For 50 years, Los Abogados has served as a driving force for leadership, advocacy, and opportunity within Arizona’s legal community. What started with a small group of determined Latino attorneys has grown into an organization that advances diversity in the legal profession while investing in future generations.
On July 11, Los Abogados will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Historical Night at the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel. The event will bring together members of the legal community, supporters, and future leaders to reflect on five decades of impact.
A Legacy That Started with a Vision
In 1975, a handful of Latino lawyers gathered in a borrowed conference room at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. They had no budget, no staff, and no guarantee that anyone would attend the next meeting.
What they did have was a shared vision. They believed Arizona’s legal profession should better reflect the communities it serves.
That vision inspired the creation of Los Abogados.
Over the past five decades, the organization has championed mentorship, leadership, professional development, and scholarship opportunities. Along the way, it has inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in law.
An Evening Celebrating Arizona’s Legal History
The 50th Anniversary Historical Night is more than a celebration. It honors the people, stories, and milestones that shaped Los Abogados into the organization it is today.
Guests will hear from distinguished speakers, including:
- January Contreras
- Hon. Jessica Sanchez
- Marcos Tapia
- Sal Macias
Attendees will also explore a historical exhibit featuring organizational records, archival research, and oral histories. Together, these pieces tell the story of Los Abogados’ growth and lasting impact over the past 50 years.
Phoenix artist Michael Padilla will create a live painting during the evening. Guests can bid on the completed artwork in a live auction. Every dollar raised will support the Valdemar Cordova Scholarship Fund and pipeline programs for Latino law students at Arizona State University and The University of Arizona.
Investing in the Next Generation
While the evening celebrates the past, it also invests in the future.
Guests who donate $25 or more will receive a commemorative 50th Anniversary pin at check-in. Every donation supports scholarships, mentorship programs, and initiatives that expand opportunities for future Latino legal professionals.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Los Abogados Foundation provides every donor with an automatic tax receipt.
Venz Media Is Proud to Support This Historic Milestone
At Venz Media, we believe every organization has a story worth telling.
As the In-Kind Media Sponsor for the 50th Anniversary Historical Night, our team will capture and share this historic celebration through professional photography, videography, and digital storytelling. Our goal is to preserve this milestone while highlighting the impact Los Abogados continues to make throughout Arizona’s legal community.
We believe meaningful moments deserve to be shared. That’s why we’re proud to help tell the story of this remarkable anniversary and extend its reach beyond the event itself.
Join the Celebration
Fifty years represents far more than an anniversary. It reflects decades of leadership, advocacy, mentorship, and community impact that continue to inspire future generations.
Whether you’re part of the legal profession, a community supporter, or someone who values preserving history, this event offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate an incredible legacy. It also supports the next generation of Latino legal leaders.
Here’s to 50 years of leadership, legacy, and the generations still to come.
