We are excited to announce the honorees for the 2024 Los Abogados Gala, taking place on October 19, 2024, at the Renaissance Hotel in Downtown Phoenix from 5:30-11 p.m.
After careful consideration, the Gala Committee has selected this year’s award recipients, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the legal profession and the Hispanic community.
Daniel R. Ortega Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award: This prestigious honor goes to an attorney with over 25 years of service whose dedication to both the community and the legal profession exemplifies the values of Los Abogados.
Judge David Talamante is a pillar of our community. He made it his mission to increase access to justice throughout his career as a young legal aid attorney, in private practice, and on the bench. Judge Talamante is part of our familia, having served on the Los Abogados’ board for many years. Today, he remains devoted to the development and mentorship of Latino lawyers. His service to our community and his impact on our profession is invaluable.
Exemplary Service Award: This award recognizes a person’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity in the legal field, improve access to legal services, and advocate for the Latino community. Their work has had a lasting impact on Arizona’s Hispanic community.
Erica Gonzalez-Melendez has been a part of Los Abogados and its mission since she was in law school. She has a proven history of service and leadership as a former public servant, a member of the Los Abogados Association’s Board for many years, and, currently, the Treasurer for the Los Abogados Foundation.
Emerging Leader Award: This year we are recognizing two rising stars for their outstanding contributions. They have already demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the Hispanic community.
Elizabeth Gonzalez has been a dedicated steward of our Professor Charles Calleros Fellowship Pipeline Program. The program supports aspiring law students through LSAT preparation, application guidance, and mentorship. Since 2019, Elizabeth has co-chaired the program all but one year. Successfully deploying the program every year takes time, preparation, and commitment. It is through Elizabeth’s dedication that our fellows continue to accomplish their law school admission dream.
Josh Nunez has been a tireless advocate for our community and a constant supporter of Los Abogados. Josh is well known for his work with DACA. In 2017, when DACA was threatened, Josh worked with others to find solutions because he knew ‘we need[ed] to lock arms and protect our community.” Since then, Josh’s commitment to uplifting and empowering the Latino community through the effective application of the law has only strengthened.
Community Service Award: Every year, the Gala Committee proudly recognizes a person or organization for their significant contributions to the Hispanic community and their ongoing support of the Los Abogados mission.
Secretary Adrian Fontes has been a public servant his entire career. His work in the area of voting access and registration is especially important to our community. While he was the County Recorder, he expanded early voting options in Maricopa County and piloted the use of vote centers. Following the unfounded allegations of voter fraud in 2020, Fontes spoke about voter suppression, subversion, and election worker intimidation.
