Cargill IP Lawyer Peter M. Reyes, Jr. Sworn in As HNBA National President

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Peter M. Reyes, Jr., a senior intellectual property lawyer at Cargill, Incorporated, was sworn in as the 2012-2013 National President of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the HNBA 37^th Annual Convention held in Seattle, WA. Mr. Reyes was sworn in by the Honorable Leonardo (Lenny) Castro, District Court Judge in Minnesota's Second Judicial District, who is a longtime friend and HNBA member. 

As the first HNBA National President from Minnesota, Mr. Reyes' said his theme will be "Laying the Foundation for the Future." His focus will be on further developing leadership training for HNBA members, including collaboration with other bar associations, strengthening the infrastructure of the HNBA, providing value to our members and partners, and continuing its strong advocacy for our members, children and the community.

"As lawyers and professionals, I believe we have a responsibility to give back to the community," said Mr. Reyes. "As the National Voice of the Hispanic Legal Community, the HNBA provides a unique opportunity for us to have a positive impact on the Hispanic community and the greater community."

"As the HNBA's National President, I will focus on three areas – developing leadership programs; providing value to our members, sponsors, and supporters; and advocating for our members, children and the community. We will have regional corporate counsel events to provide networking opportunities for in-house counsel and outside counsel. Monthly town halls will allow an opportunity to share the HNBA's activities and provide a forum for members to provide feedback. Leadership programs for law students, young lawyers and seasoned lawyers will give them the skills to succeed in the profession. And we will continue to vigorously advocate on issues affecting our community. The HNBA is the national voice that can have a positive local impact," said Mr. Reyes.

Mr. Reyes is a senior intellectual property (IP) lawyer and registered patent attorney who practices in the areas of patent preparation and prosecution, mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures internationally, IP-related transactions, and IP counseling. Prior to joining Cargill, Mr. Reyes was an associate at the law firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, and clerked for the Honorable Salvador M. Rosas.

Mr. Reyes has been actively involved in the HNBA since 2003, serving in a wide variety of capacities. He previously served as HNBA Vice-President of Sections & Committees, VP of Regions & Affiliates, and HNBA Regional President for Region XI. Mr. Reyes was Chair of the HNBA 35^th Annual Convention Chair in 2010 and Chair of the 2007 HNBA Mid-Year Conference & Moot Court competition.

Mr. Reyes is an active member of a number of other local, state and national bar associations and nonprofit organizations. Mr. Reyes serves on the Board of Trustees of William Mitchell College of Law and on The Board of Directors for the Neighborhood Justice Center in St. Paul, MN. He currently serves on the Nationwide Hispanic Advisory Counsel for Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is active in the American Bar Association and is an ABA Foundation Fellow. Additionally, he served as President of the Minnesota Hispanic Bar Association from 2000-2003. In 2001, Reyes was named by Minnesota Lawyer as one of the "Top Ten Minnesota Attorneys of the year." In 2007 he was named "HNBA Regional President of the Year." And in 2008 Mr. Reyes received the "2008 MHBA Distinguished Service" Award.

Mr. Reyes is a speaker and lecturer on issues relating to intellectual property, international law and diversity. He frequently speaks to students at law schools about the practice of law. Finally, Mr. Reyes mentors student both formally through mentorship programs and informally.

About the Hispanic National Bar Association

The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is an incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the interests of the more than 100,000 Hispanic attorneys, judges, law professors, legal assistants, and law students in the United States and its Territories. For three decades the HNBA has acted as a force for positive change within the legal profession. It does so by encouraging Latino students to choose a career in the law and by promoting their advancement within the profession once they graduate and start practicing. Through a combination of issue advocacy, programmatic activities, networking events, and educational conferences, the HNBA has helped generations of lawyers succeed. Our organization is stronger today than at any point in its history and is as committed as ever to its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.hnba.com.

SOURCE Hispanic National Bar Association