Obama's Civic Duty - Jury Duty

Obama is ready to comply with his civic duty, this time instead of the oval office it's JURY DUTY!

Jury Duty is the ultimate civic duty where citizens are randomly chosen to decide a person's guilt or innocence.  Looks like OBAMA's name came up for jury duty. 

Chief Judge Tim Evans of Cook County, Ill., said Obama is scheduled to appear for jury duty next month, the Chicago Tribune reported.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-obama-gets-jury-duty-20171027-story.html

http://time.com/5001289/barack-obama-jury-duty/

Clearing La Numero 2 After Hurricane Maria

Yup! TU Abogado experienced Hurricane Maria, first hand in Puerto Rico.  Truly devastating!  But nothing can stop us! Nothing can stop the Puerto Rican people. Everyone was constantly outside trying to clean up & restore their land, and help each other. 

Here is Victor Urbaez clearing la numero 2, (a major highway that goes through Mayaguez, Puerto Rico) with his bare hands. Yessssss he did!

#PuertoRicoSeLevanta

Adriano Espaillat Could Become the 1st Dominican in Congress

Adriano Espaillat is trying a second time against incumbent and long standing Congressman Charles Rangel.  And try he must because the last election Espaillat lost by a mere 1,100 votes!

Think about what that means.  1,100 votes means that when you went to vote, you didn't take Abuela with you!  or vice versa- Abuela didn't take you with you! 

If Espaillat wins this election, it would be very special beucase that would make him the first Dominican born member of Congress.

For us, Espaillat is special because it was Adriano Espaillat that gave Victor Urbaez a letter of recommendation for law school!  

Read more here: http://voxxi.com/2014/03/03/adriano-espaillat-dominican-congress/

New Office in PATERSON!

Just a few steps from the courthouse, our new law office is in Paterson, New Jersey!

Hellooooooo Paterson!


217 Broadway
Paterson, New Jersey 07501

201-540 URBAEZ
201-540-8722

Judge Judy RULES as the highest paid TV Star

Judge Judy Sheindlin is once again at the top of TV Guide’s annual “Who Earns What” survey....

and she still shops at Walmart and cleans her own car - well, at least that scuff mark on the leather seats!  

According to the NY Daily News article, she's just a Brooklyn gal at heart! 

History! As the 1st Dominican-American Federal Judge in NY - Vernon Broderick- CONFIRMED

On September 10, 2013 the United States Senate voted by voice vote to confirm the Honorable Vernon S. Broderick, who was endorsed by the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA), to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.  Judge Broderick was officially recommended by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) last November and nominated in April by President Barack Obama.

“The HNBA is proud to support the Honorable Vernon Broderick and witness the history he’s making by becoming the first Dominican-American federal judge in New York State,” said HNBA National President Miguel Alexander Pozo, Esq.  “We commend the bipartisan efforts of the U.S. Senate in confirming Judge Broderick and are confident that Judge Broderick’s extraordinary preparation will enrich the U.S District Court.” 

Mr. Broderick is a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School. After serving as an associate at Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, he entered public service in 1994, joining the U.S. Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Broderick also served as Chief of the Violent Gangs Unit for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 1999 until 2002. He was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in January 2011 to the New York State Commission on Public Integrity.

 “As the first Dominican-American federal judge in New York State, Mr. Broderick’s personal background will help broaden the perspective of the federal bench,” said Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY). “Mr. Broderick’s wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors will make him an excellent judge. He has proven time and again that he is a leader, and I have every confidence Mr. Broderick will serve his jurisdiction well.”

Women Comprise Only 4% of Managing Partners in Law Firms

The 2012 National Association of Women Lawyers® (NAWL) National Survey on Retention and Promotion of Women in Law Firms found that women represent:

• 47% law school graduates
• 46% law firm associates
• 26% non-equity partners
• 15% equity partners (has declined in last two years)

Santeria and the U.S. Supreme Court

docstoc.com

A prior post reminded me of this United States Supreme Court case:

The SCOTUS had to rule on essentially the right to practice Santeria.  The City of Hialeah had passed a new law against the unnecessary killing of animals, in the early 90's.

A church of Santeria was moving into town and now because of this ordinance it would not be possible because of their belief in sacrificing chickens.

