Press Releases
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (”HBA-NJ”) is collecting resumes of individuals who are interested in serving on boards, commissions, and executive positions. Boards and commissions are designed to give citizens an active voice in their government and provide a means of influencing decisions that shape the quality of life for residents of New Jersey. Boards and commissions also play a vital role in promoting efficient, effective and honest government. Service on a board or commission is a great way to contribute to the State of New Jersey and our community, as well as an excellent way to enhance your resume, hone your expertise in a specific area, and network with similarly-minded individuals. Serving also enables you to bring your unique experiences and perspectives to state government, thereby ensuring that all boards and commissions represent the racial and gender diversity of New Jersey.
For many, serving on a board or commission is one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. There are a great number of boards and commissions to which the Governor and legislature make appointments to that deal with virtually all of the Departments for the State of New Jersey and public policy areas. Some appointments are made by the Governor and require the advice and consent of the State Senate, while others are made by the direct appointment of the Governor, requiring no action by the Senate. The HBA-NJ is able to assist our active and paid members navigate the process of being considered for a board and commission. We welcome your participation in this process, and hope that you will take advantage of this membership benefit.
If you are interested in obtaining an endorsement for a board, commission or an executive position, please submit your cover letter and resume to Arlene Quiñones Perez, Esq., Appointments Committee Chair, at arleneqperez@hotmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Daniel Mateo
Daniel Mateo, Esq.
President, HBA-NJ
Press Releases
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) applauds the milestone appointment of Superior Court Judge Julio L. Mendez to serve as Assignment Judge of Atlantic/Cape May Vicinage. This appointment is especially noteworthy since Judge Mendez will be New Jersey’s first Hispanic assignment judge.
In 2002, Judge Mendez began serving as Superior Court Judge in the Criminal Division in Cumberland County and then in the Family Division. Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Mendez received his juris doctorate degree from Rutgers University School of Law – Camden, and worked in private practice for 20 years. Judge Mendez also served as Staff Attorney for the Cumberland County Board of Social Services, as Vineland City Solicitor, and as a Trustee for Cumberland County College. While on the bench, Judge Mendez has served with distinction in various leadership roles, including as a Chairman of the Children in Court Committee of the Conference of Presiding Family Judges, Vice-Chair of the Supreme Court Committee on Family Practice, and as a policy maker and problem solver on various statewide conferences and committees. His commitment to serve the Hispanic community has been evident throughout his career and through his affiliation with the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey.
In commending this appointment, HBA-NJ President Suzette Rodriguez remarked: “Judge Mendez is a trailblazer who has led a distinguished career first in private practice and then as a jurist. Judge Mendez is highly deserving of this appointment and we are confident that he will continue to serve New Jersey in a spirit of fairness, honor, and excellence. We are also very pleased because Judge Mendez’s ascension as an assignment judge is groundbreaking for the continuing advancement of the Hispanic community.”
Press Releases
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to announce that it is that time of year again to recruit mentors for New Jersey law students, who have expressed an interest in being mentored by our esteemed members. This year we have received over 50 applications from students anxious to be matched with mentors, due in large measure to the positive feedback received by them from past mentees about the productive experiences they received from the program and their respective mentors. To that end, please take a moment to fill out and return the attached Mentor Application so that you can be paired up with a deserving law student.
As you know, the HBA-NJ’s Mentorship Program matches Latino law students with Latino legal professionals from some of the top New Jersey law firms, legal departments, government agencies and public interest organizations to foster relationships between them to offer guidance and advice as they adjust to the demands of law school, navigate the recruitment process and evaluate potential career options and strategies. At a time in our history when it is reported that the Latino community is steadily increasing, while the number of Latinos applying and admitted into law schools is dropping, it is particularly important for those of us who have been blessed with successful careers to step up to the plate and nurture and encourage this valuable commodity (Latino law students) to continue their academic and professional pursuits.
