2023 Up & Coming Awards: Grace Colato Martinez, 34

Associate, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, Kansas City

Practice Areas: Business & Commercial Disputes, Investigations

Law School: University of Missouri – Kansas City

After receiving her bachelor’s degree, Grace Colato Martinez joined Teach for America and taught at an inner-city school in Kansas City and at a school in Cali, Colombia.

“I come from a family that cares deeply about societal inequities and has always stepped up to be involved in community development,” she says. “Their example initially sparked my interest in the legal field, and then teaching further inspired me to study law to learn more about our society’s legal framework.”

Last year, Martinez and a team of colleagues at Bryan Cave prevailed for a pro bono client under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction when they helped a Mexican mother get her children back.

Martinez considers among her greatest recent accomplishments learning to successfully juggle motherhood, her demanding job and leadership in a variety of diversity initiatives.

What advice do you have for young lawyers?  

My advice to young lawyers is to dive in and trust that you have what it takes. Nobody has it all figured out when they begin their careers. From what I hear from my mentors, nobody has it all figured out 20 years into their careers either. We are lifelong learners in our profession, so ask for help when you need it, but know that you can do this, and you will improve as you go.

What is something that would surprise people about you?  

I love country music.

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what profession would you have chosen? 

I might have been a psychologist, designer, or a participant in the performing arts.

What is the best career advice you have received?  

Don’t burn any bridges and be cordial.

What is your favorite thing to do away from work?  

I like to watch TV, cook, listen to music, garden, spend time with my family and travel.