Richard Saenz of QLS named one of 40 under 40 best LGBT lawyers

July 16, 2013, New York, NY—The National LGBT Bar Association this week named LSNYC staff attorney Richard Saenz as a member of its Class of 2013 Best LGBT Lawyers Under 40 who have distinguished themselves in their field and have demonstrated a profound commitment to LGBT equality. Richard is a staff attorney with Queens Legal Services, where he coordinates HIV/LGBT Advocacy.

Since joining QLS in 2011, Richard has worked with QLS clients, community partners and legislators to expand the rights of low-income LGBT and/or HIV-impacted New Yorkers. This past year, the HIV/LGBT Advocacy Project filed a lawsuit against the NYC Human Resources Administration, challenging HRA’s discrimination against transgender New Yorkers. 

“This is a great and well-deserved honor for Richard, who is a strong advocate for our LGBT clients, and who also has worked hard to build our organization’s overall LGBT advocacy,” said Raun Rasmussen, Legal Services NYC Executive Director. “2013 will be remembered as a tremendous year for the LGBT civil rights movement, but Richard’s work is a constant reminder that low-income, immigrant and LGBT New Yorkers of color face significant hurdles every day, and our work to provide expansive, justice-oriented advocacy is a critical part of advancing equality. We are so proud of Richard and his work, and congratulate him on this important recognition.” 

Richard and other honorees will be recognized at the August 2013 Lavender Law Conference in San Francisco, where Richard is also presenting on LGBT family law issues. 

Click here for the full list of 2013 “40 Under 40” honorees.