appointed to the bench by Governor Jon Corzine, took the oath of judicial office on January 25, 2010. In more than seven years at the Middlesex Vicinage, Judge Rivas has served on the bench in civil, family and criminal divisions. Judge Rivas was named Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division in February 2015. Prior to his judicial career, Judge Rivas worked for nine years as an Assistant United States Attorney in Newark. Three of those years Judge Rivas worked as the Deputy Chief of the office’s Criminal Division. He also worked as the Director of Law for the City of Perth Amboy and as a named partner in the law firm of Lite, DePalma, Greenberg, LLC. During that time, Judge Rivas was actively involved in the community and served as a member of the New Jersey State Sentencing Commission and as a court-appointed independent monitor reviewing the New Jersey State Police. Judge Rivas continues to give back to the community and is an active participant and supporter of the HBA-NJ’s American Dream Pipeline Program. A graduate of Princeton University, Judge Rivas earned his law degree at the Rutgers University School of Law. The HBA-NJ is proud of Judge Rivas’s many achievements and wishes him continued success in his new role. As noted by Arlene Quinones Perez, HBA-NJ President, “Judge Rivas is a trailblazer in the Latino community and a wonderful mentor. We thank Chief Justice Stuart Rabner for recognizing Judge Rivas’s strong record as a jurist and for entrusting him with this new role and opportunity to continue to serve the community.” ### *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: Wendy Rubinstein, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at wrubinstein@decotiislaw.com or (201) 928-1100. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at aqperez@decotiislaw.com or (908) 625-7714.

	©2017 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey. You received this email because you are a valued friend of ours. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive such communications from us.

The Hispanic Bar Association Congratulates Ricardo Solano Jr. for Being Appointed Treasurer for the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 22:21:36 GMT

	*Celebrating 37 Years:* *1980-2017* THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES RICARDO SOLANO JR. FOR BEING APPOINTED TREASURER FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF THE FEDERAL BAR OF NEW JERSEY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 27, 2017 The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates Ricardo Solano Jr., Esq. for being appointed Treasurer for the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey. Mr. Solano, Trustee for Region 8 for the HBA-NJ, is a member of Friedman, Kaplan, Seiler & Adelman LLP, where he represents individuals and corporations in the healthcare, financial, construction, and other industries in matters involving allegations of fraud, bribery, false claims, violations of FDA regulations, tax evasion, and money laundering. Prior to joining Friedman Kaplan, Mr. Solano served as First Assistant Attorney General of the State of New Jersey from 2008 to 2010, where, as the State’s second highest-ranking prosecutor, he was responsible for oversight of the Division of Criminal Justice, Division of Law, Division of Consumer Affairs, and Gaming Enforcement. He also previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey from 2001 to 2006, where he prosecuted cases involving violations of federal anti-corruption and bribery statutes, mail fraud, tax evasion, export control law violations, pharmaceutical and other product diversion schemes, and cyberstalking. Mr. Solano also serves as a Trustee for the Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey. He has previously taught, as an adjunct professor, a seminar on criminal sentencing at Seton Hall University School of Law. In addition, Mr. Solano has lectured on numerous topics, including healthcare fraud investigations, the use of electronic evidence in criminal cases, and criminal defense attorney ethics. Mr. Solano received his law degree summa cum laude in 1998 from Seton Hall University School of Law and his BA in Philosophy and Political Science from New York University in 1995. After law school, he clerked for former New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Deborah T. Poritz, and then for the Hon. Maryanne Trump Barry of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The HBA-NJ is proud of Mr. Solano’s many achievements and thankful for his continued involvement and support of the association. As noted by Arlene Quinones Perez, HBA-NJ President, “Ricardo is an incredible asset to any organization, and especially to the HBA-NJ. His impeccable character and tireless work ethic make him a perfect candidate for Treasurer for the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey, and we wish him well in his new position.” ### *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: Wendy Rubinstein, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at wrubinstein@decotiislaw.com or (201) 928-1100. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at aqperez@decotiislaw.com or (908) 625-7714.