The ruling was:

The states cannot restrict religiously-mandated ritual slaughter of animals, regardless of the purpose of the slaughter.

In other words:  SANTERIA LIVES ON!

Judge Nelson Roman CONFIRMED by the Senate as Federal Judge

The Senate voted 97-0 to confirm the judicial nomination of Nelson Roman.  Roman was confirmed to serve as U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/298837-senate-votes-to-confirm-two-judicial-nominations#ixzz2TZcn5d1l 

CONGRATS TO JUDGE ROMAN!

On a personal note, my first case when I started T&U was in front of Judge Roman!

Obama nominates VERNON BRODERICK for the federal bench - the first Dominican!

President Obama nominated Vernon S. Broderick to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.“I am proud to nominate this outstanding candidate to serve on the United States District Court bench,” said President Obama.  “Vernon Broderick has a long and distinguished record of service, and I am confident he will serve on the federal bench with distinction.”

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer recommended Vernon Broderick to President Obama to serve on the bench of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Schumer laid out several reasons that Mr. Broderick would be an excellent fit for the job. Schumer said that Broderick’s excellent legal background and professional experience, strong ties to New York, intellect and demonstrated leadership skills make him an excellent choice for the District Court for the Southern District of New York.  Broderick would be the first judge of Dominican heritage on the federal bench in New York State. Mr. Broderick’s was born in New York City.  

Broderick's mother is from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico and his father is from Jamaica.

“Throughout his career Vernon has shown a commitment to judicial fairness and to protecting the rights of all people,” said Juan Cartagena, President and General Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF. “During his service on the board of LJP, Vernon has provided valuable leadership and commitment to the community and to our mission. I agree with the president that he will be a great addition to the bench.”

Vernon S. Broderick has been a partner at the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York City since 2005, having joined the firm as Counsel in 2002.  He concentrates his practice on white collar criminal cases, regulatory investigations, and business litigation.  In 2011, Broderick was appointed to the New York State Commission on Public Integrity by Governor Andrew Cuomo and in 2003 he was appointed to the Commission to Combat Police Corruption by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Broderick previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York from 1994 to 2002 and was Chief of the Violent Gangs Unit from 1999 to 2002.  He began his legal career as an associate at Weil Gotshal & Manges from 1988 to 1994.  Broderick received his J.D. in 1988 from Harvard Law School and his B.A. in 1985 from Yale University.  He serves on the board of the Puerto Rican Legal Defense Fund, now know n as Latino Justice.

Senate Confirms Judge Analisa Torres for Federal Bench

Torres Confirmation Adds Another Exceptional Female Jurist to Federal Bench

Gillibrand: “Judge Torres Is Extremely Well Qualified, Well Suited To Serve As Federal Court Judge”

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced today that the U.S. Senate confirmed her second judicial nominee, Ms. Analisa Torres, to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York.  Senator Gillibrand recommended her for the position last November in an effort to add another exceptional female jurist to the federal bench.

Judge Torres currently serves as Justice on the New York County Supreme Court, criminal term. Throughout her lifetime of public service and legal experience, the Honorable Analisa Torres has exemplified pragmatism, commitment to sound and fair reasoning, and a dedication to her community.

“Ms. Torres is a highly experienced and exceptional attorney, who is extremely well qualified to serve as a federal court judge,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Her breadth of knowledge, fair-mindedness, and deep commitment to public service make Judge Torres ideal to serve on the federal bench. I applaud my Senate colleagues for putting aside differences and confirming the type of consensus nominee we have in Judge Torres. I am confident Judge Torres will serve with the highest integrity and distinction.”

From 2004 to 2011, Judge Torres served on the New York County Supreme Court as an Acting Justice, having been appointed by Chief Administrative Judge Jonathan Lippman.  Prior to serving on the New York County Supreme Court, Judge Torres served as a Judge on the Civil Court of the City of New York from 2003 to 2004, and a Judge on the Criminal Court of the City of New York from 2000 to 2002. Judge Torres was also a law clerk to Justice Elliott Wilk from 1992 to 1999, and served as a Commissioner on the City Planning Commission from 1993 to 1995. She was an associate at Patterson, Belknap, Webb & Tyler from 1988 to 1992, an associate at Coudert Brothers from 1985 to 1987, and an associate at Kaye Scholer LLP from 1984 to 1985. Judge Torres was a teacher at De La Salle Academy from 1987 to 1988. Judge Torres is a graduate of Columbia University School of Law and received her bachelor’s degree,  magna cum laude from Harvard College.

