Andrés Acebo Named Among Law Journal’s “Diverse Attorneys of the Year”

DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole and Giblin, LLP has announced that Andrés Acebo has been named to the New Jersey Law Journal’s biennial list of “Diverse Attorneys of the Year” honorees. A partner with the firm, Acebo joined in January 2018 and focuses on labor and employment matters.

The New Jersey Law Journal’s “Diverse Attorneys of the Year” honor is awarded to New Jersey-based attorneys from diverse backgrounds who have made a positive impact in their organization and industry. A first-generation American, Acebo is the son of Cuban exiles who sought political asylum in the United States. The first member of his family to attend college, Acebo earned his BA from Brown University and his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School.

“Andy has played an instrumental role in the development of diversity policies and initiatives that have positively shaped our culture, and those of our clients,” said Arlene Quiñones Perez, an equity partner at the DeCotiis firm who last year was named its inaugural Director of Diversity and Inclusion. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside him to enhance these programs throughout the firm.”

“Both in his own background and in his tireless efforts on behalf of others, Andy exemplifies the model of a diverse attorney,” added Joseph M. DeCotiis, Co-managing Partner at the firm. “I join Arlene and my colleagues on the Executive Committee and throughout the firm in extending our heartfelt congratulations.”

In addition to his professional practice, Acebo is actively involved in the community and participates in numerous professional and academic mentorship programs. He is the Deputy Regional President of the Hispanic National Bar Association, and also serves as the General Counsel and a Board Member of the Cuban American Alliance for Leadership and Education, which provides scholarships and leadership development programs for promising minority students.

“I’m humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as so many extraordinarily dedicated and gifted members of the bar,” said Acebo.  “I’m immeasurably grateful to my family, friends, and peers for their constant support and encouragement. Professionally, I would also like to specifically thank Joe and Arlene for promoting a firm-wide culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity, and all of my DeCotiis partners and colleagues for their generosity and communion, which helps the DeCotiis firm set the bar in the legal industry. I’m honored by this recognition, and I dedicate it to my family as a tribute to their inspiring sacrifice.”

The New Jersey Law Journal covers legal news, trends, and business issues in the New Jersey market. Part of the ALM Media network, the Journal publishes its Diverse Attorneys list every two years.