Dallas Hispanic Bar Association News

A Message From Our 2024 President

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:02:08 GMT

A Message From Our 2024 President

I am honored to serve as DHBA’s President at a time of unprecedented growth for our organization.

During the last few years, we have more than doubled (and likely more than tripled) our active membership count, growing our numbers steadily and reaching our current active member count of 518 attorney members and 68 law student members. DHBA has strengthened its relationships with important partners—including the Dallas Bar Association, the Dallas Allied Bars, MABA-Dallas, and the Hispanic National Bar Association—allowing us to be more effective at furthering DHBA’s mission of promoting “the social, economic, educational, and civic advancement of the DFW Metroplex Hispanic community” and making the legal system “more responsive to its needs.” We have also successfully collaborated with Hispanic attorney bar associations throughout Texas on important matters relating to judicial diversity.

While we should all be proud of these significant accomplishments, we must be mindful that each of us has a critical role to play to maintain this success. Our openness to each other, desire to see our fellow DHBA members succeed, and willingness to help one another (which have been present in abundance these last few years) are critical ingredients to ensuring our long-term success as an organization.

This year, I am hoping that our members will:

Meet each other for breakfast, lunch, or coffee to find out ways we can help each other;
Introduce one another to important business contacts, including potential employers and clients;
Recommend each other for jobs or client engagements;

Hire a DHBA member if the opportunity arises;

Arrange for your firm or organization — or the organization of a DHBA supporter — to sponsor a DHBA event;
Recommend a friend to join DHBA;
Attend DHBA events;
“Like” a DHBA post or the post of a fellow DHBA member whom you support; and
Put in a good word for a DHBA colleague you know.

Our members work in every segment of the Dallas legal community, including the judiciary; international, national, boutique, and solo practice law firms; corporate in-house counsel offices; federal and state agencies; federal and state prosecutors’ offices; criminal defense law firms; and legal aid offices and public interest law firms. If we each did just one of the things listed above, we would add to the vibrancy of the Dallas legal community—and DHBA’s place in it—and help ensure that our progress as an organization will continue well into the future.

For its part, the DHBA Board is working diligently to put on excellent programming for 2024. We look forward to having you join us.

Edward J. Loya, Jr.

DHBA President

A Message from the Departing 2022 President, Elsa Manzanares

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Serving Our Community

By Elsa Manzanares. Featured in LATINA Style Magazine

November 16, 2022

It has been an honor serving as the 2022 President of the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA). We are a volunteer organization supporting Hispanic attorneys and the greater Hispanic community in Dallas for more than 50 years. As we emerged from almost two years of lockdowns at the beginning of 2022, our Board of Directors sought to ensure that this year’s initiatives and programming would be relevant and responsive to the needs of our most important constituents – our members. We agreed that our affection for DHBA was a primary factor behind our decision to take on a leadership role within the organization and that one of our goals would include fostering that same enthusiasm in all of our members.

We began the year by surveying our members on activities and programming they enjoyed most in the past year as well as how our organization can provide more value to members. In February, we invited Liz Cedillo, Assistant City Manager for the City of Dallas, to provide inspiring words to our members on the importance of volunteerism.

Recognizing the potential to expand our reach to members and the community through social media, we appointed a professional marketing consultant to serve as chair of our communications committee. It made sense that a former corporate relations manager for LATINA Style, Diana Maltez, would answer the call to serve our organization and do so in a transformational way. With her support, we have also taken our non-profit to a new level by optimizing our member experience, and, according to our members, our communications have never looked better.

As a leading Hispanic bar association in the country, we continued fostering ties with the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) in 2022 for the benefit of our members and to ensure that our work on the ground in Dallas is visible to other HNBA affiliates in Texas and nationwide.

Every year, the DHBA in coordination with our affiliate, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Foundation, welcomes our members and the greater Dallas community to support the worthy causes our work makes possible through our annual fundraising gala, Noche de Luz. This event benefits various DHBA pipeline initiatives, including law student scholarships at the three Dallas-area law schools: SMU Dedman School of Law, University of North Texas Dallas College of Law, and Texas A&M University School of Law. This event also supports our annual Dallas Latina Leadership Program, which focuses on the professional development needs of our Latina attorneys and law students. Finally, our Judicial Externship Program seeks to increase access by Hispanic law students to judicial externships in the federal district courts and state appellate courts of Dallas.

We are grateful to the numerous law firms, companies, and individuals who supported Noche de Luz this year. The community’s response to our call for support was unprecedented and heartwarming. We raised more funds for Noche de Luz this year than ever before.

Noche de Luz was also noteworthy this year because of our special partnership with LATINA Style to recognize additional outstanding member-leaders of our DHBA familia. This year’s special recognition “DHBA Women of Distinction” spotlighted 10 members who selflessly give to our bar association and community, paving the way for others to succeed. Robert Bard, CEO of LATINA Style, joined us in Dallas to present this recognition to our honorees. It was an unforgettable evening and DHBA looks forward to our continued partnership with LATINA Style!

- Elsa Manzanares

A Message From Incoming DHBA President Elsa Manzanares

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 20:30:26 GMT

Dear DHBA Familia,

Happy New Year! Welcome to the kick-off of a new DHBA year. I look forward to serving as President of your DHBA in 2022.

It was a pleasure serving as President-Elect in 2021 in support of our President and my good friend, Javier Perez. Thank you Javier for all of your hard work in 2021, and we look forward to your contributions in 2022 as Immediate Past President! We also applaud the outstanding years of service of outgoing Board veterans, Immediate Past President Isaac Faz and Treasurer Claudia Guerrero.

Our 2022 Board members have already rolled up their sleeves to brainstorm ideas that will make this year a success. But an organization cannot accomplish its mission without the active support and participation of its very foundation – the members. Like everything else, the pandemic has placed significant restrictions on our ability to engage with our members over the last few years. Whatever this year may bring, I plan to prioritize my efforts on increasing engagement by our members. What can DHBA do to better serve our members? What do they need from DHBA? What do we do well, and where do we have opportunities to grow? How can we make participation even more meaningful to our members so that they feel invested and motivated to advance the mission of DHBA? We have so much important work to do, and we need all of our members to help us carry it out. I look forward to working with all of you on this important task ahead to make DHBA an even stronger organization. To kick off 2022, we would appreciate your feedback to our first member survey here. It will take less than 5 minutes to complete!

If you want to get more involved with DHBA, please come forward. Don't be shy! We need ALL of our members fully engaged and active. Reach out to me or one of our board members. Sign up for a committee. Take us up on our request for volunteers. Make new friends at the social events. This is your organization and its success is completely dependent on you. And don't forget our responsibility to our community. I recently returned from an HNBA board meeting in Houston. As part of our trip, we were invited to visit Wesley Community Center to talk with elementary school students about our careers as lawyers. When I entered the room, I saw a little girl with glasses seated at a picnic table by herself. My colleague and I walked past her to take our seats at the front of the room. She immediately looked up and practically jumped out of her chair with excitement. She could not wait to start asking questions. The center's director told us the kids were excited to see us, but I was not expecting that kind of reception. Are you ready to share your inspiring story with young Latino students in Dallas? While we go about our daily lives in the practice of law, it is easy to forget the impact our very presence can have in their lives. If we don't show up, then who will?

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2022!

Un fuerte abrazo,

Elsa

A Message From Departing DHBA President Javier Perez

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 20:27:00 GMT

Hasta Pronto – See You Soon!

Many of you have heard me refer to DHBA as a family. Like so many, I am the first lawyer in mine and many of you have stepped in to fill out that family tree. I remember in one of my first depositions, a former DHBA president sat across the table from me; I felt moved to be one of those who got to sit in one of these hard-fought roles - an advocate. When the lawyer went out of his way to pronounce my name correctly on the record, it was an affirmation that my presence there was legitimate and that I was worthy to be there. Thinking it was merely incidental, I shared this with him years later and he confirmed that was in fact his intent. Thank you, Rudy.

Another called me when he saw me show up on a case and told me he felt proud to see me on a panel for a State Bar CLE – to, in his words, “show these folks how to practice law.” And in true big brother fashion, he then went on to tell me why my case was doomed. I’ll spare your name, but I want you to know it meant a lot to be seen and validated.

One hermano we lost this year hit particularly me hard: Chris Montez. For those of us that knew him, Chris’s big laugh and even bigger heart were unforgettable. When I received the Estrella award, I invited Chris to sit at my table. He had been a mentor to me since he introduced himself at a CLE, saying he recognized me from a law school newsletter. He was generous with his time and advice; even when we had a case opposite each other, he was respectful and somehow still encouraging. It meant everything to me, and he will be missed.

I am so grateful to our membership, and in particular, our past presidents and those who have served on our Board of Directors. It is truly a labor of love for our community, and you deserve our gratitude for the sacrifices you and your family have made to support this work. We have a responsibility to lead and to serve and it has been an absolutely privilege to carry your mantle forward.

