DELAND, Fla. — Antonio Jaimes, a Mexican-American attorney practicing in Volusia County, wants to see more diversity in his profession.

What You Need To Know

  •  Antonio Jaimes hopes to raise awareness, increase diversity in the legal profession

  • According to a 2022 summary from the American Bar Association, 5.8% of lawyers are Hispanic compared to 81% who are white

  • Jaimes feels there should be more programs encouraging people of color to join the legal field

Jaimes feels his roots are his strength. He can connect with and help members of the Hispanic community who don’t speak English.

Jaimes, who is the chief legal officer for Volusia County’s clerk of the circuit court, says he recently encountered someone outside the courthouse who didn’t speak English and needed assistance.

“I walked him through and he was able to resolve the case right there and then,” he recounted.

According to a 2022 summary from the American Bar Association, 5.8% of lawyers in the United States are Hispanic. White people, who make up 60% of the national population, make up 81% of lawyers.

Jaimes feels there should be more programs encouraging people of color to join the legal field. He is hoping to raise awareness on his end, mentoring young people like his niece who shows an interest in the profession.

“If I can inspire one person, I think I’ve done my job,” he said. “My calling being a lawyer is I’m in a position to be able to help people.”

Locally the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida and the Paul C. Perkins Bar Association aim to advance diversity in the legal profession through outreach and scholarships. Jaimes received a scholarship from the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida toward his tuition at FAMU College of Law.