Public Comment from the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association on “The 2025 Report”
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.
LIHBA congratulates Judge Joseph A. Zayas on expanding Latino Representation on the Bench with recent appointments
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.
Hon. Hector D. LaSalle submits open letter to Daily News addressing issue of diversity on the bench.
The legitimacy of government institutions is dependent upon a confluence of factors designed to assure the public’s trust and confidence that government is representative of and working for all of its citizens.
LIHBA Statement on Supreme Court Ruling in Students for Fair Admission, INC. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College
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.
LIHBA congratulates Hon. Joseph A. Zayas on his recent appointment as the first Latino/Puerto Rican Chief Administrative Judge
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 condemns recent verbal attacks made against the Honorable Justice Juan Merchan A.J.S.C., and Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg
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 supports Past-President Judge Hector LaSalle for Appointment to the New York State Court of Appeals
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.
November is Puerto Rican Heritage Month in New York State!
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage Month in New York State. The month-long observance will recognize the longstanding, strong partnership between New York State and Puerto Rico and highlight the important contributions of people of Puerto Rican descent in the state.
Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court
On February 25, 2022, President Joe Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to become the 116th Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
LIHBA Statement on Supreme Court Overturning Roe v. Wade
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.
Former LIHBA President named to midlevel state appellate court
Helen Voutsinas, a Nassau County judge, has been appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul to the midlevel appellate court handling appeals originating from 10 downstate counties including Nassau and Suffolk.
Latino Justice decries Supreme Court decision on Puerto Rico
On a vote of 8-1 by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of U.S. v. Vaello Madero, a case challenging the exclusion of residents of Puerto Rico from the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, the highest court declined to extend federal benefits to Puerto Rico. Judge Sonia Sotomayor was the only dissenting vote.
LIHBA as Amicus
LIHBA has joined LatinoJustice PRLDEF as amicus in Supreme Court Matter regarding Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico v. Centro de Periodismo Investigativo, Inc.