To our 2021 Board, I know we went through it this last year. Our monthly Zooms started to feel like family meetings around the kitchen table, just without the comidita. But to Isaac, Elsa, Carla, Claudia, Jake, Eddie, Fabiola, and Berenice – I want to thank each of you for showing up when the world was burning around us, willing to work together to find a way to make a difference.

And to our community, like siblings, or tias, or whatever role you’re assuming at the time – you have always shown up when we needed you. We have been blessed to see so many of you step up when we needed your time or expertise, and yes, even your money. Por todo su apoyo, we are so grateful.

Speaking of apoyo, we know that family is uniquely positioned to bring out our best. And I want to thank my own family who never faltered in believing in me and pushing me to “keep going.” And with complete certainty, I can absolutely promise you that none of what I’ve been able to do would be possible without my wife, Caelie. Those of you that know her understand why; those of you that don’t, you should . Mi vida, thank you for everything.

It has been a unique honor to lead this organization, for just two terms, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I look forward to the ways in which it will continue to grow in the more than capable hands who will guide it. Thank you.

The National Law Review Highlights Election of 2022 DHBA Vice President

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 23:15:00 GMT

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/legal-industry-news-november-2021-law-firm-hiring-legal-innovation-pro-bono

The National Law Review highlighted Edward J. Loya, Jr.'s election to Vice President of the DHBA's Board of Directors and Epstein Becker & Green's role in sponsoring DHBA's Judicial Externship Program. Celebrating Edward's contributions to the DHBA and the creation of the Judicial Externship Program, Epstein Becker & Green's Managing Director, Jim Flynn, stated:

"Edward has been a champion of diversity within the Dallas/Fort Worth legal community. In support of his efforts, EBG supported, financially and philosophically, the launch of DHBA's Judicial Externship Program, which will provide Texas law students interested in practicing in DFW the opportunity to extern in the chambers of local federal and state judges. We are proud to have Edward serve in such a respected role and to continue our support of the DHBA."

2021 Latina Leadership Program and 2021 Latina Executive Summit

Matthew Phillips — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 01:23:10 GMT

DHBA is leading the way with back-to-back programming for our Latina lawyers and professionals. On October 6, for the sixth year in a row, the DHBA hosted the 2021 Latina Leadership Program. Latina attorneys and law students came together for a hybrid event to join Dr. Jill Lynch Cruz in a workshop on how impostor syndrome can show up in Latina attorneys’ careers and successful strategies for overcoming. Distinguished Latina trailblazers U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez, former DBA President Laura Benitez Geisler, and federal law clerk Brenda Balli lead an insightful panel discussion. The program ended with intimate small group discussions. This year’s program was a huge success! Thank you to our generous co-sponsors HNBA, Jackson Walker, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C., and Cowles and Thompson. DHBA Latina Leadership Committee members: Maria Alonso, Erica Benites Giese, Ashley Aten, Laura Torres, Elizabeth Margolis, Lina Forero-Niño, Regina Montoya, Megan Flores, Elizabeth Ramirez-Washka, Norma Garcia, Liliana Sanchez, Angela Lopez, and Elsa Manzanares.

On October 7, DHBA joined forces with PwC and Bell Nunnally and Martin to co-sponsor the Latina Executive Summit at the offices of Bell Nunnally. This first-ever program brought together senior Latina in-house counsel and Latina business executives in Dallas to discuss compensation and pay inequity for Latina professionals. Dr. Jill Lynch Cruz opened the program over lunch with an overview of the pay disparity issues facing Latina professionals, followed by a moderated panel discussion featuring leading Dallas Latina luminaries Stephanie Zapata Moore (Vistra Energy), Maria Castañon Moats (PwC), Marisia Parra-Gaona (AT&T), and Dania Duncan Moreno (Bell Nunnally). The inspiring afternoon ended with a networking happy hour. A LinkedIn group has been created for attendees to continue the conversation. Planning Committee: Dania Duncan Moreno, Vanessa Salinas Beckstrom, and Elsa Manzanares.

Hispanic Heritage Month Virtual 5K

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 21:00:00 GMT

DHBA is promoting the vote and celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a VIRTUAL 5K! Please join us virtually by walking, running, or biking with your friends, family, and pets!

You can participate with these three easy steps below:

1. Buy a T-Shirt for $20 each (proceeds will be donated to the Dallas Hispanic Bar Foundation);2. Complete your 5K, send us pictures, tag us on social media, use the hashtag #dhbavotes; and

3. VOTE!!!

Early voting runs from October 13th to October 30th.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd.

Make sure to follow us on Facebook at @DallasHBA; on Instagram at @dallashba; and on Twitter at @DallasHBA.

DHBA Releases Statement Supporting U.S. Supreme Court DACA Decision

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:00:35 GMT

For Immediate Release:
June 18, 2020

Dallas Hispanic Bar Association Releases Statement

Supporting U.S. Supreme Court Decision
[PDF]

Dallas, TX – Today the U.S. Supreme Court sided with Dreamers. In Department of Homeland Security et al. v. Regents of the University of California et al. the Court, in a major 5-4 decision, rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to rescind the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Specifically, the Court found that the Trump administration’s decision to terminate DACA was “arbitrary and capricious.”

“This is a great day for DACA recipients, Dreamers, families, and immigration advocates,” stated Dallas Hispanic Bar President Isaac Faz. “For many who benefit from DACA, this country is the only country they know, the only anthem they sing, the only place they call home. Texas has the second highest number of DACA recipients. They are our neighbors, our family, our essential workers including doctors and educators.”

DACA is an Obama-era program that began in June of 2012 which provided work authorization and a temporary reprieve from deportation to eligible undocumented immigrants who had arrived in the United States as minors. To be eligible, these young immigrants needed to meet several requirements, including not being convicted of a felony, being currently enrolled, or having graduated from high school, or honorably discharged from the military. Applicants were also required to pay a $495 application fee, which the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association has sponsored in the past to support Dreamers.

“DACA recipients are contributing members in our society and have quite literally embodied the American Dream. These are hardworking individuals, including approximately 27,000 health workers fighting Covid-19, and over 450,000 undocumented students who are enrolled in higher education. They also contribute to our economy by paying federal, state, and local taxes,” added Faz.

A Center for American Progress report found that DACA recipients and their households hold $24.1 billion in spending power and pay $5.7 billion in federal taxes and $3.1 billion in state and local taxes annually. By any measure, Dreamers form a critical part of our society and support the communities they call home.

“This decision is only the beginning. We still need to find a permanent resolution to protect the 700,000 DACA recipients and the other individuals that were too young to apply. It’s time for Congress and this administration to act. We must continue to advocate, to educate and voice our opinions via the ballot box in local, state, and federal elections.”

###

Contact: Mauricio Navarro
214.600.1533
Navarro@navarrogrp.com

Volunteer for Dallas Protest Line Legal Support

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:00:33 GMT

The J.L. Turner Legal Association, working with the Dallas Community Police Oversight Coalition and Dallas Office of Community Police Oversight, is creating a volunteer legal team to collect information about showing and use of force by the Dallas Police Department during the protests. The work will all be remote.

They need attorneys to help work over phone/video chat with protest participants to collect a statement. Training for attorneys will be announced the week of 6/8.

They also need help from paralegals, legal assistants, law students, and recent law grads to assist with screening phone calls to determine whether someone will receive a follow-up call to submit a statement. Training for screeners will be virtually, Friday 6/5 from 5:30-6:30 PM OR Saturday, 6/6 from 12:00-1:00 PM.

If you can help, sign up here.

Sign up to help individuals impacted by protests

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 19:40:56 GMT

The J.L. Turner Legal Association is signing up attorneys willing to provide pro bono and/or reduced rate legal services for individuals impacted by the social justice protest events. If you can help, sign up at jltlavolunteers.com.

SMU COVID-19 Legal Helpline

Matthew Phillips — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 22:10:57 GMT

Contact Lynn Dempsey
214-768-8617 or ldempsey@smu.edu

June 1, 2020

SMU’S LAW SCHOOL LAUNCHING HELPLINE JUNE 1 TO ASSIST WITH COVID-19 RELATED LEGAL ISSUES

DALLAS (SMU) — Beginning June 1, SMU Dedman School of Law will launch a clinic project with an emergency helpline that offers North Texas residents the opportunity to secure free legal assistance with matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as housing, immigration and consumer protection. Working under the supervision of SMU Law Clinic faculty, more than 45 law students will staff the COVID-19 Legal Helpline, which may be reached by dialing 214-SMU-COVD (214-768-2683).

Callers seeking assistance with certain COVID-19 related legal problems can receive assistance through the SMU legal clinics or, when necessary, referral to local law firms and attorneys providing free services in some specialized areas. Dedicated community partners like the law firm, Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP and SMU Law alumnus Mark Melton, whose pro bono project DallasEvictions2020.com includes more than 80 volunteer attorneys, are already working with the law school to take referrals. Other partners for the project will include the Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program (DVAP), Legal Aid of Northwest Texas and UNT Dallas College of Law.

