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Yvette Ostolaza
Firm: Sidley Austin LLP
Forbes Ranking: America’s Top 200 Lawyers 2024
Ostolaza has distinguished herself at the highest echelons of law firm practice. An expert in commercial litigation, securities law and regulation, she’s successfully represented clients across industries, from Halliburton
But one of her biggest points of pride is the trail she’s blazing for young attorneys coming up behind her—particularly Latina lawyers, who currently comprise only 2% of the profession. As Sidley Austin’s management committee chair, she’s the first Hispanic female leader of any Am Law 100 firm.
“I am proud of this accomplishment and the fact that Sidley, a 158-year-old firm, was the first to do so,” Ostolaza says. “My hope is that diverse lawyers entering the legal space today will have no memory of this accomplishment, because leadership of Big Law is reflective of the clients we serve.”
Ostolaza’s success speaks for itself. Under her leadership, Sidley has reached revenues of more than $3 billion. Ostolaza serves as lead counsel on high-profile investigations, including successfully representing NPR, Best Buy
Ostolaza, a Miami native and the first member of her Cuban-American family to attend college, credits her work ethic, and commitment to client service, for her rise from associate to partner to global litigation co-leader to executive committee, over her 30 year career.
“Our business is deeply rooted in the service culture, and I take great pride in working closely with teams on a day-to-day basis,” Ostolaza says. “I believe that preparing the next generation of Sidley lawyers is my highest calling.”
For the full list of America’s Top 200 Lawyers 2024, click here.
For questions about this list, please contact lawyerlist [at] Forbes.com.
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