Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci to Lead City Bar Diversity Efforts

The New York City Bar Association has named Tanya Martinez-Gallinucci Executive Director of its Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (ODEIB).

Ms. Martinez-Gallinucci was previously a litigation associate at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, where she dedicated much of her time to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives and pro bono work.  As a Member of the Diversity Advisory Committee and liaison to the Latinx Affinity Group, Ms. Martinez-Gallinucci focused on creating access to developmental opportunities, senior lawyer networks, meaningful mentorship, and programming in support of associates from historically excluded groups.   

Her broad-based pro bono practice also reflected her commitment to equality and justice and included an externship at Mobilization for Justice where she worked with indigent clients in landlord-tenant disputes, various immigration-related matters, and work with special-needs students as co-counsel with Advocates for Children

Prior to receiving her JD from Columbia Law School (following her BA from Yale and Masters from City College), Ms. Martinez-Gallinucci taught at a middle school in the Bronx and at City College Academy of the Arts in Washington Heights, and served as a law clerk in the NYC Department of Education. Ms. Martinez-Gallinucci is proud to be the product of the New York City public school system herself and a first-generation professional.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve at the New York City Bar Association in this important role,” she said. “I cannot help but feel that all roads have led me here and I cannot wait to see what we create together.”

Bret Parker, Executive Director of the City Bar, said, “We are delighted to welcome Tanya to head up the City Bar’s diversity efforts. As someone who describes herself as “first-generation everything” and has worked hard to find her way as a lawyer, she knows first-hand the obstacles and challenges we face in truly diversifying the legal profession.”

Carol C. Villegas, Chair of the City Bar Fund, which oversees ODEIB, said, “We love Tanya’s background as an educator prior to becoming a lawyer, as the student pipeline is key to the City Bar’s work and central to diversifying the profession. The Board is excited to support and work with her to take our diversity efforts to the next level.”