The Honorable Nelson Diaz concentrates his practice in the areas of litigation, dispute resolution, public housing issues and government relations. He has represented public entities, corporations, hospitals, banks, and non-profit organizations in both state and federal courts.
Nelson served as a judge for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas from 1981 through 1993. He was the youngest judge elected to the Court and the first Latino judge in Pennsylvania history.
In addition to his legal practice, Nelson served as the city solicitor of Philadelphia and was appointed by President Clinton to be the general counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he focused on reforming public and mixed-use housing programs.
Nelson also served as a White House Fellow as special assistant to Vice President Walter Mondale.
Professional Recognition
- Listed in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers 2004–2011, 2014–2016
- Received the 2012 Latino Trendsetter Award
- Philadelphia Bar Association’s Justice Sonia Sotomayor Diversity Award, 2015
- Listed in Impacto Newspaper's Delaware Valley Most Influential Latinos Award, 2014
- Brillante Founder Award, National Society of Hispanic MBAs, 2014
- Association for Independent Growth Foundation’s Civic Leadership Award.
- American Bar Association Spirit of Excellence Award, 2001
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund Award of Excellence
- Received several civil rights and management awards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Listed in Hispanic Business 100 most influential Hispanic Americans
- Awarded honorary doctorates from Temple University, La Salle University, Albright College and Lincoln University.
- Founding Member & Secretary, Latino Corporate Directors Association.
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