	©2017 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey. You received this email because you are a valued friend of ours. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive such communications from us.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY TOGETHER WITH THE NEW JERSEY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION PRESENTED THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF THE JUDICIAL AND NJ STATE APPOINTMENTS PROCESS

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 22:24:09 GMT

	*Celebrating 37 Years:* *1980-2017* THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY TOGETHER WITH THE NEW JERSEY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION PRESENTED THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF THE JUDICIAL AND NJ STATE APPOINTMENTS PROCESS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2017 New Brunswick, NJ – Over eighty attorneys attended the panel discussion on "*How To Become a Judge, Commissioner or Board Member: Nuts and Bolts of the Judicial and New Jersey State Appointments Process" on Wednesday, April 12th at the Law Center in New Brunswick, NJ. Panelists included Michellene Davis, Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs, RWJBarnabas Health, Susan A. Feeney, Partner, McCarter & English, LLP, Tara Dowdell, President of TDG Speakers & Tara Dowdell Group and Ivette Ramos Alvarez, Partner, Einhorn Harris Ascher Barbarito & Frost. The moderators were Kirsten S. Branigan, Founder of the Law Ofﬁce of Kirsten Scheurer Branigan, P.C. and Arlene Quinones Perez,* Partner at DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP and President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey. The panel discussion was followed by a networking reception. Panelists provided practical advice on best practices for potential candidates to achieve a NJ appointment and/or appointment to a NJ Board or Commission. The panelists also explained the process and underscored the need to plan for and begin engaging in the application and lengthy appointment process as early as possible. The program was sponsored by McCarter English, LLP, RWJBarnabas Health, Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters, DeCotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP, Law Office of Kirsten Scheurer Branigan, P.C. and Hudson Court Reporting. The program was co-sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Lawyers Association of New Jersey (APALA-NJ), the Garden State Bar Association (GSBA), New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association (NJMLA), South Asian Bar Association of New Jersey (SABA-NJ) and was supported by Women in the Profession Section (WIPS) and the Diversity Committee of the NJSBA. ### *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: Wendy Rubinstein, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at wrubinstein@decotiislaw.com or (201) 928-1100. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at aqperez@decotiislaw.com or (908) 625-7714.

	©2017 Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey. You received this email because you are a valued friend of ours. Please unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive such communications from us.

Press Release: HBA-NJ Congratulates Julia A. Lopez And Lillian A. Plata For Being Selected To Receive The Hispanic National Bar Association’s Top Lawyers Under 40 Award

Arianna Mouré — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 17:33:14 GMT

PRESS RELEASE: The HBA-NJ Joins Several Affinity Bar Associations Across New Jersey in Denouncing President Trump’s Recent Executive Orders

Melinda Cox — Mon, 06 Feb 2017 23:45:57 GMT

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

For press inquiries, please contact: Wendy Rubinstein, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at wrubinstein@decotiislaw.com or (201) 928-1100.

PRESS RELEASE: The HBA-NJ Denounces President Trump’s Recent Executive Orders on Immigration

Melinda Cox — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 15:11:00 GMT

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Yolanda Rodriguez on Her Confirmation to the New Jersey Superior Court Bench

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 23:25:48 GMT

HBA-NJ Congratulates Reynold Lambert on Partnership at Lowenstein Sandler

Arianna Mouré — Fri, 13 Jan 2017 04:00:29 GMT

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Carmen M. Garcia on Her Reappointment to the New Jersey State Parole Board

Tue, 10 Jan 2017 23:30:30 GMT

HBA-NJ Congratulates Lisa Miralles Walsh On Her Confirmation

Arianna Mouré — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 03:56:10 GMT

HBA-NJ Stands in Support of Orlando's Latino LGBT Community in the Wake of Shooting

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 12:57:39 GMT

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Condemns Donald Trump’s Attack on Judge Gonzalo Curiel

Melinda Cox — Thu, 09 Jun 2016 01:52:17 GMT

HBA-NJ Congratulates Marybel Mercado-Ramirez, Diane E. Montes-Infante and Camelia M. Valdes on their Respective Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointment Nominations

