Gloria Borges

Lisa Holton

2012-05-31 02:40:13 PM

Gloria Borges, 30, associate

O'Melveny & Myers

O'Melveny describes Borges as a "force of nature" who represented Advanced Micro Devices Inc. in its global monopoly suit against Intel Corp. that led to a landmark $1.25 billion settlement in 2009. The young attorney's path was briefly sidelined in 2010 with an advanced diagnosis of colon cancer. She's back at work after a leave to follow an aggressive treatment path that included chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. In the early days after the diagnosis, she started a blog discussing her experience and last year founded The WunderGlo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that's raised more than $40,000 for colon cancer research and advocacy. In addition to her work at the firm and her foundation work, Borges is active in the Hispanic National Bar Association, and currently serves on the advisory board of the Western Center on Law and Poverty as well as the steering committee for the L.A. Library Foundation's Young Literati.

Word that best describes you?

Competitive.

Toughest moment in law school or as a lawyer?

When I had to go on medical leave shortly after being diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. I didn't want to leave the firm and I didn't want to give up my cases. But during the 10 months I was on medical leave, I learned so much, punched cancer in the face, and became a better person — and lawyer.

Most interesting place you've traveled?

Oxford, England. I've always been a huge fan of British literature and film (and pretty much everything else), and one of my favorite authors, C.S. Lewis, taught there (and at Cambridge). Drinking a half pint at his favorite pub was definitely an awesome memory.

Guilty pleasure?

Watching Jersey Shore. Please don't judge me.

Most unusual hobby?

Does becoming a hip-hop DJ count? If not, I think being an avid great white shark fanatic must count.

Favorite quote?

"We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community. Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own." — Cesar Chavez

A lawyer you admire?

Thurgood Marshall. He never compromised his values, he worked incredibly hard, and he changed the world for the better.