Bloomberg Law Honors Amanda Nitto on National “40 Under 40” List

Amanda Pickens Nitto, a litigator at Robinson Bradshaw, is a 2025 honoree for Bloomberg Law’s “They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40.” The publication’s annual awards honor 40 young lawyers from across the country who “excel at client work at their law firms and companies, take on weighty leadership roles, and still make time for mentorship and pro bono work.” Nitto is the only recipient in the Southeast, and she is the first Robinson Bradshaw attorney to earn this award.

A respected litigator and trusted adviser, Nitto was recognized in part for significant wins in her practice. She recently helped the Southeastern Conference obtain approval of a nearly $2.8 billion-dollar class action settlement, along with the NCAA and other conferences, in the landmark litigation that redefined revenue sharing and name, image and likeness in collegiate athletics. Nitto was also part of the team that represented Wake Forest University in the highly publicized “Varsity Blues” college admissions bribery scandal, achieving dismissal on behalf of the university after crafting a sophisticated strategy for the joint defense group.

“I tend to attract clients facing complicated challenges with unforgiving timelines who are under the microscope of hundreds of critical eyes. … They are juggling complicated boardroom dynamics, internal ‘leaks’ to the media, the quick-to-judge analytic eyes of Wall Street, and the stress of making the ‘right’ decision,” Nitto told Bloomberg Law. “Success is when my clients trust me to guide them through those turbulent waters. Success is when we are their counselor—not just their legal adviser. When our clients face some of the most stressful moments in their careers, it is very rewarding to be the person they call for help.”

Outside of her legal practice, Nitto is a community advocate. She is deeply engaged in early childhood education advocacy as recent board chair of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and past chair of the MECK Pre-K Committee. She has held leadership roles with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Women’s Executives, Women’s Impact Fund, Charlotte Bilingual Preschool and numerous legal organizations, including the Mecklenburg Bar Association and Women Lawyers of Charlotte. Nitto also maintains an active pro bono practice, co-chairs Robinson Bradshaw’s Recruiting Committee, and serves as a mentor for younger lawyers at the firm.

“Amanda approaches people, projects and problems with the gifts of talent, determination and heart,” said Allen Robertson, Robinson Bradshaw’s managing partner. “We are immensely proud of her for this hard-earned recognition and are grateful to call her our colleague and friend.”

Nitto's profile in Bloomberg Law is available here.