In order to be an effective leader
in these communities and in the legal profession, it is vital to understand the cultural, historical, and symbolic underpinnings that have brought us to where we are today. Both groups have a rich and diverse history steeped in many traditions. I approach each with a tremendous sense of pride and respect.
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a key part of the 1964 Voting Rights Act. The ruling freed nine states, mostly in the South, to change their election laws without advance federal approval. How will this affect minority voters? Will the HNBA take any action? In my view, the decision in Shelby v. Holder struck a significant blow to the efforts of so many in this country during ’60s and ’70s. While I am cer- tainly deferential to the U.S. Supreme Court, I am troubled that the decision undermines the monumental strides that we have made as a nation, with the help of so many leaders, lawyers, and civic and advocacy organizations. In my opinion, the decision
completely ignored that while we have made progress, we are not there yet. Discriminatory practices against minority voters still exist. Indeed, I find Justice [Ruth Bader] Ginsburg’s dissent very telling. She wrote, “[t]hrowing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discrimina- tory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet.” Te vestiges of discrimination, voter
intimidation, and other illegal tactics remain pervasive. One needs look no further than the 2012 presidential elections. I am particularly concerned because the Hispanic population continues to grow and is now close to 52 million. In 2012, we saw a record number of Hispanic voters make it to the polls. Te decision is likely to have a dramatic impact on future elections and the ability of Hispanics and other minority voters to cast their ballots.
MCCA.COM
As a result, the HNBA has been
vocal on the need to protect the right and privilege of all Americans to have access to the polls. At the HNBA, we have been and will remain committed to doing the tough work that needs to be done to make sure that as a nation we do not turn back the clock any further on this important issue. Specifically, we are going to
continue to educate Hispanics about their rights and will partner with other national groups and bar asso- ciations so that Congress hears our united voice. We need Congress to act quickly and decisively to address this issue and to put back some teeth into the bite of the Voting Rights Act.
The country was galvanized by the Zimmerman verdict. What did you take away from the decision and President Obama’s remarks on the case? Like so many people, my heart goes out to the Martin family on the loss of their son. I am not sure that I would say that the verdict has galvanized this country. But I am certain that we all agree that the tragic events that occurred last February 2012 should not be repeated. We need to take a long, hard, introspec- tive look at all aspects of this tragedy and make sure that we use the lessons we learn to heal, but most importantly, to move forward as a nation. What struck me most about the
President’s remarks was his sincerity. He has a unique vantage point by virtue of his race. Indeed, tragedies like the one that occurred in Florida require strong leadership and compas- sion, but also require that our leaders provide citizens with hope that we can grow and come out stronger in the midst of a tragedy. I think the President’s remarks did just that.
You have represented several luxury goods manufacturers. Was that a conscious decision or did you fall into it? What advice do you have for some- one who is looking to break
into that type of law? I started my career as a business litigator representing Fortune 500 corporations in a range of business disputes and my clients cut across a wide spectrum of industries. In 2001, I represented a well-known apparel manufacturer in a commercial dispute with a supplier/distributor. By working with the company’s
global head of operations, I became immersed in the industry and was fas- cinated by the potential impact that the dispute could have on the company’s brand and reputation. I started learning more about trademark law and brand protection as a result of this experience. Te rest, as they say, is history. In terms of advice, I would encour-
age lawyers, new and more seasoned, to try new things. I would recommend getting out of their comfort zones, and suggest looking for cutting-edge areas of the law that they find exciting. After all, the more you enjoy the type of work you do, the better you are likely to be at it.
What’s your biggest mistake? What did you learn from it? I often say that life is like basketball. In life, as in basketball, you are going to miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take. I have taken a lot of shots in my career, some of them real long shots, but each time I am surprised to see how much I learn even when I miss the shot. Te mistake I made early on in
my career was being afraid to take the shot, being afraid of failure. Perhaps, I thought that making a mistake or not getting it right would be the end of the world. I have since learned that the only people that don’t fail are the people who never try to achieve anything. I now take the shot. Sure, I measure
twice and cut once as they say, but once I am done measuring, I start cutting. Tis approach has been life changing, both professionally and personally.
Miguel Pozo spoke with Diversity & the Bar Editor-in-Chief Joshua Shields for this interview.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2013 DIVERSITY & THE BAR®
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