Page 82 - NYLJ Professional Excellence 2021

RISING STARS

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SARMAD KHOJASTEH PARTNER, KASOWITZ BENSON TORRES

PRACTICE PROFILE: Sarmad Kho- PRIOR EXPERIENCE:
jasteh is a leading commercial litigator Law clerk, Hon. Terrence W. Boyle, U.S. District Court, Eastern
representing major public and private District of North Carolina, August 2008-August 2009
companies, private equity and other Associate, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, September 2006-August
investment firms, partnerships and 2008
high-net-worth individuals in com-
plex commercial disputes, including EDUCATION:
securities and credit-related mat- J.D., University of Chicago Law School, 2006
ters, commercial and contract dis- B.A., cum laude, Colgate University, 2003
putes, corporate governance issues,
and governmental investigations. His clients include MBIA,
Florida MCBD, and the Renco Group. He has been recognized
on Benchmark Litigation’s Under 40 Hot List and as a Rising
Star by Super Lawyers.

LEADERSHIP, PRO BONO AND CIVIC WORK: Sarmad serves WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG LAWYERS?
on the Board of Abraham House, the Board of Directors of the Seek out professional mentors. For me, my ability to provide high-level
Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, the Housing Board and strategic advice to my clients, to formulate persuasive, winning argu-
the Assessment Review Board for the Town of North Castle, ments, or to lead a team of lawyers to a successful result in a trial is
and on the Board of the Iranian American Bar Association (N.Y. directly attributable to the time I’ve spent working with my mentors.
Chapter), acting as the Pro Bono Chair.

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KATHARINE LIAO PARTNER, SQUIRE PATT ON BOGGS

PRACTICE PROFILE: Katharine Liao Associate, DLA Piper, May 2012-March 2018
represents employers in the retail, Associate, Winston & Strawn, July 2010-May 2012
entertainment, technology and manu- Associate, Jackson Lewis, September 2007-July 2010
facturing industries in all aspects of
employment-related litigation before EDUCATION:
federal and state courts and admin- J.D., Boston University School of Law, 2007
istrative agencies. Katharine’s prac- B.A., University of Southern California, 2004
tice is diverse, multijurisdictional
and entails litigation, counseling and
training, investigations, and corporate
transactions.

LEADERSHIP, PRO BONO AND CIVIC WORK: Katharine has
done pro bono work for the Clinton Foundation, Communities
in Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA), Community Coalition for
Substance Abuse, Hollaback! Harassment: Know Your Rights, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG LAWYERS?
Leadership Council on Diversity, Feeding America and Justice Employment law provides an opportunity to make a real impact on
for Families. people and workplaces. By understanding, knowing and, ideally, liking
and believing in your clients and their businesses, you can form a true
PRIOR EXPERIENCE: partnership to deliver practical solutions and create a positive workplace.
Partner, Squire Patton Boggs, March 2018-present

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