THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE ATTACK
AGAINST JUDGE ESTHER SALAS AND HER FAMILY AS A HATE CRIME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2020

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) denounces the attack on Judge Esther Salas and her family as a hate crime based on race and sex. As a result of this senseless act of violence, Judge Salas and her husband, Mark Anderl, tragically lost their only child, Daniel Anderl, and Mark was critically injured. “We cannot stand by idly or silent when faced with a hate crime. This attack was intentional and highlights the very real fact that racism and discrimination are alive, even in our legal profession. We cannot and will not let discrimination and racism win. Let us all rise up, support, and lift Judge Salas and her family during this most devastating time through the power of prayer, advocacy against hate, and support from our community,” stated HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox.

As we mourn with Judge Salas and her family, we are reminded of the Judge’s strength, her leadership, and her illustrious career. Of Cuban and Mexican descent, Judge Salas achieved the American Dream through hard work, persistence and perseverance by embracing her culture, values and beliefs. She is a graduate of Rutgers Law School, a proud alumna of the Rutgers Minority Student Program, and served as the HBA-NJ’s 22nd President. Prior to joining the federal bench, Judge Salas was also dedicated to public service as a federal public defender. In 2006, Judge Salas became the first Latina U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey, and was subsequently nominated by then-President Barack Obama and elevated as a federal district judge in 2010. Again, continuing to blaze trails as the first Latina to serve in the position of federal district judge in the District of New Jersey, Judge Salas has an unwavering commitment to public service and ensures that justice is served each day in her courtroom.

“She is always present for the HBA-NJ and our community and never hesitates to pay it forward and inspire countless others. Judge Salas works tirelessly to serve the legal community and community at large and to mentor the next generation of leaders and students. For her trailblazing career and contributions to the legal profession and community at large, Judge Salas has earned many accolades, awards and honors. Simply put, Judge Salas’s work ethic is unmatched and the New Jersey Federal Judiciary is blessed to have her on the bench,” said President Cox.

President Cox concluded: “Make no mistake that the HBA-NJ will be here to speak up and speak out against this abhorrent hate crime and the discriminatory actions against Judge Salas, women, and minority communities. There is no place for hate, racism or discrimination in this society and certainly not in our own legal profession. For now, however, we humbly request that everyone focus on the power of prayer, so that Judge Salas and her family may begin to heal and find peace.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.