Fri, 19 Jun 2015 15:22:17 GMT

	*Celebrating 35 Years:* *1980-2015* Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Marybel Mercado-Ramirez, Diane E. Montes-Infante and Camelia M. Valdes on their Respective Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointment Nominations. For Immediate Release: June 17, 2015 The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) congratulates its members and long-time supporters Marybel Mercardo-Ramirez, Diane E. Montes-Infante and Camelia M. Valdes on their respective judicial appointment and prosecutorial reappointment. Their nominations advance the HBA-NJ’s mission of a more inclusive and diverse legal system. Ms. Mercado-Ramirez, a graduate of Rutgers University, and of Rutgers University School of Law is a distinguished public servant. She has served the State and the County of Bergen with distinction and honor for over twelve years as an Assistant Prosecutor in the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office. During that time, Ms. Mercado-Ramirez has prosecuted more than a thousand cases. She has earned a reputation for fairness and adherence to the rule of law. Similarly, Ms. Montes-Infante’s nomination to become a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Judge builds on a long career focused on public service. Ms. Montes-Infante is a graduate of Haverford College and Rutgers University School of Law-Newark. After graduating law school, she clerked for the Superior Court of New Jersey. Upon completion of her judicial clerkship she served as an Assistant Deputy Public Defender in the Officer of the Public Defender, Essex County Adult Trial Region. As a public defender, Ms. Montes-Infante was responsible for the operation of the largest Central Judicial Processing Court (CJP) in the State of New Jersey. After several years in that post, Ms. Montes-Infante was appointed to the Newark Municipal Court where she has served to date. Prosecutor Valdes’s reappointment breathes a renewed sense of commitment to diversity and inclusion. During her initial term as Passaic County Prosecutor, Prosecutor Valdes managed approximately 185 employees, a $19.2 million budget, and oversaw 16 municipal police departments all with the highest degree of competence and integrity. Prosecutor Valdes also employed her office to connect with communities and their leaders to combat crime by enforcement, rehabilitation, and education. “Today, our Association has great cause to celebrate,” said HBA-NJ President Michael J. Plata. “Assistant Prosecutor Mercado-Ramirez and Newark Municipal Court Judge Montes-Infante’s nomination to the bench, and Passaic County Prosecutor Valdes’s nomination for reappointment, assures that our judicial system is comprised by individuals that are both qualified and representative of the communities they serve,” added President Plata. * * * * *About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey* Founded in 1980, the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit statewide Association that represents attorneys, judges, law professors and law students 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. The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey cooperates with other bar organizations, legal organizations, and the Hispanic Community, business, civic, charitable and cultural organizations in furtherance of the aforementioned purposes.

	For press inquiries, please contact: Andrés Acebo, Esq., 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 Michael J. Plata, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at mplata@plataferrer.com or 201.210-5022.

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Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Press Releases

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS GOVERNOR MIKIE SHERRILL’S NOMINATION OF MARGO CHALY TO SERVE AS SECRETARY OF HIGHER EDUCATION

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES HISTORIC APPOINTMENT OF ANDRÉS ACEBO AS 13TH PRESIDENT OF NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY COMMENDS JUDICIAL ACTION BLOCKING UNCONSTITUTIONAL FEDERAL EXECUTIVE ORDERS

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES DEGRADING COMMENTS MADE AGAINST PUERTO RICO AND THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE SUCCESS OF ITS 43RD ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA & AWARDS DINNER

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES JUDGE RAQUEL VALLEJO, WENDY REEK, AND LEONARDO A. HERNANDEZ ON THEIR CONFIRMATION TO THE BENCH AND JUDGES YOLANDA C. RODRIGUEZ AND LISA MIRALLES WALSH ON THEIR RECEIPT OF TENURE

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY EXTENDS ITS SINCERE SYMPATHIES FOR THE LIVES LOST AND CONTINUED VIOLENCE IN ISRAEL AND PALESTINE

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE INSTALLATION OF JACQUELINE PEÑA AS ITS 44TH PRESIDENT AND THE SWEARING IN OF ITS 2023-2024 OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

THE HBA-NJ CONGRATULATES PAST PRESIDENTS ANNA MARIA TEJADA AND REYNOLD LAMBERT, AS WELL AS MEMBERS ANDRÉS ACEBO, GUILLERMO C. ARTILES AND STEPHANIE BROWN ON BEING NAMED TO THE 2023 ROI INFLUENCERS: PEOPLE OF COLOR LIST

