McGuireWoods litigation partner Melissa Martinez has been selected for the Baltimore Business Journal’s 2019 “40 Under 40” list, honoring business professionals under age 40 for professional accomplishments and community service.
Martinez handles commercial and consumer litigation, business torts, contractual disputes and intellectual property litigation in federal and state courts. She is a past president of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Maryland.
Martinez also supports underprivileged communities through pro bono service and volunteerism. Her commitment to serving Baltimore youth includes serving on the board of directors and mentoring students through Adelante Latina, an after-school program preparing high school Latina girls for college.
“I am honored to be included in this group of accomplished professionals who are making significant contributions to our community,” Martinez said.
In April, Law360 profiled Martinez’s experience as a child immigrant who came to the United States from the Philippines and later returned to her birthplace as a Fulbright Scholar to research the effects of patents on Filipino pharmaceuticals. In her thesis, she examined ways in which intellectual property laws could be used to make life-saving medicine more accessible.
The Daily Record has recognized Martinez among Maryland’s “Leading Women” and has named her to its “VIP” list of outstanding business professionals under age 40.
“Melissa’s dedication to McGuireWoods, our clients and the community inspires us all and we are proud to see her receive this well-deserved honor,” said Cecil E. Martin III, managing partner of the firm’s Baltimore office.