The Spanish Language, Latino Culture & the Legal Profession
The Honorable Ricardo Zwaig
On July 23, 2010 Governor Martin O'Malley named Ricardo Zwaig (class of 1977) as Associate Judge of the District Court of Maryland for Howard County, the first appointment of a Latino male in the history of the Maryland judiciary. On September 17 of the same year, Mr. Zwaig received the Outstanding Achievement award from the Hispanic Bar Association of Maryland.
These two accomplishments are emblematic of Mr. Zwaig's career and life of dedication to bringing equality to Latinos, the indigent, and others who suffer from discrimination and whose voices are not typically heard in our society; this same commitment is evident in his contributions to UMBC. His entire career has been an outstanding example of the linguistic and intercultural training, as well as a commitment to justice for all, that were central to his studies at UMBC as a Spanish major, and of the high value UMBC places on commitment to community and cultural diversity. Mr. Zwaig's fluency in Spanish and his keen understanding of Latino cultures have allowed him to become an effective advocate for his clients in the complex and often bewildering judicial system, especially confusing for those whose comprehension of English and U.S. culture are limited. He has proudly served the Hispanic community so as to lessen the difficulties and barriers language and cultural differences may bring in legal matters.