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT’S DECISION TO STRIKE DOWN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PROGRAMS.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES VICTOR AFANADOR, ESQ. AS HE BECOMES PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THE FEDERAL BAR OF NEW JERSEY

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES RICARDO SOLANO JR. ON HIS RETURN TO GIBBONS P.C. AS CO-CHAIR OF ITS WHITE COLLAR AND INVESTIGATIONS GROUP

Unexpected Death of The Honorable Lisa Thornton

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS GOVERNOR MURPHY’S NOMINATION OF MICHAEL NORIEGA TO SERVE AS ASSOCIATE JUSTICE ON THE NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT.

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

NEW JERSEY’S COALITION OF AFFINITY BAR ASSOCIATIONS SUPPORTS THE EFFORTS OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE BAR ASSOCIATION TO DEFEND 13 AT-LARGE SEATS

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONDEMNS THE DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES RECENTLY DISCOVERED IN MILLVILLE MUNICIPAL COURT AGAINST THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE DECISION TO STRIKE DOWN ROE V. WADE

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Judge Evelyn Padin on Her Confirmation to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY MOURNS WITH THE RESIDENTS OF UVALDE, TEXAS

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Leidy Gutierrez for Being Selected to Receive the Hispanic National Bar Association Top Lawyers Under 40 Award

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Jose R. Almonte on His Appointment As a Magistrate Judge to the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Myrna Pérez on Her Historic Confirmation to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Condemns Xenophobic Remarks Made by Councilwoman Robin M. Vaughn.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Executive Board Member, Jessica Ortiz, on Being Appointed Deputy Inspector General and Director of Investigations at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Condemns Anti-Semitic Racism, Hate, and Violence, and Stands in Solidarity with the Jewish Community.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Past President, Julia López, for Being Named to the NJBIZ Law Power 50.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Stands in Solidarity with the Cuban People in Their Fight for Freedom and Basic Human Rights.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Paul Nieves and Michael Jimenez on Their Confirmation As Judges of the Superior Court, and Applauds Governor Murphy for Announcing His Intent to Nominate Veronica Allende to the Bench.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Board Member, Raquel Vallejo, on Her Promotion to Partner at The Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Past Presidents Judge Esther Salas, Camelia Valdes, Anna Maria Tejada, and Melinda Colón Cox on Being Named to the 2021 ROI-NJ Influencers: Women in Business List

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Condemns Racism, Intolerance and Violence Against the Asian American and Pacific Islander Community

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE SWEARING IN OF VICE PRESIDENT ELECT KAMALA HARRIS, THE FIRST BLACK-ASIAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO BE ELECTED AS VICE PRESIDENT, BY JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR, THE FIRST LATINA WOMAN APPOINTED TO THE SUPREME COURT.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE ATTACK ON OUR NATION’S CAPITOL

PRESS RELEASE: THE HBA-NJ SUPPORTS AILA-NJ'S REQUEST FOR VIDEOCONFERENCE HEARINGS IN NON-DETAINED CASES.

PRESS RELEASE: THE HBA-NJ DENOUNCES THE ATTACK AGAINST JUDGE ESTHER SALAS AND HER FAMILY AS A HATE CRIME

Our Thoughts and Prayers Go Out to Judge Salas and Her Family

HBA-NJ's Statement on the Comments Made by GOYA's CEO, Robert Unanue

PRESS RELEASE: THE HBA'NJ'S STATEMENT ON THE MURDER OF CARLOS INGRAM LOPEZ WHILE IN CUSTODY OF THE TUSCON POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE: THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR ITS DECISION ON DACA

Press Release - The HBA-NJ Supports Governor Murphy's Historic Nomination of Fabiana Pierre-Louis to the New Jersey Supreme Court

The HBA-NJ's Statement on the Murder of George Floyd and Others, the Protests and the Need for Change - Enough is Enough

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS NEW JERSEY FOR RESTORING VOTING RIGHTS TO RESIDENTS ON PAROLE OR PROBATION AND EXPANDING THE EXPUNGEMENT LAWS.