In addition to her professional work, Judge Torres currently chairs the Women’s Housing and Economic Development Corporation, a role she has served in since 2007, after serving as a director there for almost a decade.

Today, women make up approximately 30% of the federal bench, according to the National Women’s Law Center. For the first time in history, that holds true in trial courts, courts of appeal, and the Supreme Court. But Senator Gillibrand noted that we must continue moving forward. Only 66 women of color, including 25 Latina women, currently serve as active federal judges – out of the 750 active federal judges across the country, which is less than 10 percent.

In March of 2012, the U.S. Senate confirmed Senator Gillibrand’s very first judicial nominee, Ms. Ronnie Abrams, to serve as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Southern District of New York.

¡Ay, Francisco!

El Papa Francisco

Potential Client calls and says:

¿Este es una oficina de abogados?

SI.

Porque yo me quiero cambiar el nombre.

OK. PORQUE RAZON TE QUIERES CAMBIAR EL NOMBRE SENOR?

Porque el nombre mio es muy comun....

COMO SE LLAMA USTED SEÑOR?

Yo me llamo Francisco y es tán común que hasta el Papa me cojió el nombre!

jajajaja

Congrats to Jenny Rivera, Professor CUNY School of Law for nomination to the New York State Court of Appeals!

Prof Jenny Rivera

Governor Cuomo nominates JENNY RIVERA to State Court of Appeals

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today nominated Jenny Rivera, Professor at the City University of New York School of Law, to serve on the New York State Court of Appeals.

Professor Rivera, a longtime Bronx resident and New York native, has had a long and distinguished career in public service. She has held many varied positions, as a staff attorney at Legal Aid Society of New York City, as an Associate Counsel for the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (renamed Latino Justice PRLDEF), and served as a law clerk to the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. She was Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights from 2002 to 2007. In 2007 she joined the Office of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo as Special Deputy Attorney General for Civil Rights.

"Throughout her career, Professor Rivera has worked to defend the legal rights of all New Yorkers and make our state a fairer, more just place to live," Governor Cuomo said. "As a Judge on the Court of Appeals, Professor Rivera's legal expertise and passion for social justice will serve all New Yorkers well, and I am proud to send her nomination to the Senate today."

Professor Rivera said, "I am deeply honored to be nominated by Governor Cuomo to serve on our Court of Appeals. As a lifetime New Yorker, this nomination is a special opportunity for me to continue to serve the people of New York. As a member of the Court of Appeals, I will work each day to uphold the laws of the state and advocate for fairness and justice, and I thank the Governor for this opportunity."

This year, Professor Rivera will receive the Spirit of Excellence Award from the American Bar Association's Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession. In 2012, she received the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Diversity Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2011 received the NYSBA Kay Crawford Murray Award. She is a graduate of Princeton University, and received her J.D. from the New York University School of Law and her LL.M, from Columbia University School of Law.

Congrats to our President! Inauguration 2013!

Inauguration 2013 Pres and Mrs Obama Dance

Lots to Celebrate!

As we celebrate the inauguration of President Obama's 2nd term, we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream Speech" and also the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

"(CNN) -- The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would hardly recognize America in 2013, the 50th anniversary year of his world-famous "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial."

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/21/opinion/powell-mlk-day/index.html

SCOTUS to re-examine the Voting Rights Act of 1965

The Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to hear arguments as to whether provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 should still stand.

Those that say the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is now unconstitutional say that this is a different America since 1965.

Those that say the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is very much still needed in the USA and point to recent voter suppression such as when the Justice Department had to step in block voter ID laws in South Carolina and Texas, as well as a

Pres. Obama nominates Justice Analisa Torres to the Federal Court

We congratulate specifically Justice ANALISE TORRES for her nomination by President Barack Obama to the Federal Court

Judge Analisa Torres (red) reacting to Justice Sotomayor's swearingin.

President Obama nominated Kenneth John Gonzales, Raymond P. Moore, Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell, Judge William L. Thomas,Judge Analisa Torres and Derrick Kahala Watson for District Court judgeships.