I am mindful that we all have very demanding schedules. Nevertheless, it is extremely important - in keeping with our mission statement - that we cultivate these students to ensure not only that they succeed, but that they are instilled with high standards of integrity, honor and professionalism. I, therefore, urge you to join me in this endeavor by volunteering to serve as a mentor. Kindly complete the attached application and return it to me by Thursday, September 29, 2011, at the e-mail or postal address provided on the application. If you are unable to meet this deadline, please submit your application as close as possible to this date. The more volunteers we receive, the more likely it is that we can achieve a mentor/mentee ratio of 1:1, thereby increasing the quality of the mentor/mentee relationship and the success of the program.
Thank you in advance for your willingness to support the HBA-NJ and this very important program.
Kind regards,
Louis Acevedo, Vice President
Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
Press Releases
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) commends the U.S. Senate for unanimously confirming the Honorable Esther Salas to serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the District of New Jersey. This confirmation is especially noteworthy since Judge Salas was the first Latina to ever serve as a Magistrate Judge for the District Court in New Jersey and will be the first Latina to serve as a Federal District Court Judge for the District of New Jersey.
In 2006, Judge Salas began serving as a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey. Judge Salas received her juris doctorate degree from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark, where she served in leadership roles within various student associations. After clerking for the Honorable Eugene J. Codey, Jr., Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Judge Salas began her career as a litigator at the law firm of Garces & Grabler, P.C., where she handled criminal defense amongst other matters. Before her appointment as a magistrate judge, Judge Salas served for nine years as Assistant Federal Public Defender for the District of New Jersey, where she represented indigent clients in federal criminal matters, and argued before the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in notable cases. Her commitment to public service has been evident also through her service in several leadership roles in various civic organizations, including the Governor’s Hispanic Advisory Council for Policy Development, the Supreme Court Committees on Minority Concerns and Women in the Court, the Committee on Pro Se Litigation for the District of New Jersey, and as former president of the HBA-NJ and Hispanic Bar Foundation of New Jersey.
Suzette Rodriguez, HBA-NJ President, noted that “We are very pleased with the U.S. Senate for confirming Judge Salas for this seat in the federal court and for what such an important appointment represents for the advancement of the Hispanic community. Judge Salas is a well-respected jurist and eminently qualified to serve as a federal judge in the District of New Jersey. She has led a distinguished career of public service first as a public defender and, most recently, as a federal magistrate judge for the District of New Jersey. We are confident that Judge Salas will continue to serve the federal judiciary of New Jersey extremely well.”
Press Releases
Press Releases
To See Ivette’s Biography, Click Here
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (”HBA-NJ”) is honored to enthusiastically endorse Ivette Alvarez for the position of Secretary of the New Jersey State Bar Association (“NJSBA”). Ivette is an exceptional member of the New Jersey State Bar. She exemplifies the best among us and is a lawyer of the highest caliber in the finest traditions of our noble profession. She is also a model citizen and pillar of the greater community. An example of her successful leadership is serving as a Past President of the HBA-NJ.
For more information about Ivette and her impeccable credentials please review her biography here
Visit her website at www.ivetteralvarez.com.
The HBA-NJ urges you to cast your ballot for Ivette as soon as you receive your ballot from the NJSBA. The ballots are due to arrive on Monday, April 18, 2011. Please note that lost or destroyed ballots will not be replaced. Finally, please encourage all of your friends, colleagues and acquaintances to cast their vote for Ivette.
Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to highlight that, if selected, Ivette will be the first Latina to hold this position. Personally, as a Latina, I could not think of a better candidate. I know that her stellar qualities and prior experience will serve the NJSBA well. I urge you to vote for Ivette Alvarez as the NJSBA Secretary.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this endorsement.
Sincerely,
Suzette T. Rodriguez,
President
Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
Press Releases
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Strongly Denounces The Recent Calls For The Impeachment Of New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto.
