2020 Ones to Watch: Megan Vallerie, Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Name:  Megan Vallerie

Company:  Seyfarth Shaw LLP               

Title:  Partner

Education:  Fordham University School of Law - JD 2001

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
Pro bono representations are an important way that I give back to the community. Recently, I led a team which closed a very complex real estate transaction–the acquisition of an industrial property in Brooklyn with both bridge acquisition financing and permanent grant financing–for a Seyfarth pro bono client in New York. As a result of this property acquisition, the client will be able to expand its mission by leasing space at below market rents to Brooklyn-based small manufacturers and creating jobs that benefit the community.

What do you like most about your job?  
I enjoy being an integral part of a deal team–helping clients who are lenders, borrowers, investors and developers achieve their goals. As part of this, I have the opportunity to collaborate with attorneys in various practice areas across Seyfarth’s national platform, and to integrate advanced technology and process design when possible. Each day brings exciting new challenges and opportunities.

If your life were made into a movie, what actor would you want to portray you? 
Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Which project, deal, or transaction was the “game-changer” in the advancement of your career?
Not necessarily a particular deal, but a game-changer for me was the opportunity to work in-house with a newly launched commercial lending platform. In addition to the industry knowledge I gained, this experience shifted my career lens in terms of seeing how I fit within the larger “puzzle” and gaining a deeper appreciation for being a direct link to an organization’s success. Since returning to a law firm, I’ve held on to the drive and desire of not only having a stake in my firm’s success, but also building long-term relationships with clients that I am truly invested in helping to meet their business and deal objectives. Overall, this has made me a better and more compassionate attorney.

What can our political leaders do to increase equality in the workplace?
Practicing inclusivity and demanding the same of others. 

What social media platform do you use the most professionally? 
LinkedIn