The Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County brought together judges, attorneys, and political leaders to celebrate its accomplishments, honor community leaders and swear in new leadership on Oct. 16 at Terrace on the Park.

As part of the celebration, the legal group honored outgoing president Robert Miklos and presented awards to Ali Najmi, the chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Council of the Judiciary and Milton H. Florez, a Queens-based criminal defense attorney, U.S. Army Reserve officer, and former Bronx County assistant district attorney.

During the event, New York State Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas expressed deep personal connection and pride in the association. Zayas commended the award recipients and acknowledged outgoing President Robert Miklos for his dedication, leadership, expanded association outreach, and efforts to unify the community.

“I love this association. It has always had a special place in my heart,” Zayas said. “In this association, we are not just colleagues; we are friends and family and some of my best friends are part of this.”

In Miklos’ address, he announced that the association’s annual main honoree award will be named after founding member and past president, Queens Supreme Court Justice Carmen R. Velasquez.

Attorney Jose Nieves introduced Florez, the winner of the Latino Lawyer of the Year Award, highlighting Florez’s immigration story from Colombia, where he was born, to the U.S. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 10 years in addition to his 25-year career as a criminal defense attorney in Queens.

“I’m just overwhelmed, and I’m humbled by this recognition,” Florez said. “I always thought that I was flying really low under the radar and nobody really ever noticed me, but I really wanna thank the association for recognizing me.”

Justice Carmen R. Velasquez administered the oath of office to incoming President Maria Mateo, the founder of a family law and immigration practice.

“In this organization, I found guidance. I found mentorship, and I found that feeling of knowing that people that are around here know what I am, what I am and what I was going through,” Mateo said after being sworn in as president.

Milton H. FlorezPhoto by Ram Mahmoud Second to right, honoree Milton H. FlorezPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud Maria Mateo, Esq.Photo by Ramy Mahmoud Second to left, honoree Milton Florez and, second to right, Chief Administrative Judge Joseph ZayasPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud Attendees of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County galaPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud Attendees of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens County galaPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud From left, Assemblymember Edward C. Braunstein and Ali NajmiPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud From left, Ali Najmi and Assemblymember Catalina CruzPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud Milton H. Florez, center, was honored as the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens CountyPhoto by Ramy Mahmoud