Lawyer, volunteer honored by alma mater

DOWNEY - Downey resident and immigration attorney Robert (Bob) Jacobs received the Rada Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.The honor recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years, achieved professional distinction and taken part in humanitarian activities. Jacobs was honored during a ceremony May 13, the night before the university's commencement ceremonies. Jacobs graduated with bachelor degrees in economics and political science in 1994, and went on to earn a jurist degree from Marquette University Law School in 1997. The following year, Jacobs became lead staff attorney for California Educational, Financial and Legal Centers Inc., a non-profit organization practicing immigration and criminal law. In 2002 he founded and became a senior partner of Jacobs & Vega PLC, which has immigrant and criminal law offices in Santa Fe Springs and Riverside. His wife, Lillian Vega Jacobs, also an attorney, is his fellow senior partner. Jacobs was elected to the executive boards of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Southeast District Bar Association and Mexican American Bar Association. "I never cease to be amazed at how Bob somehow finds a way to donate so much time to the betterment of the community, while still maintaining a happy family and raising two wonderful kids," said Judy Perez, 2010 president of the Mexican American Bar Association of Los Angeles County. Jacobs is also a member of Kiwanis International. He has been the community service chair, vice president, president-elect and is the current club president of Downey Kiwanis, where he has been involved in everything from member recruitment and fundraising to volunteer work. He has participated in fundraisers for Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Arc through its annual walk, and the Key Clubs at Downey-area high schools. "Bob Jacobs always treats others with the utmost dignity and respect for all members of our community," said Mario Trujillo, lieutenant governor for Division 13 of Kiwanis International. "He is an excellent lawyer and extraordinarily ethical person."

********** Published: June 9, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 8