In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month this September, the New Jersey State Bar Association proudly celebrates the achievements and contributions of our Hispanic members, recognizing their vital role in shaping the law, advancing access to justice and mentoring the next generation of attorneys.
The NJSBA Minorities in the Profession Section will gather in October for its annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, featuring food and a discussion on key issues affecting the minority legal community. Check njsba.com for the forthcoming date.
Read the reflections of prominent Hispanic attorneys within the NJSBA on their paths and experiences in the legal profession.
NJSBA President-Elect Norberto A. Garcia – Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari
A graduate of Seton Hall University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, NJSBA President-Elect Norberto A. Garcia is a civil trial lawyer who specializes in plaintiff personal injury cases.
Garcia said he was inspired to become a lawyer to overcome the sense of vulnerability he experienced as an immigrant.
“I just never wanted to feel that way again,” he said. “I thought being a lawyer would give me the ability to walk into any room and not feel marginalized, intimidated or powerless.”
Despite enduring occasional slurs about his heritage, Garcia was resilient and felt enormous pride in his Hispanic culture.
“I grew up in Hudson County, where just about everybody in my classes were immigrants like me, recently arrived, or first generation,” Garcia said.
He said growing up among such a rich diversity of people in Hudson County shielded him from more homogenous sectors of American life. He commuted to college at Seton Hall University while working full time. It was not until he went off to an Ivy League law school outside of New Jersey that he became acutely aware of being a minority.
“I didn’t pick up on issues of diversity at first because I just grew up in it,” he said.
While at The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Garcia served as president of the Latin American Law Students Association and collaborated with fellow affinity students, who were at greater risk of not thriving in law school.
He is in line to become the first foreign-born president of the NJSBA in 2026.
*More perspectives from Hispanic members on the NJSBA Board of Trustees
Brandon E. DeJesus – Dasti & Staiger
“My Hispanic heritage is a cornerstone of my identity, profoundly shaping my personal values and professional purpose. I take great pride in bringing this perspective to a field where Hispanic representation remains all too rare. As an attorney specializing in public entity law and criminal defense, I leverage my cultural background to foster deep connections within the diverse communities I serve. Whether representing public institutions or defending individual rights, I am dedicated to ensuring fairness and integrity in every aspect of my work. My Hispanic heritage not only guides my voice; it also strengthens my commitment to justice and inspires my advocacy throughout New Jersey.”
Joseph L. Linares – Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga LLP
“Hispanic Heritage Month means a lot to me and my family. As Latino lawyers, we have a unique opportunity to honor the strength of our roots while using our voice to build a more just future — not just for our community, but for all. It is also important for future generations to see the positive impact that Hispanic lawyers have on society and Hispanic Heritage Month highlights that reality.”
Maritza Rodriguez – Rodriguez Law LLC
“As a Latina lawyer, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the resilience of our communities and those who paved the way. I carry their stories with me — they shape my values, my work, and my commitment to access justice and uplifting others."