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. (HBACF) is a non-profit organization that was incorporated on September 3, 1991. The founding members 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 a dire need for representation of the Latin community which made up a great part of the population in Central Florida.

The HBACF’s mission of assisting and educating local Hispanics about their legal rights was created by these visionaries; and it remains the HBACF’s primary goal. On the eve of the HBACF’s twentieth anniversary we celebrate their insight and continue to tirelessly work to advocate and advance the rights of Central Florida Hispanics. Our organization has over 100 members today and as we grow, so does the momentum for change.  It is hard to imagine that the HBACF had such humble beginnings; but it serves as a testament to this organization’s ability to work, thrive and persevere in its quest to give a voice to Central Florida Latinos and assure justice is served.

President's Message

Welcome to the redesigned website of the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (HBACF). It is my distinct honor to serve as president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida (HBACF) for 2010 and 2011. In my years of being a member and serving on the Board of Directors I have become deeply passionate about this wonderful organization that serves its members and the entire Hispanic community of Central Florida. This is a pivotal time for the organization as the Board of Directors continues to bring success to the HBACF members by revamping our website, creating effective networking opportunities, and assisting its members in their professional growth.

Hispanics make up a large part of the Central Florida population; yet there is a palpable underrepresentation of our heritage in leadership positions. The HBACF strives to step into that breach naturally through the legal system, ever mindful of the unique language and cultural barriers Hispanics face in the community. The legal profession has an obligation to ensure that justice prevails despite these barriers.

Knowledge is one of the most empowering gifts you can give to anyone. One of the HBACF's priorities is to educate Hispanics of their legal rights and obligations through programs such as our "Conozca Sus Derechos" ("Know Your Rights") community meetings, which just completed its third successful year. This year the HBACF received an education grant which will allow ten local Hispanic children to receive scholarships to attend summer programs that their families could not otherwise afford. In addition, this October, the HBACF awarded its second annual scholarship to a Hispanic law student. The HBACF continues to forge partnerships with other local community organizations, enabling us to make the best use of our resources to achieve our mission of educating, representing and serving the Hispanic community.

Many Hispanics that reside in Central Florida are either first generation immigrants or not far removed from the first ones in their families to reside in the continental United States. Some fled their native countries under harrowing conditions, leaving behind their families, professions and possessions in order to live safely and peacefully in the United States. Many come from countries where one's birthright indelibly defines one's role in society with little or no opportunity to chart his or her own course. The ability to shape your own destiny by hard work is truly the American dream. Hispanics are deeply grateful and extremely proud to be citizens of this amazing country.

The Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida continues on the path of serving not only its members but also the Central Florida community. To that end, the Board of Directors will strive to provide the community at large information that will benefit and advance us all. Furthermore, I am confident this is a time of continued growth and success for the HBACF and its members. The HBACF is proudly here to serve, and we thank everyone for their continued support!