For Immediate Release: February 4, 2011
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) has reviewed the statements articulated by New Jersey Supreme Court Associate Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto in Henry v. New Jersey Dep’t of Human Servs., A-69-09, ___ N.J. ___ (2010) and in Hopewell Valley Citizens’ Group, Inc. v. Berwind Prop. Group Dev. Co., A-83-09, ___ N.J. ___ (2011), expressing his intention to abstain from voting on cases where temporarily-assigned Judge Edward Stern’s vote would affect the outcome of a case. Although the HBA-NJ supports the independence of the judiciary and each Justice’s discretion in determining how to vote, it nonetheless disagrees with Justice Rivera-Soto’s determination to abstain from voting in certain cases because it deprives the Court, litigants, and the citizens of the State of New Jersey of his considered views. Diversity on the Court is essential to ensuring that all perspectives and view points are fully represented and considered during the deliberative process. Justice Rivera-Soto’s full participation in all judicial proceedings before the Court is necessary to promote such diversity of opinions. Therefore, the HBA-NJ strongly urges Justice Rivera-Soto to fully participate in all matters presented to the Court for review. Justice Rivera-Soto’s full participation will also uphold the integrity of the State’s highest court and dispel any doubts that may be held by the litigants or the bar concerning the legitimacy of the Supreme Court’s decisions that may be affected by this controversy.
While disagreeing with the position taken by Justice Rivera-Soto, the organization strongly disagrees that the Justice’s decisions would justify impeachment proceedings. The HBA-NJ regards impeachment under N.J. Const. art. VII, § 3 as a power to be exercised by the Legislature to address cases involving misdemeanor offenses committed by public officials. Notwithstanding Justice Rivera Soto’s recent decisions, he has throughout his tenure demonstrated a commitment to the independence of the judiciary. Critically, Justice Rivera-Soto is still participating in the decisional process of many of the cases that are pending before the Court and in multiple other roles as a jurist. Thus, the current controversy does not provide a sufficient basis for the Legislature to take the extreme measure of impeachment. Accordingly, the HBA-NJ denounces the calls that have been made for Justice Rivera-Soto’s impeachment, especially in light of the fact that Justice Rivera-Soto has already communicated to Governor Chris Christie that he will not seek re-nomination to the Court after the expiration of his term in September 2011.
Instead, the HBA-NJ looks forward to working with Governor Christie to help him identify qualified candidates who can serve on our state’s highest court, particularly now that the Hispanic population is the largest minority group in New Jersey, according to the newly released 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data. More than ever, it is of paramount importance that the New Jersey Supreme Court be composed of the highest caliber of professionals while at the same time reflect the demographic makeup of our great State. Achieving that dual goal will help foster public trust in the State’s core principles of providing equal access to justice and a fair and impartial New Jersey Judiciary.
* * * *
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 Hispanic community, business, civic, charitable and cultural organizations in furtherance of the aforementioned purposes.
For press inquiries, please contact: Geida D. Sanlate, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at gsanlate@littler.com or 973.848.4744.
For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Suzette T. Rodriguez, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at suzette.rodriguez@gmail.com or 973.630.0714.
Press Releases
For Immediate Release: May 6, 2010
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) is outraged by the State of Arizona’s recently enacted law, which permits the indiscriminate stopping/questioning of individuals to ascertain their immigration status. In response, the HBA-NJ joins the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) and other national, state, and local organizations in calling for an economic boycott, including a boycott of conferences and conventions scheduled to take place in Arizona.The HBA-NJ calls upon the American Bar Association (ABA), state and local bar associations, legal defense funds, civil rights groups and all other grassroots organizations across the Country to join in on a national boycott of Arizona. This would discourage other States that are contemplating following Arizona’s lead.
Arizona’s Immigration Law (SB 1070) expands the law of trespass in the State and creates the legal premise necessary to indiscriminately stop and question individuals about their immigration status. This law is one of the most intrusive state initiatives seeking to usurp federal power in the area of immigration and it is fundamentally un-American in its requirement that individuals carry proof of citizenship to avoid detention.
Miguel Alexander Pozo, HBA-NJ President, explained that “in our view, the State of Arizona has embarked upon a path of deputizing its State and local law enforcement personnel to enforce federal immigration law in a way that would target the State’s residents and visitors for unlawful racial profiling.” Mr. Pozo further stated that “the persons who will be subject to the worst features of this unfettered discretion are those who are of Hispanic descent.”
