Women’s History Month Spotlight Series: Marcela Robledo

As part of our Women’s History Month celebration, we’ve asked our colleagues to reflect on the significance of this month.

Cleary Gottlieb partner Marcela Robledo shares some of her thoughts below.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Cleary.

I am a partner in our San Francisco office, where I focus on technology transactions. I have been with the firm for three years and in that short time have had the privilege of working with many of the firm’s partners and associates. I am a Latina attorney from Colombia, and I am deeply committed to making the legal profession a more equitable and inclusive place, particularly for women and women of color. Outside of client work, I dedicate a significant portion of my time to mentoring and sponsoring junior attorneys, particularly Latinas, and to supporting the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives. I currently chair the Women Lawyers Advisory Committee.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Women’s History Month is a moment to take stock of where we are and assess how much further we still have to go. For me, as a woman in a profession that has historically been dominated by those who do not look like me, this month carries particular weight. It is a reminder that representation matters and that we have an obligation to keep pushing that progress forward.

Has your identity impacted how you approach your work and career?

Absolutely. My identity has given me a perspective and a set of lived experiences that encourage me to be a better counselor, a more empathetic colleague, and a more effective advocate for my clients. It also drives the urgency I feel around mentorship and promotion of women.

Are there any women leaders, activists, writers/artists, professionals, or family members who have inspired you?

Most of my mentors and sponsors have been women, which is unusual in this field. Those women have taken the time to teach me, train me, and encourage me forward—actions for which I am grateful today and that I hope to pass on to future generations.

When you’re underrepresented in your chosen field, why is it important to have mentors and sponsors who are invested in you and your career?

The informal networks and relationships through which opportunities are often distributed might not be available to women. You may not be the person someone thinks of first when a high-profile matter needs staffing or when a leadership opportunity opens up. A sponsor—someone who is actively advocating for your advancement in rooms you are not in—can fundamentally change the trajectory of your career. Having had mentors and sponsors who were genuinely invested in me made an enormous difference in my own career, and it is precisely why I try to do the same for the women I mentor today. I want to be the person who opens a door, makes the call, or says the name.

What are the benefits of joining an affinity group at Cleary?

When you are working in an environment where you may be one of very few people who share your background or identity, finding a community of colleagues who understand your experience —without needing it explained—can be both professionally sustaining and personally meaningful.

The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer/firm. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal advice.