Paula P. Plaza grew up in the Philippines, the daughter of public servants and first responders – her father a three-term Congressman and Manobo tribe chieftain and her mother a Philippine Army Colonel. Her professional aspirations were on law, and as of late specifically within technology, eDiscovery, and data privacy.

Paula (left in the group photo) first left the Philippines to attend McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Following graduation, she returned to the Philippines to earn her first law degree. She then left again, this time for Ann Arbor, Michigan to study in the University of Michigan’s Masters of Law program under a full scholarship, and to experience her first taste of living in the United States. As she was nearing graduation, she wanted to explore more opportunities in the U.S. and was connected to Anna Mercado Clark, a partner at Phillips Lytle law firm who is based in New York City but frequently travels to Buffalo and is colloquially dubbed a “dual citizen.”

Anna (right in the group photo) chatted with Paula, advised her to try applying to Phillips Lytle, and has become a mentor since that first conversation. Phillips Lytle extended an offer to Paula a week before her graduation. Paula was so convinced that Buffalo was where she wanted to be, that she packed all of her things when she first came to town to take the New York bar exam (she passed, of course).

“In preparing for interviews and meeting the lawyers via WebEx, I was convinced it would be a great fit. ​ I’m a firm believer in collegiality and intellectual rigor. ​ This sense of community and excellence radiated from everyone,” said Paula.

Now, Paula is settled, and happily so, in Buffalo. She rents an apartment near the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. She doesn’t have a car, which works perfectly for her as her apartment, work, and main hobbies are all easily accessible along Buffalo’s subway or within walkable neighborhoods.

“Buffalo has a small town vibe but with all the luxuries of a big city,” said Paula. “I love the food, vibrant culture, and kind folks.”

Paula has enjoyed Buffalo’s rich theatre scene, taking in shows at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Road Less Travelled Theatre, Irish Classical Theatre, and more. She also loves a good party, especially on Halloween. This most recent Halloween she celebrated from the Witches Ball at the Statler Hotel.

“I’ve celebrated Halloween in Manila, Montreal, and Manhattan, but Buffalo had the best celebration of all,” said Paula. “Buffalonians know how to party and had the best costumes!”

Lately she has been trying a new café every Sunday morning – her favorite thus far being Public Espresso. She’s taken in both Buffalo Sabres and Bills games. And she is diving back into fitness, while training to run in the Buffalo International Marathon.

What does your mentorship relationship with Anna mean to you? .

It’s everything! It’s intimidating moving to a new city in a different country and working with an entirely new legal system and culture. English is my second language! To see a woman like Anna, another minority woman – a woman in power – helps me see a path for myself and gives me hope and strength. She is the President-elect of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association and involved in so many other organizations. Anna is poised, articulate, charming, and incredibly sharp. ​ I felt myself immediately drawn to and challenged by her. And she always takes the time to continue mentoring me, other associates in the firm, and members of her various organizations.

How about those Buffalo winters?

I grew up figure skating in the Philippines and did so competitively for about five years. The winters were actually another draw for why I wanted to come to Buffalo! My office at Phillips Lytle overlooks the Canalside ice rink during the winters and I actually keep my figure skates in the office and go skating after work when I am able.