Mercedes Cruz Receives 2021 NALEO President’s Award

Los Angeles, Calif. (June 15, 2021) - Los Angeles Partner Mercedes Cruz recently received the 2021 National Association of Latino Appointed and Elected Officials (NALEO) President’s Award for her more than 25 years of public service to NALEO, including serving as its national employment law counsel since 1995.

The award, which was presented to Ms. Cruz during a small reception, is bestowed upon individuals who have distinguished themselves as public servants in the service of the country, NALEO, and the Latinx community. A video of the award presentation will be aired during NALEO’s 38th Annual Conference, which will be held virtually on June 23-24, 2021.

In notifying Ms. Cruz of her award, NALEO President Ricardo Lara stated, “NALEO is honored to present you with this award in appreciation for your outstanding support of NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund’s mission, work and sustainability. We are especially grateful for your work and leadership in serving as NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund’s pro bono employment counsel for more than 20 years.”

Similarly, Ms. Cruz noted, “It is an honor to receive this award. I am grateful for the support that [Chairman & Founding Partner] Bob Lewis and the firm have provided over the many years that I have worked with NALEO. In allowing me to pursue this important work, the firm has given back to the community in such a generous and meaningful way.”

Ms. Cruz is a member of Lewis Brisbois’ Labor & Employment Practice. She specializes in defending and advising private and public entities in all aspects of employment law, with a special emphasis on investigations, dispute resolution and prevention. She has also been an appointed panel official of the Los Angeles County Equity Oversight Panel for more than 17 years, overseeing internal investigations involving allegations of harassment and discrimination.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Cruz on this recognition. Learn more about NALEO here.