Berkley Select Interviews HNBA in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month
What is the mission of the HNBA and some of the opportunities you provide lawyers who are members (programs, resources, high level etc).
The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is dedicated to representing the interests of Hispanic legal professionals and law students in the United States and its territories. Our mission and programs successfully promote the professional development of Hispanic lawyers and students, enhance the legal profession through diversity, and advocate on issues of importance to the greater Hispanic community.
Opportunities provided to member lawyers often include:
• Unique networking events and conferences providing business and professional development opportunities.
• Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions.
• Leadership training and mentorship programs (i.e., Poder25 Program, Latina Leadership Academy, Speed Mentoring Program, LGBT Leadership Summit, Latina Executive Leadership Program, Intellectual Property Law Institute, and others).
• Advocacy efforts on legislative and policy issues.
• Career advancement services (i.e., Diverse Recruiting Meet and Greet Program, Online Career Center, Corporate Connections Program, and Student Career Opportunities Board).
• Law Student Scholarships (totaling over $250,000 in 2024 alone)
• Over $400,000 in law student subsidies to attend conferences and programs in 2024.
The HNBA just had their annual meeting in September. What types of speaking and or programming took place this year, was there a theme or any trends you noted?
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we reflect on our successful Annual Convention held in September. The convention offered multiple accredited Continuing Legal Education sessions and plenaries, showcasing our commitment to professional development and excellence. Top practitioners from around the country engaged in meaningful discussions addressing critical community and legal issues, including a presentation on the groundbreaking research project on Hispanic attorney wellness, which explored the well-documented struggles with mental health, addiction, and wellbeing among attorneys. We also tackled important topics such as voting rights and democracy; diversity and inclusion post the Supreme Court's Affirmative Action decision; and key issues that Latina legal professionals face in their practice. Our programming demonstrates our ongoing dedication to empowering Hispanic legal professionals and students, addressing crucial community issues, and advancing justice and equality as we honor our heritage and shape the future of the legal profession.
What are some challenges that attorneys are facing today (with things like AI, technology, Cyber crime)?
Today's attorneys, particularly those in the Hispanic community, face a multifaceted landscape of challenges. The rapid integration of AI and technology in legal practice demands constant adaptation and ethical considerations. We have witnessed legal work evolving, with remote proceedings and heightened client expectations reshaping traditional practices. Most critically, the persistent underrepresentation of Hispanics in IP and Tech legal spaces remains a significant hurdle. This underrepresentation not only affects individual careers but also impacts the broader pursuit of justice and equity in our legal system. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the entire legal community.
Are there insurance challenges attorneys are struggling with in securing lawyers professional liability? - whether that be claims, sourcing a carrier, etc. What are some of the ways you help attorneys find the right malpractice insurance?
Attorneys today face several challenges in securing appropriate professional liability insurance. These include rising premiums due to increased cyber risks, stringent underwriting requirements, and difficulty finding coverage for certain practice areas. For Hispanic attorneys, there may be additional considerations related to bilingual practices or specific areas of law, such as immigration.
The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) recognizes these challenges and assists its members with educational resources, strategic partnerships, and advocacy. We hope these efforts provide information on risk management and the latest trends in professional liability.
What is some advice you give to younger Hispanic junior associate lawyers?
• Build a strong professional network within and outside the Hispanic legal community
• Seek mentorship from experienced attorneys
• Develop expertise in an emerging and/or niche areas of law
• Embrace technology and stay current with legal tech trends
• Participate in pro bono work and community service in the community that speaks to you
• Cultivate strong writing and communication skills
• Stay connected with your cultural heritage while navigating the legal profession
• Become an HNBA member and leader and find your comunidad!
Are there any special plans or programs at the HNBA in place for 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, HNBA/VIA is committed to expanding its impact and support for Hispanic legal professionals and students. Central to our plans are our flagship events and programs, including the Corporate Counsel Conference (CCC) and Annual Convention (AC), which will continue to provide unparalleled networking, professional, and business development opportunities. Our robust suite of programs and initiatives also support the advancement and development of our members. Some of our 2025 programmatic offerings include: Poder25 (Fortune 500 General Counsel talent pipeline program); Latina Leadership Academy (training for Latina lawyers with 10 years or less of experience); LGBT Leadership Summit (leadership and training for our LGBT members); Latina Executive Leadership Program (supports high potential Latina lawyers with more than 10 years of experience); and Intellectual Property Law Institute (training future IP and Tech law attorneys), among other programmatic offerings. We're also excited to enhance our professional development and mentorship programs for early-career Hispanic lawyers.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by early career attorneys and those in small firms or solo practices, we're strengthening our partnerships and developing targeted programming to support these vital segments of our membership. Finally, advocacy remains a cornerstone of the HNBA's mission, and we'll continue to advocate on issues of concern for the broader Hispanic community. Through these multifaceted efforts, the HNBA and VIA aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive legal landscape for Hispanic professionals at every stage of their careers, as well as support the needs of the broader Hispanic community in the United States.
About the Authors
Sabrina Milos is the Director of Administration and Public Affairs for the HNBA and Alba Cruz Hacker is the Executive Director of the HNBA. Both contributed as guest bloggers.