“This project is a wonderful example of how deeply committed SMU is to helping our students and to serving the beautiful city in which we are so fortunate to be located,” said Jennifer Collins, Dean of SMU Dedman School of Law. “We are very grateful to have such committed partners and to be able to provide support to our community as we continue to navigate these unprecedented times.”

The COVID-19 Emergency Helpline Project has two primary goals:

To fill gaps in the availability of reasonably fast, reliable and necessary legal information and advice in certain key areas through a dedicated helpline
To provide SMU law students with meaningful opportunities to develop important professional values and skills as they work collaboratively with each other, supervising faculty, and volunteer attorneys

“We hope the Helpline will be an important resource for members of our Dallas/Fort Worth community who are struggling,” said professor Mary Spector, Associate Dean for Clinics at SMU. “It will also provide SMU Law students with the chance to gain valuable legal experience and professional skills. I’m proud of our students’ eagerness to step up to the legal challenges the pandemic presents.”

Those interested in making a financial contribution or supporting the Helpline project may visit the SMU Dedman School of Law giving page at smu.edu/law/giving.

###

The School of Law at SMU was founded in 1925. It was named Dedman School of Law in 2001 in honor of Dallas benefactors Nancy and Robert H. Dedman, Sr., and their family. SMU Dedman Law enjoys a national and international reputation of distinction. It is among the most competitive law schools in the country for admission, as well as one of the most successful in the placement of its graduates.

In 1947, SMU Law was one of the first law schools in the country to sponsor a community legal clinic as part of a law school curriculum. Today, legal clinics are essential to Dedman School of Law’s mission of preparing students to be leaders in the legal profession and in business while serving the needs of their community.

S.T.E.E.R.: Stability Tools for Employment and Economic Resilience

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 19 May 2020 19:22:07 GMT

S.T.E.E.R. flyer (PDF)

As the nation faces the first significant economic downturn since 2008, your local bar associations have teamed up to form STEER, a program that aims to provide lawyers with employment and career advice related to changes in the economy and the profession because of CoVID-19. If you have been furloughed, are concerned you might be or are just starting your career and are finding it difficult to land employment, this program will connect you with Dallas’ most experienced and well connected lawyers who will be available in an advisory capacity to help you navigate a difficult market and changing times. To learn more or to sign up, please click on this link to fill out a very brief application.

DHBA Donates Meals To Three Dallas Area Emergency Hospitals

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 19:00:00 GMT

[PDF]

Dallas Hispanic Bar Association Donates Meals to Three Dallas Area Emergency Hospitals

Dallas, TX - To contribute to the support of local frontline health care workers during the current COVID-19 crisis, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA) is donating 150 meals to three of Dallas’ most impacted emergency room hospitals.

Yesterday, Methodist Dallas Medical Center’s Laura Motta Mena, PhD., Director, Community and Public Relations with Jackie Guzman, welcomed the meals from a local restaurant in Oak Cliff, El Taxqueno Taqueria.

Pictured: El Taxqueno Taqueria owner Amando Monroy

Additionally, the DHBA delivered meals to Parkland Hospital, and plans to deliver to emergency medical staff at Baylor University Medical Center. “This is a small gesture of support for all the frontline heroes that are working tirelessly during this pandemic,” stated DHBA President Isaac Faz. “We are more than happy to help thank healthcare workers and support our local restaurants, a win-win. It’s our turn to support them, and the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association and our members say gracias! We hope others in our community will join us by donating, finding a way to give back, to those working to combat the virus, or to help those in need across the DFW area.”

The small business restaurants participating in DHBA’s donation effort include El Taxqueno Taqueria in Oak Cliff, Sammy’s BBQ in Uptown, and Mama Mia Pasta & Pizza in Deep Ellum.

Interviews and additional pictures are available upon request.

Dallas Hispanic Bar Association Purpose:
To promote the social, economic, educational and civic advancement of the DFW Metroplex Hispanic community by making the legal system more accessible to the Hispanic community, and more responsive to its needs. Follow on social media @DallasHBA

Contact: Mauricio Navarro
214.600.1533
Navarro@navarrogrp.com

DHBA President-Elect Javier Perez on Unemployment Benefits

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 04:31:57 GMT

DHBA's President-Elect, Javier Perez, gave an interview to Univision today about changes to unemployment benefits.

Watch the interview

Dallas County Shelter In Place Order

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 01:13:42 GMT

Yesterday, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued a shelter-in-place order for Dallas County, effective tonight through April 3. The Texas Tribune has coverage.

Below is a summary of the order from Texas State Rep. and DHBA member Victoria Neave.

WHO:

Order applies to every resident of Dallas County, including residents of Mesquite, Garland, and Dallas.

WHAT:

Everyone must stay at their place of residence--#StayAtHome.
Everyone must practice 6 feet of social distancing when they are outside their residence.
You may leave your home ONLY for Essential Activities, to perform Essential Government Functions, or to operate Essential Businesses
All businesses, except for Essential Businesses, are required to cease activities; however, businesses can continue to operate with their employees or independent contractors working from home
All public gatherings outside the home are prohibited.
Restaurants may continue to provide takeout, delivery, or drive-through services.
Religious services may only be provided by video and teleconference.
Elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited.

WHEN:

As of 11:59 pm on Monday, March 23, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 pm on Friday, April 3, 2020

WHERE:

Every city in Dallas County, including Mesquite, Garland, and Dallas

WHY:

To save lives and protect the health and safety of our community

WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN "ESSENTIAL ACTIVITY?"

Activities or tasks essential to one's personal or family's health and safety (For example, getting medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, or obtaining supplies needed to work from home)
To get or deliver essential supplies or services necessary to maintain one's personal or family's safety (For example, buying food, pet supply, household products)
To engage in an outdoor activity WHILE COMPLYING with social distancing requirements (Walking, hiking, biking, and running are allowed, if comply with social distancing)
To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential Business.
To care for a family member or pet in another household.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN "ESSENTIAL BUSINESS?"

Essential Healthcare Operations
Essential Government Functions
Essential Critical Infrastructure
Essential Retail
Providers of Basic Necessities
News Media
Childcare Services

April 25 Citizenship Workshop SUSPENDED

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 00:27:07 GMT

A message from the City of Dallas:

Given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and the CDC recommendation that gatherings of more than 50 people be cancelled for 8 weeks, we have elected to suspend the April 25th #MyDallas Citizenship Workshop. Our top priority is the health and safety of residents, and suspending the workshop follows CDC recommendations to practice social distancing to halt the spread of the virus.

We are closely monitoring the local situation concerning the COVID-19 virus in our area. We will continue to keep you updated regarding the Citizenship Workshop once a new date has been identified.

We thank you for your understanding.

Public Charge Rule Information

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 01:35:28 GMT

The Trump Administration's "public charge" rule goes into effect today. For over a hundred years, public charge inadmissibility has been narrowly used to identify immigrants who are likely to depend on the government for long-term assistance as their main form of financial support. U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services would be able to deny such an individual's application for permanent resident (or "green card") status.

The new rule drastically expands this long-standing policy by adding specific standards for income, health, age, and English proficiency for new immigrants. It greatly expands the forms of public assistance that are considered as part of the public charge determination.

DHBA opposes this new rule, as it fundamentally changes our country from one that welcomes individuals and families who come here to work hard and build a better life for themselves and their communities into one in which all that matters is how much money they have. It also discourages parents from applying for necessary health and food benefits to which their U.S. citizen children are entitled, punishes potential immigrants for being too old or too young, and prioritizes wealth over community.

Below are helpful links and key points from the Center for Public Policy Priorities.

Trump's new Public Charge rule takes effect today (2/24/2020), replacing rules that have been in effect since 1999.

The new Public Charge rule affects ONLY persons submitting a visa or green card application today or in the future. Pending applications already in the pipeline are subject to the "old" rules.
Negative consideration of SNAP (food stamps), federal housing benefits, or Medicaid use by adults (pregnant women and kids are NOT counted) will ONLY look at use of those benefits from today forward. No looking back.
Use of benefits by a family member has NO impact on the green card or visa applicant. ONLY use of the benefits above by the applicant herself is considered.
As of today, these policies are the same regardless of whether someone applies from outside the U.S. at a U.S. consulate, or inside the U.S. (there had been a period in which they were inconsistent).

CPPP has posted new, updated resources, targeted to support workers who help Texans apply for benefits and health insurance. More will be continued to be posted on Updates for Texas on the "Public Charge" Rule.

The national Protecting Immigrant Families campaign has updated these materials to share with consumers:

Public Charge: Does this apply to me?
Updated February 14, 2020*
(See how 'public charge' will impact you based on your immigration status, and what you should do – PIF)

Should I Keep My Kids Enrolled in Health & Nutrition Programs?
Updated February 14, 2020*
(Use this guide to help answer commonly asked questions about how to make good decisions for your family and their health – PIF)

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! Public Charge Messages for Community Members
Updated February 14, 2020*
(Top messages to share with immigrant communities on the recent changes to public charge – PIF)

You Have Rights – Protect Your Health
Updated October 24, 2019*
(An overview for mixed-status families when it comes to going to the doctor or enrolling in health insurance – PIF).

