The Nelson A. Díaz Professorship is the first Latino Professorship at Temple University. The Professorship upholds the mission and passion of Judge Díaz’s extraordinary life by supporting teaching and research into justice, equity, international human rights, civil rights, and corporate, public, and community service. The Lecture is an annual celebration of the Professorship.
The Honorable Nelson A. Díaz
The Honorable Nelson Díaz is Of Counsel at Dilworth Paxson following a trailblazing career in the legal profession. A 1972 graduate of Temple Law School, he was the youngest judge to serve on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas at the time of his election in 1981, and the first Latinx judge in Pennsylvania history. He concentrates his practice in the areas of litigation, dispute resolution, public housing issues, and government relations and has represented public entities, corporations, hospitals, banks, and non-profit organizations in both state and federal courts.
Judge Díaz 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, Judge Díaz 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. He also served as a White House Fellow as special assistant to Vice President Walter Mondale. Judge Díaz is a leader in the Latinx community and a member of Temple University’s Board of Trustees.
Past Nelson A. Díaz Professorship Lectures
| Year | Presenters | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | The Hon. L. Felipe Restrepo, moderating; The Hon.Juan Sanchez, Diana Cortes, Jacqueline Romero |
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