Amanda Layton, a partner in Duane Morris' employee benefits practice, has died at age 45.

Layton died of breast cancer on June 5, while in hospice care, the firm said in an announcement Wednesday. She had taken medical leave from the firm beginning in October after continuing to practice law through much of her earlier treatment.

"Amanda had very bravely battled breast cancer over the last several years, even returning to the firm following a course of chemotherapy," chairman John Soroko said in a statement. "To the end, Amanda was marked by her positive and upbeat approach to all things, even in the face of very serious illness."

Layton started her legal career at WolfBlock in 2005 and joined Duane Morris in 2009. She became a partner in January 2016.

"She had an ability to communicate complex information," said Duane Morris partner John Nixon, a close colleague who had worked with Layton since 2006. "She was developing a following in the city and she was looking forward to building that."

In her practice, Layton counseled businesses on employee benefit plan legal compliance, representing them in plan examinations and advising them on corrective plan filings before the Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Department of Labor. She also worked with the firm's corporate group as benefits counsel on corporate mergers and acquisitions.

Nixon said Layton had a deep curiosity that became an asset to the firm. For instance, he said, Layton quickly developed an expertise about the Affordable Care Act when it was passed, and became a resource on the legislation throughout Duane Morris' U.S. offices.

"That was no small feat," Nixon said.

Layton was also on the board of directors of the Penjerdel Employee Benefits and Compensation Association, an organization for benefits and compensation professionals in the Philadelphia area. She had previously served as a trustee of Burlington County College in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, and as a member of the Borough Council in Riverton, New Jersey.

Layton was also an "amazingly devoted" mother, Nixon said. She is survived by her husband, Bill; and her son, Will.

Reprinted with permission from The Legal Intelligencer, © ALM Media Properties LLC. All rights reserved.