LIHBA congratulates Hon. Joseph A. Zayas on his recent appointment as the first Latino/Puerto Rican Chief Administrative Judge

FOR RELEASE: May 7, 2023

This groundbreaking achievement is a reflection of his exceptional commitment to justice, integrity, and service to the community. This momentous appointment serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring legal professionals from diverse backgrounds.

While we applaud his appointment, we hope that this is the beginning of increased representation of the Latino community in judicial positions throughout our community. While New York’s Hispanic community makes up approximately 19% of the total population of New York, only 7% of judges statewide are of Hispanic descent.

Judge Zayas has never forgotten his Puerto Rican roots and has been a dedicated supporter of the Hispanic community. Judge Zayas’ appointment sends a clear message that the State acknowledges the growing importance of the Hispanic population and allows Hispanic New Yorkers to have individuals that represent them at the top of the legal profession.

We look forward to supporting the new Chief Administrative Judge in his new role and witnessing the transformative impact his work will have on our legal landscape. We are confident that his tenure as Chief Administrative Judge will be marked by unwavering dedication to justice and the continued advancement of our profession.

Sincerely,

The Executive Board of the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association