The HBA-NJ joins organizations including the National Council of La Raza, the HNBA, Asian American Justice Center, the Center for Community Change, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the National Puerto Rican Coalition, the Service Employees International Union, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, to name a few, in calling for a boycott of all conferences and conventions to the State of Arizona.
Separately, the HBA-NJ has called upon the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSBA), the oldest and largest bar association in New Jersey, to consider moving its mid-year convention, currently scheduled to take place in Scottsdale, Arizona from November 2-7, 2010, to another venue outside of Arizona.
In a letter to the NJSBA, Mr. Pozo stressed that, “similar economic measures forced Arizona to reverse its stance against recognizing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, years ago.” The lessons of that successful boycott could serve as an example today.
The HBA-NJ also urges President Barack Obama and the Congress to pass comprehensive immigration legislation to resolve this issue finally, so that the Federal government preempts States, like Arizona, from engaging in further discriminatory and divisive actions that threaten to destroy the fabric of our great Nation.
Press Releases
For Immediate Release: May 4, 2010
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) is deeply troubled and disappointed by Governor Chris Christie’s decision not to reappoint New Jersey Supreme Court Justice John E. Wallace, Jr. whose term expires on May 20, 2010, and in particular, by the expressed reasons for the decision.
First, Justice Wallace, who was nominated to the New Jersey Supreme Court by Governor James E. McGreevey, and was sworn in as a Justice on May 20, 2003, is the only African-American serving on New Jersey’s highest Court. Justice Wallace has an impeccable record of service during his twenty-six years, serving on all levels of the New Jersey Judiciary.
He has served with distinction on the New Jersey Supreme Court for the past seven years, in the Appellate Division for eleven years and in the Trial Division of the Superior Court for eight years. Justice Wallace, a graduate of Harvard law school, was in private practice with several firms before going onto the bench. He also served admirably in the U.S. Army from 1968 until 1970 rising to the rank of Captain.
In addition to ignoring Justice Wallace’s stellar record, the Governor’s decision ignores the importance of maintaining a diverse Judiciary — a Judiciary that reflects the diversity in our State. The Governor’s decision is troublesome because it undermines the great strides achieved and the significant efforts of many members of the legal profession and others, to date, to diversify the New Jersey Judiciary. In that vein, we urge the Governor to ensure that our highest Court and all courts in New Jersey continue to reflect the State’s citizenry.
Second, while yesterday’s news is reportedly not intended as a commentary on Justice Wallace’s record as a jurist, the Governor’s statements strongly suggest that the Governor has no intention to be bound by settled precedent that has guided and served so well in the appointment of judges in the State of New Jersey. The Governor’s decision marks the first time in recent history that a Governor has denied tenure to a sitting justice. The decision also makes no sense since Justice Wallace would be required to retire on May 13, 2012, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70.
Third, the Governor’s statement appears to signal an erosion of the principle of judicial independence; a principle that has long been a hallmark of this State’s Judiciary and is fundamental to the rule of law. Further, the New Jersey Judiciary has a well-earned reputation for its independence. In fact, our New Jersey Court’s adherence to the principle of judicial independence has rightfully made our Judiciary a model for the rest of the country. The Governor’s decision will likely cause judges to decide cases in a manner that will increase the likelihood that they will receive tenure at the risk of ensuring that justice, not politics, prevails.
Fourth, the Governor’s remarks send a wrong message to our citizens, namely that politics should be a paramount factor in the judicial selection and reappointment process. The Governor’s comment at his press conference yesterday that over the “course of the last three decades [the Court] has gotten out of control,” is unjustified. According to the Governor, the Court has “inappropriately invaded the executive and legislative constitutional functions. . . . And I’ve talked all during the campaign about changing the Court. The only way to change the Court is to change its members.” It is obvious that the Governor is attempting to select judges that are politically in line with his own views.
