A Collective of Attorneys and Advocates

To Progress, Secure, and Protect Our Rights

Diverse Experts, One Mission

Our team is comprised of seasoned professionals with expertise in diverse legal and professional backgrounds and specialties to ensure that the interests and rights of Filipinos and Filipino Americans are progressed, secured, protected, and advocated for. Our Board of Directors commit their time, efforts, and resources voluntarily to the safety, wellbeing, and growth of the Filipino and Filipino American community.

We are always looking for passionate leaders to join our board or volunteer and help expand the reach of FALDEF across the nation. If you are interested in learning more or applying, please submit a letter of intent and your resume, Subject: FALDEF Board Interest/Volunteer Interest, to lrcobrador@gmail.com

Group of seven people, six men and one woman, dressed in formal attire, holding certificates, standing in front of a decorated stage. The woman is in the center wearing a dress, and the men are in suits and bow ties.

Executive Board

Our executive leadership team is committed to paving the way to execute, expand, and enhance the reach and impact of FALDEF across the nation. Our leadership team is comprised of experienced professionals with a commitment to strengthen justice and resiliency for Filipinos and Filipino Americans.

  • A black and white photo of a man in a suit and tie, standing indoors with decorations and flowers in the background.

    President, J.T Mallonga, Esq

    Partner at Abad Constancio and Mallonga

  • A woman with short dark hair smiling, with arms crossed, dressed in a blazer and a patterned blouse, standing against a light background.

    Executive Director, Licelle Cobrador, Esq

    Founder at Cobrdaor and Associates

  • Black and white portrait of a woman with dark hair tied back, wearing a blazer and a light-colored top, with arms crossed, looking at the camera with a slight smile.

    Vice President, Patricia Astorga, Esq

    Chief Legal Officer at Mintz Group

  • Black and white photo of a smiling man with dark hair, wearing a suit jacket and white shirt.

    General Counsel, Leandro Lachica, Esq

    Attorney at The Howley Law Firm

  • A black and white portrait of a middle-aged woman with short dark hair, wearing earrings and a patterned outfit.

    Treasurer, Marcela Deauna

    Clerk at Bergen County Clerk's Office

  • A man in a suit smiling, standing in front of a backdrop with the words "DEFEND, EDUCATE, EMPOWER" and the acronym "LDF."

    Secretary, Lito Pernia

    Financial Controller at NAACP Legal Defense Fund

  • Black and white photo of a woman with earrings and a necklace, standing next to a flag.

    Asst. Secretary Rosemarie Rosales, DNP

    Director at East Orange Hospital

Pro Bono Legal Team

Our team of pro bono and volunteer legal professionals bring together years of experiences to support our executive operations and advise the community on diverse legal issues.

  • Black and white photo of a young man with glasses, wearing a suit and smiling with arms crossed, standing in a corridor.

    John Baltazar, Esq

    Contracts Counsel at Guidepoint

  • A man dressed in a suit and tie, standing with his arms crossed, is smiling in front of a black backdrop with various logos and text including "The Evening in Manila", "ARK", and "Philippine Airlines".

    Randy C, Gonzales, Esq

    Of Counsel at Cobrador and Associates

  • A woman with long hair, wearing earrings, dressed in a dark blazer and a striped shirt, smiling in front of a plain white background.

    Angelica N. Lopez, Esq.

    Partner at Pillinger Miller Tarallo, LLP.

  • Black and white portrait of a woman with long dark hair, wearing a black top with a keyhole detail and a necklace, standing against a plain light-colored wall.

    Annie Yang

Board of Directors

Our board members are passionate leaders who work to ensure that FALDEF is steered in a sustainable and innovative direction, as well as work to support the leadership team in executing various programs, fundraising goals, and operational committees.

  • Black and white portrait of a man wearing glasses, a dark suit, a white shirt, and a patterned tie, smiling at the camera.

    Chairman of the Board, Robert Rivas

    Former Mayor at Bergenfield, New Jersey, Retired

  • A black and white portrait of a middle-aged woman with short hair, wearing pearl earrings, a floral patterned top, and a string of pearls around her neck.

    Honorary Chair, Loida Nicolas Lewis

    Former CEO at TLC Beatrice, Founder at National Federation of Filipino American Associations and Founder at Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund

  • A woman with short, styled hair smiling, wearing a pearl necklace and a dark top, standing in front of a shiny, reflective backdrop.

    Nimfa Du-Tinana

    Retired

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with short, wavy hair wearing earrings and a floral-patterned top.

    Angie Cruz, Ph.D

    Retired

  • A man with glasses, smiling, dressed in a suit and tie, in an indoor setting with multiple shelves or displays in the background.

    Roger Alama

    Retired

  • A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a patterned dress, holding a fan, in a well-lit indoor setting.

    Dolly Rivera, MD

    Co-Owner at Bridgeway Senior Healthcare

  • Black-and-white portrait of a middle-aged man with slicked-back hair, a mustache, wearing a suit and tie, in front of framed awards on a wall.

    Councilmember Buddy Deauna

    Councilmember at Bergenfield, New Jersey

  • A smiling man wearing glasses, a suit with a decorative sash, and a traditional patterned tie.

    Emilio Quines, Jr., MD

    Founder at U.E.R.M Medical Foundation, Retired

  • Jose Ramos, Jr.

Join us. Take action today

If you are interested in learning more or applying, please submit a letter of intent and your resume, Subject: FALDEF Board Interest/Volunteer Interest, to lrcobrador@gmail.com

Become A Board Member or Volunteer