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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

WE NEED YOU! - The Annual Youth Law Symposium is right around the corner. ​​​Join ​u​s​ 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!

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.

# # #