The links above are also available in Spanish, see https://protectingimmigrantfamilies.org/.

Volunteers Needed For April 25 Citizenship Workshop

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 19:47:26 GMT

Bilingual event flyers (PDF)

DHBA is happy to announce that we are partnering again with the City of Dallas Office of Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs (WCIA) and other community organizations in hosting another #MyDallas Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, April 25th, 2020 at the J. Erik Jonsson Dallas Public Library.

We hope that you will consider volunteering your time and talent at this year's Workshop. We are aiming to nearly double the number of applicants we serve at this year's Workshop, so we will need lots of help. I am attaching the flyer for the recruitment of volunteers. Please help us to circulate it!

If you are able to volunteer on April 25th, please confirm by contacting both Carlos Campos with the City of Dallas (carlos.campos1@dallascityhall.com or (214) 670-5336)) AND Patricia Freshwater with the DHBA (freshwater@dfwvisa.com), so that DHBA can track it's volunteers.

DHBA has committed to provide 10 attorney volunteers for this great event. Please help us meet our goal!

Training sessions for volunteers are identified on the volunteer recruitment flyer. However, if you volunteered last year, you are not required to attend a training.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Free DACA Workshop January 2 - Volunteers Needed

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 13 Dec 2019 20:52:56 GMT

Flyer for workshop in Spanish and English (PDF)

Catholic Charities is hosting a free DACA workshop for our DACAmented community members on January 2, 2019, when many students with DACA will be in town for the holidays.

The time to help individuals with DACA is NOW. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a case regarding the future of the program, and it is entirely possible that the Court will allow DACA to end by early summer. Please help individuals in need renew now!

Please register as a volunteer here: https://tinyurl.com/volunteerregJan2019

Volunteers Needed For Citizenship Workshop

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 01:05:56 GMT

Event flyer (PDF)

The City of Dallas Office of Welcoming Communities & Immigrant Affairs Needs You To Help Immigrants Become U.S. Citizens!

Help immigrants in Dallas to achieve the American Dream!
Interested in helping? Contact: (214) 671-5087
Join us for one of the following volunteer training sessions.

Thursday, October 10, 6 pm - 8 pm
Saturday, October 12, 10 am - 12 pm
Thursday, October 17, 6 pm - 8 pm
Saturday, October 19, 10 am - 12 pm
Thursday, October 24, 6 pm - 8 pm
Saturday, October 26, 10 am - 12 pm

This 90-minute course covers several topics including:

naturalization requirements and process
steps to complete each part of the N-400 application
how to mail the N-400 application
preparation for the naturalization interview

The citizenship workshop will be held on Saturday, November 9.

Volunteers Needed For Pro Se Asylum Clinic

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 01:04:40 GMT

The need for legal assistance in Dallas for immigrants in removal proceedings who fear persecution in their home countries is at an all-time high. To help meet this need, local immigration attorneys and non-profit organizations have been collaborating to organize Pro Se Asylum Clinics. These clinics are very much in need of additional volunteers, particularly Spanish-speaking volunteers, both attorneys and non-attorneys, and we ask all of our DHBA members to consider taking a day to volunteer.

Volunteers at the clinic will first be trained on a Thursday evening and will then assist immigrants in completing their applications for asylum during the Saturday clinic. This is a discrete, one-day volunteer opportunity, which would be perfect for attorneys who want to help immigrants in need but are not able to take on an asylum claim for full representation before an Immigration Judge.

Here is some more information on the clinic: http://interactives.dallasnews.com/2015/asylum/

The clinic schedule’s is posted at www.zoltanlaw.com under the Outreach tab.

The upcoming schedule is as follows:

Thursday, Sep. 12th, 6:30-8:30, Volunteer Training for Pro Se Asylum Clinic, Law Office of Paul S. Zoltan, 8610 Greenville Ave., Suite 100, Dallas 75243
Saturday, Sep. 14th, 10:00-4:00, Pro Se Asylum Clinic, RAICES, Midway Tower, 4230 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy #225, Dallas 75244
Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8:30, Volunteer Training for Pro Se Asylum Clinic, Law Office of Paul S. Zoltan, 8610 Greenville Ave., Suite 100, Dallas 75243
Saturday, Nov. 9th, 10:00-4:00, Pro Se Asylum Clinic, RAICES, Midway Tower, 4230 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy #225, Dallas 75244

Please email Carol Weinstein at clnewb@gmail.com to register for the training and volunteer at the clinic.

Volunteer opportunities include:

Assisting clinic participants in preparing an application for asylum during the Saturday clinic
Translating documents: If you are fluent in Spanish and can assist with translating original documents such as birth certificates and police reports, please email Melissa Kenfield at mbkenfield@gmail.com. This aspect of the project is done entirely through email.
Conducting technical review of the applications to correct any errors before filing
Assisting the pick-up and filing of the application packets one month after the clinic is held: 1) Review with participants from the earlier clinic corrections to any mistakes that technical review has revealed; 2) Copy the applications and address envelopes for filing; and 3) Prepare (that is, print, number, copy, and tab) or help to prepare packets of documents pertaining to relevant patterns of human rights abuses.

Supreme Court Will Hear DACA Cases

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 17:52:15 GMT

Today the United States Supreme Court agreed to decide the legality of ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The case, Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California, will be argued at the Supreme Court term beginning this fall. The Supreme Court's decision is expected by June 2020.

Coverage:

Dallas County Notice Regarding Fingerprint Misidentification

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 08 May 2019 01:08:02 GMT

The Dallas County Criminal District Attorney has issued a notice regarding fingerprint misidentification by a now-deceased Dallas County Sheriff's Deputy.

Election Day Reminder

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 02 May 2019 21:45:02 GMT

Saturday plans? Go vote.

Friendly reminder. Saturday, May 4^th is Election Day. There are critical races including the elections for the new Mayor of Dallas, Dallas City Council, DISD school board, and the DCCCD bond election.

On Saturday, the last day to vote, you must vote at your precinct. Did you know early vote turnout in Dallas County was just under 6%? Your vote counts. Be heard. Vote.

Forgot where your precinct is located? Visit Dallas County’s Voter Lookup.

Do not know who is on your ballot? After you submit your information on the voter lookup you should be able to see your precinct location and a sample ballot.

Have a question about your voter registration? Call Dallas County’s voter registration office at (214) 819-6389.

Need more information about locations, early voting data, or want to follow results? Visit https://www.dallascountyvotes.org/

Here are other helpful links:

Volunteers Needed To Assist Immigrant Families Impacted By Local ICE Raid

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 05 Apr 2019 02:43:48 GMT

As many of our members may have heard, on April 3, 2019, Immigration & Customs Enforcement conducted a raid of a telecommunications repair company in Allen Texas. Close to 300 immigrants were arrested by ICE while working at the company. Some have been processed and released, while others are still being held.

On Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 1-5 pm, Catholic Charities will be hosting a workshop to assist the immigrant families impacted by the raid. The workshop will be held from 1 pm-5 pm at:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1896 K Avenue, Suite 200
Plano, TX 75074

A Know Your Rights Presentation will be held from 1 pm-2 pm. A Family Preparedness workshop will be held from 2 pm-5 pm, and individual immigration screenings to offer brief legal advice will also be held from 2 pm-5 pm.

Attorneys are needed to staff all three components of the workshop. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up using this link. Please contact Nubia Torres at ntorres@ccdallas.org and Patricia Freshwater at freshwater@dfwvisa.com with any questions.

Law & Culture CLE Trip to Mexico City

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 20:00:00 GMT

Amigos:

We are excited to partner with the Dallas Bar Association to sponsor a very special CLE trip to Mexico City! Several folks have expressed interest and we want to make sure everyone knows that YOU MUST REGISTER BY MARCH 1, 2019.

Take a minute to look at the itinerary – this trip is put together especially for us and we want as many of our members to go as possible. In addition to the history, food, and sightseeing, there is a special service opportunity to aid individuals at a local refugee lodging program.

We hope to see you there!

A Letter From The Incoming President

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:16:00 GMT

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I am both inspired and humbled to begin our year as the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association President. This year we celebrate DHBA's 50th Anniversary. I am very mindful of the legacy of this organization and all the great work done by those who have served in the past. I want to thank all of you who have supported our work in various capacities and invite you to become even more engaged as we embark on a genuinely ambitious set of priorities this year.

Our new Board of Directors is made up of exceptionally talented advocates with a demonstrated commitment to public service. I can assure you that we will be doing all we can to make an impact in our profession and community. We would like to welcome:

President Javier Perez
President-Elect Isaac Faz
Vice-President Elsa Manzanares
Treasurer Claudia M. Guerrero-Nava
Secretary Tricia Freshwater
Director Hon. Jaime Resendez
Director Carla Green
Director Joe Carreon

I invite you to join us at our upcoming events and to get involved with one of our fantastic committees. I look forward to working with each of you this year as we continue the important work before us.

