Dallas Hispanic Bar Association

We are thrilled to see everyone today for the 2024 Irma C. Ramirez Leadership Program. We have an exciting event planned with opportunities to connect and network with fellow Lawtinas.

Special Programming includes:
- Program Renaming and Award Presentation
- Fireside Chat with Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez, Moderated by Elsa Manzanares, former DHBA President.
- Panel Discussion- "Seize the Moment: Embracing Bold Career Moves in Law".
Moderator: Laura Baez Torres, Committee Co-Chair, Attorney, Laura Baez Torres Law
Speakers:
- Bridget Lopez Moreno, Dallas Managing Partner, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson
- Cynthia Garza, Special Fields Bureau Chief, Dallas County District Attorney’s Office
- Elsa Manzanares, Partner, Stinson, LLP
- Ashley Aten, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig
Maria Cardenas, Corporate Counsel, Arcosa Inc.

A special Thank You to our 2024 Planning Committee and our Presenting Sponsor Squire Patton Boggs.

: SMU Dedman School of Law is looking for experienced practitioners to serve as part-time adjunct lecturers beginning during the Spring 2025 semester. We are looking for instructors to teach Texas Trial and Appellate Procedure, Entertainment Law, Collaborative Law, and Employment Law.

Applicants must have a law degree; an excellent academic record; and excellent research, writing, legal analysis, and communication skills. Demonstrated cultural competency or experience working with individuals from a wide array of backgrounds is required. At least three years of legal practice is required, and previous teaching experience is preferred.

Applications should be directed to Pamela Gray Hodge, SMU Dedman School of Law, P.O. Box 750116, Dallas, Texas 75275-0116, or emailed (preferred) to [email protected] by September 25, 2025.

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, s*x, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, s*xual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected]. https://buff.ly/3AMCEZK

The Irma C. Ramirez Leadership Program is just a few days away. Mark your calendar to join us! The program brings together Latina lawyers and law students for a day of professional development, learning, and networking.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Squire Patton Boggs for continuing to support our program and opening your doors to our attendees.

Date: Monday, Sept. 9th, 2024 | 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Squire Patton Boggs - 2200 Ross Avenue, Sky Lobby, Dallas, TX 75201

Register here!
https://dallashispanicbar.com/event-5835062

Noche de Luz Sponsor Highlight

DHBA would like to thank the SMU Dedman School of Law for their support of the 19th Annual Noche de Luz Gala.

SMU Dedman School of Law is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment at the law school in which every Mustang is valued.

They are ranked #10 in the nation for percentage of graduates placed in long-term, full-time, bar-passage required or J.D. advantage jobs (TaxProf Blog). There are also ranked #21 in the nation for placing students in the largest 100 law firms (Law.com), and ranked #34 in the nation for placing students in judicial clerkships (Law.com).

Learn more: Noche de Luz - https://dallashispanicbar.com/2024-gala

Today we take a well-deserved break and celebrate the hard work of our workforce. Happy Labor Day!

DHBA would like to congratulate the UNT Dallas College of Law- Hispanic Law Student Association for their award and recognition as the Law Student Organization of the Year by the Hispanic National Bar Association - HNBA.

The student association of the year is selected based on the organization's activities over the past year. Criteria also includes how the organization is involved in the HNBA Law Student Division activities and programs, as well as how the organization promotes HNBA activities.

The association will be recognized during the 2024 HNBA/VIA Annual Convention on September 4-6 2024 in Washington, D.C.

Formerly known as the DHBA Latina Leadership Program, the Irma C. Ramirez Leadership Program, brings together Latina lawyers and law students for a day of professional development, learning, and networking.

This year, we will also be celebrating the renaming of the program in honor of our special guest, Judge Irma C. Ramirez. You won’t want to miss this event and an exciting Fireside Chat with Judge Ramirez.

Date: Monday, Sept. 9th, 2024
Time: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Squire Patton Boggs - 2200 Ross Avenue, Sky Lobby, Dallas, TX 75201

Register now to secure your seat!
https://dallashispanicbar.com/event-5835062

We are pleased to announce that Humberto G. Garcia will be the keynote speaker for the 19th Annual Noche de Luz Gala. Humberto Garcia is an attorney, writer, and actor, and the author of Mustang Miracle, which was adapted into the inspiring 2023 film The Long Game.

Humberto is a graduated from the University of Texas School of Law. He has over 40 years of trial experience, and has tried over 130 cases to a jury verdict throughout the state in both state and federal courts.

From 2005 to 2019, he played professional golf. In 2010, he authored Mustang Miracle, a true story about overcoming racial discrimination and achieving high school golf success in Texas in 1957. This story has now been adapted into the movie The Long Game, in which Humberto also appeared as the Police Chief.

He has also written Kilhaven Farms (2015) and Ricabar’s Deathwish (2022) and also acts in local productions.

Learn more about the Gala: https://dallashispanicbar.com/2024-gala
Learn more about the Mustang Miracle: https://www.amazon.com/Mustang-Miracle-Humberto-G-Garcia/dp/1477269886

Noche de Luz Sponsor Highlight

DHBA would like to thank Torres Trade Law, PLLC for their support of the 19th Annual Noche de Luz Gala.

