Press Release
September 5, 2019

Holland & Knight Honored with Hispanic National Bar Association's "Corporate Partner of the Year" Award

MIAMI (September 5, 2019) – The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) has named Holland & Knight its "2019 Corporate Partner of the Year" in recognition of the firm's longstanding support of the organization and its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. The award will be presented on September 27 at the HNBA's annual convention in New York City.

"We are proud to be a leader among major law firms in the recruitment and retention of Hispanic lawyers. They play a material role in our success as a firm and occupy a number of key leadership positions throughout the firm," said Steven Sonberg, Holland & Knight managing partner. "We are deeply honored to receive this award and salute the HNBA for its continuing advocacy on issues important to Hispanic legal professionals and the Hispanic community at large."

"We are pleased to recognize Holland & Knight for being a trusted partner of the HNBA. The firm has gone above and beyond in its support," said Jennifer Salinas, HNBA national president. "Although we are grateful for Holland & Knight's financial support, the firm has provided much more, including allowing its partners and associates to devote substantial volunteer time to our organization."

Holland & Knight has been a long-time sponsor of the HNBA. Many of its Hispanic attorneys are actively involved in the organization, including in significant leadership positions. Currently, partner Daniel Mateo serves as general counsel of the HNBA VIA Fund, the charitable arm of the HNBA, and partner Annie Gamez is a Latina commissioner. The firm also regularly sends a strong attorney contingent to the organization's corporate counsel conferences and annual conventions as both speakers and participants.

According to Mr. Mateo, "The relationship with the HNBA is mutually beneficial. Not only does Holland & Knight help support the HNBA's programming and mission, but the HNBA in turn helps strengthen the firm by giving its lawyers important professional and business development opportunities."

"This recognition could not have come at a better time as we approach Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrate the countless Hispanic professionals at Holland & Knight who contribute to the diversity of our firm," said Isabel C. Diaz, co-chair of Holland & Knight's Hispanic Affinity Group with Jorge Hernandez-Torano.

The Hispanic Affinity Group works to recruit, retain, promote, support and empower the firm's Hispanic attorneys. With the exception of the Women's Initiative, it is the largest affinity group at Holland & Knight, with more than 170 members in 22 offices. Many of its members hold key roles within the firm's leadership. They also are active in leadership roles with nonprofit and community organizations, including the Pan American Development Foundation, Miami Foundation, International Chamber of Commerce, Legal Services of Greater Miami, Cuban Research Institute, Boy Scouts of America, the National Association of College and University Attorneys and the Mexico City Chamber of Commerce.

About the Hispanic National Bar Association: The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is an incorporated, not-for-profit national membership association that represents the interests of Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, law students and legal professionals in the United States and its territories. Since 1972, the HNBA has acted as a force for positive change within the legal profession by creating opportunities for Hispanic lawyers and by helping generations of lawyers to succeed. The HNBA has also effectively advocated on issues of importance to the national Hispanic community.

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