Celebrating 60 – “Diamond Year Anniversary”
Bienvenidos and welcome to the Puerto Rican Bar Association.
It is difficult to put into words the honor and the privilege I feel to be president of this 60-year-old institution – the Puerto Rican Bar Association (the “PRBA”). Taking the helm of this iconic bar association is a great responsibility to its members and the society it has served for decades. Since its formation, the PRBA has served the public and community through advocacy, mentorship, legal education, leadership, fellowship, and promotion of justice. This is the legacy that my predecessors worked to secure which is the very foundation of this bar association today .
As the PRBA 60th year president, my vision is to strengthen our relationships, build on our foundation, and safeguard our future. Toward that end, the PRBA officers and board of directors will continue to foster its affiliations with local and out of state bar associations, law firms, corporations, not-for-profit organizations, and government officials to further the PRBA mission and strengthen its founders’ legacy. Our collaboration is intended to assure that the under-represented, people of diverse backgrounds, and those who feel powerless have a real voice. In addition, our alliances will continue to further the PRBA mission to advocate for the proper administration of justice. This is especially important since the laws impacting equality, diversity, and inclusion are being tested daily.
We also intend to increase member benefits, improve the influence and appreciation of the legal profession, and create collaborative law based international relationships to increase member business opportunities. Toward that end, the PRBA intends to expand its business exchange relationships to include the bar association of Peru and other Latin American countries. We believe that collaborating with our Latin American colleagues reinforces that we are one global legal community working toward equality, ensuring a leveled playing field, and safeguarding access to justice for everyone.
We also intend to grow our social media presence, continue providing continuing legal education, foster access to justice, and promote greater Puerto Rican and Latino representation in the judiciary. As to the judiciary, we will continue to be vigilante by creating a judicial task force.
During our diamond year anniversary, we will have exciting programs and events. We will have our fifth annual convention in Puerto Rico from November 8th to November 12th; Continuing Legal Education programs, networking events, 60th year celebratory activities for our members and community, and on October 20, 2017 the PRBA Scholarship Gala, “Diamond Jubilee Celebration”. This year the PRBA will have a special focus on: 1) 100 year anniversary of the United States granting Puerto Ricans U.S. statutory citizenship, which means that Puerto Ricans were granted citizenship by act of Congress; 2) diversity in the judiciary; and 3) creating a not-for-profit corporation for acquisition of a Puerto Rican Bar Association Justice Center.
I am looking forward to serving as President of the Puerto Rican Bar Association for the next 12 months. Please keep in mind that in order to accomplish our goals and vision, we need the active participation of our members.
Looking forward to seeing you throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Carmen A. Pacheco, Esq.
