Two Phillips Lytle Attorneys Named to Lawyers of Color’s 2023 Hot List

Second year in a row that Phillips Lytle attorneys have been recognized for publication’s annual list

Buffalo, N.Y. – Phillips Lytle LLP attorneys Natalia Marte and Paula P. Plaza were named to the Lawyers of Color’s 2023 Hot List, which recognizes early- to mid-career attorneys excelling in the legal profession.

Lawyers of Color is a nonprofit devoted to promoting diversity in the legal profession and advancing democracy and equality in marginalized communities. First released in 2013, the Hot List consists of attorneys who exemplify integrity, high achievement, leadership and a passion for diversity.

Natalia is an associate at Phillips Lytle in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. She received her B.A. from Roger Williams University, M.A. from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and J.D. from the University at Buffalo School of Law. She is an experienced attorney who assists clients with a broad range of commercial litigation and labor and employment matters. She also assists with matters focusing on trusts and estates, products liability, white collar crime as well as appellate matters. Natalia serves as a member of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. In addition, she is involved in the community and serves as Deputy Treasurer of the Western New York Minority Bar Association and as a board member of the National Black Law Students Association’s Northeast Region Advisory Board.

Paula is an associate at Phillips Lytle in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group. She received her B.A. from McGill University, J.D. from the University of the Philippines and Masters of Law from the University of Michigan Law School. Paula has held fellowships in the American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section and Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative through the U.S. State Department. As a University of Michigan DeWitt scholar, she was named Most Valuable Masters of Law Editor in the Michigan Journal of International Law. Paula is the first Filipino to win back-to-back Best Speaker awards at the Stetson International Environmental Law Moot Court Competition in the International and Southeast Asian Rounds. She was a 30 Under 30 Game Changers awardee and was named Top 10 Power Millennials. Paula also received the Distinguished Performance Award for pro bono legal aid. She has presented in conferences and published articles for the Asian Development Bank Institute and Association  for Conflict Resolution Greater NY.

Phillips Lytle LLP is a preeminent law firm that is recognized nationally for its legal excellence. With offices across New York State and in Chicago, IL; Washington, D.C.; and Canada, our attorneys serve a multinational client base, including Fortune 1000 companies, global and regional financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, middle-market companies, startups, entrepreneurs and individuals on important matters affecting their businesses and personal wealth. For more information, visit phillipslytle.com.

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