Our Mission

To serve as the local voice for the concerns and opinions of Hispanics in the community generally, and in the legal profession in particular.

To develop mechanisms to facilitate the exchange of information among Hispanics involved in all segments of the legal profession.

To work with other bar associations, local and statewide judges, governmental agencies and community groups to achieve greater involvement in and understanding of the American legal system by the local Hispanic community.

About Us

The Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida, Inc. (the “HBACF”) is a non-profit organization that was incorporated on September 3, 1991. The founding members of the HBACF were Norberto S. Katz, as Executive Director, Raul Alvarez, Angel Bello-Bellini, Wilfredo Martinez, Armando Payas, Jr., Jose Rodriguez and Ana Tangel-Rodriguez. This group of Hispanic attorneys recognized the immense need for support and representation of the Hispanic community, which made up a significant part of the Central Florida population.

It is indisputable that twenty plus years later the Hispanic Community continues grow in size and influence but remains vulnerable. That is why the HBACF’s mission remains as meaningful and important today as it was when it was formed. Currently, the HBACF has over 120 members made up of judges, magistrates, attorneys, legal assistants, law students, and other members. As the HBACF’s membership continues to grow, so does its influence and ability to fulfill its mission.

The HBACF stands ready to advocate for the rights of the Hispanic community and help Hispanics learn and understand their legal rights and gain greater access to the courts and the legal system. The HBACF is also committed to promoting a greater representation of Hispanics in leadership positions. These efforts include supporting Hispanics in becoming judges, lawyers, law professors, law students, civic leaders, and business owners.

The HBACF currently hosts its General Membership Meeting every other month (starting in February 2012) at the Orange County Regional History Center from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The meeting is open to all HBACF members and their guests. For more information about the HBACF please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

President's Message

I joined the HBACF in 2008 after hearing about the “Conozca Sus Derechos” (“Know Your Rights”) project. When I learned that an organization in Central Florida, made up of lawyers, was actively seeking to educate the Hispanic community about their legal rights and facilitating their access to the legal system, I immediately knew that I wanted to join. That same year, a vacancy on the Board of Directors became available. Wanting to increase my role and participation in the HBACF, I submitted my nomination petition and had the honor of being appointed by the Board to serve as the HBACF’s By-Laws Chair. I served in that capacity until 2011 when I ran and was elected as the HBACF’s President-Elect. On January 21, 2012, I had the honor and privilege of being installed as the HBACF’s President.

During my involvement in the HBACF I have seen first hand what separates this organization from any other -- our heritage and culture. Even though our membership is comprised of many different nationalities, most of us share the same native language, traditions and challenges. Many of us are either first generation immigrants or not far removed from the first ones in their families to immigrate to the United States. Many of us fled our native countries under harrowing conditions, leaving behind our families, professions and possessions in order to live safely and peacefully in the United States and offer future generations a better life. The freedom to affect our own destiny through hard work and determination is truly the American dream. We are deeply grateful and extremely proud to be productive members of this amazing Country.

In addition to the wonderful events which the HBACF offers on an annual basis; such as the Domino Tournament, the Conozca Sus Derechos project, the Scholarship Night (which raises funds to award scholarships to local law school students), the Family Day and many other events, I look forward to working with anyone who will join me in continuing to grow and build upon what the HBACF has accomplished over the last 20 plus years.

With warm regards and sincere appreciation,

A. Felipe Guerrero, President
Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida