Conifer Names Lillian Plata as General Counsel

ROCHESTER, NY, October 12, 2023 -- Conifer Realty, a nationally recognized industry leader in the investment, development, and management of high-quality affordable housing, announced that Lillian Plata has been promoted to General Counsel.

Plata joined Conifer in 2022 as deputy general counsel, providing legal services in connection with the development, ownership, and management of the company’s affordable housing portfolio, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) syndications, debt financing, and property and portfolio acquisitions.

In her expanded role, Plata will be responsible for leading Conifer’s legal function as the company pursues its long-term growth strategy and works toward its goal of expanding access to high-quality affordable housing. 

“Lillian has quickly become a highly respected contributor to our legal team, said Barb Ross, Conifer’s Chief Administrative Officer. “As we move forward, her leadership will be integral in supporting the continued growth of our presence and our work to address the pressing national need for affordable housing.”  

Prior to joining Conifer, Plata served as a co-founding member of Nee Plata Law, LLC in Roseland, NJ, where she provided tax and structuring advice to corporations, partnerships, developers, non-profits, and government entities on an array of complex multimillion-dollar transactions. Other previous roles include General Partner at McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, LLC., Global Infrastructure/Public Finance/Tax Associate at Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP., and Public Finance/Tax Associate at Wilentz. Goldman & Spitzer, P.A.

During her 20+ year career Plata has received more than a dozen awards and distinctions, including: the 2017 Top Lawyers Under 40 Award from the Hispanic National Bar Association; the 2017 Social Justice Advocate Award from the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs; the 2018 Legacy Award from the Association of Latin American Law Students; the 2021 Top 50 Women in Business Award and recognition as a Leader in Law, both from NJBiz. She is also a frequent speaker on a variety of legal and housing related topics. 

Plata earned a B.A. in English from Drew University, a J.D. from the Rutgers School of Law, and an L.L.M. in Taxation from New York Law School. She has been an active member within many professional organizations, including Executive Women of New Jersey (Board of Trustees, Policy Chair), New Jersey Community Capital (Board of Directors, 2021), New Jersey Women Lawyers Association (Board of Trustees, 2010-2012, Endorsement Chair, 2021), the Don Pedro Development Corporation (Board of Trustees, 2012-2020), Neighborhood House Association (Board of Trustees, 2015-2017), and more.