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY COMMENDS THE STATE FOR PASSING HISTORIC LEGISLATION THAT EXPANDS ACCESS TO DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS REGARDLESS OF THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS

HBA-NJ Supports Bill S-2100/A-3456, Which Removes the Prohibition on Voting By Persons Convicted of an Indictable Offense Who are on Parole, Probation, or Serving Sentence

The HBA-NJ Installs Melinda Colon Cox as its 40th President, Swears in its 2019-2020 Officers and Trustees and Kicks Off its $40,000 in 40 Days Fundraiser

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATED ITS 38th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP GALA and AWARDS DINNER and ESTABLISHED the HBA-NJ SCHOLARSHIP AND ENDOWMENT FUND

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Supports Bills A4743/S3229, Which Allow New Jersey Residents Who Do Not Qualify For a Real ID Act License, To Receive a Driver’s License

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES EVELYN PADIN, ESQ. AS THE FIRST LATINA TO SERVE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW JERSEY STATE BAR ASSOCIATION

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION’S ATTACK ON THE LATINO COMMUNITY

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY INSTALLS JULIA A. LÓPEZ AS ITS 39TH PRESIDENT AND SWEARS IN ITS 2018-2019 OFFICERS & TRUSTEES

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Daniel Mateo on His Appointment to the State Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Veronica Allende on Being Named as the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE SEPARATION OF FAMILIES AND DETENTION OF CHILDREN

The HBA-NJ Congratulates Juan Cartagena for being Honored with the American Bar Association’s 2018 John Marshall Award

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS NEW JERSEY BILL NUMBER S-699, WHICH WILL PROVIDE STUDENTS ACCESS TO STATE FINANCIAL AID REGARDLESS OF IMMIGRATION STATUS

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Three Members on Being Selected to Receive the Hispanic National Bar Association’s 2018 Top Lawyers Under 40 Awards

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Appointees to Governor-Elect Murphy’s Transition2018 Committee

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY Installs Hector D. Ruiz As Its 38th President And Swears-In Its 2017/2018 Officer And Trustees

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Strongly Condemns Offensive Speech and Rhetoric Exhibited During Recent Political Campaigns in Hoboken and Edison, New Jersey

HBA-NJ Supports Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Maria and Earthquake Victims

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE JOSE L. LINARES ON BECOMING CHIEF FEDERAL JUDGE IN NEW JERSEY

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CONGRATULATES JUDGE ALBERTO RIVAS ON BEING NAMED ASSIGNMENT JUDGE OF MIDDLESEX VICINAGE

The Hispanic Bar Association Congratulates Ricardo Solano Jr. for Being Appointed Treasurer for the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY TOGETHER WITH THE NEW JERSEY WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION PRESENTED THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF THE JUDICIAL AND NJ STATE APPOINTMENTS PROCESS

Press Release: HBA-NJ Congratulates Julia A. Lopez And Lillian A. Plata For Being Selected To Receive The Hispanic National Bar Association’s Top Lawyers Under 40 Award

PRESS RELEASE: The HBA-NJ Joins Several Affinity Bar Associations Across New Jersey in Denouncing President Trump’s Recent Executive Orders

PRESS RELEASE: The HBA-NJ Denounces President Trump’s Recent Executive Orders on Immigration

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Yolanda Rodriguez on Her Confirmation to the New Jersey Superior Court Bench

HBA-NJ Congratulates Reynold Lambert on Partnership at Lowenstein Sandler

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Carmen M. Garcia on Her Reappointment to the New Jersey State Parole Board

HBA-NJ Congratulates Lisa Miralles Walsh On Her Confirmation

HBA-NJ Stands in Support of Orlando's Latino LGBT Community in the Wake of Shooting

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Condemns Donald Trump’s Attack on Judge Gonzalo Curiel

HBA-NJ Congratulates Marybel Mercado-Ramirez, Diane E. Montes-Infante and Camelia M. Valdes on their Respective Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointment Nominations

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Congratulates Marybel Mercado-Ramirez, Diane E. Montes-Infante and Camelia M. Valdes on their Respective Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointment Nominations.