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President and General Counsel's Page

Hi, I'm Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of MALDEF, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Welcome to our website, and to the President and General Counsel's webpage.

Here you can see what major events MALDEF is involved in, and what the head of the nation's leading Latino civil rights organization is up to. Often described as the law firm of the Latino community, MALDEF promotes equality and justice for through advocacy, litigation, public policy and education in the areas of employment, immigrants rights, political access, voting rights and language rights.

We need you engaged and involved in the fight for justice for Latinos and we need you now. Sign up for MALDEF updates here.

Apr 30, 2010 Arizona Immigration Law Generates First Challenges

NPR reports on MALDEF's recent announcement, along with the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Immigration Law Center, to challenge and prevent Arizona's immigration law SB 1070 from taking effect.

Apr 29, 2010 Thomas A. Saenz - Press Statement on AZ SB 1070

Thomas Saenz, President and General Counsel of MALDEF, speaking at a press conference announcing the upcoming legal challenges to SB 1070.

Apr 16, 2010 MALDEF Calls On AZ Governor To Veto Most Anti-Immigrant Piece of Legislation in the U.S.

MALDEF President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz issued a letter to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer calling for a veto of the most draconian anti-immigrant legislation approved by a state body in the nation.

Mar 17, 2010 Highlights from the LA Awards Gala

MALDEF celebrated its 35th Annual Los Angeles Awards Gala at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel, honoring civil rights icons and trailblazers who have been critical partners in advancing the goals of the community and providing social justice for Latinos.

Feb 4, 2010 National Latino Congreso

Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel served as a distinguished presenter during the 4th Annual National Latino Congreso on January 30 - 31, 2010, in El Paso, Texas. Latino leaders from across America convened for the 4th Annual National Latino Congreso to highlight issues of importance to Latinos, including immigration reform, the economy and participation in the 2010 Census.

Oct 14, 2009 Welcome Reception - Washington DC

MALDEF hosted a welcome reception for our new President and General Counsel, Thomas A. Saenz. Held just steps from the U.S. Capitol Building, the event was attended by numerous Latino and civil rights leaders in the nation's capitol, including LCCR President Wade Henderson and Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez (D-TX). Click here to view photos of the reception.

Oct 9, 2009 The Tavis Smiley Show - New MALDEF President

MALDEF's President and General Counsel Thomas A. Saenz discusses immigration reform and the importance of Hispanic advocacy to talk show host and political commentator Tavis Smiley.

Oct 8, 2009 Welcome Reception - Los Angeles, CA

Hundreds of Angelenos welcomed the return of Thomas A. Saenz to MALDEF as President and General Counsel. The reception was held at the elegant Los Angeles Marriott, and was attended by political and community leaders in and around the Los Angeles area.

Oct 7, 2009 Thomas A. Saenz - Herencia Hispana - "Mi Inspiracion Fue"

MALDEF President and General Counsel is featured on a public service campaign during Hispanic Heritage Month. The series asked Latino leaders what inspired to strive for success. (En Español)

Sep 16, 2009 Thomas A. Saenz Returns to MALDEF as President and General Counsel

Thomas A. Saenz, a nationally recognized civil rights attorney, returns to MALDEF as President and General Counsel. As Counsel to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for the past four years, Saenz served on the Mayor's four-person Executive team providing legal and policy advice on major initiatives. More

Jul 17, 2009 "A New Day for Latino Civil Rights"

Host Michel Martin interviews Thomas Saenz who is the new president of one of the oldest Latino civil rights organizations, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

Jul 14, 2009 Thomas A. Saenz, Counsel to Los Angeles Mayor, Named MALDEF President and General Counsel

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund today announced Thomas A. Saenz, Counsel to Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, as its new President and General Counsel. Saenz will join MALDEF in mid-August.