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.”