01/25/2026
January 23, 2026
HUDSON VALLEY HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION CONGRATULATES FIVE MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE CHARACTER AND FITNESS COMMITTEE
The Hudson Valley Hispanic Bar Association is proud to congratulate its five members that were appointed to the Character and Fitness Committee for the Appellate Division, Second Department. The members are: Doralba Lassalle, Eric Santos, Crismelly Morales, Leilani Rodriguez and Maria Isabel Figueroa-Morgade.
The Appellate Division, Second Department's Committee on Character and Fitness evaluates the moral character and professional reputation of applicants for admission to the bar in the 2nd, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 13th Judicial Districts. The Committee added thirteen new members effective January 1, 2026. The addition of members from affinity bar associations to this important committee ensures that we continue to expand the diversity of our legal community.
Doralba Lassalle, a founding member and past President of the HVHBA is the owner of Lassalle Law, PLLC, and specializes in matrimonial/family law, medical malpractice, and personal injury. She also is a Special Master in New York State Supreme Court, Bronx County.
Eric Santos, a founding member and first President of the HVHBA is a partner at Rivkin Radler, LLP. He works in the firm's Commercial Litigation and General Liability Practice Groups, focusing on commercial litigation and liability defense.
Crismelly Morales is the owner and founder of Crismelly Morales, Esq. P.C. specializing in immigration law in both New York and New Jersey. She assists clients with navigating the complexities of the immigration process and defends clients facing deportation.
Leilani Rodriguez is an equity partner at Sholes, Miller, Rodriguez & Brown, PLLC, where she specializes in medical malpractice defense, personal injury, civil rights and professional liability. She handles both trial and appellate litigation.
Maria Isabel Figueroa-Morgade is a solo practitioner admitted in both New York and Puerto Rico specializing in wills and estates, guardianships, immigration law, contract drafting and review, and money management.
The Hudson Valley Hispanic Bar Association congratulates them all and wishes them much success in this important service to the legal community.
