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Corporate LawyerRichard Negrin is a tough, talented attorney at one ofthe most prestigious law firms in the country. Prior to joiningthe firm of Morgan Lewis, Negrin worked five years as aprosecuting attorney. Today he litigates parts liability casesfor his clients, which include Fortune 100 companies; butwhen Negrin was growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, noone in his family even knew a lawyer.“We lived in the poor section of town and my first language was Spanish,”says the Philadelphia attorney whose family emigrated from Cuba. “We thoughtof lawyers as mysterious and inaccessible.”Negrin graduated from Rutgers University Law School, and today—in additionto his role as an attorney—he serves as president of the Hispanic Bar Associationof Pennsylvania (HBA). In that role, Negrin raises scholarship money, encouragesHispanic students to pursue careers in law, and helps worthy law students to getnoticed by potential employers.“Hispanic students are often kids from a lower economic background,”Negrin says. “Their parents don’t socialize in the same circles as local lawyers andjudges, and their application might be buried in a pile of resumes. If a Hispanicstudent has done well in law school, we try to help her resume get the notice itdeserves.”In addition to serving as HBA president, Negrin also gives back to thecommunity by serving on the boards of the local Red Cross and Community LegalServices. Negrin also performs pro bono (free) legal work for clients who are toopoor to pay for his services.Each year, the 138 Hispanic Bar Association members raise scholarshipfunds for about 12 local students.“It’s a good way to network and develop mentors,” Negrin says. “And itallows members to use our abilities and experience to help those who follow.”SkillsPersonalityEducationResearch and writing, speaking, organizational,managerial skills.Outgoing, hardworking, logical.Undergraduate degree, law degree. Serving on communityservice boards usually requires some volunteerexperience with the organization.You can find more information about HBA at www.hba-pa.com.For more information about corporate attorneys, visit ubpl.glencoe.com orvisit your public library.254 Unit 2: Entering Into Contracts