Finally, in light of the Governor’s declaration that he intends to “reshape” our courts, it is doubly important that the New Jersey State Senate scrutinize every nominee and veto any candidate that is not committed to ensuring that the principles of judicial independence remain a bedrock of our system. The HBA-NJ urges the Governor and the Senate to commit to an independent Judiciary, to preserve and promote diversity in the courts, and to ensure that the judicial appointment process steers clear of or minimizes the significant reliance on politics in the judicial selection and appointment process.
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 Hispanic community, business, civic, charitable and cultural organizations in furtherance of the aforementioned purposes.
For press inquiries, please contact: Nuris E. Portuondo, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at NPortuondo@ssecz.com or (973) 301-0001 ext. 207.
For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey and/or upcoming events, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Miguel Alexander Pozo, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at mpozo@lowenstein.com or (973) 597-6212.
Press Releases
For Immediate Release: January 18, 2010
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) applauds Governor Corzine’s judicial nominations of Alberto Rivas and Esther Suarez to the New Jersey Superior Court. Both candidates have now been confirmed by the senate.
Alberto Rivas, nominated to the position of Superior Court Judge in Middlesex County, is a partner at Lite DePalma Greenberg & Rivas, LLC and is a former Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. Mr. Rivas has also served as Law Director for the City of Perth Amboy and as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University School of Law. A well respected member of the legal profession, he has also appeared frequently as a commentator on Court TV.
Mr. Rivas has served on various Court committees, including the Lawyers Advisory Committees for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. He was also appointed to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals Task Force on Equal Treatment in the Courts, Race and Ethnicity Commission. Mr. Rivas is a past chairman of the District VA Fee Arbitration Committee. He is also a past president of the Rutgers University School of Law-Newark Alumni Association.
Mr. Rivas began his career as a judicial law clerk for Judge Anne E. Thompson of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey from 1985 to 1987. In 1985 Mr. Rivas earned a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University School of Law and in 1982 he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Princeton University.
Esther Suarez, nominated to the position of Superior Court Judge in Passaic County, is the Director of the Law Department County Counsel in the County of Bergen. In that capacity, Ms. Suarez provides legal counsel to the Bergen County Executive, eight county departments and 52 divisions, including the county police department, sheriff’s office and prosecutor’s office. Ms. Suarez has also served as Corporation counsel for the city of Hoboken, as legal counsel to the Union City Housing Authority and as an associate lawyer with the Firm Scarinci & Hollenbeck. Ms. Suarez is the vice chair of the Board of Trustees at Ramapo College.
In 1997, Ms. Suarez earned a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, Douglass College. Ms Suarez is affiliated with the Bergen County Bar Association, the Rutgers Uiversity Board of Governors, the Eagleton Institute Undergraduate Associates Program and is president of the Young Lawyers Division of the Hudson County Bar Association.
Miguel Alexander Pozo, HBA-NJ President, praised the Governor’s selection of these nominees and the Governor’s continued recognition of the wealth of legal talent within the Hispanic legal community. Mr. Pozo stated that, “Mr. Rivas and Ms. Suarez, posess varied legal experience that makes them well suited to make significant contributions to the excellence for which the New Jersey state court bench is known.” The HBA-NJ extends its thanks to the Governor and its most sincere congratulations to the judicial nominees, Mr. Rivas and Ms. Suarez, both HBA-NJ members.
The HBA-NJ also congratulates the Honorable Lourdes Santiago, J.S.c., who sits in the Family Division, Hudson County Vicinage, on having received tenure earlier this month. Judge Santiago is also a past president of the HBA-NJ.
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, founded in 1980, is a 501(c)(6) statewide organization 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 organization is to serve the public interest by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and 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, with other legal organizations and with other Hispanic community, business, civic, charitable and cultural organizations in furtherance of the aforementioned purposes.
For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.njhba.org.
For press inquiries, please contact Nuris E. Portuondo, Esq., Press Secretary at NPortuondo@ssecz.com or (973)301-001 ext. 207 and Miguel Pozo, Esq., President at mpozo@lowenstein.com or (973) 597-6212.