Founded by DHBA member Olga Torres, Torres Trade Law, PLLC is proud to sponsor the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association Noche de Luz Gala. The firm advises and counsels clients from startups to multinational enterprises in a variety of international trade and national security matters, including customs, supply-chain risks, foreign investment, export controls, sanctions, and anti-corruption matters.

https://www.dallashispanicbar.com/2024-gala

Today is the last day to submit your nominations for the 2024 Noche de Luz Awards. These awards honor individuals who are lighting the path to the legal profession for Latinas and Latinos in the Dallas community.

- La Luz Award
- Estrella Award
- Corporate Counsel Diversity Award
- Law Firm Excellence Award
- Volunteer of The Year

The Noche de Luz awards will be presented at the 19th Annual Noche de Luz Gala taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Statler Dallas from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM.

Nominate before midnight: https://forms.gle/8RLMo8XpYNpMLDB36

The Noche de Luz Awards honor individuals who are lighting the path to the legal profession for Latinas and Latinos in the Dallas community.

Law Firm Excellence Award: This award is presented to a law firm that has led the Dallas legal community by taking substantive positions on issues of importance to the Hispanic community, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and identifying, sponsoring, and promoting Hispanic attorneys so that they may become part of the next generation of leaders in Dallas.

Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/8RLMo8XpYNpMLDB36

The DHBA Latina Leadership Committee is proud to present the Irma C. Ramirez Leadership Program presented by Squire Patton Boggs. This program brings together Latina lawyers and law students for a day of professional development, learning, and networking. Judge Irma C. Ramirez will be our special guest.

Date: Monday, Sept. 9th, 2024
Time: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Squire Patton Boggs - 2200 Ross Avenue, 38th Floor, Dallas, TX 75201

Register now to secure your seat!
https://dallashispanicbar.com/event-5835062

The Noche de Luz Awards honor individuals who are lighting the path to the legal profession for Latinas and Latinos in the Dallas community.

Volunteer of the Year: This award recognizes an active DHBA member who has provided continuous exceptional service on DHBA committees or projects, or made other significant contributions to the advancement and growth of the DHBA as an organization.

Nominate Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSer2qCwqAlRP8EB-hJoAVmlGcIfSIqkLDjRWKc7tgr8dCcCSQ/viewform

The Noche de Luz Awards honor individuals who are lighting the path to the legal profession for Latinas and Latinos in the Dallas community.

La Luz Award: This award is presented to an individual with more than 10 years of experience who has made significant contributions to the Dallas legal community. This individual has served as a trailblazer in helping light the way for success of the Hispanic community through his or her legal-related contributions.

Nominate Here: https://forms.gle/JrGTyQsZFQrSVbdD9

Noche de Luz Sponsor Highlight

DHBA would like to thank Dorsey & Whitney LLP for their support of the 19th Annual Noche de Luz Gala.

Dorsey & Whitney LLP is pleased to support the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association Noche de Luz Gala again this year. Dorsey is committed to fostering a diverse workplace and takes real, meaningful action to fulfill that commitment. Dorsey understands the strength that comes from a diverse and inclusive workplace and how it contributes to the success of our people and our clients and enriches our experience.

Learn more:https://dallashispanicbar.com/2024-gala

The Noche de Luz Awards honor individuals who are lighting the path to the legal profession for Latinas and Latinos in the Dallas community.

THE CORPORATE COUNSEL DIVERSITY AWARD: This award is given to recognize outstanding achievement by a corporate counsel in demonstrating a sustained and meaningful commitment to increasing and retaining diversity in the legal profession and in creating programs or initiatives that increase the awareness of and commitment to corporate legal diversity.

Nominate today! Deadline to nominate: August 16, 2024
Nominate here: https://forms.gle/C4oDv2jfpwvSpRpU9

During the Noche de Luz gala we honor individuals who are lighting the path to the legal profession for Latinas and Latinos in the Dallas community.

THE ESTRELLA AWARD: This award is presented to an up and coming attorney in the DHBA membership who has distinguished himself/herself within DHBA and in giving back to the Hispanic and legal communities.

Nominate an Estrella Today!

Deadline to Nominate: August 16, 2024
Nominate here: https://forms.gle/xNTNcR65TUNjT86M8

Join us tomorrow for the DHBA Latina Lawyers Network for the Virtual Luncheon Series at 12:00 pm.

This is an informal get-together for Latina attorneys from the DFW to connect and network. *This event is only open to attorneys. The virtual meeting link will be emailed to you in advance.

RSVP: https://dallashispanicbar.com/event-5761716/Registration

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, AUGUST 16TH!

Submit your nominations for the 2024 Annual Awards Reception

Award categories include:

- Louise B. Raggio Award
- Outstanding Corporate Counsel
- Rising Raggio

Requirements and nomination forms can be found on our website at
https://dallaswomenlawyers.org/awards-reception/

If you have questions, contact us at [email protected]

The awards will be presented in-person at our Annual Awards Reception on October 22 at the Empire Room in Dallas

Noche de Luz Sponsor Highlight

DHBA would like to thank AT&T for their support of the 19th Annual Noche de Luz Gala.

