[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COMMENDING HEATHER SUAREZ OF UNION COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LEONARD LANCE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2009

  Mr. LANCE. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of National Women's History 
Month and to congratulate Heather Suarez of Springfield, New Jersey who 
will be honored on Friday, March 27, 2009 at the 17th Annual Women of 
Excellence Dinner held in Union County, New Jersey.
   This special annual event is hosted by the Union County Commission 
on the Status of Women in the Seventh Congressional District and 
highlights the amazing work of individuals who are making our 
communities better places to live. The Commission on the Status of 
Women recognizes the contributions of women in the fields of education, 
health care, the arts, government, business, law, community service, 
technology, public service and women's advocacy and lifetime 
achievement.
   This year's Law Award will be given to Heather Suarez who has been 
described as a pioneer in the legal industry. Heather was hired 
directly out of law school, by persuading the three male partners at 
her Newark law firm to hire her. She became the firm's first female 
attorney, staying with that firm ever since, now enjoying a tenure of 
28 years.
   After the firm relocated to Roseland, Ms. Suarez continued to be a 
leader in her field and at the firm. When she announced, in 1987, that 
she was pregnant, Heather was a change agent for the firm, resulting in 
its first maternity policy. Continuing to work at the firm while 
raising two young sons, Ms. Suarez not only became the first female 
partner, but also the first part time partner as the firm worked with 
her to accommodate and balance her busy home life with professional 
responsibilities.
   Ms. Suarez has been recognized by many organizations in her field. 
Her commitment to women's advocacy is evident as she works tirelessly 
as a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Women in the 
Courts.
   Heather Suarez of Springfield, New Jersey has made significant 
achievements in the legal field. I am pleased to congratulate Heather 
Suarez for her outstanding efforts and share her good work with my 
colleagues in the United States Congress and the American people.

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