Fletcher Tilton PC Litigation Department Chair Adam C. Ponte (’06) returned to his alma mater on Saturday, March 22, 2025, to participate as a featured panelist at Holy Cross’s inaugural “Identity & Industry: Cultivating Community” event. The day-long program brought together alumni and students for meaningful conversations about the intersection of identity and career development.
Ponte shared his insights and experiences on two distinguished panels during the event. As part of the Government, International Affairs & Law Panel, he joined other accomplished Holy Cross alumni including Michelle Moreno-Silva (’15) from the RI Department of Treasury, Riley Breakell (’17) from Motley Rice LLC, and Amanda Whelan Velluto (’03) from General Catalyst. The discussion provided students with valuable insights into legal career paths, the transferable skills developed at Holy Cross, and strategies for success in the legal profession.
In addition to his participation in the professional track, Ponte also served on the Asian/Pacific Islander Identities Panel, where he shared personal reflections on how his background and experiences have influenced his professional journey. This panel examined the unique perspectives Asian/Pacific Islander professionals bring to their careers and how cultural identity serves as both a strength and distinguishing factor in professional settings, including law firms.
Throughout both panels, Ponte spoke candidly about the lasting impact of his Holy Cross education and connections. He emphasized how the relationships formed during his undergraduate years have remained instrumental throughout his career development, with Holy Cross alumni providing some of his first significant professional opportunities. “The Holy Cross network isn’t just about professional connections—it’s about genuine friendships that evolve into meaningful and impactful collaboration,” Ponte noted during the discussion. “My career journey demonstrates how those relationships formed at Holy Cross can open doors and provide support throughout your professional life.”
Ponte skillfully navigated a range of questions, including discussions about political dynamics in the legal profession, reflections on his undergraduate experiences, and practical advice for students considering legal careers. His participation exemplified Fletcher Tilton’s commitment to professional development and community engagement.
The “Identity & Industry: Cultivating Community” event featured keynote speaker Brandon Gomez (’14), a CNBC Reporter/Producer, and included specialized panels exploring various identity groups and industry sectors. It was co-sponsored by Alumni Relations, the Bishop Healy Committee, CHARA: Holy Cross Alumni Anti-Racism Alliance, Center for Career Development, and the Office of Justice, Equity, Belonging, and Identity.
Adam C. Ponte chairs Fletcher Tilton’s Litigation Department and serves on the firm’s Management Committee. His practice focuses on complex civil litigation, representing businesses and individuals in business disputes, construction matters and risk management, real estate conflicts, and employment cases. Recognized in 2023 as a Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly “Go To Lawyer” for Construction, Ponte was also named to Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” that same year. He currently manages the firm’s Boston office and was previously appointed by Governor Charlie Baker to the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission.
Ponte earned his bachelor’s degree from The College of the Holy Cross and his law degree from Boston University School of Law. He is an active member of the Holy Cross Lawyers Association, Massachusetts Bar Association, and Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts.