National Hispanic Heritage Month: Highlighting Pioneering Attorney Cesar A. Perales
As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize Cesar A. Perales, a pioneering attorney, civil rights advocate, and public servant whose career has left a lasting mark on the legal profession and Hispanic communities throughout the United States.
The son of a Puerto Rican father and a Dominican mother, Perales grew up in New York City and pursued a career in law inspired by his belief that effective legal representation can profoundly impact people's lives. After earning his law degree from Fordham University, he dedicated himself to expanding access to justice through legal services and community advocacy.
In 1972, Perales co-founded the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (PRLDEF), now known as LatinoJustice, one of the nation's leading Latino civil rights organizations. As its first president, he helped shape an institution that has advanced the rights of Hispanic communities through advocacy, litigation, and public education.
Under his leadership, the organization pursued efforts that expanded bilingual education, strengthened voting rights protections, and increased access to government services and employment opportunities. Equally important, the organization helped cultivate future generations of Hispanic attorneys and leaders, broadening representation within the legal profession.
Perales' commitment to public service extended well beyond civil rights advocacy. Throughout his distinguished career, he served in senior positions at the federal, state, and local levels, including Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services, Deputy Mayor of New York City, and New York Secretary of State. In each role, he brought the perspective of a lawyer dedicated to improving public institutions and expanding opportunities for underserved communities.
The legacy of Cesar A. Perales is a testament to the power of the legal profession to effect meaningful change. His leadership, advocacy, and dedication to public service helped open doors for countless individuals and strengthened the role of Hispanic lawyers in American society.
As we honor National Hispanic Heritage Month, Perales serves as an inspiring example of how attorneys can use their skills not only to represent clients, but also to advance justice, equality, and opportunity for future generations.
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman is making a CLL4GOOD donation to the Committee for Hispanic Children & Families, an organization that provides programs that reach underserved, low- and moderate- income children and families throughout New York City and the home-based childcare providers who serve them.
For further information, please contact Jeffrey Chery or your CLL attorney.
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Jeffrey’s practice focuses on global trademark prosecution, clearance, and maintenance matters. In addition, Jeffrey handles domestic enforcement issues and represents clients in contested proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.