By Miguel A. Quintana
With its vast territory and with millions of people immigrating over the past centuries, the United States is a culturally diverse country. One of the largest groups that has immigrated to the United States is that of the Hispanic-Latino group, which refers to those coming from Latin American countries.
In recent times, the United States has witnessed an increment of Hispanic-Latino immigrants. Consequently, the Hispanic-Latino culture has continued to grow in this country, and it has become one of the largest groups across its territory.
As a result of the expansion of the Hispanic-Latino culture within the United States, the number of Hispanic-Latino lawyers has naturally also increased.
As lawyers, we find ourselves in a position of privilege. Along with this position of privilege however, comes a great responsibility and a sense of duty to the community. It is important for lawyers to get involved in the community and use our abilities and knowledge to help those in need.
Hispanic-Latino lawyers are no exception. Importantly, Hispanic-Latino lawyers should not only seek to assist the broader community, but we should, additionally, get involved with the ever-growing Hispanic-Latino community. As Hispanic-Latino lawyers, we have an inherent duty to assist our community with our experience and legal resources, even more so now during these difficult and challenging times.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded all of us of the importance of working together as a community, as well as to look out for one another. As a result, we should embrace this difficult situation as an opportunity to reach out to our Hispanic-Latino community and offer our assistance.
In order to do so, Hispanic-Latino lawyers may wish to get involved in different organizations that intend to assist the Hispanic-Latino community. Importantly, these organizations may serve as a networking platform among Hispanic-Latino lawyers. Additionally, these organizations may provide for a platform to address social and economic issues within the community.
Our heritage provides us with a unique opportunity to reach out to the Hispanic-Latino community. Our customs and our ability to communicate in our native language can be attractive and of help for our Hispanic-Latino community.
Additionally, our diversity within the Hispanic-Latino community is something to be proud of, and something that we, as Hispanic-Latino lawyers, should embrace and promote. Our roots are an integral part of who we are today, thus, we must not forget them, but rather use them as a platform to approach our community and help it develop.
Furthermore, as the Hispanic-Latino community continues to grow, Hispanic-Latino lawyers will become more important. Indeed, Hispanic-Latino lawyers provide a platform for a direct interaction with such community, and a good opportunity to assist it with our resources and knowledge.
This blog post is one of several created in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.