"These individuals have demonstrated the talent, expertise, and fair-mindedness Americans expect and deserve from their judicial system," said President Obama. "They also represent my continued commitment to ensure that the judiciary resembles the nation it serves.  I am grateful for their willingness to serve and confident that they will apply the law with the utmost impartiality and integrity.  Too many of our courtrooms stand empty.  I hope the Senate will promptly consider all of my nominees and ensure justice for everyday Americans.”

Kenneth John Gonzales:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico

Kenneth John Gonzales currently serves as the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, a position he has held since 2010.  Prior to his confirmation by the Senate, Gonzales spent eleven years working in the same office as an Assistant United States Attorney.  In 2001, he was commissioned an officer in the United States Army Reserve.  He presently holds the rank of Major in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps and is an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Law at the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School.  From 1996 to 1999, Gonzales worked as a Legislative Assistant for United States Senator Jeff Bingaman.  He began his legal career clerking for the Honorable Joseph Baca, Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court, from 1994 to 1996.  Gonzales received his J.D. in 1994 from the University of New Mexico School of Law and his B.A. in 1988 from the University of New Mexico.

Judge Analisa Torres:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

Judge Analisa Torres currently serves as a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan, where she has handled criminal felony cases since 2010.  Judge Torres served as an Acting Justice of the same court in Bronx County from 2004 to 2009.  From 2003 to 2004, she was a judge on the New York Civil Court and from 2000 to 2002 she was a judge on the New York Criminal Court.  From 1992 to 1999, Judge Torres clerked for the Honorable Elliot Wilk of the New York State Supreme Court.  She also served as a Commissioner of the New York City Planning Commission from 1993 to 1995.  During the early portion of her legal career, Judge Torres worked for seven years as a real estate associate at three New York City law firms.  Judge Torres received her J.D. in 1984 from Columbia Law School and her B.A. in 1981 from Harvard College.

Exercise your Right to VOTE

Please make sure that you vote today and vote early!

People have fought for your right to vote and they continue to fight for the right to vote.

Don't let their struggle be in vain.

VOTE!

70 Open Federal Judge Appointments Will Have Long-Term Latino Impact

When President Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court in 2009, the appointment made headlines because of her credentials, including as a federal District Court judge, and her Latino heritage. But equal attention should be paid to the push to fill more than 70 appointment-for-life federal court vacancies in four heavily Latino states.

Federal court judges make decisions that directly impact the lives of Latinos, said Thomas Saenz, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, during an event in Washington on the 2012 election and the Latino workforce.

Some of the vacancies are in states where Latinos make up nearly a third of the population, such as Texas (38 percent) and Arizona (30 percent). Nevada's population is 27 percent Latino, and Colorado's is 20 percent.

Read more: http://www.nationaljournal.com/thenextamerica/workforce/70-open-federal-judge-appointments-will-have-long-term-latino-impact-20121004

Obama nominates black woman judge to D.C. federal court

First black woman nominated to D.C. federal court in three decades

President Obama has tapped U.S. Sentencing Commission member Ketanji Brown Jackson. The nomination is notable because, if confirmed, Jackson would become only the second African American woman to serve as a full judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and would be the first to be robed in more than 30 years.

It’s a stunning demographic deficiency in a city where a quarter of the population — more than 150,000 — are black women.

Read more: washingtonpost.com

Obama's sends Judge Nelson Roman for a Federal Judgeship

President Obama has sent to the Senate the nomination of Judge Nelson Roman for a Federal judgeship.  Judge Nelson Roman worked his way up from a New York City police officer, to a prosecutor, to a judge, and is currently sitting as a judge in New York State Appellate Court

According to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer:

Judge Roman "has deep roots in the Puerto Rican community in New York and has served at all levels of law enforcement, starting as a police officer and working his way all the way up to the Appellate Division.  Justice Roman perfectly fulfills the criteria I use for judges- excellence, diversity and moderation.
-newyorklawjournal.com

According to Juan Cartagena, President of LatinoJustice PRLDEF:
Judge Nelson Roman's "appointment to the federal bench would further integrate a court in need of diversity... Its time to recognize that the Constitution has a place in the debate over stop and frisk. (referring to Judge Roman's ruling on a stop and risk case where evidence of a gun was suppressed due to an illegal search"
-latinojustice.org