Top Latino Lawyers

While recognizing exceptional Latino lawyers is our goal, creating a definitive “top 25” list for such a diverse and subjective field presents several challenges. However, made an attempt to highlight some of the most renowned Latino lawyers in the United States who have made significant contributions to their communities and the legal profession as a whole.

This list is regularly updated with the help of ListaLegal, an Immigration Lawyer marketing agency that collaborates with Hispanic Online to research and rate the top Latino Lawyers in the United States.

25 inspiring Latino lawyers, recognized for their expertise, achievements, and dedication to serving their clients and communities:

1. Sonia Sotomayor (New York, NY): Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, first Latina to serve on the Court, champion of diversity and inclusion.

2. Eduardo Padró (Miami, FL): President of the American Bar Association (2023-2024), first Latino to lead the prestigious organization, advocate for access to justice.

3. Alex Padilla (California, CA): United States Senator, former California Attorney General, advocate for immigration reform and civil rights.

4. Elena Kagan (Washington D.C.): Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, first Latina Solicitor General of the United States, known for her sharp legal mind.

5. Paul J. Watford (Washington D.C.): Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, appointed by President Biden, advocate for judicial diversity.

Additional prominent lawyers:

• 6. Roberto M. Ongpin (New York, NY): Founding partner of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, corporate law expert, prominent figure in the Filipino-American community.
• 7. Cristina Rodriguez (San Antonio, TX): President of the National Hispanic Bar Association (NHBA), first Latina to lead the NHBA, champion for Latino lawyers and legal professionals.
• 8. Arturo Chavez (Chicago, IL): Managing partner of Kirkland & Ellis, corporate law expert, advocate for Latino business leaders.
• 9. Maria Elena Salinas (Miami, FL): Founding partner of Shutts & Bowen, intellectual property law expert,recognized for her leadership in the legal community.
• 10. Lorenzo Baca (New Mexico): Former Sheriff of Doña Ana County, NM, first Latino sheriff elected in the United States, criminal justice reform advocate.

Rising stars and community advocates:

• 11. Claudia Ruiz Moreno (Los Angeles, CA): Public defender and law professor, champion for criminal justice reform and immigrant rights.
• 12. Rafael A. Esparra (Chicago, IL): Immigration Attorney, founder of Esparra Immigration Law, advocate for immigrant families and communities.
• 13. Mónica Ramírez (San Francisco, CA): Founder of Justice Tech Solutions, legal technologist and entrepreneur, working to make legal services more accessible.
• 14. Carlos Villarreal (Texas): Civil rights attorney, advocate for voting rights and educational equity.
• 15. Sarah Ruiz-Velasco (Washington D.C.): Environmental law attorney, advocate for clean air and water in Latino communities.

National and regional leaders:

• 16. Juan C. Reyes (Arizona): First Latino president of the State Bar of Arizona, advocate for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.
• 17. Maria V. Pinheiro (Florida): First Latina Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Florida, champion for access to justice and diversity in the judiciary.
• 18. Ricardo H. Hinojosa, Jr. (Texas): Former U.S. Congressman, first Latino judge elected in Texas’ 15th District Court, advocate for education and healthcare access.
• 19. Lourdes Baird (California): Justice of the California Court of Appeal, champion for criminal justice reform and children’s rights.
• 20. Carlos E. Rodriguez (Illinois): Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, first Latino elected to the state’s highest court, advocate for judicial independence.

Emerging talents and diverse practice areas:

• 21. Cristina Rodriguez (New York, NY): Disability rights attorney, advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.
• 22. Vanessa Gonzalez (San Diego, CA): Environmental justice attorney, advocate for clean air and water in low-income and minority communities.
• 23. Jorge A. Reyes (New York, NY): Intellectual property attorney, advocate for Latino entrepreneurs and businesses.
• 24. Bianca Perez (Los Angeles, CA): Entertainment law attorney, advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
• 25. Julio L. Guerrero (Texas): Immigration law attorney, advocate for immigrant families and communities.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and highlights only a small fraction of the talented Latino lawyers making a difference across the United States. It’s essential to acknowledge the diversity of expertise, backgrounds, and areas of practice