A trial lawyer and former prosecutor, Diana Cortes—who currently serves as city solicitor, the City of Philadelphia’s chief legal officer—will return to Morgan Lewis to add to the firm’s deep former government roster. She will represent clients in crisis and complex litigation matters, including class actions, and will handle criminal investigations.
“Diana’s extensive understanding of how to navigate the legal and governmental landscape will be instrumental to companies who are facing legal crises and reputational risk, particularly in the growing area of actions involving municipalities and state entities,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “We’re seeing an increase in nationwide litigation and investigations involving consumer protection claims that are often led by municipalities and state attorneys general. Diana will enhance our ability to defend companies in these matters.”
Serving as a critical member of the Philadelphia Mayor’s Cabinet as the city solicitor, Diana manages one of the largest municipal law practices in the country, covering litigation, corporate, real estate, tax, regulatory, legislative, and privacy matters. She has conducted close to 100 hearings, conferences, and trials in state and federal courts. She is currently serving on the board of directors for the International Municipal Lawyers Association, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Philadelphia Pension Board, and Philadelphia Facilities Management Corporation. She also served as an assistant district attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and as a litigator in private practice.
Diana served as a law clerk to the Honorable Juan Sánchez of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. She has taught trial advocacy at Temple University Beasley School of Law and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Fluent in Spanish, Diana is an active member of Philadelphia’s Hispanic Bar Association and the Philadelphia Diversity Law Group.
“Diana is an exceptional trial lawyer who will strengthen our capacity nationwide, while offering unique and particular strength in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania,” said J. Gordon Cooney, Jr., leader of the firm’s litigation practice. “Overseeing the large and varied docket of litigation involving the city, Diana has been deeply involved in several different municipality investigations and litigations that have involved various industries, including education, finance, and telecommunications. She will add a valuable perspective and differentiator to our crisis and complex litigation practices.”
Diana will join in Philadelphia other recent former government and regulatory officials, including recent additions Dana Baiocco, who served as one of five commissioners of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission; Kelly Gibson, who served as the acting deputy director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, as director of the SEC’s Philadelphia Regional Office, and leader of the SEC’s new nationwide Climate and ESG Task Force; and Kate Deal, who served as an assistant US attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
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