Saludos,

Javier Perez
DHBA President
president@dallashispanicbar.com

DHBA's 2018 Year In Review

Matthew Phillips — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 19:28:53 GMT

Friends,

First let me thank you for your support. During the past 12 months, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association continued to grow and continued to make an impact in our community through programs, volunteering, and raising dollars for scholarships. We could not have done this without you and our 2018 board – DHBA Officers Javier Perez, Larry Banda, Jes Alexander, Nicole Munoz and DHBA Directors Trisha Freshwater, Elsa Manzanares, Matt Phillips and Angelina LaPenotiere.

Thank you for volunteering at several events from the Karnes Pro Bono Project to the Noche de Luz. What else have we been doing? Look here to see a few fliers from our 2018 events. Want to help us make a bigger impact in 2019? Renew your DHBA membership and ask a friend to join. DHBA is an inclusive organization, thus if you want to make an impact all you need to do is sign up. If you join via the Dallas Bar Association, you can join the DBA and DHBA for one price and double the benefits. You can also visit our site at http://dallashispanicbar.com/Membership.

It has been a pleasure to serve as the DHBA 2018 President. I wish you all a prosperous and healthy 2019.

Juntos Podemos,

Isaac Faz

Report From Karnes Pro Bono Project

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:09:23 GMT

This fall, the DHBA recruited volunteers to provide free legal services for immigrants detained in the Karnes immigration detention center near San Antonio. The following is a firsthand report from immigration attorney Amy Hsu on her experience volunteering last week.

At the beginning of December I spent a week volunteering at the Karnes County Residential Center through RAICES, where ICE is holding hundreds of fathers and their minor sons fleeing from Central America. Our volunteer group included myself, Gerardo Villegas (another attorney from Dallas), two attorneys from New York, a paralegal from Colorado, a social worker from New York, and a child therapist from Boston.

We spoke to the fathers, and sometimes the sons, to prepare them for their credible fear interviews, the first hurdle in the process to apply for asylum. Most of them had never been in contact in with an attorney before and only had a very limited understanding of the asylum process. They would have been completely unprepared for their interviews if we hadn't been there. Sometimes we would help RAICES with intake interviews as well. The day started around 9 am and didn't end until visitor hours ended at 8 pm. It was a very intense but very rewarding experience. Everyone that I spoke with was very grateful for the advice and assistance.

At the end of the week all the volunteers agreed that we would do it all again. One of the other volunteers is already looking to volunteer again. The RAICES staff is incredibly dedicated to providing access to legal services for as many people as possible, and it was a privilege to work with them. DHBA was kind enough to provide a stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses.

Ninth Circuit Affirms DACA Preliminary Injunction

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 20:44:58 GMT

Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a lower court decision requiring the Trump administration to continue accepting renewal applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The government is likely to appeal to the Supreme Court.

News coverage of the decision:

Public Charge Rule Available For Comment

Matthew Phillips — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 02:12:22 GMT

In his remarks at Noche de Luz last month, Judge Clay Jenkins mentioned the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed “public charge” rule. This rule would penalize the permanent residency and visa applications of immigrants who receive an expanded range of public benefits, including Medicaid, food stamps, and Section 8 housing.

The DHS has now published the public charge rule in the Federal Register. Through December 10, the public can comment on the proposed rule online. The only personal information required is a first and last name, and submitting comments on behalf of a third party is permissible.

The Washington Post has further coverage of the public charge rule. The Center for Public Policy Priorities has published a fact sheet explaining its opposition to the rule.

Karnes Pro Bono Project - Volunteers Needed

Matthew Phillips — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 01:41:44 GMT

HELP NEEDED FOR DETAINED IMMIGRANT KIDS
NO IMMIGRATION LAW EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

DHBA is seeking 3-5 bilingual volunteer attorneys to volunteer at the Karnes immigration detention center the week of December 3rd-7th (with the option to stay and continue volunteering Saturday the 8th).

The Karnes Pro Bono Project provides free legal services to immigrants detained in the Karnes Detention Center - most are families fleeing violence in Central America. The detained parents and children are forced to pass a credible fear interview before they can be released from detention to pursue asylum. The failure to pass the interview can lead to deportation, which means a return to danger and even death.

At this time, the Karnes Pro Bono Project is serving fathers and their sons. These families are often traumatized and untrusting, and volunteers must be able to quickly build positive bonds. The legal environment is fast-paced and needs are always changing, but volunteers will likely assist with legal research, holding intake meetings with clients, preparing clients for credible fear interviews, providing legal advice to families regarding release from the detention center, drafting declarations for asylum cases, representing clients during their credible fear interviews (telephonically or in person), and possibly representing families in hearings before the Immigration Court.

The detention center is staffed Monday through Saturday from 10am-8pm. RAICES will hold an orientation phone call for both legal training and a discussion of the logistics of volunteering on November 28th from 3pm-6pm. RAICES does provide support on the ground, but the volume of clients if very high and volunteers should be prepared to be flexible, patient, and work as independently as possible.

Volunteers are typically responsible for their own travel and hotel expenses. RAICES recommends that volunteers stay near their San Antonio office. However, DHBA may be able to financially assist attorneys who would not otherwise be able to volunteer with some of the expenses.

Please contact Patricia Freshwater if you are interested in this volunteer opportunity at freshwater@dfwvisa.com. DHBA must finalize the volunteer list prior to November 16, 2018.

For more information on the Karnes Pro Bono Project, please see here.

MyDallas Citizenship Workshop - Volunteers Needed

Matthew Phillips — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 01:08:24 GMT

Event flyer (PDF)

The City of Dallas is holding a MyDallas Citizenship Workshop on October 13 at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

The workshop needs volunteers to help with the citizenship application process. Interested in helping? Contact: (214) 671-5087.

A 90-minute volunteer training course will be held at the following dates and times. Volunteers only need to attend one training session.

Thursday, September 6, from 6pm-8pm
Saturday, September 8, from 10am-12pm
Thursday, September 20, from 6pm-8pm
Saturday, September 22, from 10am-12pm
Thursday, October 4, from 6pm-8pm
Saturday, October 6, from 10am-12pm

DACA Ordered Restarted In Full, But Order Delayed For Appeal

Matthew Phillips — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 22:25:22 GMT

On Friday, August 3, a D.C. federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restart the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The order is delayed to allow the government to appeal.

News coverage of the decision:

CLE Webinar: Legal Remedies as a Response to the Border Crisis

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 24 Jul 2018 23:56:37 GMT

The July 21 CLE, Legal Remedies as a Response to the Border Crisis, is now available as a webinar for viewing at your convenience here.

CLE slides (PDF)
CLE Han dout - Current cases pending as of 07/19/18 (PDF)

CLE credit information:

This recording is accredited in Texas, New York, and California. Attorneys licensed in other jurisdictions will be provided with a Uniform Certificate of Attendance upon request for use in seeking individual credit. To receive CLE credit, please email Catherine Dunbar at the conclusion of the video with your state license information (bar/registration number). If you are licensed in New York, you will also need to provide the code words spoken in each segment of the presentation (four code words).

Original event flyer:

Border Crisis Volunteer Opportunities

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 00:48:18 GMT

[PDF]

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association continues to strongly condemn the Trump Administration’s separation and detention of more than 2,000 children seeking entry into the U.S. along our southern border. Our members have responded to this alarming and unacceptable injustice with compassion, seeking ways in which volunteer attorneys can assist immigrants and their children. The DHBA issues this list of volunteer opportunities, both here in the DFW area and near the border, to assist members who are seeking to help.

DFW Area Volunteer Opportunities

Our local non-profit immigration legal services providers have been assisting immigrant families and unaccompanied children seeking protection from harm for many years. Please consider volunteering your time or your resources locally.

Human Rights Initiative provides legal and support services to refugees and immigrants who have suffered human rights abuses. This includes representing immigrants in applications for asylum, special immigrant juvenile status, U visas, and VAWA. HRI also serves a local shelter for unaccompanied minors, where the agency has already seen children separated from their parents. Volunteers (particularly bilingual individuals) are needed to assist with administrative and translation work, and to accept pro bono cases for vulnerable clients, particularly children. Please contact Layne Faulkner at lfaulkner@hrionline.org.

RAICES provides free and low cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees in Texas. The organization has also recently created a National Families Together Hotline to assist families who have been separated in reuniting. The local office needs volunteers, particularly bilingual volunteers, to staff regularly held asylum clinics. Additionally, the local office needs volunteers to assist with the cases of parents and children who have been released at the border and relocated to the Dallas area. Attorneys can take a case pro bono or assist with research or briefing for ongoing RAICES cases. RAICES also has volunteer opportunities with its south Texas offices, which serve the family immigration detention facilities at Karnes and Dilley. Please call 214-295-9554.

