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.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 28, 2022.

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

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

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  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

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