The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is a 501(c)(6) organization representing Hispanics in the legal profession, including attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistant and paralegals, and law students in the United States and its territories. History The organization was founded in California on March 20, 1972, as La Raza National Lawyers Association; its first president was Mario G. Obledo. The organization's name was changed to Hispanic National Bar Association and reincorporated in the District of Columbia in 1984. Purpose The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is an incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership association that represents the interests of over 67,000+ 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. While we are proud of our accomplishments, we are mindful that our mission is as vital today as it was nearly five decades ago, especially as the U.S. Hispanic population continues to grow. Activities The HNBA holds an Annual Corporate Counsel Conference and Moot Court Competition as well as an Annual Convention, an Annual Legislative Day and an Annual International Conference open to all attorneys and affiliates from around the country. Each year, the HNBA also organizes a variety of events for lawyers and law students throughout its 19 regions, and several community outreach and education initiatives. The HNBA sometimes condemns rhetoric that it perceives as "divisive and racist" and aimed at immigrants. For example, in response to Donald Trump's comments regarding illegal immigration from Mexico to the United States, and Trump's derogatory remarks about some of those immigrants, the group's president issued a press release in July 2015 calling for a boycott of all Donald Trump-owned businesses. Subsequently, in 2016, Trump criticized a member of the HNBA, Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, and the President of the HNBA issued a statement defending Curiel. List of past presidents Past presidents of the HNBA are as follows: Mario G. Obledo, 1972–1977 Benjamin Aranda III, 1977–1980 John Roy Castillo, 1980–1981 Robert Maes, 1981–1982 Lorenzo Arredondo, 1982–1983 Mari Carmen Aponte, 1983–1984 Gilbert F. Casellas, 1984–1985 Robert Mendez, 1985–1986 William Mendez, 1986–1987 Michael Martinez, 1987–1988 Mark Gallegos, 1988–1989 Jimmy Gurule, 1989–1990 Robert