You have held several leadership positions. You were the youngest president of the Florida Bar. You were the fi rst Hispanic president of the American Bar Association. What makes you a great leader?
When faced with challenges, I have learned to build consensus and follow with quick action, but I haven’t done it alone. T rough these various associations, I have had the opportunity and privilege of working with great people: lawyers, judges, bar leaders, law students, and many individuals who care about the future of our profession, our communities, and the world. True leaders work as a team with others to achieve our common goals.
The Hispanic population is increasing the fastest out of any U.S. demographic yet Hispanics are not becoming a lawyers at the same rate. Why is this a problem? How do you propose to fi x it?
I will continue to use my voice to help promote diversity in the legal profession, by promoting awareness and emphasizing the importance of law in the world in which we live. I will also continue to focus on making legal education more aff ordable. T e high cost of law school discourages public service and constrains the pipeline for minority students.
You remain active in the ABA’s Rule of Law Commission. It’s the go-to entity for establishing constitutional rights in other countries. You even spent time in Russia. How did you get involved?
I have always been interested in the international practice of law. As president of the American Bar Association, I had the opportunity to meet and speak with judges, lawyers, and students in over twenty-two countries and was the fi rst ABA president to reach out to Asia to help develop strong rela- tions with the bar associations of Hong Kong, Korea, and Vietnam. T e ABA’s Rule of Law Commission currently has fi ve hundred lawyers in over forty countries working together with those countries to promote the rule of law.
You were involved in Bush v. Gore. What was that like?
It was an incredible experience to be in any way part of this his- torical legal moment. It proved that in the United States when we have a problem we turn to our courts, not to our generals.
What does the future hold for you?
Fortunately, I have family, friends, and partners who sup- port my desire to continue practicing my profession, which I love. My father said, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” I followed his advice and hope to continue to do so. D&B
“ AS A REFUGEE OF THE FIDEL CASTRO REGIME, I SAW WHAT HAPPENED WHEN RIGHTS WERE TAKEN AWAY AND LIBERTIES WERE LOST. IT WAS A HELPLESS FEELING I NEVER WANTED TO EXPERIENCE AGAIN AND FROM WHICH I WANTED TO PROTECT MY LOVED ONES.”—STEVE ZACK
MCCA.COM JULY/AUGUST 2013 DIVERSITY & THE BAR®
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