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-Editorial
In a heartwarming display of unity and fellowship, lawyers, judges, and esteemed elected officials from Imperial County recently came together for a memorable evening of networking and celebration. Organized by the Imperial County Lawyers Association, the mixer served as an opportunity for legal professionals to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
Beyond the formalities of the courtroom, this event provided a chance for the legal community to let loose and savor delectable culinary offerings and beverages in an enchanting setting.
At the helm of the association is the dynamic Liza Barraza-Manriquez, who extended her heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, especially the new members who joined the ranks of the legal fraternity and the new board member like Armando Galvan and Belen Granados. Her words emphasized the importance of recognizing the local magistrate judge, Lupe Rodriguez Jr., an Imperial Valley native.
“The purpose of this mixer was to also acknowledge our new magistrate judge Lupe Rodriguez Jr., who is an Imperial Valley native. It is an absolute pleasure to collaborate with somebody like him, and I’m thankful to the rest of the judges who are supportive of the Imperial County Lawyers Association,” Barraza-Manriquez said.
Judge Rodriguez boasts a remarkable legal journey, graduating from the California Western School of Law in 1994. His legal career traversed the realms of civil litigation and criminal defense, handling diverse cases ranging from employment disputes to criminal charges. With over 27 years of experience, Judge Rodriguez’s remarkable background also includes his graduation from Imperial High School.
“I’m very happy to have a diverse group of attorneys in Imperial County that are active in the prosecution, defense, as well as the different civil arenas of the court, so I’m glad to get to meet these individuals,” Judge Rodriguez said, acknowledging the breadth of legal expertise present in the county.
Notable dignitaries graced the event, including Mexican Consul in Calexico Tarcisio Navarrete, El Centro Mayor Martha Singh, Imperial Councilmember Ida Obeso, Brawley Councilman Gil Rebollar, IID Board President Alex Cardenas, and Calexico City Manager Esperanza Colio-Warren.
The evening’s spirit of camaraderie and unity demonstrated that Imperial County’s legal community is not just about upholding the law but also about celebrating the bonds that unite them outside the courtroom. The mixer was a testament to their dedication to both the practice of law and the sense of community that makes Imperial County a unique and vibrant place to practice law.
