Lex Blog
National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration observed every year from September 15 to October 15. During this time, we come together to honor and acknowledge the enduring impact and influence of Hispanic Americans in shaping the history, culture, and identity of the United States.
The observation of Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, and it was later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to last 30 days.
This year is particularly special because it’s the 70-year anniversary of Hernandez v. Texas, 347 U.S. 475. This landmark case was the first and only Mexican-American civil rights case heard and decided by the United States Supreme Court.
To kick off this important month, we’re featuring a few Hispanic lawyers who have inspired us.
Chief Justice Dori Contreras
Chief Justice Dori Contreras shattered barriers as the first woman to lead the Thirteenth Court of Appeals and, at the time of her election, become only the second Latina to serve as a Chief Justice statewide.
She learned the importance of hard work from her dedicated parents and made them proud when she became the first in her family to receive a college degree. After working as an accountant, getting married, and having two daughters, Chief Justice Contreras received her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from theUniversity of Houston Law Center in 1990.
She went on to manage a law office in San Antonio, make partner at a civil trial firm, and then open her own mediation practice. Her talent and grit were noticed, and she received a recommendation by the Texas congressional delegation for nomination by the White House to a United States District Court seat in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 2010.
No matter how busy Chief Justice Contreras is, she always makes it a priority to give back to her community. She makes frequent visits to local schools in her community to meet the students and lead by example.
Julio Oyhanarte
Julio Oyhanarte captivates millions with his magnetic presence and on and off TikTok.
Julio was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a vibrant and diverse city known for its eclectic architecture, succulent food, and rich cultural heritage. Immersed in this dynamic environment, Julio developed a deep understanding of the legal landscape, eventually leading him to specialize in constitutional, civil, and business law. For over a decade, he dedicated himself to his firm in Argentina, providing expert legal counsel to individuals and businesses.
In 2010, Julio’s expertise and dedication to the legal field were recognized when he was appointed as a Legal Secretary in the Argentine Federal Judicial Council, where he played a pivotal role in shaping and interpreting legal policies.
Drawing from this experience and knowledge, Julio moved to California, where he established a business and immigration firm, DGO Legal, with his partner Gianfranco De Girolamo. The firm embodies their commitment to passionately and skillfully representing clients from around the world, from assisting people when they establish new companies to guiding individuals through the complex process of obtaining United States citizenship.
Julio’s informational videos and social media posts have helped him reach over 5.8 million followers on TikTok and 132,000 subscribers on YouTube.
To learn how Julio leveraged his social media audiences to grow his law firm, listen to the following episode of the Lawyerist Podcast:
Justice Gina Benavides
Georgina “Gina” Martinez Benavides is a highly respected justice at the Texas Thirteenth Court of Appeals based in Corpus Christi and Edinburg. She has a distinguished career, having been initially elected in 2006 and subsequently re-elected in 2012 and 2018. She currently holds the esteemed position of Senior Justice on the Court. Throughout her tenure as an appellate judge, Justice Benavides has drafted over 1,500 opinions that have addressed many complex issues involving civil and criminal matters.
Beyond her judicial responsibilities, Justice Benavides is widely recognized for her unwavering commitment to public service, tireless efforts to strengthen her community, and steadfast dedication to ensuring equal access to justice for all. Her passion for making a positive impact was evident as a law student, where she served as a student attorney and office manager at the University of Houston’s Legal Aid Clinic. After graduation, she continued her pursuit of justice by excelling as a civil trial attorney. Her exemplary record and dedication ultimately led her to rise to the esteemed position of justice at the Thirteenth Court of Appeals.
This summer, Justice Benavides joined Chief Justice Contreras and Assistant US Attorney Christopher Pineda to explain how Hernandez v. Texas solidified the details of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, giving all nationalities equal protection on the State Bar of Texas Podcast.
Jessica Gonzalez
Jessica Gonzalez is a cannabis attorney, consultant, adjunct professor, and policy advocate. She is an Ecuadorian immigrant who has dedicated her career to uplifting communities harmed by cannabis prohibition through advocacy and education. Jessica has played a significant role in shaping cannabis policy in New Jersey and has guided social equity efforts in more than seven different states.
Jessica’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable:
- Named one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People” in cannabis by High Times magazine
- Honored as one of the “Top 40 under 40 Rising Stars” by Marijuana Venture magazine and Cannabis Now magazine
- Designated as a “Cannabis Law Trailblazer” by the National Law Journal
- Awarded “Community Game Changer of the Year” by NJ Cannabis Media
Discover More Trailblazers in Legal Talk Network’s Podcasts
Legal Talk Network is a prominent podcast network designed specifically for legal professionals. The network features experienced hosts from renowned organizations and leading brands within the legal world.
If you’re interested in learning more about other exceptional attorneys in the country or exploring various legal issues, follow Legal Talk Network on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