Catholic Charities provides free and low cost legal services to immigrants in need of legal representation in wide range of immigration matters. Catholic Charities is currently seeking both non-immigration attorneys (once trained) and immigration attorneys to accept pro bono, limited representation of immigrant detainees in Custody and Bond Redetermination applications. For attorneys with immigration experience, Catholic Charities is also seeking volunteers to accept pro bono cases for removal defense, particularly asylum, in the Dallas Immigration Court. Please contact Lacy de la Garza at ldelagarza@ccdallas.org.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

The Texas Civil Rights Project is seeking Spanish-speaking attorneys to represent immigrant families at risk of deportation, primarily in South Texas. The Mexican American Legislative Caucus is organizing pro bono attorneys to volunteer with this organization. Potential volunteers can register here.

The Texas State bar has compiled an excellent list of opportunities for volunteer attorneys in Texas, including several opportunities for attorneys who are able to travel to the border to provide services to immigrant families and unaccompanied children.

Suggested Organizations for Donations

Many attorneys may want to help, but have limited time. Please consider supporting our immigration non-profit organizations in the vital work that they do every day on behalf of vulnerable children and families.

Please consider our local organizations:
Human Rights Initiative: http://www.hrionline.org/donate/
RAICES: https://www.raicestexas.org/#donate
Catholic Charities: https://ccdallas.org/donate/
The Texas Civil Rights Project is representing clients at the border who have been separated from their children.
The ACLU Immigrant Rights Project has filed a class action lawsuit against the Trump Administration regarding the separation and detention of children.
United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led advocacy network in the country.
Kids in Need of Defense provides legal representation for unaccompanied children who enter the US immigration system alone.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid has been working on family reunification efforts along the border.

Statement Urging The Trump Administration To Rescind Its Zero Tolerance Policy Impacting The U.S./Mexico Border

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 19:30:34 GMT

[PDF]

STATEMENT URGING THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO RESCIND
ITS ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY IMPACTING THE U.S./MEXICO BORDER

June 19, 2018
Contact: Isaac Faz
214.233.5835
President@DallasHispanicBar.com

Since implementing the Zero Tolerance policy, the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security has separated and detained more than 2,000 children seeking entry into the U.S. along our southern border. We are concerned with the alarming and unacceptable injustice under which children are being forcefully separated from their parents.

We urge the Trump Administration to rescind its Zero Tolerance policy and implement a more humane and compassionate way to address the children and families seeking asylum in our country.

“When immigrants, including children, arrived at Ellis Island, they saw the Statue of Liberty. Today, these children are seeing cages, guns, and concrete walls. This is not the way we should receive the vulnerable seeking our help or portray ourselves to the world,” stated Isaac Faz, President of the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association. “Additionally, we seek transparency. We ask the administration to allow the press and civic groups to take video and photos of the events within these facilities.”

The DHBA further calls upon all elected officials and representatives to support clean legislation that would bring an immediate end to this humanitarian crisis. Our nation was built on the back of immigrants, and from its inception to today, immigrants contribute to our society in meaningful ways. It’s time to reunite families and restore the values that made this country great.

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA) is the largest Hispanic Bar association in North Texas and affiliated with the Dallas Bar Association. We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization with the goal to promote the social, economic, educational, and civic advancement of the DFW Metroplex Hispanic community by making the legal system more accessible to the Hispanic community and more responsive to its needs.

Citizenship Workshop - We Need Your Help!

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 29 May 2018 16:28:52 GMT

We are happy to announce we are partnering with the Consulate General of Mexico and Catholic Charities of Dallas to host a free citizenship workshop. The workshop is a great way for non-immigration attorneys to volunteer in the community without the need to appear before a judge, or commit to an ongoing case.

During the workshop you will help individuals fill out their citizenship application. Prior to the workshop there will be a training session for those who would like to learn more about the citizenship process, eligibility requirements, and benefits. We will also review how to properly complete the Form N-400 Application for Naturalization.

The details:

CITIZENSHIP WORKSHOP EVENT

Saturday, June 9th at 9:00 a.m. (Volunteer arrival at 8:30 a.m.)
Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas
1210 River Bend Dr. Dallas, TX 75247

CITIZENSHIP TRAINING SESSION

Thursday, June 7th at 6:00 p.m.
Catholic Charities Dallas, Central Services Center – Town Hall
1421 W. Mockingbird Lane. Dallas, Texas 75247

Attorneys are able to sign up for different shifts (8:30 am – 12 pm & 12 pm – 5 pm). For more information please email Tricia at freshwater@dfwvisa.onmicrosoft.com or call Luis at (469) 801-8183. Register to volunteer today! Visit goo.gl/f8ozAq to sign up.

We invite you to join us and help people fill out their forms to become U.S. Citizens!

Statement Urging Congress To Pass DACA Bipartisan Legislation

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 16 Feb 2018 03:58:54 GMT

[PDF]

Statement Urging Congress To Pass DACA Bipartisan Legislation

February 15, 2018
Contact: Isaac Faz
President@DallasHispanicBar.com

On Monday the U.S. Senate voted 97-1 to begin debate on a potential bill that could address the status of the individuals in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Board of the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA) supports a bipartisan legislative resolution and urges members of Congress to pass permanent legislation immediately and end the fear and uncertainty about the future of the DACA program.

Over 700,000 DACA recipients – also known as Dreamers – were brought to the United States as minors. The DACA recipients met DACA’s various legal requirements, paid a fee to the U.S. Treasury, filed the correct documentation, and only then were able to continue their studies or careers.

In January 2018, a California federal court issued a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the phasing out of DACA. Without this intervention, there was potential for over 100 individuals a day to lose their DACA protection. The only true protection, however, is legislation.

“Dreamers are not only integral members of our society and economy, they are our family, friends, and neighbors,” stated Isaac Faz, President of the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association. “For many of these individuals, this is the only country they know, and ours is the only anthem they sing.”

Texas is home to the second largest DACA population, and the Dallas-Ft. Worth area – with approximately 36,000 DACA recipients – leads the state. Over the past 30 days, the DHBA has sponsored DACA workshops with community organizations and will continue to assist in any way possible.

“A majority of Americans support legislation to protect DACA recipients. As the DACA debate continues, we ask Congress to look at this issue with an open mind and open heart,” added Faz.

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA) is the largest Hispanic Bar association in north Texas and affiliated with the Dallas Bar Association. We are a non-profit, non-partisan organization with the goal to promote the social, economic, educational, and civic advancement of the DFW Metroplex Hispanic community by making the legal system more accessible to the Hispanic community and more responsive to its needs.

#GIVINGSEASON

Matthew Phillips — Sun, 24 Dec 2017 00:23:37 GMT

DHBA is thankful to have members who are giving with their time and pocketbook. Donations make an impact in our communities. This season, please consider giving to a noble cause. We know there are several opportunities to give to well deserving organizations, below we mention only a few. Thank you in advance.

Hurricane Harvey

During this holiday season of giving, please consider contributing to Hurricane Harvey Relief through the Houston Bar Foundation's HBF Relief Fund. When donating, please note your contribution in the "Group Code" section as: "#GivingSeason-DHBA" To learn more about efforts in Houston, including volunteer opportunities and resources for attorneys, please visit the HBA site.

Equal Access to Justice

There is a joint effort of the Dallas Bar Association, DHBA and other Sister Bar organizations, and the Legal Aid of Northwest Texas to raise funds for pro bono civil legal aid in Dallas County. Today, 600,000 of the 2.4 million people living in Dallas County qualify for free legal help from DVAP. To make a contribution, please visit the DVAP donation page. For more information on the Campaign or the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, contact Michelle Alden at 214-243-2234 or aldenm@lanwt.org.

The Concilio

Since 1981, The Concilio has worked with families in North Texas to respond to the needs of an emerging Hispanic population. More than 80% of the families they serve are low-income and many are learning English as a second language. Because of you supporters like you, over 11,000 parents and their children in the DFW metroplex are healthier and better educated this year. Recent results from their programs include: Students whose parents participate in the Concilio parent education program graduate from high school at a rate of over 90% (compared to 83% of their peers) and 2) Over 50% of participants in their health program decrease weight and improve fitness standards. To make a donation please visit The Concilo's donation page.

DACAtón Renewal Event September 23 at UTA

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 18:01:14 GMT

The North Texas Immigration and Education Table is hosting a DACA-renewal event this Saturday (09/23) from 9am to 2pm at the University of Texas at Arlington at the Maverick Activities Center, Lone Star Auditorium (2^nd floor). They are in need of volunteers and lawyer volunteers. For more information please visit their Facebook page.

If you are interested in volunteering, lawyers can sign up at http://bit.ly/2y3AKiE and volunteers can sign up at http://bit.ly/2wnTaZj.

DACA: How We Can Help

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 22:06:58 GMT

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association is partnering with the North Texas Dream Team (“NTDT”) to help DACA recipients impacted by the recent decision to end the program. DACA recipients whose permits expire before March 5, 2018 must submit their renewal applications by October 5, 2017. The cost of each renewal application is $495.

