The Hispanic National Bar Association is building opportunity and strengthening leadership

Leaders League: What is the Hispanic National Bar Association’s mission and the impact it seeks to make in the legal sector?

Rosevelie Marquez Morales: As President of the Hispanic National Bar Association, I am proud to lead an organization whose mission is to educate, engage, and empower members of the Hispanic legal community while advocating on issues that impact our broader community.

At its core, the HNBA exists to be the national voice of Hispanic legal professionals—advancing opportunities, increasing representation, and strengthening leadership across every sector of the legal profession. We are deeply committed to creating pathways for success, from law students to seasoned practitioners, and to ensuring that our community has both a seat at the table and a meaningful voice in shaping the future of the law.

Our impact extends beyond our membership. Through advocacy, policy engagement, and community initiatives, we work to promote equity, access to justice, and the rule of law—values that benefit not only the Hispanic community but the legal profession as a whole.

What are the goals you have set out for your term as president?

During my term, my focus is on building an HNBA that is stronger, more connected, and more impactful.

My key goals include:

· Expanding membership engagement and leadership opportunities across all regions and practice areas

· Strengthening our pipeline, ensuring that law students and young lawyers are supported and positioned to succeed

· Elevating our advocacy efforts on issues that matter most to our community and the profession

· Enhancing governance and organizational excellence, so that we continue to operate with integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability

· Deepening partnerships with law firms, corporations, and bar associations to amplify our collective impact

Ultimately, my vision is to ensure that every HNBA member feels supported, empowered, and connected to a national network that actively advances their career and their voice.

My vision is to ensure that every HNBA member feels supported, empowered, and connected to a national network that actively advances their career and their voice

The legal sector is constantly evolving—how does the HNBA help its members navigate these changes?

The HNBA plays a critical role in helping our members stay ahead in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

We do this by:

· Providing high-quality programming and continuing legal education that reflects emerging trends and challenges (for example, our 2026 Corporate Counsel Conference was dedicated to AI & Technology)

· Creating platforms for dialogue, where members can engage with leaders across the profession

· Offering mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, particularly for those earlier in their careers

· Facilitating meaningful networking, both nationally and regionally, to foster collaboration and career advancement

· Advocating on key issues, ensuring our members are informed and represented as the legal profession evolves (our 2025-2026 priorities can be viewed at Advocacy | HNBA)

Through these efforts, we ensure that our members are not only adapting to change—but leading it.

The HNBA will host its international meeting (Encuentro 2026) in Madrid this year. What made you pick Madrid as the host city?

Madrid is a natural choice for Encuentro 2026.

As a global legal and business hub with deep cultural and historical ties to the Hispanic community, Madrid offers a powerful setting to bring together legal professionals from across the United States, Latin America, and Europe.

Hosting Encuentro in Madrid reflects our commitment to:

· Expanding the HNBA’s international footprint

· Strengthening cross-border relationships and collaboration

· Celebrating the global diversity and influence of the Hispanic legal community

It is an opportunity not only to connect—but to elevate our collective voice on an international stage.

How can those in the legal sector join the HNBA?

Joining the HNBA is simple and open to a wide range of legal professionals, including attorneys, judges, law students, and other individuals working in or alongside the legal field. Individuals can become members by visiting the HNBA website at Join the HNBA and completing the membership application.

We offer a variety of membership categories tailored to different stages of a legal career, and once you join, you gain access to:

· A robust national network

· Professional development opportunities

· Leadership pathways

· Advocacy initiatives

· Signature events and conferences

We welcome anyone who is committed to advancing the Hispanic legal community and the profession as a whole to join us.