2021 Women in Professional Services: Naya Pearlman, Berdon LLP

Name: Naya Pearlman, CPA, J.D., LL.M.

Title: Tax Partner

Company Name: Berdon LLP

Real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of:

• New York State Bar Association
• New York State Society of CPAs
• Women@Berdon

In the past year, what project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?
During this unprecedented year, our clients were faced with numerous challenges brought on by COVID-19. Throughout this turbulent time, I served as the chair of the firm’s Business Tax Tech Committee and as co-editor of the firm’s client alerts. One of my key roles was to help analyze and interpret all the abundant new tax legislation and accompanying modifications. My colleagues and I worked hard to write, edit, and disseminate over 100 alerts and insights to bring focus and understanding to our clients during this time of great uncertainty. I am proud that I helped our firm offer a guiding hand during this particularly critical time.

What books or social media influencers would you recommend to other women?
“My Own Words” is a collection of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s writings and thoughts that helped shape my own view on work life balance when I was a young working mom. I learned that there are different inflection points to lean-in and I discovered I can still set high goals and reach them within my own timeline. A pathway to success will look different for some women than a traditional linear path that we often see with professional men. Ginsburg also helped me recognize that for the organization to truly flourish it is crucial for women to have examples of other successful women. When women are visible in their organizations more women will follow and the organization will succeed.