NTDT will host a Mega DACA workshop at Mountain View College on Saturday, September 16 from 9 AM – 1 PM. Volunteer attorneys will provide pro bono legal services to DACA recipients completing renewal applications.

There are two ways we can help – volunteer and/or make a monetary donation.

VOLUNTEER
NTDT is seeking both attorney volunteers and non-attorney volunteers to assist the day of the DACA workshop. Two trainings will be provided for individuals seeking to volunteer. The first training is scheduled for Saturday, September 9 from 9:30 AM – 12 PM at Mountain View College, 4849 W. Illinois, Dallas, TX 75211. The second training is Monday, September 11 from 7 PM – 9 PM at Equal Justice Center, 1250 W. Mockingbird Ln., Ste. 455, Dallas, TX 75247. Please note, there will be one training session for attorneys with no prior immigration experience on September 16, at 8:30 am at Mountain View College. Please register via the attorney link below.

For immigration attorneys, there are three shifts between 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM. Please register at: http://tinyurl.com/DACAAttorney

For all other volunteers, there are three shifts between 8 AM – 3 PM. Please register at: http://tinyurl.com/DACA916Vol

DONATE
NTDT is accepting monetary donations that will be used to pay the renewal application fees for those in need of financial assistance. To make a donation, please visit the DEFEND DACA site: http://tinyurl.com/DACA916Donate

We suggest adding in the message “DACA Application.”

NTDT asks that all donations be made by Friday, September 15 to ensure funds are available for the Mega DACA workshop on Saturday, September 16.

THANK YOU!
We thank you in advance for any help you can provide. Please keep an eye on our social media pages (Facebook and Twitter) for more information on how you can be engaged before and after the October 5^th deadline. Finally, if you know a DACA recipient who needs to submit a renewal application, please share the following link to register for the workshop on September 16: immi.gr/daca916

Your friends,
DHBA

DHBA statement regarding DACA announcement

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 20:00:00 GMT

[PDF]

DALLAS HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION
STATEMENT ON DACA

September 5, 2017

Contact: Isaac Faz
law@isaacfaz.com

Dallas, TX – Today President Trump ordered the elimination of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) and called on Congress to replace the policy with legislation before it expires on March 5, 2018. These are steps in the wrong direction.

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (“DHBA”) stands in support of DACA, a policy that has given recipients, who were brought by their parents at a very young age to our great country, work permits, opportunities to seek higher education, and a shield from deportation.

“DACA has provided a sense of security, allowing students to continue their education that in turn provides them the opportunity to obtain a good job,” stated DHBA President Angelina LaPenotiere. “DACA recipients pay taxes, contribute significant revenue to our local and state economy, all while being ineligible for legal permanent resident status or federal benefits.”

“The overwhelming number of DACA recipients in Dallas and across the state call Texas home,” stated DHBA President Elect Isaac Faz. “This is the only place they know, the only national anthem they sing, and the only pledge they take.”

The fate of approximately 800,000 “Dreamers” deserves more than a temporary hiatus during uncertain Congressional deliberations. We, along with businesses across the country, support DACA and will continue to monitor changes to the program.

DHBA asks Congress to act quickly with compassion and clarity, and asks our President to reconsider his decision. Additionally, the DHBA asks the State of Texas Attorney General to cease any legal proceedings against the United States regarding DACA.

###

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA) is the leading Hispanic attorney association in North Texas committed to providing a forum through which Hispanic attorneys can come together to exchange ideas and to pursue common goals. DHBA promotes the social, economic, educational, and civic advancement of the Dallas-Ft. Worth area Hispanic community by making the legal system more accessible to the Hispanic community and more responsive to its needs.

Annual Event Tickets & Sponsorship Purchases Now Available

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 19:49:58 GMT

You may now purchase tickets and sponsorships for the Annual Event online through the event page.

Dallas Bar & Sister Bar Associations Statement Regarding Charlottesville

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 22:25:59 GMT

The DHBA has joined the Dallas Bar Association and our Sister Bar Associations condemning the hatred acts in Charlottesville. Our statement can be found here.

Corporate Counsel Diversity Award Nominations Needed

Matthew Phillips — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:26:05 GMT

Do you know a corporate counsel who has advanced diversity within the legal profession? Nominate him or her for the DHBA’s Corporate Counsel Diversity Award! The Award honors the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations in improving diversity within the legal profession, and will be presented at the DHBA’s Annual Event – Noche de Luz, on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Nominations should include the name of the individual or organization and a description of his/her/its efforts and accomplishments in improving diversity within the legal profession, as well as additional relevant information as set forth in the Call for Nominations (PDF).

Nominations will be accepted through September 5, 2017, and should be sent to dallashispanicbar@gmail.com. Please include “Corporate Counsel Award” in the email subject line.

Annual Event Sponsorship Information Now Available

Matthew Phillips — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:21:54 GMT

Sponsorship information for the Annual Event is now available.

Sponsorship Levels (PDF)

Sponsorship Confirmation Form (PDF)
Sponsorship Confirmation Form (DOCX)

Announcing the DHBA 2017 Annual Event - Noche de Luz

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 15:20:06 GMT

Join the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association for its annual event, Noche de Luz, on Saturday, October 28, 2017.

JL Turner Legal Association, DFW Muslim Bar Association (DFW-MBA), Dallas Asian American Bar Association (DAABA) and Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA), And South Asian Bar Association (SABA) Joint Press Release

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 14:14:00 GMT

JL Turner Legal Association, DFW Muslim Bar Association (DFW-MBA), Dallas Asian American Bar Association (DAABA) and Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA), And South Asian Bar Association (SABA) Joint Press Release

MEDIA ADVISORY

Several Dallas Area Bar Associations Express Deep Concern Regarding President Trump’s Executive Order Severely Restricting Entry From Seven Muslim Majority Nations

(DALLAS TX, 2/2/17) Several Dallas lawyers’ groups joined together to express serious concern regarding President Trump’s recent executive order, issued on the premise of protecting Americans from terrorist attacks on American soil. The order severely restricts entry from seven Muslim majority countries, bars Syrian refugees indefinitely, and suspends all refugee admissions for 120 days.

To date, four United States District Courts have issued stays of the executive order. The first, issued by US District Judge Ann Donnelly, prevented the removal from the United States of those with approved refugee applications, valid visas, and “other individuals... legally authorized to enter the United States.”

JL Turner Legal Association President Tramaine Tinner: “We believe Judge Donnelly was absolutely correct in ruling that there was a risk of “substantial and irreparable injury” to the individuals affected, particularly to those who would have been returned to nations where their lives were endangered. We have seen from hundreds of thousands of protesters across the nation, and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, that Americans are concerned about the impact such an executive order may have on our security and our country’s noble ideals.”

Hundreds of travelers, including some U.S. citizens, who were detained in airports throughout the United States are being released following the federal rulings and under pressure by civil rights groups.

At least nine individuals were detained at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Accurate numbers are not available, as government officials have declined to identify the names of the individuals being detained. Among those released was a mother from Sudan who is a legal permanent resident, who was separated from her 11-month-old U.S. born baby. According to news reports, her child, who is still breastfeeding, was denied access to her mother for hours while attorneys worked diligently to prevent her from being deported.

“We are thankful and proud of our lawyers who volunteered their services here at DFW Airport this past week” said Asad Rahman, Vice President of the DFW Muslim Bar Association. “They have played a part in helping reunite those family members being detained by immigration officials – and we were proud to join thousands of ordinary Texans who refused to leave until every one of them were released.”

While the stories of these detained people vary, the Boards of the four Dallas-area bar associations are committed to the rule of law and the fair and equitable treatment of all individuals regardless of race, national origin, creed or religion. Actions that discriminatorily impact and target certain members of our community should be treated with suspicion and carefully scrutinized to ensure they comport with the law. Our bar associations remain united in ensuring these ideals.

-END-

CONTACT: For further information please contact Asad Rahman at 214-384-6410 or email him at asadrahmanesq@gmail.com.

DHBA mentioned in Dallas Morning News editorial

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 31 Jan 2017 21:33:26 GMT

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association was mentioned in yesterday's Dallas Morning News editorial thanking members of the community for their participation at DFW International Airport over the weekend.

Thank you to all the volunteers and attorneys who coordinated and gave their time to assist those in need of legal representation.

DHBA Statement On The January 27, 2017 Executive Order

Matthew Phillips — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 17:54:00 GMT

PDF

As a result of the implementation of the January 27, 2017 Executive Order titled “Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States” (the “Executive Order”), an unknown number of individuals returning from or otherwise entering the United States from majority-Muslim nations have been detained at major U.S. airports, including the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The number and circumstances of individuals affected has been difficult to establish, as reports indicate that the Executive Order has been implemented in a manner that permits individuals to be detained without an opportunity to confer with legal counsel. It has been reported, however, that many of these individuals have green cards or otherwise lawful bases to enter or return to the United States. Refugees seeking asylum in the United States are likewise prevented from entering and risk being sent back to the dire circumstances from which they are seeking to escape.

