Diversity a Priority at the 2018 HNBA Convention

With a juris doctor from the Inter-American School of Law, Juan Carlos Benitez is an attorney and legal advisor whose past roles include acting as special counsel for immigration-related unfair employment practices at the US Department of Justice. In conjunction with his experience as an attorney, Juan Carlos Benitez is also a member of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA).

In September 2018, the Annual HNBA Convention took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Professionals from all across the legal sector, including judges, general counsel for private companies, and political figures attended the event, the 43rd of its kind.

One of the most important takeaways from the convention was a point driven home through one of the event’s keynote speeches, given by the Oracle Corporation’s general counsel and executive vice president Dorian Daley. In her speech, Daley spoke of the importance of diversity in both the legal workplace and in greater society. Per an article from Al Dia News, Daley was quoted as saying “This is still a diverse country, and . . . it will remain a diverse country. If we don’t recognize that, if we don’t embrace that, we will lose.”

College Students Benefit from HNBA’s Su Futuro Initiative

Having formerly served as special counsel with the US Department of Justice, Juan Carlos Benitez currently leads several organizations, including the Latte Training Academy and the Mariana EB-5 Regional Center on Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. Active in both politics and the greater legal community, Juan Carlos Benitez holds membership in organizations such as the Hispanic National Bar Association.

Since its founding in 1972, the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) has partnered with American businesses, law firms, and nonprofit organizations to advance programs aimed at professional and business development as well as community advocacy and outreach. The HNBA also oversees a variety of education, mentoring, and internship programs as part of its Su Futuro (Your Future) initiative. 

One of the initiative’s major programs is Law School Sin Límites (LSSL). The program, whose name translates to “law school without limits,” helps college students from diverse backgrounds qualify for admission to law schools throughout the country. Those accepted into the program receive mentoring from a three-person team comprising two practicing attorneys and one law student. The team of mentors works with the student throughout his or her undergraduate career to help the student learn about the legal profession, build a support network, and prepare for law school. 

In addition to providing mentoring, LSSL takes students on visits to law school campuses and connects them with programs and presentations regarding financial aid and the law school admissions process. It also provides training on resume writing, interviewing, networking, and other skills that will help participants in law school and beyond.