Tell us about your community growing up. Looking back, how did it shape who you are now?
My father and two of my siblings were born in Medellin, Colombia – my mother was born in Madrid, Spain. My parents and two of my siblings immigrated to the United States from Colombia when I was a young boy. Two of my siblings were born in the United States several years later. My community growing up was rich and diverse. My parents always emphasized the importance of our Hispanic culture and Spanish language, Spanish was always the primary language at home. Being bilingual and comfortable in both cultures was very helpful in my career as an attorney. My family valued public service and the importance of helping those that are not in a position to help themselves.


Describe your journey to law school; what motivated you to enroll?
After graduating from college, I worked at a sports marketing firm where I met, among others, lawyers, accountants and marketing professionals. I came to appreciate the versatility a law degree offered. I also felt that a law degree would put me in a position to help those that did not have the same opportunities I had been afforded.


What was your law school experience like?
I very much enjoyed my experience at Tulane Law School. Classes focused on Civil Rights Litigation and Section 1983 were among my favorites. By far the most important experience I had in law school was participating in a criminal defense clinic during my third year. I was able to try a jury trial, argue before an appellate court and gain invaluable experience into the practice of law from the ground up. Whenever I have the opportunity I emphasize the importance of clinical exposure to law students – there is no substitute for being in the forum.


Did you know about appellate work in law school? If not, when and how did it first get on your radar and why were you drawn to it?
My first exposure to appellate work was during my third-year clinical experience. As an Assistant Federal Defender in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania I handled appeals tethered to the case I litigated in the District Court. I had a very limited appellate practice in private practice. I was always more at home in the trial courts than in the appellate courts. I believe having tried many jury and non-jury trials and presiding over many jury and non-jury trials informs my perspective as an appellate judge.


Tell us about one of your appellate cases that you found particularly meaningful.
The importance of making the appropriate record in the trial court was something I had been told often as a young attorney. In both United States v. Sallins 993 F 2d 344 (3rd 1995) and United States v. Evans 49 F 3rd 109 (1995) I was able to get relief for my clients because the appropriate record was made in the district court. I often call on my experiences as a trial attorney and trial judge when reviewing cases on appeal.


How often do you encounter Latinx people in the appellate field? Why do you think that representation is important?
Unfortunately, I don’t encounter Latinx people, or other underrepresented people, in the appellate field with any regularity. Diversity matters at all phases and in all places related to litigation. It is important that the courts, bench, bar as well and clerical positions be representative of the communities they serve. Diversity bolsters credibility in the judicial system and more importantly improves the dialog and decision making process benefiting all of us.


What advice would you give to a law student of color who aspires to be where you are now?
Follow a path that makes sense for you from a personal and professional perspective understanding circumstances will change both personally and professionally over the course of your career. Find a healthy work/life balance and engage in your community outside of the practice of law. Do not tether your career solely with an eye toward becoming a judge – much of becoming a judge is luck and timing. Enjoy being an attorney it is a wonderful profession that will provide you with opportunities to do well and do good – this is not a binary choice.


What’s one thing law schools and/or the appellate bar can do to ensure our highest courts are representative of all our communities?
Law schools and the appellate bar can and do offer opportunities it is up to law students and attorneys to purse these opportunities and not “opt out.” Law students and attorneys have an obligation to always reach back and help others along the way that need mentoring, encouragement, and an opportunity to prove they can do the work.