[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 166 (Wednesday, November 2, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1984-E1985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING JUDGE RICARDO M. URBINA

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 2, 2011

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask the House of Representatives 
to join me in recognizing Judge Ricardo M. Urbina, the first Latino 
appointed to the bench in the District of Columbia. President Ronald 
Reagan nominated Judge Urbina for the Superior Court of the District of 
Columbia in 1981, and President Bill Clinton nominated him for the U.S. 
District Court for the District of Columbia in 1994. Both before and 
after these path-breaking judicial appointments, Judge Urbina has been 
recognized by his peers, his city, and many organizations for his many 
contributions to the law and to society.
  Judge Urbina began establishing his reputation with his broad 
experience as an attorney in the Public Defender Service for the 
District of Columbia, in private practice specializing in commercial 
litigation, and as an associate professor at Howard University School 
of Law. Among Judge Urbina's achievements while on the bench was his 
leadership of efforts by the bar and community organizations to create 
the Superior Court's Office of Interpreter Services, which for the 
first time institutionalized the practice of providing court 
interpreters for non-English speakers and the hearing-impaired.
  The District of Columbia and its residents are particularly grateful 
for Judge Urbina's attention to our youth and for his work in 
developing the next generation of legal achievers by exposing D.C. high 
school students to the court system, as well as by teaching law while 
on the bench. Throughout his career, Judge Urbina has been invested in 
improving both the law that serves our community and the community 
where the law is observed.
  Judge Urbina has now taken senior status on the U.S. District Court 
for the District of Columbia, but he will continue to serve the city, 
the court, and the law in a multifaceted life and career that has been 
characterized by dedication and wisdom. Judge Urbina's career in the 
law has special meaning today particularly for Latinos, the fastest 
growing community in our country. The judge's roots in our Latino 
community make him a history-making role model particularly for a 
community that had no presence on either our local or federal courts 
before he paved the way on both. Yet, because of Judge Urbina's 
professionalism, excellence, character, and many contributions to the 
law and to the community, he has set a high bar as a lawyer, judge and 
distinguished citizen not only for lawyers, but for all who aspire to 
achieve in our city.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
honoring Judge Ricardo M. Urbina for his accomplishments on the courts 
on which he has served and for his contribution to the law and to the 
residents of the District of Columbia.

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