LIHBA Statement

The Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA) commends the Latino Judges Association and Justice Sallie Manzanet-Daniels for their rigorous and compelling analysis in The 2025 Report, which lays bare the longstanding barriers that hinder equitable representation within the New York State Judiciary.

At LIHBA’s Annual Scholarship Gala this past September, we were fortunate to have as the keynote speaker Judge Joseph A. Zayas, Chief Administrative Judge for the State of New York’s Unified Court System. At the gala, Judge Zayas spoke about the importance of diversity on the bench in general and the need for more Latino representation on the bench specifically.

The Executive Board of the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association (LIHBA) strongly denounces the United States Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v.  President and Fellows of Harvard College which ended the use of affirmative action in higher education.

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.

The Presidents’ Council of the Coalition of Latino Bar Associations, comprised of the Dominican Bar Association, the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association, the Hudson Valley Hispanic Bar Association, the Latino Lawyers of Queens County, and the Puerto Rican Bar Association, condemns recent verbal attacks made against the Honorable Justice Juan Merchan A.J.S.C.

LIHBA announces its support for the Hon. Hector D. LaSalle to be chosen by Gov. Hochul for the position of Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals.

The President and Executive Board of the LIHBA decry the Supreme Court’s Ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which struck down the landmark decision of Roe v. Wade after 50 years of providing safe access to abortion.