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

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

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:  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

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:  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

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.

 A

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:  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 

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. 

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 

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. 

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

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