Patricia Lehtinen Silva brings extensive experience in litigation and dispute resolution, with a particular focus on complex investigations and tort, environmental, securities and commercial matters.

An advisor who enjoys counseling clients through challenging issues, Patricia manages all aspects of litigation across the country in both state and federal courts, including class actions. She has broad experience in commercial, securities, tort, and environmental law. Her practice involves complex litigation regarding environmentally sensitive sites and allegations of toxic tort, product liability, breaches of warranty, and property nuisance.

Prior to rejoining Lathrop GPM, Patricia served as investigative counsel at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. In this role, she conducted confidential, non-public investigations into potential violations of federal securities laws, including significant work related to antifraud provisions of the Securities Act, Securities Exchange Act, and Investment Advisers Act.

Patricia is a believer in pro bono. She previously served as a Guardian ad Litem in Florida state court proceedings. Currently, she serves on the vestry of her church and seeks opportunities to help in her local community.

Earlier in her career, Patricia served as a Law Clerk for a Senior U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of Florida, where she conducted legal research and drafted orders on a variety of federal civil and criminal matters.

Patricia earned her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and her Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Political Science from Yale University.

Areas of Focus

Credentials

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 2013)
  • Yale University (B.A., Political Science, with distinction, 2010)

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Missouri (Inactive, reactivation pending)
  • Florida
  • Illinois

Recognitions

  • U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Special Act Award, 2023-2024
  • Selected among The Best Lawyers in America®, "Ones to Watch," 2023
  • The Missouri Bar Young Lawyers Section, Pro Bono Publico Award, 2018
  • The Missouri Times, "30 Under 30," 2016

Presentations

  • Presenter, "Alone, Together: Why a Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health and Diversity is Necessary and How to Help,” LawPractice CLE, August 2, 2021
  • Presenter, "Mental Health Efforts Will Support Diversity in Legal Industry," Federal Bar Association, July 13, 2020

Professional Activities

  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Pathfinder Program, 2019
    • City Lead, Southwest Florida, 2020-2021
  • Cuban American Bar Association
  • Clayton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Clayton, class of 2016-2017