2020 Ones to Watch: Rachel Shaw, Pryor Cashman LLP

Name: Rachel Shaw

Company: Pryor Cashman LLP

Title: Counsel 

Education: University of Buffalo School of Law 

Which project, deal, or transaction was the “game-changer” in the advancement of your career? 
Representing a large commercial landlord/developer in the termination and/or surrender of each of the commercial leases in four separate buildings so as to demolish all four buildings and build 1 Vanderbilt at Grand Central. I negotiated and prepared each of the surrender agreements and successfully emptied all four buildings on behalf of the landlord/developer. 

How do you contribute to your community or your profession? 
I authored an article entitled, “Impact of the New NYC Rent Law on Landlords and Tenant” for the New York Law Journal in July 2019. I also created a private support group for mothers who are attorneys in NYC with over 800 members. I plan networking events and facilitate honest and supportive conversations concerning issues women face in the law.

What led you to your current profession? 
I was an avid reader when I was a child and my parents gifted me “To Kill a Mockingbird” for my 10^th birthday. From that point on, I knew I was going to be an attorney. 

What do you like most about your job?
I love my team–we support one another in very critical and impactful ways that I have not had the pleasure of experiencing with any other firm throughout my career. I also love the grueling satisfaction of completing trials.

What can our political leaders do to increase equality in the workplace?
Really listen to women–political leaders need to understand the unrelenting unconscious bias working moms often face in the workplace. Equality starts at the hiring process. Leaders need to promote hiring of more diverse candidates, as well as the creation of diversity and inclusion initiatives for companies large and small. 

Who or what inspires you? 
Michelle Obama, Greta Thunberg, Alvin Ailey and the company of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 

If your life were made into a movie, what actor would you want to portray you? 
Zoe Kravitz

What social media platform do you use the most professionally? 
Facebook (for its private women-forward legal groups)