May 2, 2019

By Kristen Mowery, Managing Editor

Diana Silva, a 2011 graduate from what was then the Earle Mack School of Law, is currently a partner at Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox and works in environmental litigation and regulatory compliance. Before attending law school, Diana worked as a municipal planner and grant coordinator for the Borough of Norristown’s Planning and Municipal Development Department in Montgomery County for three and a half years. From this work, she learned about the issue of land banking, which was the topic of her Note, titled “Land Banking as a Tool for the Economic Redevelopment of Older Industrial Cities.” Her Note was very timely because within six months of publication, Pennsylvania adopted legislation regarding land banking, with Philadelphia to propose the adoption of similar legislation soon thereafter. Her biggest challenge with writing her Note was trying to get it done before a few pretty big events—her wedding and honeymoon!

When asked if Diana knew she wanted to practice environmental law, she responded that she never particularly saw herself doing what she does now, but that she knew that the people at Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox made it a perfect fit. Diana knew what she wanted as a second-career attorney: to find a place to build a strong career and stay until retirement. She said that for her, it was always more of a pick of law firm rather than practice area. Drexel Law Review is tremendously proud of Diana’s accomplishments and that she is able to work each day at a place she loves.