Minority Caucus
All voting members who self-identify as a minority can join the AAJ Minority Caucus, a networking group that focuses on membership, fundraising, education, and public service.
Join AAJAAJ's Minority Caucus has more than a thousand active and engaged members. The caucus hosts virtual and in-person events throughout the year, including community service projects and social events at convention, and supports AAJ through membership and fundraising drives.
Join the CaucusNamed in honor of AAJ's past-President and first person of color to hold the position, the Minority Caucus's Richard D. Hailey Law Student Scholarship is a $5,000 award presented each summer during AAJ's Annual Convention to a minority Law Student member. The scholarship is awarded to a student who is committed to developing strong trial advocacy skills and representing those who have been injured by the negligence or misconduct of others. Congratulations to the 2020 scholarship recipient, Terry Jecoby Young, a JD-candidate at the Vermont Law School.
Donate to the Scholarship FundLearn More about the Scholarship
Rick Barrera
Rick serves clients in a wide range of personal injury cases including, wrongful death, tractor-trailer crashes, oil field work-related injuries, and medical malpractice. In addition to being an active AAJ member, he is also is a member of the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, and the Hispanic National Bar Association.
2020-2021 Caucus Leadership
- Chair: Rick Barrera | Buckingham Barrera Law Firm, Albuquerque, NM
- Chair-Elect: Amber Pang Parra | Justinian & Associates, PLLC, San Antonio, TX
- Treasurer: Ervin Nevitt | Coplan & Crane, Oak Park, IL
- Secretary: Javier Herrera | The Herrera Law Firm, San Antonio, TX
- Representative to the AAJ Executive Committee: Rachel Gusman | Graves McLain PLLC, Tulsa, OK
- Representative to the AAJ BOG: Chris Fitzgerald | Law Offices of Chris Fitzgerald, New York, NY
- Rep to BOG: Kelli Byers Hooper | KBH Law, Fayetteville, GA
- Rep to BOG: Raymond Jones | Law Offices of Raymond R. Jones, Washington, DC
- Rep to BOG: Jason Penn | Berman Sobin Gross Feldman & Darby, LLP, Lutherville, MD
AAJ’s Minority Caucus Executive Board released a statement in response to racial injustice and police brutality. Read the Statement
The Minority Caucus is open to all AAJ members who have self-identified as a minority. If you are interested in joining the caucus, please contact AAJ membership to update you member profile. Contact AAJ Membership