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA) finds this Executive Order to cause serious legal and humanitarian concerns, not the least of which is the improper detainment, exclusion, and potential deportation—without due process—of individuals who are singled out on the basis of their national origin and faith. As members of a group that actively seeks to counter the effects of discrimination, stereotyping, and disenfranchisement, it is imperative that we unite against such acts when directed at anyone.

Accordingly, the DHBA opposes the Executive Order. In the midst of the drafting of this Statement, federal judges have entered orders staying the removal of individuals affected by the Executive Order and allowing some access to legal counsel, among other things, although the ultimate disposition of these matters is still left unresolved.

The DHBA is committed to promoting a legal system that upholds justice and is accessible to individuals affected by potentially discriminatory actions. The DHBA has joined the efforts of those in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex seeking to provide legal counsel to those affected by this Executive Order, and continues to work with elected officials and community organizations to recruit volunteer attorneys to provide basic civil legal counsel to the affected individuals. The DHBA will continue to pursue and participate in additional measures to ensure the legal rights of those affected are protected.

DHBA Profiled In Attorney At Law Magazine

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 05 Jan 2017 23:51:18 GMT

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association was featured in the recent issue of Attorney At Law's Association Profile. You can read about the highlights of 2016 in the interview with the DHBA's 2016 President Rocío Cristina Garcia by clicking here.

Congratulations to Cynthia Sutherland

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 17:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association awards the Corporate Counsel Award to Cynthia Sutherland, Legal Director of Global and Information Solutions at PepsiCo. She is also Hispanic National Bar Association, Regional President, Region XII and Latina Commissioner and Board Member of the Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation.

Through the Corporate Counsel Award, the DHBA honors the outstanding achievements of individuals and organizations in improving diversity within the legal profession. We honor Cynthia Sutherland because of her work promoting progressive initiatives, including the first Dallas Latina Leadership Program, and practices that foster greater diversity in the Dallas legal community.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Marcos G. Ronquillo

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to announce that the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association will be awarding the La Luz Award, the organization’s highest honor, to Marcos G. Ronquillo, of Fishman Jackson Ronquillo, PLLC. The La Luz Award will be presented at the 11th Annual Event: Noche de Luz celebration on Saturday, October 15th at the Perot Museum.

Mr. Ronquillo has over 35 years of trial experience representing governmental agencies such as the Dallas Independent School District and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation as well as Fortune 500 Companies in high-profile controversies where public policy and social concerns collide in the courtroom.

He is a past recipient of the State Bar of Texas Presidents’ Special Citation Award and Outstanding Lawyer of the Year Award from the Texas Mexican Bar Association. From 2013 to 2016 he was selected to the list of the Best Lawyers in America.

Mr. Ronquillo has been awarded the national Spirit of Excellence Award by the American Bar Association, National Commission on Minority Lawyers. He has been recognized nationally as an outstanding lawyer by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Dallas Business Journal, Ernst & Young, Texas Diversity Council and Texas Lawyer. He has also been honored by Texas Monthly and Super Lawyer magazines and listed as a Texas “Super Lawyer” from 2003 through 2016. In addition, Super Lawyers has named him to the list of the top 100 lawyers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

He is the former President of the Dallas Mexican American Bar Association, former Chairman of the Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, former member of the Board of Advisors of George Washington University Law School, and the former National Chairman of the University of Notre Dame Hispanic Alumni Association.

He was honored in 2011 by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential Hispanics” in the United States, and by Latino Leaders Magazine with its prestigious “Maestro Award for Leadership.” He was selected in 2016 by Latino Leaders Magazine as one of the “top 25 Hispanic Attorneys” in the country.

He has served on numerous boards and commissions including the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority (DART), Children’s Medical Center and JPMorgan Chase to name a few. He formerly served on the Board of the United States/Mexico Bi-National Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the Smithsonian National Latino Center Advisory Board and New America Alliance national Board of Directors.

La Luz is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the Dallas legal community by serving as a trailblazer in helping light the way for the success of the Hispanic community through his or her legal-related contributions. The award recipient must demonstrate inspirational leadership, courage, integrity, and a commitment to lending a helping hand to others in the legal community. The recipient is selected based on her/his leadership affecting the Hispanic legal community, significant contributions to the legal profession, courage and integrity, and commitment to the success of individuals in the Hispanic community in general.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor PayneMitchell Law Group

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 17:00:00 GMT

2016 Annual Event: Noche de Luz

The DHBA would like to thank the PayneMitchell Law Group for its generous Platinum Sponsorship of the 2016 Annual Event.

PayneMitchell Law Group is a boutique law firm with areas of expertise in business torts, aviation disasters, product defect cases, medical malpractice, commercial vehicle and other catastrophic personal injury matters. As recognized trial lawyers, the firm’s attorneys have a record and a reputation for creativity, tenacity — and ultimately, success. Founding partners Andy Payne and Jim Mitchell are both Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the firm’s attorneys have all been recognized as top personal injury lawyers by Texas Monthly Super Lawyer, D Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, Best Lawyers, and other publications and organizations. Andy is also board certified in civil trial law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and has been recognized as one of the top 100 lawyers in the state of Texas by Super Lawyers. Jim is a member of the prestigious Trial Lawyer Association and the American Board of Trial Advocates, and has served as the president of the Dallas Lawyers Trial Association.

PayneMitchell Law Group recently expanded by adding Jose Sanchez to its team. Click here to learn more about Jose, and for more information on the PayneMitchell team, visit at paynemitchell.com.

DHBA LSAT Scholarship Deadline Extended

Matthew Phillips — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 17:00:00 GMT

The deadline to apply for the DHBA LSAT scholarship has been extended to Thursday, August 4th.

Apply to the DHBA LSAT Scholarship

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 17:00:00 GMT

Recipients of the scholarship will receive an LSAT prep course taught by a nationally recognized organization with the tuition cost fully covered. Students of all backgrounds who can demonstrate a nexus of service to the Hispanic community and an interest in law school and the practice of law are encouraged to apply. The application deadline has been extended to Thursday, August 4th.

Supporting Dallas

Matthew Phillips — Fri, 08 Jul 2016 17:00:00 GMT

Our hearts are heavy due to the attack on officers from our community last night. The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association stands in support with the Dallas Bar Association and the Sister Bar Associations in coming together to unite the city. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the City of Dallas as we mourn.

In unity there is strength. The DBA will be organizing Together Dallas, a program meant to foster community relations across all races (Enlighten Minds, Elevate Leaders, Empower Our City). More details on sharing ideas and action items on this front are to come. As leaders of the Dallas community, we hope you will join us in this supporting this effort.

In response to last night's tragedies, there is a prayer vigil scheduled for Sunday, July 10th at 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (1816 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201). Reverend Butler invites the DBA and Sister Bar Associations to attend.

2016 Youth Law Symposium Volunteers Needed

Matthew Phillips — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 17:00:00 GMT

WE NEED YOU! - The Annual Youth Law Symposium is right around the corner. Join us and make a difference in your community!

On Friday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association is expecting over 200 students at the Annual Youth Law Symposium. The Symposium will be held at the University of Texas at Dallas and will host area high schools including Sunset, Townview, Irma Rangel, Pinkston, Skyline and more.

If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a sponsor, please contact Jiroko Lopez at lopez@dfwvisa.com or Ana-Maria Ramos at amramos@ramoslawpllc.com. We will be sending out e-mails at the end of this week with the volunteer positions we will need on April 8th.

If you would like to donate items for the student's swag bags, please let us know. This is a great opportunity to advertise your firm and promote community awareness.We are currently collecting items and will be in need of volunteers to help stuff the bags next Wednesday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m. at 100 Central Expy Suite 714, Richardson, TX 75080.

Help make a difference in the lives of Dallas High School students today!

Dallas Hispanic Bar Association Congratulates Hon. Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez

Matthew Phillips — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 17:00:00 GMT

PDF

For Immediate release March 16, 2016

Contact: Rocío Cristina García, President - 214.979.2910 - RGarcia@Hunton.com

Dallas Hispanic Bar Association Congratulates Hon. Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez on her Nomination for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas

Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association congratulates the Honorable Judge Irma Ramirez on her nomination by President Obama for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Judge Ramirez has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas since 2002. Beyond her legal acumen and judicial experience, Judge Ramirez’s public service record demonstrates her commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all individuals, including the Hispanic community. In 2013, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association presented Judge Ramirez with the La Luz Award, the organization’s highest honor. Before she was appointed to the court, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, where she worked in the Civil Division from 1995 to 1999 and in the Criminal Division from 1999 to 2002. She began her legal career working as an associate for Locke Lord LLP from 1991 to 1995. Judge Ramirez received her J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in 1991.

The DHBA’s mission is to promote the social, economic, educational, and civic advancement of the DFW Metroplex Hispanic community by making the legal system more accessible and responsive to its needs.

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