AT&T provides more than 100 million U.S. consumers with communications experiences across mobile and broadband. It uses a variety of platforms to provide broadband connectivity, including higher speeds made possible by our fiber network expansion and wireless network enhancements. It also serves nearly all of the Fortune 1000 — with high-speed, highly secure connectivity and smart solutions.

Nomination are now open for the 2024 DHBA Noche de Luz Awards! These awards honor individuals who are lighting the path to the legal profession for Latinas and Latinos in the Dallas community.

- La Luz Award
- President's Award
- Estrella Award
- Corporate Counsel Diversity Award
- Law Firm Diversity Award
- DHBA Volunteer of the Year Award

Help us to recognize those in our community making an impact.
Submit your nomination here: https://forms.gle/qF5sJGDz8btqhkHg

Join the DHBA Latina Lawyers Network for the Virtual Luncheon Series on Wednesday, Aug. 7th at 12:00 pm.

This is an informal get-together for Latina attorneys from the DFW to connect and network. *This event is only open to attorneys. The virtual meeting link will be emailed to you in advance.

RSVP: https://dallashispanicbar.com/event-5761716/Registration

The Dallas Hispanic Bar Association (DHBA) and the Dallas Hispanic Bar Foundation (DHBF) are honored to invite you to the 19th Annual Noche de Luz Gala taking place on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Statler Dallas.

Our annual fundraiser supports and benefits various DHBA pipeline initiatives, including law student scholarships, the Dallas Latina Leadership Program, our Judicial Externship Program and more. The gala brings together our members, sponsors, and community leaders for a dinner and awards presentation that celebrates our Noche de Luz Award recipients.

Learn more: https://dallashispanicbar.com/2024-gala
Email: [email protected]

DHBA Law Partner Member Highlight

Congratulations to Fernando Avelar, who was named law firm partner this year at Dorsey & Whitney LLP. He is a highly skilled attorney with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity transactions. Throughout his legal career, he has established a reputation as a trusted advisor and advocate for clients ranging from start-ups to large corporations.

Over the years, Fernando has worked on numerous complex M&A transactions, including both domestic and cross-border deals. He has represented clients in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, food and beverage, and financial services, among others. He has also advised clients on a wide range of corporate matters, such as corporate governance, securities law compliance, and general corporate counseling. In addition to his M&A work, Fernando has extensive experience in venture capital and private equity transactions. He also regularly represents professional athletes in both sports and non-sports transactions. When he is not practicing law, Fernando enjoys attending live music events and traveling to new places in the world, and is actively involved in the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program

This afternoon, DHBA held its second annual Current and Former Judicial Extern and Law Clerk Luncheon, sponsored by the Dallas Hispanic Bar Foundation.

The purpose of the luncheon is to give current and former DHBA Judicial Externs an opportunity to network with local attorneys who have externed and/or clerked for judges. Thank you to the externs who joined us from each of the first three years of our Program (2022-2024), as well as the local leaders from our community who attended, including Past DHBA Presidents Isaac Faz and Javier Perez, DHBA Treasurer Fernando Juarez, the Honorable Maria Aceves, AUSA Dimitri Rocha, The William “Mac” Taylor American Inn of Court Executive Committee Member Chad Ruback, Federal Bar Association Dallas Chapter President Alan Carrillo, and attorneys Dolly Garcia, Brenda Balli, and Ramon Hernandez.

A special thank you to DHBA and DHBF President, Edward J. Loya, Jr. for leading and hosting this event.

Noche de Luz Sponsor Highlight

DHBA’s 19th Annual Noche de Luz Gala thanks global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP and DHBA board member Ashley Aten for their invaluable support. We are honored to have your sponsorship and participation as we celebrate diversity in the legal profession.

From its inception, Greenberg Traurig has been committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. The firm’s efforts have been recognized through its Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification Plus, administered by The Diversity Lab, and by local, national, and global publications and organizations including Chambers and Partners.

If you are a current DHBA member who has externed or clerked for a judge join us Friday, July 26 for a law clerk luncheon. The luncheon provides current DHBA Judicial Externs with an opportunity to meet and network with DHBA members who have externed and/or clerked for state and federal judges.

RSVP Here: https://dallashispanicbar.com/event-5786060

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to attend the "Judges Table Talk" taking place TOMORROW at 12:00 pm at the Arts District Mansion. This event is presented by the Dallas Women Lawyers Association and is open to all.

DWLA is excited to have Judge Irma Ramirez, Justice Dennise Garcia, and Justice Robbie Partida-Kipness speak about the highs and lows of being the first Latina elected State District Judge in Dallas County, the first Latina to serve on the Court of Appeals for the Fifth District of Texas at Dallas, and the first Latina appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and how their friendship has kept them going.

Register here:

Judges Table Talk Judges Table Talk A Different Kind of Convo Welcome to the table, where we see our featured jurists in a table talk format like we’ve never seen them before. Judge Irma Ramirez, Justice Dennise Garcia, and Justice Robbie Partida-Kipness have each achieved so much in the legal careers and have over...